A few months had passed where I was not even able to visit the Trust Office for work due to my poor health. But, after hearing that there would be a meeting at Meherabad for the residents and the Meherabad Trustees regarding the communication received from the American, Australian and British consulates, I felt that I should definitely attend the informal gathering. It was a very serious, yet lighthearted get together of those who are strong minded and strong hearted in their trust and love for Baba. As far as I understand, everyone was offered to have his or her own choice in taking the final decision of whether to leave India as per the various countries' consular warnings (due to the strained relations between Pakistan and India). All agreed to support one another in whatever decision was taken. No one looked worried, instead, they appeared resigned in their hearts to Baba's will.

After the meeting, some friends and I went up the Hill to Beloved Baba's Samadhi to offer prayers and flowers. It was a hot and dry day, not unlike the other days of our intense summer. Just then, as if from the heavens, rain began to sprinkle on Baba's dome. Meherabad was as if baptized, or rather Babatized, with soft, cool drops of rain after the dry months. To me, it appeared as a sign of approval from Baba of what had transpired at the meeting.

The next day, I learned that one of the residents thought of consulting Hafiz about the present situation and did a faal from Paul Smith's version Divan of Hafiz. To the person's surprise, the title of the ghazal was "No Choice" (No. 42) When I read it, it touched me so deeply that I thought of sharing it with my friends. Indeed Baba's ways are most compassionate and mysterious. It is He who is helping us to uphold our trust in Him, and it is He who holds the key. This ghazal of Hafiz, which appealed to my heart, is given below.

No Choice

I'm the type, Wineshop is monk's cell for praying for me; Praying at dawn to Winemaker is true praising, for me. If not for me the sweet harp of morning cup, why worry? At dawn my crying song, is the excuse I am using for me. Thanks to God I have finished with the king and beggar: Beggar of dust of Friend's door is a king begging, for me. Through Mosque and Wineshop I desire union with You; This idea is my only aim and God is witnessing for me. Being Your beggar is for me far better than being a king; The true honor and glory is to You submitting, for me. Since the time that I laid my face on Your high doorstep. Above throne of the sun there's a pillow waiting for me. With death's sword I could cut away this tent of mine; But, to stay by this fortunate door is remaining for me. Hafiz, be good mannered and say this: "It's all my fault," Even though in this there is really no choosing for me.

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Remembrance of the Lord A prayer to offer in silence to the Silent One

O Lord Meher Baba!
As I breathe, let my remembrance of You be a renewing music, ever-ringing and singing Your glory through all the activities of my life. Let Your holy Name become my very breath, and the soft rhythmic humming of it, the song of my life.

As I remember You, may the pure essence of Your luminous Being touch my finite self. May Your touch purify my feelings, thoughts and actions, making them worthy of being offered as loving gifts at Your feet. May Your remembrance usher in the harmony of body, mind, and heart so that I may live to honor Your wish and to please You.

If with Your grace, I wipe away the past, may I fill the present with the sweetness of Your Name and continue to play in Your game with me. Your remembrance is the only remedyŠbut this I often forget. However, when I remember You it is merely in response to Your loving grace showered on me.

May every moment be a celebration of Your glorious presence and I be the recipient of Your loving guidance. Guide me to listen to Your music with the ears of my heart and to witness Your dance with the eyes of my heart. Let me listen and watch Your divine sport with deep appreciation, yet unattached to the melodies or the movements. May I remember and be absorbed only in Your presence.

May the remembrance of Your Name help me to hold onto You throughout the delights and trials of life, ever-guiding me to Your Abode in me. This is my prayer to You, Oh Lord Baba.