August 16, 1987
by Ali Akbar Shapurzaman (Aloba)
TRANSCRIPTION INSTRUCTIONS
A.) Find the BOLDED title below to select and click to open the pdf transcript.
B.) On the right side of this webpage (below for mobile), select and play the talk with the same title.
C.) Read along as you listen to Aloba’s talk.
Note: Only BOLDED titles have transcriptions.
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Aloba recounts his journey from Iran to India, where he attended Meher Ashram, a school founded by Meher Baba. He describes the intense love and devotion the students had for Meher Baba, who was seen as a divine figure and a source of immense happiness and comfort. Aloba also highlights Meher Baba’s teachings, His use of an alphabet board for communication, and the profound impact He had on the students’ lives. Muslim boys were sent to Meher Ashram, a Zoroastrian school, causing misunderstandings among their families who believed it was a plot to convert them. Despite initial resistance, the boys grew to love Meher Baba, who was a powerful and loving figure. The narrator recounts a day when Meher Baba called him to read from two books, symbolizing his imminent departure from the school. Hassan Ali took Aloba and his son to Poona, where they were served mutton and bread. Despite not wanting to eat meat, Aloba did so to avoid his uncle’s disapproval.
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Aloba, feeling a strong pull towards Meher Baba, secretly left Bombay for Nasik, where he encountered Baba who instructed him to return to Bombay for a month. After a month, Aloba received a letter from Baba, telling him not to come to Nasik as Baba was going to Central India. Aloba’s business partner later informed him that their tea shop was doing well, earning a profit of two rupees a day. Aloba recounts how Baba’s guidance led to the success of a tea shop, increasing its income significantly. He also shares how Baba corrected his behavior through dreams, such as overeating biscuits and hoarding money. Following a dream instructing him to give money to Kaka Baria, Aloba discovered a discrepancy and ultimately used the funds to establish a library at Meherazad, fulfilling Baba’s wishes.
