Godavari Mai or Godavari Mata—is near Me. I have been telling My lovers now and then that as Yashoda was to Krishna, Godavari Mata is to Me (Baba). Godavari Mata is my Yashoda. I will explain the background. When I was Krishna, Godavari Mata was my Yashoda Mai . . . Godavari Mata was the beloved disciple of Upasni Maharaj. People who came to pay homage to Upasni Maharaj used to also pay homage to Godavari Mata. Now, Godavari Mata occupies the Gadi (the throne or seat) at Sakori of the late Upasni Maharaj. Thousands all over India revere her . . . Godavari Mara has tenderness, humility and greatness. I call her "Mother," and yet she bows down to me; I call her "Yashoda Mai" and yet she performs my Arti. Is this not humility and greatness?'

" 'There is also another side of the picture. Some days before Upasni Maharaj dropped His body, He and I met near Sakori in a hut by previous arrangement. Upasni Maharaj wept like a child and folding his hands bowing to me, he said, "Meherwan, you now break your silence." But I, Baba, would not break My silence. Then, Upasni Maharaj said, "I shall soon drop My body. You keep an eye on Sakori; let your "nazar" * be on Sakori.” ’

"'I want to talk about Myself. I am the Ancient One. Not a leaf has the power to quiver without My Wish. I am the One Who knows everything about everyone. I know full well all the hardships which Godavari Mai encountered after Upasni Maharaj passed away, in Her attaining the “Gadi” and in running the Sakori Ashram . . . I am very happy and very pleased with Godavari Mata and I love Her intensely as Mother.' "

The congregation acclaimed, "Godavari Mata―Ki Jai!" Baba wanted the Andhra Bhajan group to sing some devotional songs in Telegu, after which He said He would give some discourses on certain topics.

Eruch: "Today is the day for discourses. This morning, when we were coming here from Pimpalgaon in the car, I reminded Baba that He had given a very good discourse on 'Obedience’ in Poona and Bombay recently, and that all of us liked it very much. It is said in a simple style but its meaning goes deep down. I suggested to Baba that the Sahavasis should have that discourse and Baba agreed to that suggestion."

Baba wanted R. to recite the Persian couplet of Hafiz and then it was translated in English, Telegu and Gujarati.

*Spiritual eye, glance.