July 20, 1993
by Mani S. Irani
Mandali Hall
Meherazad
India
TRANSCRIPTION INSTRUCTIONS
1.) Find the BOLDED title below to select and click to open the pdf transcript.
2.) On the right side of this webpage, select and play the talk with the same title.
3.) Read along as you listen to Mani’s talk.
Note: Only BOLDED titles have transcriptions.
11. Harassment of Baba’s Mother
13. How Do You Know Baba is God?
14. Mani’s Two Questions
20. Ways of Spreading His Name
21. Mani’s 2 Questions to Baba
25. Flowers and Trees of Meherazad
26. God-Father
27. Hanging with The Kids
28. Hostile Community
29. How to Know Baba is God
30. He Kept His Divinity Hidden
31. Korshed and Naja
32. Looking for Baba
33. Making a Coat for Baba
34. Messages from Baba
35. Not “Good-Man”
36. Now four New Toys
37. The Pot is Never Empty
38. Seclusion Hill Masters
39. Silent Working
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Mani recounts a story about a man whose mother received a thousand rupees from Meher Baba during a darshan. Despite the man’s insistence and the disbelief of Eruch, who was present, Baba gave the money silently, leaving even Eruch unaware. This act of giving, along with others, exemplified Baba’s silent generosity and compassion.
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Baba, known for his kindness, enjoyed playing games and often cheated in a playful manner. He would trick others in a game involving sticks and a hole, consistently guessing the distance correctly despite the seemingly impossible measurements.
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Mani recounts a story about a parrot named Mittu, who had a unique relationship with Baba. While Mittu would take food from Mani and others, she would tremble with emotion and reverence when Baba offered her food.
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Mani shares stories about the special connection between babies and Meher Baba. These stories include instances of babies recognizing Baba’s name, reacting to his picture, and showing a natural affinity for him. Mani emphasizes the profound and often unnoticed impact Baba has on those around him, even in his silence.
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Mani reminisces about childhood memories, including a tailor who made a coat for Meher Baba. The tailor, confident in his skills, made the coat without taking measurements, resulting in a comical fit. Despite the ill-fitting coat, Baba wore it, humorously acknowledging the tailor’s efforts.
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Mani recounts a story about cooking for Baba at the Prem Ashram. Naja, Mani’s aunt, was tasked with cooking for the ashram, but Baba was very particular about the quality of the food, especially the rice. Mani humorously describes an incident where Baba placed a cooking pot on her head as punishment for talking too much.
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A woman, initially unaware of Baba’s true identity, experienced a profound realization upon meeting Him, declaring, “I never thought I would look into the eyes of a man and know that He is God.” This experience, shared by Mani, highlights the transformative power of Baba’s presence and the concept of the “nazar,” or divine gaze. Mani reflects on the impact of Baba’s presence on those around Him, likening it to the sun’s rays reaching far and wide.
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Francis, a retired British colonel, brought his wife Olla to Meherazad, India, where she was initially indifferent to Baba. Despite Francis’s efforts to impress her with Baba’s divinity, Olla remained skeptical until Baba, during a charitable event, declared himself a “God Man.” This declaration instantly convinced Olla of Baba’s divinity, and she became a devoted follower.
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Mani recounts playing various games with Baba, including charades, marbles, kites, badminton, table tennis, volleyball, basketball, and cricket. Baba, a master psychologist, provided endless entertainment and recreation, making them feel fulfilled and never deprived. The only challenging part was meditating when Baba instructed, as it was difficult to stay awake.
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Mani describes the beauty of Meherazad, Baba’s place, highlighting the vibrant flowers and the lingering presence of Baba and Mehera. Mani reflects on a quote from Saint Bernard, emphasizing the boundless love of God and the importance of reciprocating that love. Mani also acknowledges the influence of saints, particularly those from Maharashtra, who exemplify the love and devotion to God.
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Mani recounts the harassment her family faced from the Zoroastrian community in Poona, due to her brother Meher Baba’s claim of divinity. Despite the hostility, Mani’s mother remained devoted to her son, and their diverse neighborhood rallied in support against the harassment. Mani’s mother shared these experiences in letters to Baba, revealing the extent of the persecution they endured.
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Mani recounts how Baba’s divinity became more apparent after His car accident. Despite efforts to protect Baba’s image, the accident shattered preconceived notions and revealed His true nature. Mani likens Baba’s struggle to conceal His divinity to holding in gas, emphasizing the difficulty of His task.
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Mani recounts a story about her niece, Shireen, who asked Baba to make her friends believe He was God. Baba explained that recognition of His divinity is not for everyone, but will eventually spread to all. Mani also shares how Shireen would offer Baba her toys and cake, demonstrating her love and devotion, and how Baba would always reciprocate with kindness and attention.
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Mani recounts being bitten by a scorpion while reciting Baba’s name, despite being allergic. Mani’s friend explained that Baba sent the scorpion to get Mani’s attention, a message Mani would understand in two days. This experience illustrates the vast difference between divine love and even the highest forms of human love.
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Mani recounts a dream where Mani hears beautiful music coming from Seclusion Hill. Mani sees a procession of perfect masters, including Tukaram Maharaj and Gora Kumbhar, chanting and playing cymbals as they descend the hill. The music lingers in Mani’s mind for days after waking.
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Mani S. Irani Mani recounts a story about Meher Baba visiting His mother with five companions, but bringing twenty-five. Despite the surprise, His mother prepared enough food, and Baba, with his sister-in-law, served the guests. This practice of invoking Baba’s name over food continues, often resulting in an abundance of food for unexpected guests.
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Mani recounts a story about a family in Wisconsin who set up a stall at a fair to share Meher Baba’s Universal Message. The family, whose names all began with “B,” wrote to Baba for help attracting visitors. Baba, in his playful manner, caused people to misinterpret the sign as “Universal Massage,” leading to a large number of visitors who were interested in receiving a massage.
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Mani recounts a time when Mani, Mani’s mother, and Mani’s sister-in-law, Khorshed, were walking to visit Babajan. They saw a Victoria carriage with no lights, and Khorshed recognized Baba’s legs inside. When they arrived at Babajan’s, they were surprised to find the lane empty, despite the carriage, and later learned that Baba had been in Meherabad all along
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Mani shares stories of creative ways Baba lovers have spread Baba’s name. These include using Baba cards, hosting gatherings, and sharing Baba’s image. Mani emphasizes the importance of choosing the right image of Baba to represent Him to others.
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Children recognize Baba from pictures, even though He looks different in them. A child kissed Baba on the screen when He appeared in a film.
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A child named Sarosh, who knew Meher Baba as “mommy’s Baba” and “master’s Baba,” refused to enter a building where a Saint named Kamu Baba was located. Despite attempts to persuade him, Sarosh remained outside, leading his caretakers to vow never to take him along again.
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In 1962, during the East-West Gathering, a woman who accompanied her husband to see Meher Baba experienced a profound realization. After meeting Baba, she told Mani that she looked into his eyes and knew he was Christ.
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Mani describes the beautiful flowers and trees at Meherazad, including jacaranda, gulmohar, jasmine, and pomegranate. Mani mentions that the pomegranate trees were planted by Mehera and are considered prasad.
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Mani shares a story about how villagers are recognized by the size and shape of the red mark on their forehead, highlighting that their identity is not defined by their profession. Mani emphasizes the importance of consciously remembering Baba throughout the day, likening it to speed breakers that slow us down and remind us of His presence. Mani encourages incorporating these “speed breakers” of remembrance into daily life, ultimately leading to a state of constant awareness of Baba.