Arnavaz Dadachanji

A devotee experienced intrusive thoughts despite intense devotion to Meher Baba. Baba advised her to continue repeating His name, likening it to a mosquito curtain that keeps thoughts at bay. This practice helps bring out inner thoughts and problems, allowing them to be released without suppression. A devotee recounts a time when Baba, despite His weakened state, celebrated Mehera’s birthday and performed a Navjot ceremony for four children. Baba also arranged the marriage of His nephew Dara and Amrit, who was the daughter of a devotee who initially did not believe in God. The devotee emphasizes the importance of surrendering to Baba and following His guidance, as He offers a shortcut to spiritual growth. During the Navjot ceremony, Baba’s declining health and somber mood were evident, causing sadness among those present. Despite His weakened state, Baba insisted on holding the darshan program in Poona, emphasizing its importance. He reassured the mandali that He would be able to give darshan, even suggesting He could do so while reclining, a foreshadowing of His final days. Baba experienced intense suffering and restlessness, particularly during the New Life period, which worsened after a 1952 automobile accident. Despite efforts to find a quiet place for Him to rest, His restlessness persisted, culminating in a particularly difficult night described as “the night of crucifixion.” Eventually, a quiet cottage on Mandvi Beach was found, providing Baba with a peaceful environment to relax and enjoy walks.

Meher Baba, despite being the Avatar, experienced physical ailments and pain due to His strenuous work and fasts. His doctors, including Dr. Goher, did their best to alleviate His suffering, but Baba often prioritized His work over His health. Even during serious illnesses, Baba would continue His daily routine and appear radiant during darshan programs, leaving His devotees surprised by His apparent recovery. Baba experienced severe physical suffering, including allergic reactions to medication and excruciating muscle spasms. Despite the pain, Baba remained calm and composed, often masking His discomfort from doctors and visitors. This behavior led to frustration and helplessness for those caring for Him, as they struggled to understand His condition and provide appropriate treatment. Despite having a high blood urea level that should have left Him in a coma, Meher Baba appeared normal to Doctor Adenwalla, who was surprised by His condition. Baba’s devotees, unaware of His suffering, only saw His radiant exterior during darshan programs. Even those close to Him, like Goher and Arnavaz, could not fully comprehend the extent of His physical and emotional pain, which He endured silently for forty-three years. Baba’s love for his children is unwavering, and he has endured suffering to save them from drugs. Though suffering is necessary for spiritual growth and understanding, Baba will always be there, even when it feels like he has forsaken us. Surrendering to Baba, having complete faith, and leaving everything to him will alleviate worry and bring us closer to him.