BABA LEFT Meherabad for Bombay on September 3, two weeks prior to his scheduled departure. He decided to go early to secure passports and visas needed to visit Persia. In Bombay, he stayed at Naval and Dina Talati’s house in the Shivlal building at Byculla. Many new devotees came into the Master’s contact during this stay in Bombay.
At first Baba instructed Dina Talati not to allow anyone to enter the house for darshan. So she stood at the entrance of her home to prevent people from coming inside, but some entered the building from a back entrance and Baba met them. When they were leaving, they criticized Dina, “Don’t think this is your house. The house where God stays belongs to all.”
Dina replied helplessly, “It was not my idea; it was Baba’s order. What could I do?” When she narrated this incident to Baba, he had a hearty laugh.
After supper, Baba would go each day for a walk. He would ask for his meal at any time and Dina always had to keep it ready. One evening, before dinner, Baba asked Dina to accompany him on the walk. Rushing to join him, she forgot to put his food aside. After Baba and she departed, the mandali ate the meal without knowing that Dina had not saved a plate for Baba. They ate all the food, and put the pots and pans away after washing up.
On the way back from their stroll, Baba told Dina, “I am feeling very hungry. In fact, I feel like I’m starving! What have you cooked tonight?”
Dina then gave him the menu and said, “The food is ready; I will serve you the moment we reach home.” However, when they returned, she found to her dismay that there was nothing left. She began weeping. Meanwhile, Baba sent Vishnu to inquire why he had not yet been served.
Vishnu found Dina crying in the kitchen and told Baba. Baba came and asked Dina what was wrong. When she told Baba, he exclaimed, “You don’t even have this much respect for me? Are you so inattentive that you forget to save anything for me? Do you only think of yourself?”
Baba’s expression softened as he consoled her, “Don’t worry about it. I have used you for some inner work of mine.”
Dina said that she would prepare something for him to eat in five minutes. But Baba replied, “My work is done; forget it.” Dina, however, insisted that Baba eat. Baba reluctantly agreed and ate a little of the food.
Later Dina understood the significance of this incident. It taught her a great lesson: Never take pride in serving the Master. What could one do for him who serves the universe?
During Baba’s stay at her home, Dina proudly thought to herself: “How well I serve the Master. No one else is able to serve him as I do. According to his order, whenever Baba needs anything at any time of the day or night, I supply it immediately. Is there anyone else who can do this?”
–www.lordmeher.org, p1209