No obligation on either side in begging:
“Baba’s name was not to be disclosed and begging was also to be done cheerfully and lovingly. The givers were not to be under the impression that they had conferred any obligation upon the companions, and the receiver was to accept the alms after carefully noting the spontaneity with which it was given.” (LM, p2862)
In another incident, when Baba sent him to beg in one of the villages, Eruch was heartened to see that it appeared quite prosperous. The companions were very hungry, and he hoped to obtain a large amount of rice and dal. As he moved hurriedly through one of the narrow lanes, he was stopped by an old man, who stepped forward, embraced Eruch and then kissed him on the cheek.
“Young man, where are you going in such haste?” he asked.
“I have to go and beg for food for my party.”
“Son, why do you want to leave the world and go out like this?”
“It’s the pleasure of my Elder Brother and my pleasure, too.”
“Do you know how fortunate you are to have such an inclination at this age? How blessed you are!”
“Well. I know this much, that I am really blessed to be with the company, I have right now.”
“Don’t be in a hurry,” the old man said as he led Eruch along the village lane to his house where he gave him enough oil, condiments, salt, sugar, rice and dal for a feast. Along with these items, he also provided Eruch with faggots of good firewood. Then the old man said, “But may I suggest one thing to you? After you have finished your pilgrimage or whatever work you have in mind, will you come back to me and live in my house as my son?” The old man again embraced Eruch.
Eruch, though very moved, politely explained that he could not make such a promise, but he thanked the old man profusely, and then carried the large quantity of food and wood to where Baba and the companions were waiting by the roadside. That food was enough for the whole day.
-“Meher Baba’s New Life”, Bhau Kalchuri, p288