April 16, 1971
by Bili Eaton
Meher Baba House
New York City
USA
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 Bili’s talk.
Note: Only BOLDED titles have transcriptions.
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Bili Eaton recounts her journey to becoming a follower of Meher Baba. Initially an atheist, she was drawn to Baba through a series of events, including a pivotal moment at the Maya Bolin Studio where she prayed for guidance and received a job offer with the terms she desired. This experience, along with the influence of key people in her life, led her to question her beliefs and eventually embrace Baba’s teachings. Bili, intrigued by mental science, pursued studies and joined a group led by Filis Frederick, who spoke about Meher Baba. Despite initial skepticism and resistance from Louise, Bili felt a strong pull towards the teachings and eventually attended a meeting, drawn by the same inexplicable force that connected them to Louise. Bili, facing personal turmoil with a broken marriage, ill parents, and a failing career, was drawn to the Meher Baba group. Despite initial reservations about Baba’s teachings, she felt a powerful connection upon meeting Him, experiencing a physical shock and overwhelming love. This encounter sparked jealousy towards Philip, her companion, as Baba showed interest in him. After meeting Meher Baba, Bili experienced intense emotions, including confusion, love, and fear. She and Phillip, who also met Baba, struggled to comprehend His significance and the implications of their encounter. Despite their fear and uncertainty, they felt compelled to continue their journey with Baba, realizing they could not return to their previous lives.
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Bili Eaton recounts her experiences with Meher Baba, including a dream where Baba’s demeanor changed from loving to cruel. She describes the profound impact of Baba’s presence, particularly during His 1956 visit to the United States, where she felt an overwhelming sense of love and connection. Bili also mentions the close bond she shared with a group of women called “the five,” who were instructed by Baba to write letters to Mani and Mehera. Upon arriving at the airport in South Carolina, Bili, witnessed Beryl, a Haitian woman, being subjected to racial segregation. This experience troubled Bili, leading to feelings of guilt and a fear of disappointing Baba. However, Baba reassured Bili that the incident was insignificant and emphasized the importance of their intimate relationship, free from shadows. Baba had a unique way of teaching lessons, such as the time he told Bili to wait before swimming, emphasizing the importance of being present and focused during spiritual time. Bili also shared a personal experience of being tested by Baba regarding a romantic relationship, highlighting the importance of self-discipline and understanding one’s true feelings and love for Baba. A story is shared about a seemingly unfortunate situation involving a lost suitcase, which ultimately led to a meaningful encounter with a couple interested in mysticism. This experience highlights the idea that seemingly negative events might be opportunities for spiritual growth and connection, orchestrated by Meher Baba. The conversation then shifts to the incorporation of the Meher Baba House and the departure of several key members from the New York group. Drugs, particularly popular ones like marijuana and psychedelics, have distressing effects on certain energy centers and the subtle body, harming its harmony with the physical body.
