Ready-made and unstitched clothing can be accepted such as ghongadi [rough blankets], socks, rugs and shawls. In this category, chaddars [bedspreads] and bedsheets must not be accepted. This much we decide today. Detailed instructions will be given at Benares.

That afternoon, Baba directed Eruch, Vishnu, Pendu and others to draw up a list of things that would be needed for the foot journey to Hardwar. It was winter and, out of the Rs.24, each was allotted a pair of shoes, chappals and other requirements, including the same for Baba. It was unanimously decided that ten rupees should be set aside for the purchase of cotton-wool jackets customarily worn in that part of northern India.

By late October, Dr. Ghani had composed the New Life song in Hindi, and after some corrections by Baba, Baba asked him to translate it into English. When this was done, Baba had the following letter written to the five Arrangementwalas:

31 October 1949
Belgaum

Subject: Song of the New Life of Meher Baba and His Companions

Print 1,000 copies of leaflets on a foolscap sheet. Print in Hindi on one side and the English translation on the other. The Hindi should be reproduced word for word from the attached Urdu manuscript. The English translation is also attached herewith.

Distribute 800 copies to the interested ones everywhere in India, Ceylon and Pakistan (but not in the West) and send 200 copies to William Donkin, c/o Postmaster, Benares Cantonment, to reach there after November 14 and before December 10.

Dictated by Baba

Witnesses: 
Adi K. Irani and William Donkin

Often sung, the Song of the New Life is as follows (the first couplet was dictated by Baba):

Listen to the silent words of Meher Baba;
The life-story of all lovers [of God] is based on the practice of these words.
If you are serious about living this New Life,
Then wholeheartedly renounce this ephemeral existence.

We have taken to this life, in which we rely only on God;
In this, our will [to do or die] is strengthened by the oath taken.
We are merrily singing the song of hopelessness;
We are inviting all calamities and difficulties.

We neither wail over lost hopes, nor complain about [broken] promises;
We neither covet honor, nor shun disgrace;
Backbiting we know not, nor do we fear anyone;
This is now the color of our New Life.