918   NOT EVEN A GLIMPSE

A WANDERING SANYASI named Narayan had been staying under a tree in Meherabad for the previous two weeks, reciting the name of God according to Baba's instructions. He was eager for God-Realization, and Baba assured him that if he obeyed him, he would attain it. On March 16th, as Narayan was eating lunch, he overheard the men mandali's conversation in the adjoining room. One of them was grumbling, "Drinking our own blood for the past five years has not shown us even a glimpse of God! How can that sanyasi expect to experience God within six months? He will have to learn the hard way." Hearing this, the sanyasi began having second thoughts about Baba, and without telling anyone, he slipped away and was never heard of again.

The same day in the afternoon, two more sanyasis arrived at Meherabad and were allowed to stay for a few days.

Thursday, the 17th of March, was the Hindu festival of Holi (Fire) and a throng of people gathered for Baba's darshan. In the evening a shallow pit was dug for the dhuni, which was then lighted. Afterward, atya-patya was played. As the mandali did not seem to be playing seriously, Baba remarked, "Whatever you do, do with all your heart. Put your whole heart into it, whether it is a game or work."

On March 18th, Rustom moved from Meherabad back to Ahmednagar to be with his wife and children at Khushru Quarters. Baba advised him to come regularly to Meherabad, and he began visiting from the next day, usually bringing his family with him.

The following day, Borker came to see Baba and a long conversation ensued between them. Borker was ready to conduct the Meher Ashram in Ahmednagar according to the guidelines given by Baba. Baba recommended to Borker that if Nusserwan Satha could be persuaded to leave politics, he should be made his assistant.

With eighteen of the mandali, Baba went to Ahmednagar on March 20th, and visited a devotee named Raya. At Raya's house Baba's arti was performed. The literary scholar Sohrab Desai of Navsari came there to see Baba and was deeply moved to be in the Master's presence once again. He had brought his nephew, Minoo Beheram Desai, to meet Baba. ‡ Later Baba visited the homes of Bhau Saheb Wanjari, Dhake and Kanhoba Gadekar, going last to Khushru Quarters before returning to Meherabad.

March 21st was Jamshed-e-Navroz, an Irani and Parsi holiday. Baba was bathed and worshiped, and his arti was sung. While walking behind Baba, Sohrab Desai was in the habit of collecting