During the Emergency in India, an elderly man working at the Avatar Meher Baba Trust brought two visitors to meet Mani, Baba’s sister. The visitors claimed their family’s fortunes changed after their mother received a thousand rupee note from Baba during darshan. Although Eruch doubted the story, he later considered that Baba might have transformed a banana into money to fulfill the mother’s needs.

Meher Baba revealed that what people see as His advent now and the happenings surrounding Him, is a projection of a film He made during His time as Mohammed. A new projection made during his advent will be seen during His next advent.

Mani recounts a memory of Baba in Ajmer, where Baba demonstrated the difference between sight and sound. Mani reflects on Baba’s statement that His work is done, realizing that the effects of His work are only now being revealed. Mani also shares a story about Baba’s strength, highlighting how Baba allowed His devotees to feel they were helping Him, while in reality, He was guiding them. Meher Baba’s physical frailty and accidents during His later years paradoxically revealed His divinity to the public. Despite His broken body, His Godhood shone through, leaving a profound impact on those who witnessed Him, even those who were initially skeptical. The mandali, while feeling protective and sometimes embarrassed by Baba’s vulnerability, recognized that He was still fulfilling His divine purpose and would continue to do so beyond their physical presence.

Meher Baba and Mahatma Gandhi met on the ship Rajputana while both were traveling to England. Gandhi, who had a great respect for Jamshed Mehta, the mayor of Karachi who had recommended to Gandhi that he should meet Meher Baba, visited Baba’s cabin after receiving a telegram from Mehta. Baba showed Gandhi a few pages from His book, which was still in manuscript form, and asked Gandhi to translate it into Gujarati (which Gandhi promised to do) after India gained independence.

Baba’s true miracle, according to Eruch, is not performing extraordinary feats but rather the steadfast love and devotion of His followers despite adversities. Suffering, Eruch explains, is a necessary catalyst that turns individuals towards Baba, helping them overcome their attachment to worldly illusions and find solace in His love.

Baba would sometimes snore, sneeze, cough, and hum, occasionally asking to be reminded not to hum.

After Baba lost interest in cricket following an experience with Babajan, his teammates convinced him to attend a match between the Zoroastrians and Muslims. The Muslim team captain, Mr. Baig, challenged Baba to be the wicketkeeper and promised to stop playing cricket if Baba could get him out. Baba accepted the challenge, stumped Mr. Baig out on the second ball, and then walked away, honoring the promise fifty years later when Mr. Baig contacted him.

Eruch recounts that Meher Baba, known for his talkative nature, announced his intention to observe silence in 1925. Despite his humorous and jovial demeanor, Baba emphasized that he came to awaken, not teach. He spoke multiple languages, including English, Marathi, Hindi, Urdu, and Persian, but English was his primary language due to his upbringing.

Eruch recounts a story about Meher Baba reminiscing about his childhood friend, Ludwig Viegas, with his brother Jal. Jal later arranged for Ludwig to visit Baba at Guruprasad, where they were reunited after fifty years. Ludwig, now an old man, expressed his gratitude for the honor and blessing of meeting Baba again.

A discussion about a film of Meher Baba interpreting gestures is recounted. Some found the film difficult to understand, while others felt it conveyed a clear message of love and authority. The possibility of more footage being released is mentioned, though the current owner’s age is a concern.

Meher Baba’s disciples occasionally took liberties with Him, arguing about His work and feeling responsible for His well-being. Baba, however, reminded them that He was in control and compassionate, giving them hints when they overstepped. Even His school friends, who had a deep familiarity with Him, would sometimes speak out, as exemplified by an incident involving Dr. Ghani.

During a train journey during wartime, Eruch and Baba’s mandali found themselves in a packed military carriage. When a fight broke out between military personnel trying to board the train, Baba intervened, urging them to stop fighting as they were all brothers defending the country. Baba’s presence and words calmed the situation, and he later hosted a tea party for the soldiers, sharing sweets Eruch’s aunt had prepared.

Eruch recounts a story about Harry Dedolchow, Baba’s sailor boy, who brought him a large bag of cigarettes. Eruch had secretly stopped smoking, and when Baba discovered this, he accepted it. Later they told Harry goodbye as he had to return to Calcutta.

Eruch Jessawalla

Eruch Jessawalla

Eruch Jessawalla

Baba’s increasing work required more assistance, leading to the use of bells to call Mani, Goher, and Rano. When Baba’s brother Adi sent a Tibetan gong from England in 1967, Baba decided to use it as an emergency signal due to the lack of a gate or fence at Meherazad.

During a mast tour, Baba and Eruch encountered a crowd of people going to observe the death anniversary of a saint. Baba, amused, pointed out a man bowing to the shrine, noting that the man was paying homage to his own grave from a previous birth, having been reborn as a pious person.

Inner contact with Baba is emphasized as crucial for developing poise and adaptability, qualities necessary for God-Realization. Baba’s teachings encourage naturalness and simplicity, advocating for honesty and sharing knowledge for the benefit of others.

During Meher Baba’s New Life, Baba and the companions traveled as nomads, often facing police interrogations due to their diverse group and unusual mode of travel. In Hyderabad, amidst political unrest, Eruch sought to end the constant questioning by obtaining a permit from the police commissioner. He cleverly gained access to the commissioner’s office by claiming to have a confidential message, highlighting the importance of English at the time. A group of pilgrims, traveling with Meher Baba, faced constant police interrogation during their journey. Seeking help, Eruch, a pilgrim, fabricated a confidential message to gain access to the police commissioner, Mr. Reddy. Upon discovering their true identity and purpose, Mr. Reddy, a former schoolmate of Meher Baba’s, granted them a free pass, ensuring no further harassment.

Eruch Jessawalla

Marc recounts his spiritual journey, beginning with a challenging year at 17 where he grappled with existential questions and drug use. After a profound experience under the influence of a hallucinogenic drug, he discovered Baba Ram Das’s teachings and found solace in the book “Life At Its Best.” This led him to embrace Baba as his spiritual guide, despite initial reservations about the Avatar concept.

During Baba’s seclusion in Satara, a man named Meher Das, who had been searching for a silent master, arrived seeking darshan. Despite being told to return the next day for a glimpse through the window, Meher Das fainted upon seeing Baba, whom he perceived as his adored Ram. He later became a devoted follower, traveling with Baba and spreading His message, even reviving a child during a speaking engagement.

Meher Baba, the Avatar, explained that between major Avatars like Christ and Buddha, there are minor advents responding to calls from humanity. He mentioned being on Earth three times between Muhammad and himself: as Shivaji, a sweetmeat seller, and a recluse.

Eruch Jessawalla

A woman from England, unsure if Meher Baba was the one, decided to test Him. She challenged Baba to make a picture fall, and when it did, she became a devoted follower.

Baba emphasized the importance of balancing the mind and heart, encouraging feelings without emotional expression. He believed emotions were a mix of reasoning and feelings, and discouraged outward displays of emotion, even in moments of joy or bliss. Eruch shared that Baba, like a mirror, reflected His inner state outwardly, and while he rarely saw Baba suppress emotions, he did witness Him shedding tears privately for loved ones.

Eruch discusses the book “Memoirs of a Zetetic” by Professor Hazra, highlighting its humorous and intriguing nature. He recounts a story about Hazra’s colleague, a professor who, after a series of coincidences involving Meher Baba fulfilling his desires, becomes a believer. Eruch emphasizes the book’s portrayal of the professors’ persistent inquiries and their eventual acceptance of spiritual truth.

Baba Ram Das asked why Baba wanted people to stop taking drugs if it was the drugs that brought them to Him. Baba explained that drugs are like a plane that can take you to Him, but you must get off the plane to truly meet Him. He also emphasized the importance of acceptance, comparing it to trusting a pilot to fly the plane safely.

Eruch recounts the story of Vivekananda, a disciple of Ramakrishna Paramhansa, who initially pursued occult powers despite his guru’s warnings. After a series of divine interventions, Vivekananda embraced his role as a spiritual teacher and gained worldwide recognition. Eruch uses this story to illustrate the importance of the Avatar as a reminder of God’s presence, similar to how a portrait reminds us of a loved one.

Eruch recounts a time when a doctor, Hirji, visited Meher Baba, who was suffering from high urea levels. Despite the medical reports, Hirji was surprised to find Baba coherent and without any outward signs of illness. This incident highlights the contrast between Baba’s frail human body and the divine presence experienced by His followers.

Eruch discusses the difference between worship and love, emphasizing that Baba desires love over ritualistic worship. He shares a humorous anecdote about Baba’s reaction to a family’s display of love through food, highlighting that Baba values genuine love over outward expressions. Eruch concludes by reiterating Baba’s message that God should be loved, not feared.