N. does is only out of her deep love and feeling for me; to economize and save as much as possible for my work. On the other hand. N. seems to have the notion some do not like it that she is in charge, although I know it is quite the contrary. They all like N. to manage things as she does. These misunderstandings create unnecessary situations, disharmony and upset things, so the sooner you all clear them up, the better.

 

"You should never forget that your aim is spiritual, otherwise, the Retreat would be like a rest-house or a hotel. If you have come for Me you should also suffer for me.

 

"In the event of any of you feeling indisposed you should report at once to N. and N. should give it her immediate attention and either utilize Garrett's stock of medicines or send for a doctor if it is anything serious.

 

N. should give me a detailed health report when I come every week."

Here again was a cause for conflict, as we were all so independent we did not wish to discuss our ailments except directly with Baba or the doctor! Food was often a cause for dissatisfaction—perfect as the menus were. J. had to have spinach every day, cooked in a special way. M. needed cooked beets every day. Another could eat only whole wheat bread, which, when it came, turned out to be colored white bread. Another request would be for buttermilk at a fixed time in the morning, but with an orange squeezed in it to make it more digestible! These were but a few of the daily problems the housekeeper had to deal with besides our resentment over such orders as "Lights in living room to be out by 9:30 P.M., and no noise between—." After lunch, we would like to play records. Norina, whose room adjoined the living room, would want to rest. When Baba heard of the argument he said it was good for the digestion to sit and listen to music. Delia recalls how at other times Baba would play continuously, "Mad Dogs and English-men Go Out in the Mid-day Sun" by Noel Coward, (perhaps referring to us who often did not put on hats when going out in the sun)! Nevertheless, this would not mean Baba approved of our lack of consideration! ! That was a different matter.

Here was an opportunity for each to give in, to be silent rather than to argue—to help make the life of the Ashram run smoothly because by doing so we would be obeying Baba and helping him in his work.

Let us, however, not forget Baba's work on the individual is the elimination of the ego and he saw to it that opportunities for his work came up.