"A second point, the magazine! Baba wanted this magazine to run for five years (it ran for four eventually), but if it was only to be for four months then it was not worth starting.

"Therefore the following three questions must be carefully thought over and answered before further plans are undertaken.

(1) Are we prepared to live here for five years?

(2) Are we prepared to live harmoniously together and help Baba in his work or must he do his work alone?

(3) What is to be decided about the other 15 who want to come and live here also?

"Am I not right in asking these questions? I must either work alone or you must help me harmoniously. I would definitely prefer you to stay and help me, but if you really think you cannot stay or that there cannot be real harmony— then it had better be good-bye.

"I have not yet started the work. The thorns are waiting to prick you. I am talking plainly to you, so don't answer without thinking. Do not let sentiment and temporary enthusiasm sway you. Once agreed and spoken, your promise must be adhered to.

"There are bound to be differences, but one or the other of you must give in. One of you must give in. That mean all of you who stay here be prepared to give in. I don't mind crises, I don't mind chaos, but I do mind disharmony. At present I have to spend my time patching things up, drawing both together on common ground instead of spending it for the work and pushing you forward. I tolerate everything. So you must do the same. Be tolerant with everyone and when you feel like rising up in a fury and having an argument with your adversary say, 'I am here for Baba and Baba wants above all else, harmony.'

"Don't you think I am right in asking you these questions?" All answered in the affirmative. "You will feel excited, jealous, proud at times — all of these qualities are there. What I say is, Give in — in spite of them. It is easier to go through fire than to give in.

“What you answer is a sacred promise to me."

Baba asked one by one to give their answer to these three questions. Needless to say, each answered that they were prepared and would do their best to live harmoniously together, to give in on points of difference and to stay for five years or longer if asked to do so.