WHO WANTS TO STAY WITH ME?

 
While in Isfahan, baba would spend much time with Agha Ali, Ali Akbar and Abdulla. By October 20th, Baba was ready to move on and future plans were discussed. Baba stated, "I have to remain in seclusion for four months. For that purpose, Isfahan is not a suitable place. We have to go somewhere else."

After much discussion, Baba liked the suggestion of Yezd and inquired, "Who wishes to remain with me during my seclusion? Those who want to return to India may do so from here." All were ready to stay with Baba except Maruti Patel, who no longer wished to remain in Persia. Baba promised to send him home after reaching Yezd.

Baba then stated to the mandali: "Think twice before you either accompany me or leave. No one knows what will happen hereafter. Aside from your suffering colds and fevers, it is possible you might face other privations. Remember what hardships you have passed through up to now and then decide.

"Don't trust me. If it is snowing and freezing outside, and if I should decide to continue the journey, you will have to come along with me. I am not affected by anything. You should learn to bear everything.

"So think carefully about your decision. If you want to go back to India, then go. If you wish to remain with me, all the better. It is best to stay with me. But while with me, think of yourselves as already dead, for you cannot do things according to your own wishes. Every moment, you will have to act according to my wish. If you do that, no one will ever touch even a hair on your head."

To help the men make up their minds, Baba quoted some Persian couplets from various poems:

If you entertain the thought of becoming a real lover,
  you should wash your hands of even your life!

One should be free and frank
  before crossing the threshold of the Master.

The method in this darbar is to break the lover's neck,
  and the habit of its Emperor is indifference.

The lover should cleanse his heart of all doubts,
  and be eager to fill it with the fire of love.

Many horses cannot run in this race — only a few;
  many peacocks are not found in this lane — only a few.

The heart of the lover is the lair of the lion;
  whoever enters this lane,
    enters only when he is totally fed up with life!

It is a mistake to talk with others about love and its pangs;
  it is an insult to complain about love and service.

If one happens to have even a ray of that love,
  he has gained all the prosperity of the world!

For the lover who has seen the beloved,
  the richness of such a person's life is only love.
    His life is then Eternal Existence.

Then Baba asked, "Now, speak up! Who wants to stay with me?" All consented which pleased Baba, and he concluded, "Very good; let's see what the future holds."