Baba's ways in the Masjid.

Baba was staying alone in the masjid in the initial days. Then he called Mahlsapathy and Tatya, son of Baija ma to stay with him in the masjid. They used to sleep with their head in different directions and feet in the centre. They used to chitchat upto midnight on many things. When any of them was found sleepy, Baba used to push him, and hit him so that the devotee remain awake. Baba used to ask Mahlsapathy to keep his palm on the chest of Baba and to hear 'namajapa'. But poor Mahlsapathy used to doze many a times. His palm will rest on Baba's chest like a heavy stone. He used to sway his head often, unable to control sleep. Many may wonder, why Baba compelled them to remain awake, while we all need rest. It may be due to the following fact. We must conquer sleep in order to progress in spirituality. But after midnight, they were allowed to doze off. Baba used to grind wheat in the mortar stone. Many wondered why Baba need the wheat flour when he gets food from begging. It has a purpose. He used to grind the sins of his devotees like that. He used to mutter, the names of some of his close devotees and rub the copper coins. This is also a way to remove the sins of his devotees. One thing is sure that his ways are inscrutable. Rest in next post.Sairam.