Mani S. Irani

Mani recounts a story about Meher Baba meeting Stella, a woman who had no connection with Him. Despite Baba’s efforts to engage her, including suggesting music, Stella left, prompting Baba to remark that her connection was elsewhere. Mani explains that Baba’s connection with His devotees is like a kite string, never truly severed, even if temporarily lost. Mani recounts the experience of living with Baba, highlighting the fear of separation and the sacrifices made. Mani describes the cloistered life at Meherabad, the challenges faced by Baba’s Western disciples, and the remarkable dedication and obedience they demonstrated despite the lack of privacy and physical comforts. Baba used everyday situations, even seemingly trivial ones like a box of shoe polish, to teach lessons and shape the ashramites. He orchestrated interactions, such as repeatedly sending Mani to deliver a message to Norina, to create opportunities for growth and understanding. Despite the initial frustration, these experiences ultimately contributed to the ashramites’ spiritual development and understanding of Baba’s work. Mani recounts a pilgrimage to Agra with Baba, highlighting Nadine’s beautiful voice and Elizabeth’s quiet acts of kindness. Mani reflects on Baba’s boundless love and sacrifice, observing how He balanced His divine and human nature while bearing the weight of His universal work. Mani emphasizes Baba’s unwavering dedication to His disciples and the world, witnessing His physical and mental exertions firsthand.