The following day, December 17 (1928), Baba began cleaning the boys’ toilets, allowing only his brother Jal to help in this work. Regarding this lowly task, Baba explained to the mandali:
Sadgurus are in the highest state, yet they work like sweepers to abolish the bad sanskaras of sinners; but here I have to do this outwardly filthy work of cleaning the toilets and urinals. You will never know how sweet and wonderful this work is to me! When will you be able to understand my way of working?
That same day, Meherjee’s father arrived unexpectedly at Meherabad at three in the afternoon with four Parsi priests. He had heard a rumor that his son had shaved his head and was moving about in a long robe like a sadhu. But when he saw Meherjee, he realized the stories were false. Nevertheless, he told Baba, “Meherjee is my eldest son and I have hopes of his shouldering the full responsibility of our entire family. I therefore wish to take him home.”
Baba replied, “Your son is gold. You may take him with you, but I allow it with a pain in my heart.” Meherjee did not want to leave, but Baba took him aside and consoled him, “Go now. It is my order. I am sending you with my blessing. And remember, even if you leave me, I will never leave you.”
Baba then asked Meherjee if he loved him. Meherjee replied, “If I did not love you, how could I wish to remain here?”
Baba explained, “Obedience is higher than love. So carry out what I order you to do. Go now, and remember that I am with you.” Meherjee accepted, and with tears in his eyes accompanied his father home.
Lord Meher, Original Publication, Bhau Kalchuri, Vol. 3, p. 1127.
On Sunday, December 17th, 1939, the foundation-laying ceremony for Meher Baba’s Universal Centre at Byramangala was held.