spot with a view in the distance of the Mussoorie Hills. Baba gave to each a specific task, and nearly all would be sent to beg. The Companions were told to put their heart and soul into work entrusted to them without doubts or hesitations. Baba warned all he would be very strict and send away any who were careless about the rules and conditions.

For several reasons, Baba now decided to sell the animals, and Pendu and Sadashiv Patel had to go daily to Dehra Dun to find customers for tonga and bullocks. A most lengthy and difficult task, so much so that Baba said if they were not sold by a certain date he would give away the animals and carts to whom he liked. The women were also to share, and Mani, Baba said, might be asked to assist the ladies by typing and sewing.

January end, 1950, Naja was called to help the women, who were not in the best of health. Baba too was not well. As for the Companions, they must have been "under the weather." Debra Dun, in January can be wet, cold, misty, and with bitter winds, very different from Meherabad. Moods were clearly visible because Baba had occasion frequently―often at 5 a.m. on a dark, cold morning—to remind them of the strict conditions under which the Companions now were. Quoting from New Life Circular No. 4, we read: "Moods due to illness, want of sleep. etc., was one thing and this Baba understood and it was not deemed a fault, but if arising out of anger and irritation because of putting up with hardships, etc., then it would be deemed as a fault not to be tolerated. And Baba warned them all that he had complete freedom to send any away or to keep them with him. "

"In the New Life, under Plan III, physical stay with Baba has no import and value compared with the implicit obedience to day-to-day orders and hundred per cent following of the original conditions of the New Life." Again Baba asked them all to reconsider their decision. All agreed to stay on. This was February 4th, 1950.

Yes, throughout the New Life, Baba was very strict and Baba was also very forgiving, and not without his jovial moods and eternal humor. He still followed that delightful routine one associates with him from the very very early days of calling all to join him after breakfast, perhaps at 6 or 7 a.m., for walks, or to discuss health, conditions or future plans. But now it was 4 or 5 a.m.! Baba has that unique quality of being 100% cheerful and in good mood before dawn, unless, of course for reasons of his own he wishes to create a crisis!