Raosaheb wondered moodily why Baba put him to so much trouble over these two boys. He was noticeably very upset. Baba called him and explained:

There are two main things in this Path for devotees or aspirants to remember: first, carry out every word of the Master. Second, do not feel disgusted or depressed with the result or outcome of any work, however negative it might appear, or feel upset about any taunts of the Master. For example, you did your utmost with all your heart to bring the boy Pandit to me against great odds and, though the result has turned out well from your point of view, it is not satisfactory, considering all the costs, labor and trouble incurred. You fail to understand why all of this should have been undergone.

You did your best and in your efforts underwent untold suffering; then, on top of that, I let my arrows fly at you! I took you to task, taunted and abused you, and this has made you feel fed up. This last pricking from me drove you to desperation. That should not have been. What do you know of my pricking you with thorns in spite of all your wholehearted efforts, of which I am fully aware? How could you fathom the underlying object of my piercing you with thorns? I have special reasons for doing it, which you can never understand. You naturally think that I suffer and that is why I taunt you, but this is a great misconception on your part. I give you the opportunity to serve, and through these sharp arrows, teach you the lessons of how to serve the Master. Could anyone imagine what an opportunity it is to serve me, which you are now fortunate to have?

I may scold you as much as I like, but if your conscience tells you that you have done your best, then don't lose your temper nor be depressed, however much I criticize and taunt you. These pricking words have some great motive behind them. Therefore, swallow [your thoughts] and suffer everything quietly. You should not be annoyed, but remain in a good mood and be cheerful, despite your brain reeling. Your very wrath shows that you still lack something in carrying out my wish! However I may taunt, hurt or harass you, bear it all like a stone and be conscious only of serving me.