Children visiting Meherabad have a unique and personal relationship with Baba, often experiencing His presence in ways that adults cannot. Their pure and clear perception allows them to see Baba, and they often express a deep sense of belonging and connection to Him. This individual relationship with Baba is a shared experience among all His devotees, regardless of age or circumstances.

Baba, who is considered God, cleans holy sites to purify the atmosphere and vibes. He takes on the role of a scavenger, absorbing the burdens and impressions left by millions of worshippers, thereby cleansing the places of worship and pilgrimage. This act is likened to a homeopathic treatment, using the same substance to remove the impressions and clean the atmosphere.

Baba, who did not know how to swim, would often encourage young men to learn swimming. When confronted about His own lack of swimming skills, Baba humorously replied that He was the ocean and therefore did not need to swim.

The headmaster of a reform school invited Meher Baba to visit, hoping His presence would inspire the children. Baba humorously identified with the children, admitting to being a “thief” and encouraging them to abandon petty theft for the greater “stealing” of hearts through love and compassion. The headmaster and staff were pleased with the message, realizing its value for the children.

Don Stevens discusses the publication of “Listen New Humanity,” an experimental book aimed at reaching those unfamiliar with Meher Baba. The book, along with the “Discourses,” is being translated into multiple languages, including French, Spanish, and German, and will be printed inexpensively using computer-based composition. This new method significantly reduces printing costs, making Baba’s books more accessible to a wider audience.

Eruch discusses the importance of being a “good dancer” to live with the Lord, explaining that this meant being able to dance to His tune at any time, regardless of circumstances. He contrasts this with Kristen’s experience as a dancer, emphasizing the difference between choreographed performances and the spontaneous, obedient dancing required by the Lord.

Dr. V.G. Kher, a renowned physicist and author, dedicates his textbook “Modern Concepts in Physics” to Meher Baba. The book, used in colleges, explores physics concepts and includes a dedication to Meher Baba, highlighting the author’s personal connection to Him. Dr. Kher’s dedication acknowledges Meher Baba’s influence on his understanding of physics and his decision to retire under Baba’s guidance. Vinooba, a scientist, first learned about Meher Baba through Nana and read Baba’s books in college around 1937-38. He met Baba in 1952 at Meherabad after a few years of waiting. During a gathering at Guruprasad, Baba engaged Vinooba in a discussion about the population explosion, attributing it to the Avataric attraction drawing souls from other planets to Earth during this period.

Eruch recounts his experience with debilitating migraines in his youth, which were relieved by a doctor who injected him near his eye, causing a blister. The blister was accidentally burst by his brother, Meherwan, ending his headaches. Eruch uses this story to illustrate how people often focus on their suffering, like the young man with a headache, rather than appreciating the blessings they receive.

Mani and Eruch discuss Baba’s grooming habits, particularly His reluctance to cut His nails and moustache. Despite His aversion to baths, the women insisted on it for health reasons, leading to a humorous struggle involving talcum powder, almond oil, and Eruch’s strategic use of His strong sense of smell to persuade Baba to bathe. Eruch and Goher, concerned about Meher Baba’s hygiene, tried to convince him to bathe. When their efforts failed, they resorted to “manhandling” him, scrubbing his feet and body with lavender water. This was the last time Meher Baba’s body was cleaned before his passing. January 26, 1969.

Mani recounts the story of Kaikobad’s daughters, Jalu and Gulu, who joined the mandali at Meherabad Hill. Despite their sheltered upbringing, Baba accepted them fully, including their family. The sisters’ childlike innocence and lack of worldly knowledge provided endless amusement and delight to the ashram residents, highlighting Baba’s comprehensive acceptance and care for his devotees.

Leatrice reports on the Los Angeles Sahavas, highlighting the guest panel talks by Filis, Bhau, and Kitty, with Kitty’s stories and Bhau’s energetic talks being particularly memorable. The Sahavas featured workshops, talks, and entertainment, including gospel singing by Debbie and Michael, and a comedy talent show by the God Squad troupe. The entertainment, especially the God Squad’s performance, was praised for its professionalism and lively spirit. The Meher Miniatures, a program for children aged 10-16, ran parallel to the Sahavas. They participated in discussions, artwork, and a skit, and shared their love for Baba with the adults. The children’s openness and honesty during their forum touched everyone’s hearts, leading to a heartfelt exchange of embraces between the children and adults. A Trivial Pursuit game with Baba-themed questions was played, with teams advancing through spiritual planes based on correct answers. The final talk of the Sahavas was given by Bhau, followed by the Parvardigar film and a silent procession to the dhuni. Participants threw sticks into the dhuni, symbolizing personal items or qualities they wished to surrender. Mani reflects on Baba’s ability to give more than what is asked for, likening it to the tradition of saying grace at meals.

Mani recounts a conversation with Baba ten years before His passing, where Baba asked her to look after Mehera after He passed. Mani, initially refusing, eventually agreed, realizing that Baba would be more present than ever. She reflects on the lack of privacy experienced by those close to Baba, emphasizing the oneness with Him and the absence of personal ownership over thoughts, words, and actions.

Pukar, a former revolutionary leader, was angered by rumors of Meher Baba claiming to be God. He sought to confront Baba, but was told by Babadas, a Baba devotee, that Baba was in a state of “helplessness and hopelessness” during his New Life and could only be seen from a distance at the upcoming Kumbla Mela. Babadas suggested that Pukar stand on the opposite bank of the river during the gathering to potentially catch a glimpse of Baba. Pukar, an underground worker, first glimpsed Meher Baba from a distance during a public event. A year later, he attended a private gathering in Mahabaleshwar where Baba briefly returned to the Old Life for one day. During this gathering, Pukar witnessed Baba’s humility and compassion as He bowed to three uninvited guests who fell at His feet, leaving Pukar deeply moved and questioning the nature of this man. Meher Baba, in a demonstration of obedience, allowed himself to be slapped by his followers to emphasize the importance of implicit obedience. This act deeply impacted Pukar, who had previously planned to assassinate Baba, leading him to dedicate his life to Baba’s teachings. The lesson of obedience learned from this incident remained with the followers, influencing their actions and understanding of Baba’s desires.

Meher Baba referred to the Holocaust as a positive event, explaining that it was a necessary catalyst to awaken humanity and encourage them to remember and call out to God. He believed that the suffering endured during this time would lead people to seek divine connection and ultimately benefit humanity. Baba’s presence during this period was seen as a means to awaken people from complacency and inspire them to seek a deeper spiritual connection. Intense suffering is a gift from Baba, bringing one closer to Him. The hardships faced by Mira Bai, a devotee of Krishna, exemplify this. Despite being thrown out of her kingdom and facing numerous trials, Mira’s unwavering love for Krishna allowed her to endure and ultimately reach Him.

Eruch Jessawala, Mani S. Irani

Eruch Jessawala, Mani S. Irani