Eruch discusses the concept of God’s will and the Prayer of Repentance, suggesting that while everything happens according to God’s will, individuals are expected to acknowledge their faults and repent. He also shares a story about Padri, who was excited about Baba’s threats, highlighting the awareness that Baba is cognizant of him.

Frank, deeply moved by Meher Baba’s teachings, gave up drugs and started a family. His youngest son, Merwan, a gifted and loving child, tragically committed suicide at fourteen after a heartbreak. Despite his grief, Frank found solace in Baba’s love and his connection with Baba deepened, becoming his entire life. A Baba lover recounts a story of their son, Damon, who received prasad from Mehera in 1988. After Mehera’s passing, Damon received the prasad and died the next night from bacterial pneumonia. The family found comfort in the prasad and the support of the Baba lover community during this difficult time.

Dr. Donkin, a reserved and dedicated follower of Baba, worked behind the scenes during the 1969 Darshan Program, ensuring hygiene and cleanliness at the Turf Club and Poona Club. Despite his quiet demeanor, he played a crucial role in supporting the pilgrims and even assisted the last group of Westerners departing by train. Donkin’s dedication extended to documenting Baba’s interactions with masts, resulting in a unique book, The Wayfarers, that proved challenging to categorize in libraries. During mast tours, Meher Baba instructed his companions not to take photographs or keep records. Some masts recognized Baba’s divine status and spontaneously glorified Him, which Baba found disruptive to His work. He explained that He approached masts to serve them with love, and their recognition spoiled His work.

A discussion arose about how to prove Meher Baba’s divinity to skeptics. A farmer argued that Meher Baba’s ability to understand and respond to people in various languages and dialects was proof of his divinity. Later, at a stopover in Rome, Meher Baba, despite not knowing Romanian, understood a Romanian man’s unspoken question.

Larry, a former Charismatic Catholic priest, came to Meherazad with a friend. Initially skeptical of Meher Baba, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening in Baba’s room, reconciling his love for Jesus with his newfound connection to Baba. This experience, triggered by a picture of Jesus saving Peter, led him to embrace Baba as Christ.

Eruch Jessawala, Mani S. Irani

Dr. Donkin, a member of Baba’s mandali, was known for his quiet nature and dedication to Baba. Despite some physical difficulties, Donkin endured the hardships of the New Life, a period of intense spiritual discipline. Baba, recognizing Donkin’s struggles, would often provide him with food and support, demonstrating His care and understanding.

During the New Life, Dr. Ghani, a companion of Baba, complained about the lack of meat in their diet. Baba, remembering their school days, allowed Ghani to eat at a hotel, but later felt it was unfair to show preference. To rectify this, Baba asked Ghani to beg for meat at the same hotel, which Ghani did, finding the experience uncomfortable.

During the New Life days, Baba requested a camel and a camel cart for a procession. While the cart was being repaired, children climbed inside and accidentally startled the camel, causing it to run amok with them still inside. A passerby stopped the camel by hitting it behind the ear, a technique the group later learned.

Eruch Jessawala

Eruch recounts a story about a man named Frank, whose son’s death profoundly impacted him, highlighting the transient nature of life. Eruch reflects on how Baba’s teachings about life being a dream and nothing but zero took time to truly sink in. He shares a personal experience of his father’s death, illustrating how Baba remained unaffected and focused on the present moment, even amidst the funeral proceedings. A discussion about the death of a father reveals a spiritual perspective on the afterlife. The father’s passing is likened to the soul being released from the body, finding relief and relaxation. The conversation also touches on the importance of balancing spiritual pursuits with practical engagement in the world, emphasizing the value of sharing spiritual insights with others.

Ken recounts his journey to Meher Baba, starting with a friend’s recommendation in 1967. He describes his struggle with inner experiences and the suffering he faced, attributing it to his karmic burden rather than Baba’s influence. Ken emphasizes the importance of personal effort in feeling Baba’s presence and rejects the notion that Baba causes worldly suffering. Eruch explains that hardships and suffering are a gift from Meher Baba, meant to turn devotees towards Him and help them face the truth. While it may seem like a burden, this suffering is a form of grace and a sign of Baba’s love for His devotees. Eruch emphasizes that this is a common experience for all, not just Baba lovers, as the world is filled with suffering.

Eruch Jessawala

Eruch Jessawala