Previous Page
Table Of Contents
Next Page

 

 

This was my first introduction to Eastern philosophy and to a living spiritual Master and his disciples. I was deeply interested and, in particular, by one sentence of Ramakrishna: We love most when we are least conscious of loving."

 

Equally significant was my brother's reading, a few days later, in a magazine called "Light," of a spiritual Retreat in East Challacombe run by Meredith Starr. Here, thought my brother, I could convalesce. We both went down there, heard about Baba, saw Baba's photo, and my brother was immediately impressed. With me, the indelible impression came only after I saw Baba. Thereafter, my life became dominated by Baba and everything else took second place.

 

Three months later, when we and a number of others were staying at the Retreat for a second time, came a cable from Baba to Meredith saying, "Make all preparations for my coming. Love is calling me to the West."

 

Through the contact with Meredith, the following ones came to Baba and became the kernel of Baba's first group in England: William and Mary B., Kenneth R., Charles Purdom, Kim, Delia de Leon, Mabel, Tom, Quentin, Minta, Margaret, myself and others.

 

To pick up the thread, let us now return to my parents' home the afternoon Baba, with some of his Eastern disciples, arrived.

 

Baba first laid aside his uncomfortable European suit, keeping on his long, white sadra which he usually wears. Then, sitting down at the table, he was served rice, lentils and fruit. Baba ate alone, but Margaret and I were told to remain in the room. Baba beckoned us in turn to come to him, gave each of us a grape and signed to Meredith to explain that behind this act lay a deep spiritual meaning.

 

The meal finished, Baba got up and pointing to a tiny hole in his sadra, bade me mend it with needle and thread. I felt nervous and shy, but obeyed. Baba explained, through one of his Eastern group, that this was but the first of many such opportunities for service and that I was very lucky.

 

Later, Baba followed by Meredith and his Eastern group, went to the adjoining room for individual interviews. At the doorway, Baba turned to Margaret and me and spelt out on his board, "Are you happy?"

 

"Yes, Baba," we replied.

 

13

 

Previous Page
Table Of Contents
Next Page