2142   UNIVERSE IN YOU

ON THURSDAY MORNING, March 25th, Baba took the Westerners for a picnic at Trimbak, the source of the Godavri River, sixteen miles from Nasik. The group left Nasik at 5:00 A.M. in three cars. At the base of the hill, they got out and began ascending seven hundred stone carved steps. Baba had Jean, Nonny and a few others, who were not well, carried up on seats swung between two poles. At the top, Baba showed them the source of the river. He then directed them to a shady spot to unpack the picnic lunches and eat a snack. It was still morning and afterward Baba motioned for them to repack the uneaten food and be ready to move. Then he took them on a walk.

After an hour's walk, the group was noticeably tired. Baba then asked Delia to make tea and indicated that he was hungry. "Why don't you all eat?" he then asked. But Delia objected because there would be nothing left for dinner. "Never mind, we will eat", and he motioned everyone to be seated. The baskets were again unpacked, the food was distributed and tea was served.

It was only 10:00 A.M. and they had already eaten their lunch, tea and dinner. Baba spelled out, "Since there is nothing else to do and the food is finished, we should go home." The sun was high by then, but nevertheless they descended by a different route. Once they reached the road, they returned promptly to Meher Retreat.

Mother Shireen came to Meherabad on Sunday, March 28th, to see Baba. Her visits were usually about family matters.

Maliya Rudhyar, the astrologer Dane Rudhyar's wife, was touring India and came to Nasik on March 31st. The Rudhyars had met Baba in Boston in 1931 and again in Hollywood in 1932. During Maliya's meeting, Baba stated to her, "Bravery and strength overcome all difficulties. Be firm, do not despair and keep longing.

"It is there in you. You are the infinite universe, but you must discover it and find that out. I will help you – always.

"Places and physical conditions do not matter where longing and determination are deep and strong. It is not a question of patient, endless walking. It matters how and where you walk – in which direction. You may walk and walk for years, but if it is in the wrong direction it is a waste of energy and time. If you go further away, of course you do come back when the time comes, but it is such a long process."

Maliya was invited to stay in the Nasik ashram and she did for a few weeks and then returned to America.