5544   HOME FOR THE BLIND

flowers, whereby the whole life of the individual is made fragrant, inspiring him to serve mankind selflessly." (Father Rego was later accused of embezzlement, but was cleared of all charges. He attributed his acquittal to Meher Baba's blessing when he visited the school.)

Baba then left for Worli, a Bombay suburb, to visit a home for the blind. The young inmates received him warmly. Speaking reverentially on behalf of all, one of the young men eloquently welcomed Baba. Everyone gave a small rose to Baba, who embraced each. All went near the One who is the very basis of love, but whom their physical eyes could not see. Baba's fathomless love for them was obvious and truly touching, and their sightless eyes wept at his touch. Each boy's face was transformed as Baba embraced him, as though an inner light had been switched on.

One of the boys asked Baba why he was so unfortunate as to be blind. Baba replied: "In a way you are very fortunate not to see the evils and sufferings of the world. All are blind. Even those you think can see are truly blind, for they see what is not real.

"You do not see the real either – it is only your desire to do so that binds you. Therefore, do not ask for physical eyesight, but ask that you be given the true sight which will make you see the only thing worth seeing, the only thing which is. Take my name all the time, think of me constantly. I give my love and blessings to you all."

According to Baba's wish, Pukar spoke briefly about Baba and his message of love and truth for humanity. Baba was shown how the blind men weaved cloth, made baskets and chairs, and he was most happy to hear their orchestra perform for him. The honorary secretary, Captain H. J. M. Desai, thanked Baba for coming and blessing them. Baba rose and amidst acclamations returned to Ashiana.

RAMJOO ABDULLA was in Bombay at this time preparing drafts for the creation of the Avatar Meher Baba Trust, which was shortly to be registered as a charitable trust. It is believed that during his stay, according to Baba's instructions, Ramjoo removed the handwritten papers of the secret book (which had been written in 1925-26) from the Bombay bank where it was kept. Although he supposedly turned it over to Baba, what Baba did with it or what happened to it afterwards is not in fact known. Eruch was the last person to observe the transaction between Baba and Ramjoo. ‡