portrait-3.jpg

Date Unknown

by Margaret Craske

TRANSCRIPTION INSTRUCTIONS
A.) Find the BOLDED title below to select and click to open the pdf transcript.
B.) On the right side of this webpage (below for mobile), select and play the talk with the same title.
C.) Read along as you listen to Margaret’s talk.

Note: Only BOLDED titles have transcriptions.

1. Her Life with Meher Baba

2. Her Life with Meher Baba

3. Her Life with Meher Baba

  • 55:59
    Margaret Craske recounts her experiences with Meher Baba, particularly a memorable trip to Santa Margarita, Italy. She describes Baba’s youthful energy and the carefree atmosphere of the trip, contrasting it with the more disciplined and challenging aspects of Baba’s teachings. Craske also shares a charming anecdote about teaching Baba to dance, highlighting his natural grace and vitality. During a holiday in Santa Margherita, Meher Baba taught obedience and humility to his followers. He disciplined them by example, sometimes without words, and used humor to break down their preconceived notions and good sanskaras. One follower, who prided himself on his good deeds, struggled to reconcile Baba’s actions with his own ideals, leading to humorous and humbling situations. During a trip to Italy, Meher Baba and his disciples visited Assisi and Venice. In Venice, Baba became upset when some disciples went swimming without his permission, leading to a reprimand about their devotion. Despite the incident, the group enjoyed a memorable evening on the lagoon and a visit to St. Mark’s Cathedral, where Baba counted pillars and domes, associating them with his circle of disciples. Margaret recounts her first meeting with Meher Baba, who instructed her to close all open doors in a house before opening the front door. Baba then appeared at the door, and Margaret felt a profound connection when he looked into her eyes. Later, Margaret recounts a story about being instructed by Meher Baba to bathe a dog, leading to a series of events involving a rabid dog and a dangerous encounter. Margaret recounts an incident where she was bitten by a dog and received delayed rabies injections, which Baba arranged. This incident allowed her to accompany Baba and the girls on trips, as her life was considered in danger. Margaret also shares a story about Meredith, who was involved with black magic before being rescued and later breaking with Baba due to pride.
  • 47:32
    Margaret Craske recounts her life with Meher Baba, describing the demanding and often challenging experiences during their time together. She details the daily routines, including meditation practices and work assignments, and the constant travel around India. Despite the hardships, Margaret emphasizes the profound impact Baba had on her life and the deep sense of love and devotion she felt for Him. After being bitten by a mad dog, she was required to stay with Meher Baba and his companions, Mehera, Mani, and Valu, during their travels. They visited Aurangabad, a predominantly Eastern town, and attended a Muslim festival where Baba was revered as a saint. Margaret witnessed the passionate and wild nature of the crowd, who nearly broke through the soldiers to touch the casket containing the bones of a Muslim saint. While in Lahore with Baba, Margaret was tasked with caring for a black dog, which was later revealed to be rabid. Despite being bitten by the dog, Margaret remained calm and followed Baba’s instructions, even as the mandali worried about the potential for rabies. Baba, ever the source of humor, found amusement in the situation and the mandali’s concern. Margaret recounts her experience with rabies after being bitten by a dog. Despite her illness, Baba arranged a trip to Lahore, where she received medical treatment. Margaret believes Baba’s influence extended beyond the ashram, citing instances where events in the world seemed connected to Baba’s actions. Baba warned of the impending Japanese invasion and instructed Margaret to train the ashram residents, particularly the servants, in self-defense. Margaret, skeptical of the servants’ abilities, opted to teach them using paper instead of the provided lathis.
  • 38:33
    Margaret Craske recounts her experiences in Meher Baba’s ashram, including training servants to protect Mehera and the ashram. She describes Mehera as the “chosen one,” possessing innocence and a deep connection to Baba. Margaret also mentions the concept of “circles” within the ashram, with Gustadji as Baba’s “shadow” and Norina as a key figure in the inner circle. Quentin, a devoted follower of Meher Baba, struggled with obedience, leading to a rift in their relationship. Despite Baba’s expectation of absolute obedience, Quentin’s sensitivity and reluctance to perform unpleasant tasks caused tension. This culminated in Quentin’s gradual distancing from Baba, ultimately resulting in his departure. Margaret recounts her first meeting with Meher Baba, describing His captivating presence and the profound impact of looking into His eyes. She shares an anecdote about Baba’s insistence on obedience, exemplified by an incident in Switzerland where He ordered her to dance for an hour. Margaret also mentions Baba’s visits to Portofino, highlighting a miraculous event where He rescued people trapped on rocks. Baba welcomed opposition, believing it necessary to prevent the world from being overwhelmed by love. The discussion concludes after a long time.