For Norina Matchabelli, Elizabeth Patterson, Margaret Craske, Delia De Leon and myself, it was our second call; and for Will and Mary Backett, Ruano Bogislav, Tom Sharpley, Jean and Malcolm Schloss, Nonny and Rano Gayley, Nadine Tolstoy, and Garrett Fort, it was their first.

This time, it was to stay in Baba's ashram in Nasik, some 150 miles from Bombay and the Meherabad Ashram. Not yet were we ready to join Baba's long-established ashram in Meherabad, where he had been training his Eastern groups of men and women disciples for so many years. Nasik Retreat, the private residence of Rustom Irani, had been added to and equipped to accommodate Baba's Western group of followers. In contrast to the more austere and simple ashrams in Meherabad, Nasik had many western comforts and came to be known as the "Luxury Ashram." This, I believe, was the only retreat Baba had in India where both men and women shared the same buildings and grounds.

The six from England, myself included, arrived on Christmas Day. The nine from America had arrived two weeks ahead of us and spent two wonderful weeks with Baba in Bhandardara, a short distance outside Bombay.

All were thrilled; to be with Baba again and on Christmas Day recreated the true festive spirit. We were too absorbed in Baba to appreciate fully the sumptuous supper of well-cooked vegetarian dishes, not to mention the attractively iced Christmas cake! Our kind hostess, Freni, Rustom's wife, and a devoted disciple of Baba, had lovingly prepared everything to suit Western tastes.

Baba sat toward the middle of one side of the long narrow table, his plate encircled with the many gifts brought for him from the West. With child-like curiosity he carefully and methodically untied the parcels; then with a smile and often a twinkle, selected and presented to each a treasured gift. A few had been ear-marked for special persons. We noted Baba preferred to make his own choice.

Baba's gaiety and charm added such a light and joyous touch, yet one was conscious of the overtones of a sadness ever-present with Baba.

Whilst all were seated, Kaka, a dearly beloved disciple whom all came to know and love so well on his frequent trips with Baba to the West, moved to the far end of the table. He knew from keen observation our besetting weaknesses . . . forever arguing and suggesting! His loud, forceful voice