Eruch Jessawala

Eruch Jessawala

Eruch Jessawala

Eruch Jessawala

Eruch Jessawala

Eruch Jessawala

Eruch B. Jessawala recounts his first encounter with Meher Baba at the age of nine. He describes how his family, intrigued by Baba’s divine presence, traveled to meet Him. During this visit, Eruch fell from a moving carriage, injuring himself, and was comforted and cared for by Baba, who left a lasting impression of kindness and generosity on him. As a teenager, Eruch initially resented Baba’s interruptions to his school life and soccer matches. However, Baba adapted to Eruch’s interests, engaging him in games and eventually teaching him to read Baba’s alphabet board, fostering a unique bond between them.

Eruch B. Jessawala, who traveled with Baba to the West, recalls that he was so preoccupied with his duties that he didn’t have time to notice his surroundings. He wore borrowed clothes, shoes, and accessories from friends and acquaintances during the trip.

Eruch recounts the historical origin of the Indian festival of Lakhi, where a thread of eternal friendship is tied. He explains that the custom originated when Queen Porushpa tied a thread to Alexander the Great, asking him to protect her husband, King Porushpa, during their battle. This act of friendship and protection is said to have saved Porushpa’s life and is believed to have originated from the story of Lord Krishna and his sister Subhadra.

Eruch explains the significance of holding onto Baba’s damaan (hem of his garment) as a metaphor for total reliance and childlike dependence on Baba. He shares a story of a father and his two sons, illustrating the importance of staying close to Baba for safety and enjoyment. Eruch emphasizes the need to become the “sought” by Baba, rather than the seeker, by endearing oneself to Him and avoiding actions that displease Him.

To truly lose oneself, one must focus on remembering the one who is impressionless, Baba. This is achieved by imbibing the impressions of the impressionless one, which will uproot the impressions in the mind. This is the fundamental purpose of religious practices, not self-denial or renunciation.

Jesus is remembered not for His miracles, but for His crucifixion, which demonstrates His infinite compassion. When confronted by derision from the Pharisees and scribes, Jesus chose to respond with compassion rather than argument, exemplifying His divine nature.

Eruch recounts a story about a young woman who, upon meeting Meher Baba, experienced a profound transformation. She expressed her misery and desire to commit suicide, prompting Baba to guide her through a symbolic “suicide of the brain,” urging her to live a new life of love and remembrance for him. This story illustrates the true meaning of “New Life,” as taught by Meher Baba, emphasizing the importance of surrendering the ego and embracing a life centered around love and devotion. A girl named Jane, who had been staying at the Meher Baba center, requested one last story from Eruch before leaving. He told her a story about the true meaning of suicide, which profoundly impacted her. Jane had resolved to commit suicide on her 21st birthday if life lacked meaning, but the story changed her perspective, leading her to embrace a new life of devotion and service to Meher Baba.

“Jai Baba” means “Victory to Baba,” where “Baba” means father. The phrase signifies acknowledging one’s own defeat, allowing Baba’s victory.

The New Life Caravan, a four-wheeler used during the New Life period, provided shelter for the women traveling with Baba. The caravan, distinct from the Blue Bus, accommodated four women: Mehera, Mani, Goher, and Meheru, with Goher sleeping on the floor to be readily available to serve.

During the New Life, Baba instructed his companions to live a life of helplessness and hopelessness, following his orders without question or expectation of reward. The companions, including 22 men and 4 women, were trained to maintain a smiling face in all circumstances. One companion, Daulat Singh, was sent home for breaking the order to remain cheerful, but was instructed to continue the New Life from home, living in beggary and speaking the truth. Daulat Singh, a Sikh gentleman, left his family to join Baba’s New Life, causing his family to disown him. Despite societal and familial pressure, he continued his New Life, begging from place to place. Years later, Baba found him and declared his New Life complete, instructing him to return home. When Baba visited his hometown, Daulat Singh welcomed Him warmly, and Baba reassured him that His visit fulfilled Him more than any material offering. The first New Life member was dismissed and had to live there, as detailed in “Tales of New Life.”

A woman, a staunch Catholic, struggled to reconcile her devotion to Jesus Christ with her growing belief in Meher Baba. To resolve her dilemma, she challenged Meher Baba to prove His divinity by causing a picture frame to fall. When the frame fell at the count of ten, she accepted Him as her Lord.

A discussion arises about the relationship between fundamentalist beliefs and a more symbolic interpretation of religious texts. Eruch advises acknowledging the validity of different perspectives, emphasizing that all descriptions of truth are partial. He encourages avoiding judgment and instead focusing on understanding the essence of beliefs, even if they differ from one’s own.

In 1969, John Page wrote to Eruch B. Jessawala inquiring about Meher Baba’s views on Satya Sai Baba. Eruch responded, explaining that Meher Baba did not specifically address Satya Sai Baba but warned against false prophets and impersonators. Eruch emphasized that only constant remembrance of God and pure love for Him can lead to realization, not miracles or tantric tricks.

Eruch discusses Baba’s interactions with masts, individuals lost in spiritual contemplation, and mentions the book “The Wayfarer” by Dr. William Donkin, which documents these encounters. The conversation shifts to Baba’s age, with speculation ranging from 70 to 85, and a story is shared about a man who might have been a mast, who expressed immense gratitude for receiving a gift of mango leather. The man’s reaction and words, suggesting the gift came from the “house of the Emperor,” left a lasting impression on the pilgrims.

Eruch recounts an experience where people asked him what he gained from being with Meher Baba for 14 years. He felt embarrassed because he didn’t seek spiritual experiences and didn’t have an answer. Meher Baba explained that the question was wrong, as one doesn’t gain anything from being with him, but rather loses oneself, and suggested that Eruch tell people what he had lost.

The truth of a story is less important than the lesson it imparts. The “New Life Tales” may seem fantastic, but they contain truth that will be diluted over time. It is important to focus on what touches the heart and not be skeptical of others’ teachings, as they may be stepping stones to a greater truth.