Part 1

 
On Monday, August 6, 1956, the Avatar Meher Baba Hospitality Committee, which consisted of the New York, Myrtle Beach Center, Sufism Re-oriented, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Schenectady, New York committees and various other individuals from all over the United States, met with Baba and the mandali to discuss finances. The most important and soul satisfying statements were, of course, made by Baba at that meeting. As secretary of the meeting, I was fortunate enough to record them as excerpted here:

"I couldn't rest for one single minute last night as I was working. This morning when I got up from my bed, I was thinking that today is the last day to be with the groups as much as possible and I wanted to take the group outside for a drive as I am leaving tomorrow. This morning, something cropped up concerning finances. There is a question concerning all the groups' expenses, receipts and balances. I want to clear up this matter. I therefore asked for another board meeting.

"My coming to the West and all that involves was a small affair, and the responsibility of the board is nothing compared to what Baba intends to do in India for the great meeting He spoke about yesterday. If there is confusion about the small affair of Baba's trip here, how will you manage the big affair in India? There should be no misunderstanding concerning Baba's affair there at that time.

"When Baba comes down to your level, because of the familiarity and intimacy of Baba coming down to your level, you completely forget about His Divinity and you forget that Baba knows every little thing. You forget about that when you see Him coming down to your level. When Baba inquires after your health, you forget that you must inform Baba of every detail, but, at the same time, you also forget Baba knows everything.

"Don't worry about your children. You must take my word that God knows everything. I am God. When God says, 'Don't worry,' you should not worry — not give it a second thought. Suppose Baba turns His key and there is an earthquake tomorrow and within five minutes you all vanish, then what about your worries for your family and children? Stick to Baba's word. Whatever instructions He gives, just stick to them. Today, I want to clear up all about finances. All confusion must be cleared..."