Mani S. Irani

Mani S. Irani & Eruch B. Jessawala

A young woman working at a telephone exchange was afraid to walk home alone at night. Baba Meher Baba reassured her that He was always with her and she should call out to Him if she felt afraid. Later, when she and her rickshaw driver encountered lurking men, she called out to Baba, and she heard His voice and those of others coming to her aid, causing the men to flee.

In Quetta, Baba, on a fruit fast, shared a moment of happiness with Mani and others. Despite the cold, Baba showed them Chatti Baba, a mast, who was joyfully pouring icy water over his head, demonstrating his freedom from bodily sensations.

Mani S. Irani

Baba’s involvement in any activity, whether a game or a simple interaction, brought immense joy and made even the simplest things enjoyable. His total participation and enjoyment were infectious, creating a sense of fulfillment and happiness that transcended the activity itself.

Kitty humorously suggested that if one lives in a dangerous neighborhood, they should rely on Baba’s name for protection, but if they can afford a safer place, they shouldn’t burden Baba. Kitty once asked Baba for “spontaneous goodness,” which Baba granted.

Mani S. Irani reflects on the profound impact of Meher Baba’s presence, emphasizing that His divine qualities of love, compassion, and gentleness were not dependent on specific actions or words but radiated from His very being. She recounts a cloistered life at Meherabad, where obedience and simplicity were paramount, and even thoughts were not considered personal possessions. Despite the apparent hardships, the women found fulfillment in Baba’s presence, experiencing His love and giving as a constant source of sustenance.

Even without Baba in His physical form, His presence is still felt, and His love and teachings continue to guide. Longing for Baba is encouraged, as it is through this longing that one can receive His blessings and guidance, both now and in the future.

Mani S. Irani recounts a moment of profound stillness and silence while sitting with Baba, feeling waves of purity emanating from Him. She describes Baba’s purity as akin to the ocean’s freshness and His presence as radiating light, even through His simple sadra garment. The sadra itself carried a unique, indescribable fragrance that Mani and others associated with Baba.

Mani recounts a time when Baba instructed Mani to befriend the doctors and matron at a women’s hospital in Mysore. Baba later arranged for Mani to bring gifts from Ootacamund, where Baba was receiving treatment, to the doctors and matron. When Mani later experienced a severe ear infection, the doctors and matron provided exceptional care, unaware of Baba’s involvement. Nurses at the hospital were drawn to Baba, intrigued by His presence and the love He radiated. Despite not knowing His true identity, they were captivated by His kindness and compassion, especially towards the newborn babies. Baba would silently interact with each child, showing the same love and attention to each one, leaving a lasting impression on the nurses.

Mani S. Irani recounts witnessing strangers’ reactions to Baba during the New Life. Despite the bustling streets and crowded train platforms, people would suddenly stop their conversations and activities, captivated by Baba’s presence albeit incognito. This phenomenon occurred repeatedly, leaving a lasting impression on Mani.

A discussion about Meher Baba’s teachings on love and sex is recounted. It is explained that Baba believed in rising above carnal desires to attain true, divine love. The conversation also touches on the simplicity of St. Teresa of Lisieux’s “little way” to God, emphasizing the importance of small sacrifices and daily acts of love.

Eruch recounts the story of Rabia, a beautiful woman from Baghdad, to a young woman who finds herself the object of unwanted attention due to her interest in Meher Baba. He explains how Rabia, despite her beauty, remained dedicated to her spiritual path, using her allure to inspire others towards truth and purity. The story serves as a lesson for the young woman, encouraging her to embrace her own beauty while remaining focused on her spiritual journey. A man, intrigued by the beauty of a woman rumored to be in a brothel, visits her and discovers her deep in prayer. She teaches him about eternal beauty, truth, and love, emphasizing the importance of purity. The man, captivated by her wisdom, leaves at dawn, promising to keep their encounter a secret and urging others to seek the eternal beauty she embodies.

Mani S. Irani recounts a time when a fly landed on Baba’s shoulder, prompting questions about why that particular fly was chosen to be in God’s presence. This incident led to deeper contemplation about the nature of divine selection and the concept of “God chance” or “God luck.”

Mani S. Irani