(Aug. 1956) Meanwhile, a mast-like man named Rambhau was brought to Satara from Poona by Baidul. He was not a full-fledged mast, but was somewhat spiritually intoxicated, having a whiff of the subtle energy. (1) However, he was called a mast and Bhau was ordered to care for him – to serve him food, make his bed and generally see to all his requirements. In addition, Baba ordered Bhau to wash and lay his head on Rambhau’s feet seven times each day.
On one occasion, Baba instructed Bhau, “Today, I will cut Rambhau’s hair and bathe him, so have everything ready by 1:30 P.M.” Baba warned him three or four times to keep the mast ready and added, “I will cut his hair at exactly 1:30. Be alert and see that Rambhau does not leave the bungalow then.”
Bhau made the necessary arrangements and kept Rambhau ready. But, while he was in the bathroom, Rambhau slipped out of his room and walked off. (Rambhau would never go outside; up to then, he had always remained docilely seated in one place.)
Exactly at 1:30 P.M., Baba arrived at Rosewood from Grafton. Bhau left the bathroom and went to Rambhau’s room to fetch him. He was stunned to find him not there. Bhau had left him alone for only five minutes, never thinking he would behave like this. Terribly distraught, Bhau searched throughout the bungalow area but could not find him. Baba sent for him and asked, “Didn’t I tell you to bring the mast? What were you doing? I am waiting here for you. Where is he?”
Bhau faltered, “The mast has gone somewhere.”
Baba was furious and scolded Bhau, “I warned you repeatedly to be attentive, be very attentive. Still, you did not listen to me. How careless you are! How can I trust you? You have spoiled my work.”
He then ordered, “Find Rambhau and bring him within half an hour or else you will have to pack your things and leave.”
Bhau rode a bicycle and searched up and down the roads, but he could not find Rambhau. Frightened and dejected, he returned empty-handed. Baba was still fuming. Baba sent him out again with Pendu in the car, but they could not find Rambhau.
The mast-like man had disappeared. Bhau stood guiltily before Baba, feeling the ground slipping out from under his feet. At last, Baba ordered him, “Now, go out on foot. Find and come back with the mast within five minutes. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to remain here.”
Bhau left and saw Rambhau walking on the road back to the bungalow. Bhau felt a profound relief at seeing him. He took him to Baba immediately, who asked, “Where did you find him?”
“On the road.”
“The mast never left before, how is it he wandered off today?”
“It is truly surprising, Baba,” Bhau said. “I looked for him on the road in all directions, but could not find him anywhere. I do not know where he was or how he happened to be coming back.”
Baba replied, “You did not pay proper attention to my warnings, and that is why he left. Let this be a lesson to you.”
It was later learned that Rambhau had hidden himself in a public urinal, and when Baba had sent Bhau out again to search for him, Rambhau had just stepped back onto the road.
(1) This mast-like state is called by Sufis “hawa” — literally meaning “a breeze” in the sense that a leaf is carried away by a breeze or a strong wind. But this is a divine breeze that carries a man away into another world.
Lord Meher, Original Publication, Bhau Kalchuri, Vol. 15, pp. 5117 – 5118.