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 beyond it. Our problem is, not how to get rid of this current, but how to keep the boat afloat in its channel until it is through. For that, a rudder is necessary’

‘You people who have ceased to be loyal to the Master, how can I make you understand that in him we have just this rudder? You would regulate your spiritual life according to your own whims. That way death lies!’ Satish went to the Master’s chamber, and fell to tending his feet with fervour.

The same evening, when Satish lit the Master’s pipe, he also put forward his plaint against Maya and her emissaries. The smoking of one pipe, however, did not suffice for its adjudication. Evening after evening, pipe after pipe was exhausted, yet the Master was unable to make up his mind.

From the very beginning Damini had given the Swami no end of trouble. Now the girl had managed to set up this eddy in the midst of the smooth course of the devotees’ progress. But Shivatosh had thrown her and her belongings so absolutely on the Master's hands that he knew not how or where to cast her off. What made it more difficult still was that he harboured a secret fear of his ward.