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Editor’s ReportJai Baba Folks,

ithough as I write this it is alreadyarch, I feel we couldn’t start our

magazine in a nicer way than with thismessage from one of Baba’s dearest. It isMeheru’s New Year Wish to you all:

“May your love for Beloved Baba keepgrowing in your heart and His Presencebe felt more and more in your life. This isour loving New Year’s wish to all our Babafamily.” —Meheru.

Signs of Spring are everywhere in LosAngeles: the birds are singing their specialSpring songs, the tulips are blooming, daffodils are nodding their golden heads ingardens everywehre and my back fence issmothered with wisteria, making the airredolent with their gorgeous scent. All verylovely, but not in synch with where the Aprilissue ofthe LampPost should be right now.I attended a meeting of the Long RangePlanning committee yesterday morning andwas told I had to get tough!

Margaret Magnus and her husband SamErvin have been doing a marvelousjob withthe meetings they have been organizing onevery aspect ofthe Los Angeles Baba Center.As they bring up each topic, flow charts arecreated showing where we want to see (inthis case) the Love Street LampPost in oneyear, five years and then taking a fantasy stabat what it might be like in 20 years, writingdown what we would like. Margaret andSam, although living over an hour’s driveaway from the Center, have often beenamong the few volunteers we get to staplethe magazines shut and put the addresslabels on them. It is a longjob and difficultto get people to help. Ideally I would liketo see the magazines mailed the day after Ipick them up from the printer. Due to lackoflabor, it is many times a week or more thatthey sit at the Center awaiting attention.

This is one area where we can make animmediate difference. Let a mailing househandle the job I was told. I have alwaysresisted doing this because it would addanother $12-1400 a year to the cost ofpro-duction, and since the Baba Center does notunderwrite the publication, it all has to comefrom donations.

When the producing ofthe LaizpPost wasdropped in my lap many years ago, (thankyou very much Baba!) I was told it was notto have a required subscription fee, but it

was also at that time just a newsletter of afew pages. As it has grown into a magazineI have found it necessary to ask for donations, because without them, the magazinewould cease to exist. Many ofyou have beenfaithful about slipping a check in those littleenvelopes that come with the January issue.Manywonderftil people also have been mostgenerous with their donations, giving wellabove the $16 it costs us per person peryear. (These go to cover for the people whodon’t donate.) Now, it’s going to cost a littlemore due to the mailing house costs. I’m notasking for more money from those who dodonate, but perhaps if you can’t rememberthe last time you sent in a donation, if ever,it sure would be appreciated ifyou could beconscious ofthat and send us a little some-thing each year.

We are looking to the day (probably a fewyears from now) when it will be an onlinemagazine. It could be a lot more currentthen, with information added weekly, per-haps even daily. It would certainly solve theproblem for our overseas subscribers, whereeach magazine costs $6-$8 to mail! (But westill only ask $20 a year from them.)

Another way it was suggested to cutdown on the amount of stress generated bytrying to put a (sometimes) 56-page magazine together in 3 weeks was to make thedeadline earlier and to adhere to it. I havebeen very lax about that, accepting submissions up to the verylast moment ifthe layouthas not actually been finished. This is notfair to Pris, Cherie or Tom, whoever of thethree happens to be doing layout that issue.It also means my job never finishes—I amconstantlyworking on the magazine. I guessour members don’t like to see me goingaround with such a crazed look!

Bottom line is—note the new submissiondates on the opposite page. They are twomonths ahead of the date of issue, and wewill be strict about not accepting anythingafter the announced deadline. Sorry, but Ido need to keep my sanity

On another note, a quick reiteration ofour policy on articles published might bein order. The Love Street LampPost existsto help spread Baba’s message of love andtruth.We publish His sayings, excerpts fromHis writings, stories ofthe Beloved by HisMandali, and memories from others whowere with Him when He was in the body.What we decline to publish are the aver-age person’s interpretations of what theyfeel Baba really meant, or their ideas onhow they feel Baba would want others tolive their lives. What we do like to read are

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personal stories from our readers about theways Baba has impacted their lives in a mostmeaningftil and unmistakable way.

Our Beloved can be most unsubtle attimes—leaving no doubt as to what it isyou are supposed to be doing! Take mymarriage for instance. . .but that’s anotherstory, for another place—like the center ofthe magazine. So many ofyou have wantedto hear about it, see photos and find out justwhat it was that Baba did to make such aradical thing happen to me, a confirmedsingle woman, that I felt well, perhaps itdidn’t smack too much of self-interest (notto mention nepotism), and that I could tellyou how He made it all come about.

What I also found out while in Indiathis January was that two other couples metduring Amartithi 2003, as did Charles andI, and subsequently married. Our Belovedwas, as Bhauji would say, infinitely activethat Amartithi! I heard some amazingstories of the ‘coincidences’ that occurredwhen Baba was determined to bring twopeople together. Tell me your stories! Letus read how Baba has impacted your lifeand brought about radical changes. Justremember to get them in by May 1st!

In His love,Dma Snow Gibson

:• •

k “

ye/come..

efpuJka/in o//Je Z’oaIar91(eler J7aa Genler o/cSoullern Gab/orniz

7he Love StreetCampPost is dedicated with love to /1vatar J4leherEBaba. Dts primary purpose is to contribute to a sense of communityamong all :-iEl5 lovers by providing a place for sharing2.1is remembrance.L/4!! members of the EI3aba family are invited to contribute to this feastof Love.

Your stories, photos, artwork, poetry, letters, articles, and humorare all actively solicited. We seek expressions ofBaba’s message of

Love and Truth.

SuBSCRIPTIONS:

The magazine actually costs us $16 per person per year. Subscription is bydonation only. Donate whatever feels right to you.

SuBMISSIONS:

ARTICLES AUTHOR PG

THE AMARTITHI WITH A DIFFERENCE DINA SNOW GIBSON 7

CHILLs & THRILLS AT THE AMARTITHI NIvEDITA NAGPAL 12

AMARTITHI AT THE MPR... VARIOUS PHOTOGRAPHERS 14

MEHER FREE DISPENSARY UPDATE MICHAEL RAMSDEN 19

TEA HOUSE OF THE AUGUST MOON NIvEDITA NAGPAL 20

UPDATE ON THE MEHER ENGLISH SCHOOL DINA SNOW GIBSON 22

MEHER BABA, THE DIVINE MATCHMAKER DINA SNOW GIBSON 29

LA F0RET - A FIVE STAR SAHAVAS SITE DINA SNOW GIBSON 40

THE MASTER & THE OLD MAN’S FOUR SONS BHAU KALCHURI 42

A CHILD’S EYE VIEW OF MEETING MEHER BABA

M0NIKA HAFLIGER K0CH0WIEC 48

MEHERA’S GREEN BETH MCKEE 50

Love Street £ampJPosrAvatar Meher Baba Center of Southern California

1214 South Van Ness Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90019-3520

323-731-3737

website: www.meherabode.orge-mail: Bababook@pacbell.net

departmentsDEADLINES:

for the January issue: November 1stApril issue: February 1st

July issue: May 1st

October issue: August 1st

LOVE STREET BOOKSTORE:

Dma Snow Gibson (at the addresses above)310-837-6419 from 9 am. to 4 p.m.310-839-BABA (2222) 24-hour fax

e-mail: Bababook@pacbell.netwebsite: www.LoveStreetBookstore.com

or wwwMeherBabaBooks.comCREDITS:

Dma Snow GibsonCherie PlumleeKathy Hill and Dma Snow GibsonPhoto courtesy ofMSI CollectionPris Haffenden3616-1/2 South Centinela AvenueLos Angeles, CA 90066-3124Phone: 310-390-2779Please call with address corrections or questions.

EDIToR’s REPORT

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT MEHERAZAD

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT MEHERABAD

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WHAT’S UP AT MEHERAB0DE

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT MEHER MOUNT

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT MEHERANA

BOOKSTORE REPORT

REVI EWS

PASSINGS

HUMOR FOR HuMA

POETRY

MEETINGS

MARGARET MAGNUS

SAM ERVIN

CHRIS PEARSON

Love cStreetJ.ampostfeatures

editor:design and layout:

proofreader:Cover Photo:

mailing list information:

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Love StreetLampPost ispublishedquarteriy, b theAvatarMeherBaba Center ofSouthernCalifornia. All words, images andgraphics in thispublication areproperty ofthe copyrzghtholders and/or the contributors. Messages andphotos ofMeher Baba © Avatar MeherBaba Perpetual Public Charitable Trust, Ahmednagai India, and © Lawrence ReiterOther contents © 2005AvatarMeher Baba Center ofSouthern California. Unauthorizedduplication isprohibitedbv law.

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thank jouWe extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the individuals and organizations that own the copyrights to the J44eher 73aba pictures we have usedthroughout this issue to bringjoy and love to the hearts of all Love StreetLamp.Post readers.

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on the first Heart Talk of2005 (available on line at http://avatarmeherbaba.org/mailman/listinfo/tavern-talk) Meheru wouldlike to share with you this Discourse by Beloved Baba and the following ‘Saying of Shri Meher Baba.’ The Discourse is taken fromNotes from My Diary by F. H. Dadachanji (Chanji) and both arepublished in the Meher Babajournal, September 1939.

Meheru’s New Year Wish to you all: ‘Mayyour loveforBelovedBaba keep growing inyour heart, and His Presence befelt more andmore inyourhfe. This is ourlovingNew Yearc wish to all ourBabafamily.”

Where is9od

One morning, during the usual talks with the mandali, Babalightly touched upon an interesting subject about God. He

abruptly started asking everyone in the room the question, “Whereis God?” All replied on the spur of the moment, in various ways.One said, “Everywhere,” another replied, “In the soul,” the thirdpointing at heart softly whispered “Here.” One argued about theconception of God and then tried to answer. Another expressinghis inability for a solution, answered, “It is the eternal problem.”Thus the question went around till it came to the turn of Dr.D., who was the last of all asked by Baba. He seemed to havesmilingly surveyed the situation all the time, and came out withthe spontaneous assertion - “In Baba.” For a moment all were takenaback. It was so simple, so natural, so easy. Baba then pointed outthat if we all took Him as our Master, Perfect and One with theInfinite, and honestly believed it, that was the only conclusion—logical, true and simple.

Baba’s object in asking us this question was probably to draw outof all present what we have learnt in different ways and degrees, andfrom that explain further. Giving His own answer and explanationto this most interesting and important question, Baba went on:“God is where you (individuals named as K., or A.) are not. That isreality Where you (as so and so) are, God is not. That, your beingalooffrom God, is an illusion. Where your false ego establishes itselfas you (so and so) and says you are, God cannot stay. When yourfalse ego as you disappears, God comes in.” Referring to the group’svarious answers individually given, Baba further explained:

1 . “To say ‘God is everywhere’ is a general term, and nothing new.Pandits all over say that, and Vedanta is full ofthis explanation. Tomerely say it is of no use. You must find it, feel it, experience it.

2. To say that ‘God is in the heart’ is again part truth. If Godis everywhere as you all know and say, why then should you limitHis [being] only in the heart, and not in the head or your thumbor toe? Why should you try to see Him in one particular part andnot in the other? That is a common mistake and characteristic human weakness to spot the Highest and most Beloved, or revered upabove, somewhere in the skies or in the heavens, or when soughtin the body, to find Him only in the parts men like best, i.e., in theheart or the eye, as if He did not exist equally elsewhere in otherparts, in the back or the bones, in the nails or in the flesh. Is Godin the rose and not in the thorn? Or in flowers and not in filth?This weakness of seeking God in things you like and shudderingat the idea ofHis existence in things you do not like or abhor mustbe overcome. It is only when you rise above all these ideas of goodand bad, and recognize, see and feel flowers and filth alike, and findGod equally in all, that you could be said to have learnt and knownsomething real. Otherwise it is all parrotlike, a false conception, anillusion. Besides, taking it for granted that the best and most idealabode for God to dwell in the human body is the heart, it must beremembered clearly that even in this best abode dedicated by humanbeings for God to dwell, He who is the Purest of the Pure wouldnot come in unless that abode ofthe heart, however spontaneouslyand lovingly offered, is absolutely clear, empty and devoid of anyforeign element. The slightest hindrance in the shape of an alienthought would prevent Him coming. And those who trulywant Godto dwell in their hearts must have them utterly clean and emptydevoid of selfish desires, i.e. lust, greed, etc.”

3 . Coming to the answer given that “one should first form a conception of God and then reply” and the long philosophical explanationthat followed, the Master pointed out: “All these talks are cut and dryPandits babble it everywhere, for years, without finding any clue, tillthey die babbling. The orthodox section of all communities listen tothese innumerable dissertations by religious students and scripturalscholars, and form various pet beliefs about God and His existencesomewhere in the skies or in the best things, and not in others, andcling to these erroneous ideas tenaciously without the least effort atenlightenment or to go beyond the four walls. They refuse even totalk or listen to the fact of having actual experience, and consider it

blasphemy even to think ofit. It is only these talks and philosophiesthat appeal to them, and they are quite satisfied with these. That iswhy I say it is all philosophy and of no use without experience. Onemust try not only to learn and know, but to feel and experience.”

ht’42iappeninj ca Jl4eIierazad2Iappy 2kw )3ear from EBhau 2Catchuri!

Bhau’s Message for the New Year 2005

B eloved Avatar Meher Baba Ki Jai! Every year, as we enjoy New Year’s Eve to the ftillest extent, we all enter the New Year on the 1stofJanuar But no one pays attention to what this New Year really means.

The real New Year is that year which always remains as the New Year, every moment, every hour, every day and every year, not at-tached to the past or future. This Year is always in the present. Therefore, as we enjoy our New Year celebrations, we must long for thatNew Year that keeps us always in the present, and connects us to the Eternal Year, which alone exists. The past and the future are thesigns oflllusion—they do not exist. To wake up from the dream oflllusion is the goal oflife. We must remain existing in Reality whichwill make us free from Illusion.

I wish you all a very happy and joyful New Year in Beloved Avatar Meher Baba’s love. May He create the desire in us to long and longto wake up from this dream oflllusion and recognize Him as the Reality

With all love and Jai Baba to you, In His love and Service, Bhctu

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4. Referring to an answer that “finding God is the eternal problemand struggle”, Baba explained: “It is true; but one must not stop thereand make no efforts, taking that problem as impossible to solve, andfeeling despondent, give it up. That search and struggle must continue,with added vigour and enthusiasm at every step and the longingdeveloped so intense that it becomes one’s only problem in life. Tothat end, he should struggle, moving on and on, and try to find allsources ofenlightenment in the solution ofthis.The best, easiest andquickest way is to find a Guru who has realized God. Although that isnot easy at all, and one may have to come across many false and fakeones before he finds the real one; but, if the longing for that eternalsearch is kept up, he shall come across one who will guide him arightto the goal. Even those living in company with a Master should notfeel content, and merely say that they have found everything becausethey have found a living Master. For even though it is a true statement,it lacks actual experience. And experience can never be had withouteffort. So try all ofyou to see your Master as he really is, and not ashe appears to you, and even in your Master try to find that InfiniteExistence that pervades everywhere.”

Where is 9od 2’Jot?After discussing the affirmative side of this question, Baba ex

plained the same from its negative aspect also, asking in turns thesame question negatively, “Where God is not (does not exist)?” Itrather puzzled all, abruptly as it came. In the Master’s august presence, it is the general experience and also a fact that all feel lost attimes, especially when He tries to bring out something from one orthe other, and explain something to the group. The best and cleverestbrains are lost in thinking. The Master at these particular momentsuses these formal talks for His working. In reply to the negativequestion asked, which left all thinking, one of the Mandali spokeout “Nowhere”. That is the word, the only one that is so expressive,so convincing. IfGod exists everywhere, certainly there is no spot orspeck on earth where He does not exist. Hence this reply “nowhere”

conveys everything that the negative question as asked by Babarequired. He closed the topic with His concluding and significantremarks, “God does not exist where there is duality.”

Saying of Shri Meher Baba:

“The act ofworshi shouldspringfrom theheart. Let it be borne in mind that worship

ftom the heartpresupposes great efforts. It can—not be evoked by a mere wish. Ifone decides

uponpractising true bhakti (worship or devotion), one has to make heroic efforts in order to

achievefixity ofmind,for contrary thoughts arevery likely to disturb one mind.

A4ehcnbad },4s:jcLaura Lal, 2aris, 3’ance. ..Jimartithi 2005

Music is Divine Art of Meher Baba. If you hear the song oflove, you are floating with the music and you dance up and downMeherabad Hill and you are free like Baba’s Queen and feel thatwonderful sensation, and your heart is open. Tears oflove and joycome rushing down my cheeks and it is soft like a soft breeze andis stroking your body and hair and you will feel a hand is touchingyou. He is lifting up something. Open your eyes and your burdenis falling and the veil is going away and you will hear a love songlike something is coming to you and your heart is beating and iscoming into life again. You can hear the drumming ofthe vibration.Someone is knocking at your door and the door will open and yourshell is falling and breaking into pieces and you are free from yourburden once again.

What a happy ending. Finding your life song. Jai Baba!

S

CabinJ1Vtoment1Reather2Iade1, J1’kherabad, 223wwary

The cloth covering the stretcher in the Cabin on MeherabadHill is golden yellow this month, and it is gleaming in the

lamp light of an ordinary mid-January morning. It’s early and allaround is quiet; you hear none ofthe pre-Amartithi daytime noiseofpeople lashing bamboo poles together, or tractors bringing lightequipment or railings for the line barricades. It’s still dark outside,and pilgrims are slowly drifting up to the Tomb for cleaning andmorning Arti. The crowds are less than were here for Mehera’sbirthday (celebrated with a special gathering at the Samadhi), orfor Christmas at Meherazad (with carols and songs and dancesand that hilarious skit “Avatar Idol” in the garden). Less too thanon New Year’s Eve, when in the darkness of midnight, about 200gathered at Beloved Baba’s Samadhi to pray in the New Year. Thepeople are less, but I’m sure no one here now can help but feelwhat begins each morning and grows stronger each day: the risingenergy of the approaching Amartithi.

I always feel that Amartithi is the stretcher’s day of days, for itwas on 3lstJanuary 1969 that the stretcher carried Beloved Baba’sbody from His room at Meherazad to the Hall there and then inthe ambulance to this Cabin on Meherabad Hill. As they afterwardsrecalled, here Mehera and Mani and the women gathered around Hisbody for their last private time with Him. After some hours, as Hisbody was taken the short distance from the Cabin to the Samadhi,they had to give Him up “to the world”.

Now the “world” is coming once again for Baba’s thirty—sixthAmartithi. The sun that hits the Samadhi dome just before Artithis morning will go on to light up Meher Pilgrim Retreat ftirtheralong the Hill (where 160-plus pilgrims are going to stay this yearamid the continuing construction), and will bathe lower Meherabadand outer Meherabad and the new Amartithi site and the new newAmartithi site (where many thousands of pilgrims will stay) in itswhite winter light. By noon that old sun will be looking down onpreparations and activity in every corner of this place.

But it is still dawn in the Cabin, and the stretcher that carriedHim is simple and man-sized. In a few minutes, the God-Man’slovers will start to sing:

“0 Glorious, EternalAncient One,Your Face is a bright transcendental sun,

Lighten this dark world and the teal-s I weep,My heart, Mehei, Igive to You to keep.”

Sougof3urewe1IWhen Madhusudan

Sang a song offarewell to his Belovec4

They say the window ofyour heart opened a little

And love spilled through in waves oflight

Bathing those gathered at thepalace on that day,

Moving the hearts ofall

So that even the tough guysWept.

Now, standing atyour tomb shrine,We can see the window opened wide

And light streams throughFlooding our hearts with suchforce

That many weep openly

Swept up in the springtide ofyour love.

Our tears oveiflow even though we knowYou have not departed,

You never left us,You are always here.

J1martithi WebcastsWard 2arks17kk1wraba4 3OthJanuary

[Although this notice is no longer relevant, we arepublishing it to letyou know

that this does happen everyyear now, with the technologygetting evergreateic So

ilyou cannot be in Meherabad nextJanuary, sit infront ofyour computer andbe

transported ‘virtually. ‘And the very best thing about it is—itcfree!]

ith the 2005 Amartithi program scheduled to begin severalhours from now, our program of Amartithi webcasts is

already under way. While last year the webcasts were ‘virtually live’this year they will be live literally. Each day from now throughTuesday 1st February, on the Trust web site you can tune in as ona radio to three or four several-hour segments of continuous liveaudio, interspersed with segments of video.You can find full information about the webcasts, including theprogram schedule, in the Events and News section of the Trustweb site: http//www.ambppct.org. The highlight ofthe three-daycommemoration, ofcourse, is the fifteen-minute silence beginningat noon on 3lstJanuary; the two hours before this silence and thehour following it usually constitute the climax of the Amartithigathering.

All ofthe posted schedulings are according to India time. Twelvenoon on Amartithi day (3lstJanuary) in Ahmednagar correspondsto: 6:30 a.m. (3lstJanuary) Greenwich mean time; 1:30 a.m. (31stJanuary) in New York; 10:30 p.m. (30th January) in Los Angeles;and 4:30 p.m. (3lstJanuary) in Sydney.

on this thirty-sixth anniversary of Meher Baba’s dropping thephysical form, those of us in Ahmednagar join with His loversaround the world in our remembrances and salutations to Him,the Avatar of the Age.

--‘

,c-;-

Sarah McNeill

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71te ,%.7:fli(jfhj with n 7Jiffe:enceIrJ3j Snow9ibsou

Imust not be very spiritual; I let exterior circumstances interferewith my enjoyment of Amartithi! For the past five or six years

it had always been the highlight of my year. First, and I guess,foremost, I missed my new husband. After all, we had returnedfrom our honeymoon just a few days before I took off, alone, toIndia. I arrived there with a cold that proceeded to get steadilyworse; and then the rains came—and came and came! But I getahead ofmyself...

I always plan my arrival in Meherabad for January the 28th, theday when Amartithi accommodations are set up. All the Westernershave to vacate the PC (Pilgrim Center), load their luggage on thebuses and truck on up the hill to the MPR (Meher Pilgrim Retreat).I joined the crowd bussing my luggage over the bumpy road, whichhad noticeably improved since last year.

The excitement was palpable as we filed in to the registrationoffice, got our room numbers and then raced off to see where wehad been billeted and with whom. New friends were made and oldones caught up with. Oh thank you thank you Baba! I was luckyenough to get one of the single rooms downstairs. Last year I hadbeen upstairs, and lugging two 70 pound suitcases up and down thestairs was no fun! This year I was free to buy as much as I wantedfor the Bookstore, and I did!

There were so manyWesterners this year, we filled both the men’sand the women’s quarters. Last year it was the women on one side ofthe women’s quarters and men on the other, but this year the men’squarters, in a separate building, had been completed sufficiently foroccupation, so the men could stay there.

The MPR is absolutely marvelous, a beautiftil group ofbuildingsconstructed in a warm red brick, but as it sits out on the open flatplains it gets all the wind and cold. Not enough ofthe newly plantedtrees have grown to act as wind breaks and shelter, and hundredsmore need to be planted. Temperatures dropped to the low 60s,and I was chilled! After all, I had just come from the warm climesof the Caribbean and an unusually warm winter in Los Angeles. Istarted to unpack my case, but the 36 hours of travel time hit melike a ton of bricks and tiredness overcame me. The plane seemedto have worsened my cold, the sun vanished under gray skies andI took to my bed.

Light rain started falling and we thought, “Oh good, it willsettle the dust!” But it didn’t stop. Not tropical downpours, just alight drizzle, but continuous, and by noon the next day we were nolonger thinking ‘oh good’—it was more like: “OK Baba, we knowrain is supposed to be a sign of your blessings but this is getting abit much!”

On the afternoon ofthe 29th J was snuggled up in my bed whenI heard loud cries of excitement about a rainbow that had just appeared. I grabbed my camera and raced up the stairs to the roof.

I was stunned by the sight! Never had I seen a rainbow such asthis. It was huge, brilliant, seeming to have more bands of colorthan the average rainbow, and even more unusual—we could seeboth ends ofit not too far away in the fields. According to biblicaltradition, this was God’s promise of no more rain, right? Wrong!It rained pretty much right through till the 1st, which then dawnedbright and sunny. Mercifully, it did cease occasionally, most notablyduring the 15 minute silence at noon on the 31st, but it did make

life a tad uncomfortable for the thousands of Indians who weresleeping on pallets on the ground under a lightweight pandal. Stoic,was how I would describe these pilgrims—the rain seemed not tofaze them at all. They just huddled a little closer together on theground tarps, enjoying the Amartithi programs and trying to avoidthe places where the rain was coming through the ‘roof’ most heavily.After all, those pandals were designed to keep out the blazing sun,not the falling rain. I was told it was the first time since 1981 thatit had rained during Amartithi. Many of us were trying to figureout what the message in that was. I mean, surely it was some kindofsign? What on earth could He mean? But as Baba said—”Don’ttry to understand me, just love me.”

I spent the three days ofthe Amartithi celebrations in bed, yen-turing out only to see the Meher English School choir sing theirsongs and catching a few other acts while I was down there. But Icould not ignore myjob as roving reporter/photographer coveringthe event for our readers.

Baba’s Ghadi was, as usual, taken from the tin shed under thewater tower (opposite Mansari’s kitchen) and was placed on theSabha Mandap—the roofed cement slab opposite the Samadhi. Theladies arrived from Meherazad to take darshan in the Samadhi andtook their seats in plenty of time for the 15-minute silence.

These 15-minutes are the most potent of the whole three-dayfestival. Complete silence from tens ofthousands ofpeople (exceptfor the occasional child’s cry or a snore from the older folks), to bebroken by “Avatar Meher Baba ki Jai!!” at 12:15 on the dot is verypowerful. All those people with their minds on one thing—theAvatar!

I would imagine Baba could do all sorts ofUniversal Work withhundreds of thousands of souls around the world concentrating onHim at that time.

I guess Babajust didn’t mean for me to participate in Amartithithis year—He made certain I spent most of the time in bed. Whenthe sun had returned to its full glory on the 2, my cold mysteriouslyvanished and I was able to get out and enjoy myself a little more.

The view from the MPR rooftop is glorious, and somehowsunrise and sunset are very powerful times for me. I loved being‘alone with Baba’ on the rooftop at those times. Walking the pathto the Samadhi is such a peaceful experience, the land—His land,all about you. Visions came ofwhat it was like in the ‘40s as Babastrode across the fields, with His men Mandali running behindHim, trying desperately to keep up. This picture is brought homevery vividly when, as you enter the MPR from the parking lot, youcome face to face with a beautiful mural that the well known English artist, Anna de Polnay, is painting, depictingjust such a scene.Commissioned by the MPR architect Ted Judson, Anna startedwork on the 21 foot long by 10 foot high scene of 1937 LowerMeherabad in December 2004 and hopes to complete the workthis coming October when she returns to India. It is a composite ofMasaji holding the umbrella over Baba’s head, with Pendu, Chanji,Padri and Kaka Baria bringing up the rear. Anna is using acrylicson a canvas frame attached to the wall. When it is finished, what anentrance to the Center it will be! It transports you back to the timeswhen the Avatar actually trod the earth around here.

continued onpage 12

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I rare let-up ofthe rain the crowds enjoyedajèw nwments ofsunshine, andenter—tainment cantinueddespite the weather

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Clockwisefivm Top: Stella MarniehprinczpaloftheMeherEnglish &hool leath herseniorpupils in

praise of]’ItherBaba Fresh-squeezedsugarcanejuke was a bifgftvorite with the crowd. Eddie andAnnie theAussie Dz!Q. As they were !astyea aUThe zrious stalls were Wown the hiFjust over the

roadinfront ofthe PC. Balaji ofHyderabadat his stallseilingthe new s’ideos tapes andbooks in English at anbelievably bwprices

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Clockwisefrorn Top:Babacghadi in itsAmartithiplace on theSthha Mandap. r1’inwn gather outside Mansaric kitchen. Now

that departure is necn the sun comes out! Giving respects toMatzi Gobe Khorshed andMansari

Clockwisefrom Top Lq/tAdriennepeifirmingatMehemzadMandnliHaliAthienn?c hennaportrait r?fMeherBaba. Packedandwaithzg togo and now the sun comes out! Down thepath

from the &smadhi toward lower Meherabad tocatch the train. The i’77th1 stops at Meherabad oniydurinçAmartithi. The sunset on the last day. Lastchance togetsome chai beJbre the long tnt home.

The Pandal iv dismantledandput awayuntil next yeaz

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What a difference the trees make! I was here in 1969 for theGreat Darshan and the only trees visible were those few along thepath up the hill. Valu planted them in the 1930’s to shade Baba asHe walked between the women Mandali on the Hill and the menMandali at Lower Meherabad. Then in the late 70’s (or very early80’s), Mehera, ever the avid gardener, wanted more shade for thepilgrims walking up to the Samadhi.To this end, she collected seedsfrom karunj trees at Meherazad, cared for them until the saplingswere ready to be planted and then sent them to Janet Judson toput in place along the path. Today it is wall-to-wall shade all alongthe path, and everywhere you look you see veritable ‘forests’ oftrees, with many more scheduled to be planted. In fact, as you lookacross the lands on the way up the hill, you see what appears to bethe aftermath of a gang of giant moles run amuck! But on closerinspection, I found they were holes dug, waiting for the trees to beplanted in them.

While walking from the MPR to the Samadhi, you pass whatlooks to be a major nursery, with hundreds of four and five footsaplings in bags, waiting to be planted. James Fulgenzi is lendinghis expertise to the project, helping permanent resident Peter Booth.Another pilgrim,Jesse Massa, is helping Dadi with the afforestationwork. Jesse had an orchard in the States.

Then I heard that Jeff De Loe, a landscaper and horticulturist,would be moving from Denver to take up residence in Meherabadto plan the landscaping of the MPR. What a wonderftil job thatwill be. Already there are gum trees (Eucalypts) planted in the

patio outside the dining hall next to what will be the ‘Welcome toMy World’ tile wall. That area, I think, will be the most beautifulspot in the building. Already it is a very popular place to relax andread, catch up with old friends, or simply sit in silence and absorbthe beauty around you. Just wait till all those tiles, painted with somuch love, get positioned on the wall!

The official Grand Opening of the MPR is scheduled for June2006. Ifyou can’t make it to India for the occasion, no worries, yourLampPost will cover it for you!

Chills and 77irilIs ut the 36th çjlmwithi.24ivcdita 2agp4 J1’iumbi

vatar Meher Baba decided to pour Showers of Blessings,iterally, on thousands of His lovers as they snaked their way

to Upper Meherabad for the eternal meeting with the Beloved. Thespiritual atmosphere was laden with moist clouds with raindrops,rainbows and chilly air. Not that it dampened the spirits of Babalovers, but it certainly made them come closer physically. This isthe story ofthe 36th Amartithi ofAvatar Meher Baba. . . and manyother spiritual centers of pilgrimage, which received unseasonalrains post-tsunami across the continent.

Cold was the day, and colder the night on January 30th• Color-fbi shawls, sweaters, windcheaters, and mufflers were worn in thechilly atmosphere. The rainbow in the evening across the eastern skylooked like Baba’s flag spread over an expanse ofblue horizon. Couldthis be blessing number one for the first day of Amartithi? Undeterred by the cold wave, the crowds moved around the hustle-bustleof stalls at Lower Meherabad. The stall owners did brisk business,despite wet roofs. A few enterprising ones managed to cover theirstalls with tarpaulin and plastic covers; the rest just did business asusual. The next day more pilgrims were to come and chill out.

JRain over worldwide pilgrim sitesStrange as it may sound, this year’s rain during Amartithi was sig

nificant, as most other spiritual places were also awash with pilgrimsand water. The annual Haj pilgrims numbering 2.56 million wereknee-deep in water in Mecca as rains lashed across the Holy Landin the Middle EastJanuary 24th. Tirupati Balaji’s abode in TirumalaHills in South India received a bountiful shower as pilgrims stood inlines to bow down to Balaji on the 30th and the 31st January. Asia’s

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richest temple received more than four lakhs ofpilgrims during thewet weekend from all over India. And in Meherbad, at the tombshrine of Avatar Meher Baba, local villagers, other Indian andwestern Baba lovers from all over the world converged to receivea shower ofblessings. More than 25,000 pilgrims who braved thecold were blessed during this time.

Could there be any significance about the showers on these majorpilgrim sites? We turn to God for answers. . . perhaps He meanswell for those who survived the Asian tidal wave of catastrophe.The ones who survived are the ones who will lead a New Life ofcompassion and live in spiritually closer times than ever. Thatdoesn’t mean the ones that were swept away were bad, but perhapstheir wheels of Karma decided their watery fate was to be rebornin better times.

Ancient tales chronicled in the past include Noah’s Ark, whichwas full ofone pair from each species before the floods crossed theseas and devoured many. Moses too was a witness to the parting ofthe seas and so it was in Matsya Purana, the ancient text of Hinduswhen Lord Vishnu’s aquatic Avatar warned the people of a tidalwave now recognized as a tsunami. It was the Divine Will of Godthen to create and destroy some species. And it is the Divine Willof God now to do the same.

¶JPilgrirns seek shelterThe 36t Amartithi will mostly be remembered as the one that

rained and made shivering pilgrims turn to each other for warmth.Alan Wagner recollects the last time that it rained like this was in1981. “There were only two big tents at Lower Meherabad, one for

Trees in the nursery waiting their turn to beplanteci

men and one for women. It was easier to look after them as theywere accommodated around the Dharamshala and Pilgrim Center.This year too I believe the pilgrims could have been accommodatedin the Meher Pilgrim Retreat. But transportation was a problem.The path was muddy and they could not be transported all the waythere.” At the New Site pilgrims sat closer to one another and triedto save the children from getting wet. Some pilgrims were accommodated on the porch ofthe pilgrim center and hostels which werenow overflowing and also the Meher Hospital. The volunteers whodid not get space stood smiling and watching over other pilgrimsseeking refuge from the rain. At the New Site many hundreds ofpilgrims took shelter in the buses in which they had come. Someenterprising pilgrims at the New Site and at the Mandap on theHill converted the tarpaulins into army type temporary tents withinthe tents. The more fortunate ones got at least a blanket and a shedover the head. The organizing committee reported the death of a65-year-old volunteer due to a heart attack. The rest were fine andbraved the chill to take darshan.

LA 13rush with Booty!The thieves resorted to new methods ofpickpocketing pilgrims:

The toothbrush was the latest ploy involved! At the New Site earlyin the morning on the 31st, a couple ofyoung men were out brushingtheir teeth. Strangely their toothbrushes did not have any tooth-paste on them and this aroused the suspicion ofsome plain clothespolicemen. Watchful eyes saw them wait for unsuspecting pilgrimsto go to the toilet leaving their trousers behind to be searched forthe booty They were caught before the act and pleaded innocence(naturally).Theywere from Hyderabad, or so they said, but it turnedout that they were from nearby Khopergaon. They were let off asJal Dastoor explained, “After all, stealing is their profession. Theyalso have stomachs to feed. We let them go.”

On the 31st pilgrims were spread all over the hill to maintainsilence and partake in Baba’s universal work for those few moments.The sun did show up momentarily during the midday silence. Silencewas broken after fifteen minutes at 12:15 pm. And near Baba’s roomas eyes opened after a spiritual experience, a nap, or whatever oneasked for at that point of time, a man decided to drop his trousersdown to his knees! Some eyes opened wide and shut quickly as thestrange act evoked chuckles from astounded on-lookers. Luckily thecheap thrill was forgotten as quickly as it was done. Pilgrims raceddown to the food stalls to have chai and warm bhajias and otherrefreshments. The rest stayed back for darshan.

Rain rain go away, come on back another day!Thankfully, on 1st February, the cold wave lessened. As pilgrims

started to return home Meherabad came back to normalcy. Theones that remained were bathed in sunshine as though the rainshad never come. As one pilgrim reflected on the change in weather,“God makes sure we never forget Him. He showered us with HisBlessings.” As Avatar Meher Baba has His grace on us he will alsogive us the strength to weather every storm, cold wave or tidal wavethat comes in the world.

..Amtrtithi Eye WimJon Adelsman, Washington,January 31

In our family the month ofJanuary contains five special dates,each separated by exactly one week. The middle three are dates

celebrating the beginning of life, specifically the birthdays of myoldest daughter’s husband, my brother, and finally my dear wifeHedia. The first and last dates mark the other end oflife with ouradopted son’s death on the 3rd and Meher Baba’s passing on today’sdate, the 31st. In India,January 31st is known as “Amartithi” whichmeans “the Eternal Date” and for those who follow Baba it marksthe beginning ofHis passing beyond the limitations ofHis physicalform and on to His ultimate universal Manifestation.

For us however, Amartithi is remembered also for a much moremundane event. Ten years ago today, a little less than two yearsafter we had moved into our “dream” house high on the bluffs ofEld Inlet, we arrived home on a stormy evening to find that a largechunk of our embankment had collapsed into the Puget Sound.My (naïve) reaction was that it was unfortunate but not all thatbig a deal. However, in Hedia it awakened an old bogeyman andshe began to fear we might lose our shirts on an expensive piece ofproperty that could be difficult or impossible to sell, at least for whatit was otherwise worth. That fear haunted her and it was only afterwe had finally sealed its sale several years later that she was able toonce again sleep without it gnawing in the back of her mind.

About two weeks ago while getting ready to leave for work Hediadiscovered that her eye contact was missing (she wears a prosthesison her left eye due to a serious injury early in her life). This is abig deal mainly because its replacement would cost approximately$3000 and it was far from certain that Group Health would pay forit since she had simply lost it. Before leaving for work she searchedfor over an hour and I spent much ofthe rest ofthe morning turningall the likely locations inside out. Hedia spent considerable timeretracing her usually reliable memory as to exactly what she haddone with it (she remembered putting it in the pocket ofher jacketwhile driving home and also repeated several times that she had abad feeling about doing so). In the meantime she had to wear anolder contact that fit poorly and was uncomfortable. The problemdragged on and there was no word from GH as to whether theywould pay for it. We looked everywhere and would often begin ourconversations when she arrived home with variations on “Well, didyou find it?” I recall even pursuing the dead end intuition of think-ing that maybe a mouse had dragged it back to its nest behind thestacks ofboxes in our garage.

Finally today while spending some time in quiet meditationthe thought came to me “Wouldn’t this be a great day to find it?” Iopened the hide-a-bed and searched every crack and crevice—nothing. I took everything off the floors of both of our closets—nada.Then while putting some things back I pulled out a pair of athleticpants that Hedia rarely wears. In the last pocket my fingers hit it.

I cried for joy. Tonight when Hedia comes home it will be in thebottom ofa special wine glass in front ofher place setting. Amartithi,a day ofuniversal (and sometimes lesser) manifestations.

71w divine 73eloved is always with you, in you mid around you.2<now that you are not separate from 2lim.

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Clockwisefroin top; apanorama oftbe MPR—Meiñ side (7efi) andthe womenc side (right) with the adjoining bridge h4fcompletedbut crossable;the beautfu1 courtyard outside the dinb2g room; birds eye view across the rooftopsfrorn the wonzenc to tbe menc side,

a beautfW1y bucolic scenewalkingfrom the Samadhi to the MPR •:

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Clockwisefrom above: the dining room; Vilas Fund serves LindafrornThrkev srnze delicious hot chocolate; indispensable Saha’vas workers Debbie

Nardeen, Laurel Bemer and Suzi Imura; Debbie Meherabad ChoralGrozp rehearses; Nana Kalapuri tempts us with his incredible carrot cake.

Is

Clockwisefi÷orn top hfrAnna tie Polnayfrom England at work

painting a mural ofMeherabad; nowfor B/IRA!; Sazie sets outpainisforthe “Welcome to World”tilepainting day.

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Clockwisefrorn top: 5:OOp. m. after drizzling all day Baha gives us this incndib1e raiizbo.. thenproceeds togive es two days ofrain;Charlotte Eaton was here with herfamilyfrom Wiks;Jabuloiis ocean wave design On stone bench in the courtyaidthe Keepers ofthe Ba/ia Listserv and tireless workers: Eric Solibakke and Shar Wisernan with Eric v4fi Sgrid

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¶BIwu Rcturnsto Ahmednagar!

S1tivct (Eynwood), 7f/Ieherabad

Last night, Bhau and his team (Freeman,Dr. Anne, Mom [Camilla], Mother

M [Misti], and I) returned to the TrustCompound in Ahmednagar from JehangirHospital in Pune.

Although the immediate crisis haspassed, Bhau remains extremely, extremelyweak. Nevertheless, this morning afterbreakfast, he insisted upon returning to hisoffice and having all his emails (over 100!),correspondence (a very large stack), cards

(numerous) and Trust reports and memos

(voluminous) read out to him. He remainshoarse, and though it is a strain for him tospeak, he will not neglect his duty on anyaccount.

Today, for the first time, his blood sugarlevels are approaching normal. But his teamof doctors and their subordinates and staff

(cancer specialist, endocrinologist, cardiologist, pain specialist, dietician, orthopedist,anesthesiologist [for the sciatic injection]plus several physical therapists) have em-phasized over and over how Bhau mustscrupulously adhere to a strict regimen ofdiet, rest and exercise ifhe is not to end upback in the Intensive Care Unit, with per-haps a much less fortunate outcome than thelast one. As deeply as all ofthe people whotook care ofBhau love him, they do not wantto see him back at their hospital, especiallyunder similar circumstances.

Tomorrow, he will resume his exerciseprogram under the close supervision ofMom and Dr. Anne.

Although Bhau is extremely eager toresume his talks at the Pilgrim Center, thereis no telling when the doctors will grant himpermission to do so.

And as always, he loves for people topoke their heads into his office in the TrustCompound. So ifat all possible, please relayany messages you might have via pilgrimscoming to India to deliver orally to Bhauwhen they greet him.

Many, many people have expressed theirwish to send their love greetings and getwell wishes to Bhau. So he has agreed thatif people send him cards or emails with atthe most one or two sentences (please, thismeans simple sentences, not Faulknerianones that ramble on interminably, such asthis one), with the instructions, No ReplyNecessary (very important), and absolutelyno pictures or attachments to emails, his

team will read the messages out to him.This way, he will remember dear ones allover the world without feeling obligated toanswer each and every email, letter and cardas he does now

And now, a note from his doctor:

Ttpdate n EBhaitji’s 2lealthDr. Anne, Meherabad

B hauji was discharged from the Poonahospital yesterday and is now back

home in the Meher Nazar compound inAhmednagar.

A CT scan on Tuesday showed no abnormalities. This means in particular norecurrence of cancer, so it was a big reliefto all. The next day he received a specialinjection in his spine to relieve pain. Nowhe can walk with much less pain and thismakes a huge difference. He still needs tobe supported when he walks to help himkeep his balance.

Bhauji’s diabetes still needs close monitoring so that his treatment can be adjustedif necessary.

To maintain this improvement it is essential that Bhauji takes the time to do PTexercises twice a day in order to strengthenthe muscles in his back. And as beforeBhauji must not remain sitting for hoursat a time.

All this means that Bhauji will NOT beresuming his full office schedule immediately. So please, no email or correspondence.This is the best contribution you can maketowards Bhauji’s full recovery, along withthe love that keeps flowing through theinner connection that needs no computerand no reply.

And this from Bhauji:113 feel touched with all the inner love

sages :‘ have received, and touched with yourlove for the 73eloved which makes you do this,and with your wishes to get me

J3hauji’s EBirthdciyTo all those who sent or wished to send

Bhau greetings on his birthday. From anemail dictated Friday, 22nd January, 2005:

BelovedAvatarMe/jer Baba KiJai!

Ireceived your beautiful cards and wishesfor my birthday, and I do not have the

words to thank you. How loving you all are!I don’t want to use the formality of “thankyou.” But I feel very touched, knowing thatyou all have the feeling of Oneness. ThatOneness is a great thing. Not only will youhave the feeling, but you will have the lovefor everyone not as every one, but as One.To go towards Oneness is the aim oflife; toexperience it is the goal.

Please convey my loving embrace to allwho have sent birthday greetings, as well asto those who wanted to, but did not becausethey thought that I might be disturbed in mybusy work here. Not only do I feel touchedwith the loving wishes I have received frommany, byway ofcards, letters, emails, and theInner-net, but I salute their love with love.

This year, Beloved Baba’s dear ones reminded me it was my birthday. Otherwise,I would have forgotten.

Once, it so happened that I was keep-ing night watch near Beloved Baba. Herose at 3:00 in the morning and called me.He embraced me and said, “Today is MyBirthday.”

“Baba’s Birthday is on 25th February,”I thought. “How is it possible that today isHis Birthday?”

It was 13th January, and I had been unaware of the date.

The second occasion was in the year1968. After my night watch, I went to themen Mandali’s side. I was having tea, andBaba called me. I returned to Him, and Hesaid, “Turn the radio on to the Karachi station. You will hear good ghazals.”

But see how ignorant I was (and I am!).I was staring at the radio. I could not evenfigure out how to turn it on! Baba laughedand asked me to bring the radio to Him.He switched it on and tuned to the Karachistation.

I was sitting there for an hour, andthough He was suffering spasm after spasm,He listened to the ghazals. Then He said,“Now, turn offthe radio.”

I did not know how to do so! I was quiteignorant!

Baba laughed and asked, “How was yourtreat today?” (Meaning the ghazals).

continued onpage 18

alive and supply water to the 1\leherazadCOiflifluflitv. T1ie fhrners are flO’V harvestingtheir Second harvest, soncthing they haveFlOt dOlle fir fiur ears. Ehere is a significantecononic iipict in both cases altl)ugh itdid [lOt affect the building finances.

Rain stOpped work as also did scarcityof labor. Flowever, after the final stages ofconstruction and basic internal finish areconplete, p1uihing ail electrical xviii hefinished 1FI(l the buildings will sit awhilefor tlie concrete construction and plasterto properly dry and age (luring the Indiansuiner (1’ larch to June). Planning andpurchasi ng for equipiient, hirniture, fittings

and fixtures iill he conpleted during thistine, aid instillation vill begin soon afterthe rainy eaon is finished.

None Ofthis will interfire with the functionofthe current I)ispensar which has been quite

been added to the ranks of ourtreating doctors this year, onemorning a week. A pediatrician isnow serving the children as needed.‘VVe have 1lO\V added a con1iter

and vill be installing an inventory controlsysten to help manage the growing costs ofnedicines for our increasing patient load.Our thanks to the donors fbr that iten uIalso to the New Zealandconpany donating thesoft\vare.

During this year wewill he changing a few (‘

the internal proceduresthat we think will fit thephysical layout ofthe nexvdispensary. I n this xvav weshould he able to inoveiilt() the new structurewith our fiet running inthe right direction. \Veare ln)ping to add theservices of a gynecologist I

SOOn xvho is sorely needed

by our funale patients, who constitute themajority of patients. This is no differentto the ‘vVest where approximately 60% ofpatients attending general practitioners of—flees are also female. (Women it appears aremore able to l(lII1it a problen than inen ai1seek help in tune. Is this the reason woinenlive longer)

Also this year we are hoping that some

finances vill become available to1irchisea senn—autonatic coinplete blood counter.If the iuiinber of patients continues to in—crease, the current laboratory will be unableto handle the nniiial tests that we currentlyperfrni ill a tinely inainer and either cx—tended ln)urs fr 0111 current lab tech or andditioiiil enployee will becoine necessary.I,\ niaiuial test takes up to I S ininutes per

LAn TIpdnte on the Jkkher :free(Aiwr:a4)

Jllichael Raiitsden, DC, JVleherazad

Building Progress as ofFebruary 2005

A will see from the photographs,substantial progress has been made with

the structure of both the New Dispensaryand the new StaffQiarters since we gave thefirst write-up in the July 2004 LampPost.

\‘Ve were anticipating being further alongand being able to inoe by the beginningofJul) However this is m)t possible at themoment. This is partly due to the increasedram this last year. We had 39 inches at Me—herazad with a normal of26 inches. Obvi—Ously the increased rain is more importantfir a iuimber ofreasons fbr both the farmingcommunity and l\Ieherazad; neither had to busy this last year. There were 15,206 patienttruck in water since lastJune. Last year prior visits, not counting current staffand their closeto the monsoon, we were trucking in 1500 ffimilies, from 1—1—2004 to 31—12—2004. Thisto 2500 gallons a day ju9t to keep th”s is the highest number seen in the last 6 years.

There have been a few changes at

r the clinic but nothing that wouldstimulate such a large increase ofover 2000 visits from the prior years.Perhaps the fiurth year of a signifi—cant drought with its attendant lack_,f fi)od and finances had a hand inbringing these numbers to Baba’sdoor fr help.

A new niedical specialty has

The iiev’ /tJL’hL’r Fiee’ Di.speiisai’

The (SOfOOt bug o’cttioii a;va.

pttietvithout interruptions—whereas

one senn—autonnited test takes only oneminute. There would be significant futureeInployee cost savings if xve had this pieceof equipinent.

Se///cio/l I/i/i (!V L’L’/l thioiih ii LLl/1/OLL o//he new in/i qua! ILlS.

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Additionally we are planning to implement a program to better assist the manyseizure patients that currently rely on theDispensary for their iong term medication/iliness management. There may be afew cost savings for the dispensary as thisclass of patient utilizes one fifth of themedicine/drug costs.

Most of the current staff has served inthe Dispensary for six—plus years and somehave served over 20 years. It is in part dueto their continued dedication that we areable to contunie serving the poor in thesurrounding cotnrnunity. It goes witl)utsaying that those ofyou who have given tothe Dispensary in either time and suppliesor finances are also serving our Beloved inthe poor Who COITIC to Baba’s clinic.

l\dost Oflll tlv)ugh, it is Dr Goher, Eruch,:N’iai-ii, Arnavaz, Pendu, Aloba, Bhau, Katie,Falu, Shelley 1Fi(i Meherwan that we mustthank, whose love fr Beloved Baba andservice to Him in the poor in the last 36years ran this Dispensary and remain theinspiration for all who continue to serve ourBeloved in it, fl() iiatter where you are.

Ior more inf()rnation contact NIike Rans—den at 1\ieherazad:

incardcind@earthlink. net

Babac birthday continuedfronzpage 21li1(1 unknowingly becoie overheated anddehydrated, lit he was found to be oth—erxvise okay. l’he audience filed out of theauditoriun in relief

As a beautiful loving end to a day ofsuch overflowing expressions of praise andtluks to iir Beloved Cod, Irwin Iick”sfiln “Avatar ofthe Age, the I Iuian Side ofGod” vas shown in the Theatre later on inthe evening. Truly a “l\”Ierry Babamas to alldiid to all a good night!”

J)e/?J•(l/1i Rai/r fllZL’177 Ti/k, 18 1llnivh

IEditoi note: In our last issue we ian an article

exploring the iieed/br a hoine/isr our Baha—lovingseiliorcitizens. iVhile in India Iwas askecito ran thisarticle Irving out the start ojjztst such a home ihtthen in AIeheiahatL At the inoinentjust the landhasheenpitrchasedana’the lion—pro/it charitahle Trust setup. It woiildseein to he agoodcoining together ofEastann’ [I’’st ifthis home coida’ answer the iieeac ofthe(I%’5tL’1/1L’1V. 4/Icr all, the lana’ is alis’ai/v there.

Universally the demographic profile ofsenior citizens is changing rapidly. In

iiany hones, parents and children do notwant to stay together. It is not always thefiult of the children. The old are also toblame in riviny cases for they do not refrainfrom interfering in their children’s’ lives. AtOile point, the seniors need to acknowledgethat they are being looked after and becontent.

A new section of old people in Indianeed affordable facilities. J\’Iostly theseare the l1rents Of non—resident Indians or

inland professionals/businessnen/residentfreigners. A large tuiniber of elderly nowlive alone without their children, and requirecare, assistance, help and services at theirplace of residence. Services fir the elderlyrange froi legal assistance, financial advice,ai-id help xvith pension prohlens, propertytLX notices, etc.

From Old Vanaspatashrarns to NeedFor Charitable New Old HomesDetails ofold—age Iv)nes in the country

is flot available, though the first old—agehome iii India vas set up as fir back as theearly I 8th century There are nearly 1000old—age iies all over 11i(lia. For iianyolder people who have nosvhere to go udno Ofl to support them, these hoiiies serveas a safe haven. They give a sense of securityand friendship to share their grievances svithothers like thei staying at the lv)ne, nakingthem an uiisual thIiilv ofolder people. Fhevoluntary sector was the first to respond tother1ieis ofthe elderly in IiIia.

()ld—age lvies in India are used by the‘need’ elderly to pass their last iay eitheras a last resort when for various reasons thefiinilv support systen breaks down, or forseeking solace while (lisengaging fron taI—

ily and social concerns. IThe quality of carein these homes varies, ranging from the barerniriiI-nl_ii-Fi oflodging and hoarding flicilitiesto provisions for iedical services (though

only at a primary level), recreational pursuits, and social. Old-age homes may offera viable solutioii to the problems afflictingthe urban old, particularly, poverty, hous—ing shortages, and the often harsh conflictbetween generations.

“ Death is God’s most precious boon tomankind”, says an elderly, dedicated, devouthousewife who lost her 85—year old husbandafter his prolonged illness. Euthanasia mightsuggest itself as 01W of the desperate waysOut ofold age—indeed out ofthis world! Itis not the best answer, but a new home firthe aged is a better solution!

Needfor Having an Old-Age Homein a SpiritualAtmosphere

Most Indians spend their final years visit—

ing holy places. For senior lovers of Avatarl\’Ieher Baha, l’sIeherabad is the ultimate holydestination. I\Iany senior citizens wish to

settle down in Meherabad in the hope thatin the uituin oftheir lives they will be ableto continue their spiritual inirsuits. Seniorcitizens have been through life’s expanseai-ici experienced every enotion. lo sit hack,reflect oii the past, watch the future and live

in the present is a drean of every senior

citizen. It’s only when we reach our ripe oldage we realize the value of our lives.

Tucked away in the interiors of Ahmed—nagar is the spiritual abode ofAvatar C’vleherBaba. Near the serene surroundings of thetoinb shrine of the Avatar in ]\ieherabadnestles the fea I louse otthe August i\Ioon,a cozy home fir senior citizens.

“Tea House of the August Moon” hasbeen conceived as a home for the aged, toserve senior citizens, who after retirementhave no support systeI of their fiiiilies. Itwill also help then to live with dignity andself—respect. It will also offer the ‘Right Careat the Right Fiie’ for individuals whosecondition requires attention.

‘VVith the loviI-Ig grace Of Beloved l\leherBaba, Shri Alok Nagpal ofl\lunha has vi—sualized this lv)ie for the aged ud f()rnedIea I louse of the lugust 1\ loon PublicCharitable Trust. The devotion to serve theelderly caifle vhen he sav soine )OOr uid oldpilgriis shivering in the cold JaIiary nights(luring t\iartithi atul the gern to providelccoInnodation vith nedical ficilities for

them was lorn. \Vith the main objective

of serving senior Baha lovers, he has beeninspired to fwni “Tea I louse of the August

7;at 2louse of the August A4oon24ivcditn .2’Iagpat, JlI4umbai

7he beauty of old age iies in its wisdom.

one with the 7ruth-TItrough ages of darkness and

suffering mankind anrnits inc and

lILY 7.riith. 3 and the 7riith which:7 bring arc insearaLilc, one from

the oilier. 7 ant one with the Truth.LA’!ay you all, too break throughthe numberless cages and realise

that you arc one with the limitlessTruth of divine life.

-dfrteher 13aba20

Moon” into a Trust which will have Easternand Western Baba lovers as trustees. Selflessvolunteers will look after the day-to-dayfunctioning.

Trying to care for an aging parent mayseem overwhelming for children. Elders areshy about asking for help from their family.Few seek professional guidance, or communicate their problems. Once in Meherabad,there is an outpouring of Meher Baba’sUniversal Love, which makes one ‘Happywithout any worries’. The best legacy wecan bequeath to our children is not to bea burden on them; at the same time theelderly can keep their independence, dignityand self-respect. They can also remain in ahomey atmosphere and not feel isolated inabsence of their children.

It is no wonder that those attracted toMeher Baba wish to spend their last days onearth near His Tomb shrine in Meherabad.Preference will be given to those above theage of 60 years and who have retired fromactive life. There will be no distinction toany caste, creed or nationality

With the gracious blessings of BelovedMeher Baba the Home hopes be of serviceto the needy individuals that knock on itsdoors.

For more information please visit us at: http://www.augustmoonindia.com or email Mr. Alok Nagpal at:alok@augustmoonindia.corn for furtherenquiries.

Bhauji birthday continuedfrompage 18He embraced me, and again He said,

“Today is My Birthday.”It had been my birthday, and once again,

I had forgotten.Then He called all the Mandali mem

bers and gave everyone prasad. Such aCompassionate One! Though He was suffering and suffering, still He rememberedmy birthday.

So now, His lovers send messages toexpress their wishes, and I came to realizethat it had been my birthday. How fortunatethey all are. Though I forget, Baba remindsme through them. That’s why I salute theirlove for the Beloved.

With all love and Jai Baba to you,

In His love and service, 13hctu

rm ideas, beliefs, opinions, viewsor doctrines that a person may

intellectually “hold11 constitute asuperficial layer of human personality...

-Meher Baba

The celebration ofBaba’s 1 1 ith Birthdayat Meherabad began in the dark hours

ofthe early morning of25th February withlovely temperate weather. Some of us hadbeen concerned about the cold spell thathad recently hit India with heavy snowfallup in the Kashmiri region, and I, for one,wasn’t looking forward to bundling up inmismatched clothing at 4:00 a.m. for sucha special occasion! Oh, but the day beganwith such a wonderful warmth and justa touch of a cool breeze. By 5:00 a.m.,Meherabad Hill shone with hundreds ofpilgrims, residents and villagers dressed inmulti-coloured saris and kurtas and shirts.The Samadhi was decked with blinkingcolorful lights, sparkling decorations andsweet-smelling garlands hanging fromevery post. Beloved Baba’s tomb marblewas filled from top to bottom with roses aswere the marble tops of the shrines of Hisspecial ones all around Him.

Suddenly, “Avatar Meher Baba Ki Jai!”resounded seven times, and in the pin-dropsilence that followed, a little song began...“Bells I hear so new and clear, it’s five o’clockin the morning. . .“ So many talented singerswere present, and each had the opportunityto sing a number of songs, since the sing-a-long after the 5 a.m. arti lasted for all ofthree hours! How beautiful it felt to hearso many wonderful musicians sharing sucha variety of songs for Beloved Baba. Therewere Persian singers, a Hawaiian singer,various Indian songs and even a very sweetJapanese version of Silent Night. Groupsongs and solos alternated in creating acontinuing movement ofOne Grand Birth-day Song which crescendoed in a howling,rocking “The Highest ofthe High” that hadeveryone clapping and singing at the top oftheir lungs, followed by an ear-shattering“Avatar Meher Baba ki Jai!”

Later in the afternoon, a grand premierfor the Music and Arts Demonstration Centre: an art exhibition ofmurals, paintings (oncloth as well as on canvas and paper), andeven tiny sculptured shrines holding a van-ety ofspinitually symbolic items was shown.So many quiet and hidden artists as well asfamiliar ones came out ofthe woodwork todisplay their lovely creations right on thetheatre veranda.

Finally, the awaited Birthday play of-fening to Baba, this year an enactment of

the life of Sai Baba the Perfect Master andQutub ofthe Age who gave Merwan SheniarIrani Infinite Power and proclaimed Him asParvardigar! The theatre was packed, withpeople lined up even along the aisles. Beautiful choral music both Eastern and Westernenhanced the beauty of the story of SaiBaba, beginning with an episode showinghis great devotion and service to his MasterZar-Zani-Zar Baksh in a previous incarnation which lead to Zar-Zani promising himGod realization in his future life. The storyunfolded with all the quirks of the variousMasters depicted with character, sensitivity and delightful humour, with Sai Baba(played by Peter Nordeen) himself shiftingfrom the extreme variation of adorablesweetness to terrifying fierceness.

An interesting coincidence occurred inconnection with a relatively small episodein the play. This scene told of a furtherinteraction between Merwan (our Baba)and Sai Baba. The story was told by BigKhorshed (Baba’s brotherJamshed’s wife) toher adopted daughter Hutoxi. Unbeknownstto any ofthe cast, down in the audience wasHutoxi herself, who had just happened tocome to Meherabad for the Birthday aftermany years and was watching the play! Shelater mentioned that she received such ashock at seeing herself depicted onstage,and by a Persian actress who so resembledher as a young girl!

Another unexpected happening tookplace at the dramatic height of the play --

the meeting of young Merwan (played byMerwan Luck) and the Qutub, Sai Baba ofShirdi. It was so beautifully acted, and sointensely impacted the audience, that at themoment that Sai Baba cried out “Parvardigar Ho!” and lost consciousness, unseen inthe audience Bhauji himselfsimultaneouslylost consciousness. The play came to a haltdue to this real-life drama, and amidst thecommotion ofthe crowd, I saw Bhauji palefaced and unconscious rushed out in a car toMeher Hospital nearby. After perhaps tento fifteen minutes delay, the play continued,losing none of its vigour, as “Sai Baba andcrew” conscientiously kept the show goingwith encouragement from the Directorand other helpers backstage. At the end ofthe play, it was announced that Bhauji wasfine. Deeply absorbed in the play, Bhauji

continued in 1st column onpage 20

21

,JVkher 1kbds 111th 13irthdiiyCelebration ctt J4’kitcrnbtid

Once Amartithi was over and the sunshone brightly in the sky and warmly

on our faces, I ventured over to the school tocatch up with Stella Manuel, the Principalwho has done so much to turn the schoolaround and make it one of the most highlyrated schools in Maharashtra State. She is awarm and lovingladywho makes the childrenfeel good about themselves and is a championof the girls, who have a tough row to hoe inthe poorer villages oflndia. Education is theirticket out of poverty and oppression, andStella sees to it that they get it!

The January 2003 issue of your Lamp-Post devoted the cover story to lengthyarticles about the school and what their mostpressing needs were. I told how they childrenhad just been introduced to basketball, totheir intense delight; but they had to playon a stony uneven field. Likewise the quad,in front of all the classrooms and on whichthe children played, sat, and ate their lunch,was more ofthe same. A very generous Babalover in Australia cared so much about theirplight that she donated $5000.

.

So when I visited the school this yearI was looking forward to seeing smoothpaving everywhere. To my disappointmentit seemed to look the same as always, butnot so, Stella hastened to assure me. Con-struction doesn’t work in India as it doesin the rest of the world. Work had indeedbeen started on the grounds, but they hadto work around the Wet Season as well asthe vacation time of the school children. Itwould be impossible to have the childrentry to pay attention in class with bulldozersgoing full tilt outside their windows. Theground had been graded, but they had to

let it sit through the Wet and then it wouldsettle. After that, a few months later, morework could be done. So hopeftilly by nextyear we will see the children playing on aregulation (albeit outdoors) basketball court.My dreams of having Nike or Adidas orthe NBA adopt the school and see to theirsports never eventuated—but only becauseI have never had the time to approach thepowers that be at such organizations! If anyofour readers are adept at that sort of thingand would get a kick out ofseeing a genuinebasketball court, bleachers, lights for night-time games, children with decent sneakersespecially made for basketball or other crosstrainers on their feet, uniforms etc, etc,just the normal things that all schools inthe States, England and Australia take forgranted, then please! Feel free to coordinatewith the Trust on making this happen!

Remember those famous and oh so truewords of our Beloved:

“Real Happiness Lies in Making OthersHappy!”

4ion the Jj4j English 5chootDina Snow9ibson

-:--‘- ‘4

Meher School Quad

, ,:;

f:.. ,:.:

‘ -‘T.—,

I

‘ f . I ITiles readvforplacement

“

Stella Manuel, Pi-incial ofMeher School

The children are taught handicraft making as apossihle source ofincome.

22

The childreni slogansforpollution prevention in support ofEnvironment Day.

.4fl1WUflCCWefltS7;LIPO jfl Last Dssue!

We gave you the new email address forPathan, the driver who can pickyou up whenyour plane arrives in Mumbai at lam anddrive you straight to Meherabad, gettingyou there in time for Arti and breakfast,followed by a trip into ‘Nagar to register atthe Trust office when it opens at 10 am. Butalas — the typo gremlins were at it again andwe mispelled his name.

The correct email address is:Pathan13@yahoo.com

To telephone from the US, his homenumber is 011 91 241 242 1577 and his cellphone is 011 91 9823247022.This man goesway above and beyond the call of duty intaking care ofvisiting Baba lovers. There wasa young lady who got stranded in Varanasi,and put in an emergency call to Pathan. Acar was despatched to pickJessica and herfriend up and the round trip was made in63 hours! Now that’s service!

2ew rDigital 7)ideo 3i1m

‘4bout the 7rust /1vctilableInterspersinglovely still photos with film

footage ofAvatar Meher Baba, His Samadhi, Meherabad, Meher Nazar, and Meherazad, a new film is being released about theAvatar Meher Baba Trust, relating, in briefthe story of the Trust’s creation, its presentactivities, and plans for future development.Entitled simply Avatar Meher Baba Trust,the film is now available.

Unique to this Avataric Advent is thefact that Meher Baba created a Trust forthe benefit of all humanity. Like any otherman, He left behind Him for His loved onesa physical legacy under the Trust’s custody.However, unlike other men, He also leftbehind a spiritual legwv at I us Tomb—Shrine at 1\4leherab;id to inspire tR1ntlessgenerations to 1OVC (1 and tlfld I 1in asone’s true Self.

Running to I 3 minutes, the tilin provi(lesan excellent short ntr(xluction to ar organi—zation that the Avatar I Iimselfcreated andchargedwith certain objectives as set forth inthe Trust Deed. The turn’s opening minuteshows footage from the Three IncredibleWeeks darshan of September 1954, whilethe narration relates some of what I\IeherBaba, as the Father of creation, Said aboutHis universal religion oflove and the futureof Meherabad.

The film provides SOnIC shots of theoriginal Trust Deed, signed by Baba on 6thApril 1959, and reviews Sortie ofits key pro-visions, and reveals how Meher Baba pains-takinglyworked out every detail. Followingthe directives that Baba set furth there, in1998 the Trust formulated a DevelopmentPlan; the film reviews the significance of thePlan, its goals, and what has been accornplished up until now. The film incorporatesshots of Bhau Kalchuri, the Trust’s currentChairman, and EruchJessawala, who shareinsights on the Trust’s significance.

The film is produced and distributed byMeher Prasad. Available in DVD format, bymail order it can be purchased for 3.OO US(to cover postage and handling) by personsfrom anywhere in the world. Orders shouldbe sent to Meher Prasad, P0 Box 1686,Myrtle Beach, SC 29582-1686. Howeverifyou are already placing an order with theLove Street Bookstore it can be added toyour order for the $3 fee.

Streaming Online 3ilinsMitchell Rose (a Holywood filmmaker

and member of our Baba Center) haslaunched a website that streams some ofhis comedic short films featuring collaborations with other Baba folk including BillyGoodrum, Ashley Roland, Jamey Hampton, Robert Een, Fritz Sperberg, CharlieCampagna, and Rob Thornburn. The filmshave won 47 festival awards and have played

around the world on TV, airlines, museums,even the CBSJumbovision inTimes Square.And now. . . Oil your computerjJnless you’revery patient, voull need a cable or DSLconnection to watch the movies (except for“Name Categories” which you could watchwi th (1 il -up). hrtp://www.mitchellrose.coin. (please!)

_/4iivllicr 4111 Lciicration EBaba Lover:Joiiis Ilic 3fold

Sean ;\iexLnder 1\Iendoza, son of Mi-chad and i’cresi Iranklin Mendoza, daugh—ter of [)ina tl Jerry Franklin, daughter ofl)iana Sno (finir generations, count ‘em!)was born \ larch 9th at 11.14 pm. The littlePisces veighed in at a not so little 9 lbs,20” long. I Ic joins his Baba loving siblingsNicole, 6 In(l RVt11, 4 at their Los Angeleshome, IlOt far from their Grandy, DmaSnow (ibson.

Kian 1\’Ieher Russ, born to Payam andGlenn Russ of Los Angeles on February28th at 1 :02 pm, weighing 6 lbs 2 oz.

Welcome to 2Iis M)orld!

:::

23

Life Size J4larb!c Sltiliic for IIIL’

JPilgrim 2circaiJ urgis Sapkus, I\Iastcr Siti1ptr living

in IOS Angeles, vill be sttl1tIn a t.1tueof Biha tron solid marble .inl dn)ltnlg it

to the i\ I PR. Jurgis lu%c t t Bihihnlding I us beloved m.i.t N I hinnnd. I IcvilI he lcting for I ndi.i in JILl t %pcnd1l’()t1t iX lflOflthS v()rLItn. ‘1) th1. rrt.

‘‘ :flnp.1nic(I l)V till tnirhh . lIc tr.1\cling to the lulrrlc’ ii \ I Lr.Ln.i I’L—

jL%thIn. to %cck out thu h4t t niirhlctr thc P’’’— ‘cr

hi L, hit “c ilulitc il ut S N) 11 heIleutleLl ft r tIU.. tri ul ti rt h ni h hie( )t t Ii. inirIle I t ii ‘ hi h L t t rll’L1te

t( this pri1’t, hu k lu ntjc ut

NI1(.’S(.’ vith .i tn’teti’n n tie l4ttTnt()r InLrhle Pr)1t iI tt t! (etiters

lddre% (1 tile 11.Ltll1I ‘ e I9ei’ein ‘te tiLit ho heL ti H ‘EI11l TI tT Hit!

S I () LiliOtitit kit! Ij. lilt?) ‘ lit! ‘ ti ire it

t he \ I I1 ( )tl ti Ti tic I .i ‘ it i .l i v ugaze tLl( )Ii tIR..’ tit ile kin .. i I elpedtiiike it hppen

lie \ I II is ltiT jt the liov—iltce for I)dlid irtits. \s L1i?itIq flttl in theiiiirtithi report, \nn.i I)e ITT.Iing a 2 1 foOt big turd it the entranceto the \VOtileIS side; L)iiia I e Riges I 6paintings, etch nine I 1 or ftt, vill hehung along the valls i ii side t he ti ii i ig l11,Charlie l\lills vill he jiiitiiig a large P(irtr1it

of Baba to ling hove the etitrinee to thedining hail itself and Suhsm Reoriented isdonating a stained glass vindov for the tim—ing hall.TedJudson has invited nunher ofartists tO stay over there fuir whatever timethey need to create their masterpieces. Wewill have the story in the next issue.

7I/!einorial Dag at J4lclicraiia...Jl4ake It!!

If Bhauji can travel thousands of milesfrom India to be here - we can travel a few

hundred miles to be with him! CharlesGibson will be the musical guest to wow youwith his music. May 28-30th. For information call the Pearsons at 209 966 5078 oremail Chris Pearson:

cpearson@yosemite.net

2’Iews from the 2teartlandDebbie Nordeen, North Carolina

It is with great joy that we inform youthat the Burleson House ofthe Avatar Me-her Baba Heartland Center now officiallybelongs to Baba! The Beloved turned the24

key, and with His generosity and intentthrough you and 300 other Baba-Lovers,this wonderful new Center is born! In fourshort months $150,000 was raised. This isjust enough for closing costs, some essentialrepairs, and a little towards our first yearoperating costs. Jai Baba! His Wish andWill always prevail!

Inaugural Sahavas: Plans are being final-ized to hold a Sahavas in Prague May 20-22,2005, to inaugurate the Burleson House. Thegathering will focus on Baba’s 1952 visit tothe West, primarily the collision in Prague,and we hope it will include many specialguests, including Bhau Kalchuri. There willalso be much music, storytelling, readingsfrom Baba’s time in Oklahoma, visits to theaccident site, the clinic and other local sites,and a ribbon-cutting tea-party opening ofthe house. Volunteers are needed immediately to work on planning and implementingthis gathering. It’s only a month away! Let usknow ifyou can help in any way. Ifyou can,please contact Carolyn Bail at 479-25 17747or cmball@minspring.com.

Caretaker/s for Burleson House: Weare seeking a caretaker, a single person ormarried couple. Our first caretaker/s mustbe people-friendly Baba lover/s with theirown income. They must be sensitive to thepolitics ofa small town, able to project a kindand charitable image, enthusiastic aboutcreating a nurturing, welcoming haven, and

willing to work with the Board’s direction.Free housing will be provided and the chanceto have an active Baba-filled life. Duties willinclude registration and hosting functions,light housekeeping and light bookkeeping.For full information and to receive an application form, please email Dr. Robert Rubey:rroubaix@worldnet.att.net

Development ofthe Guest House: in anamazingly short time the Burleson Housewill be available for individual and smallgroup overnight stays and retreats.The guesthouse policies and guidelines will probablybe similar to the Meher Center, and this willbe worked out soon.

If you are visiting Prague, you can callLynn Wilhite at 405 567 1572 as she hasagreed to be interim caretaker and will showyou around.

More about this exciting project and awrite up of the May Sahavas will be in theOctober issue of the LampPost.

Q&:.’1 with the9o&MmPut to the Meher Baba bythe Representa

tive ofthe Daily Mirror ofLondon in 1932

QWhat do you teach your enquirers?A. According to their individual needs;but when I speak to the whole world, myteaching will be universal.

Q Can you raise the dead?A. If necessary. Christ raised the dead andmade the blind to see. But to anybody whohas attained the state of consciousness thatI have reached, miracles are child’s play.

Q Did Babajan teach you all that you areteaching now?A. No. She did not teach me exactly. Sheunlocked the door. I knew that I had powerswithin me; but it was She who showed mewhat they meant. It was not something tobe taught but to be lived and experienced.

Q Do you impose any discipline or rule oflife on your followers and encourage fastingand vegetarianism?A. Only according to their individual needs.One of my disciples in India has lived forfour years on water and a little milk. But ifa man has a family, perhaps, I don’t ask himto forsake it.QFromwhich religious teacher did you deriveyour philosophy, from Christ or Buddha?A. From no one teacher in particular.Christ, Buddha, Krishna. . . . these are namesfor states of consciousness.

TheAwakener 1959 Volume VI, No. 3 FilisFrederick Editor Copyright 1959

Meher Baba andMoharnmed byjuigis Sapkus

Whnt’s t’t’.. ut JWeItabodeJ4’khcr Btthds 13irthday Celebrated with ti ¶Pcrfonnance of ‘5jbi!’s Drrnm”

A4argaret 7I’k1jnits, Los ..Anycks

Avatar Meher Baba’s birthday was celebrated at Meherabodewith the premier and the one-time performance of”Sybil’s Dream”byjurgis Sapkus. In the play, a young girl, Sybil (Mariah Valentine)dreams of the five Perfect Masters who help demonstrate God’slove.

Babajan (Deborah Ashe) begins the narration and introduces theother Perfect Masters: Narayan Maharaj (Suhas Ginde), Lord ofthe Heart;Tajuddin Baba (HarryThomas), Crown ofthe Prophets;Sai Baba (Ray Lee), the Fakir ofAllah; and Upsani Maharaj (SamErvin), King ofthe Yogis.

The story unfolds to show how three people bound up by greedand other human frailties have created problems for the world andfor themselves: Ugnes (Richard Stermer), a young man of fire who

Cast members sing the closing song. L to R Sam Ervin, Stephanie Ervin RichardStermei; Hariy Thomas (Tajuddin Baba,), and Suhas Ginde (Narayan Maharaj).

was a scientist in a life ofthe past; Audra (Stephanie Ervin), a womanofthe water and a lady ofrneans in a life ofthe past; and Winsome( i\largaret 1’vlagnus), a woman of the air and wind and a lawyer ina life of the past. They are freed by God’s love.

Bahajin and Upasni reminiscence ahmt their time with Avatar;\ leher Baha and explain their roles in helping Him realize His own1)ivinit-v. There are t’V() musical numbers in the playwith words byS;ipktis 11111 fl1SiC by J\she.

The was well received with the audience acknowl—edging the entire cast and crew, including assistant director and setdesigner, i’\lia Campagna; light and sound by Mark Brutus; musicby [)eborah Ashe; pmp assistance from Sona Valentine; and overailassistance tVI(l ranagenent from I)5C Choi.

Richard Stermer as Ugnes, Stephanie Ervin as Audra, andMargaret Magnus as Winsome.

DeboivhAshe (lft), as Babajan, explains to Shil, plved by MariahValentine, about thefive Peifect Masters. Next to Sbi1 is Upsani Maharaj,

plaved by Sam Eivin, and Ugnes andActdiv.

Kudos to the Director and Plavwright—Juigis Sapkus.L to R Deborah Ashe, Mariah Valentine, Sam Ervin and Rosie

Choi (Narrator andAssistant Director,).

25

lVhat’s up at ..A/Ieiicraiwdc cviiiiiiiicd:

A Note From the President Steve Berry.I’d like to give my hearttHt thijiks to the

Board tiwmbcrs who served nir Ueiiter SO

ve11 in 2004:

LoisJo,zes—Vice President md Irori,nChair(:ookic’ Reiiuli’au— I’i \CI \Karini Pige—Peronnel1)i,1l Siio’v_’ (;i/’soii—P11 Ill n nitl

(_‘ 1fltiitit1iiti()I1%

(‘/iiii l:VU/e——--1’ininIH/111 Parioi,—[undrRigi Su/o,ia—Se rut.4’rry .1t

\ virn % iL ‘tile ti t h t n in _ 2f H

I )Lkl, three t 114 ni ire ft ‘ t &1

our Iil\i ()t1tflhIl1lt 1) t! tu ti ti

I( irI N Ietiuler, itiI ne ‘ ruturnnlgitter t\vun(v e1r. Ihink u i ‘ nu Ii for( )LIf lriver in \ lutituirin i it Liff,n!—10(1 110 jilt LkIJItr. ic i t!ic 2()OSloird i- L .fTOii1 % h( ) dLtiliIt ) TiLe t hive1in, oke around, and j4our ‘ iL eR it theSiTC tune. I look tnr ird t ‘rLiiu vith( )U through( )iit the ear.

New this ear:

Char/es Gibso,,—Prr.i,ii Ch.iirKent I!a,ison—1i xed \ setLyiine Berry—ServiceRosie Choi—SecretaryAnd gluttons for soulsreturning for more good tine:l3ina Snow Gibso,i—IihIicitiotis intl Corn—municationsBe/naz Partovi—Rindraising

Steve Berry—Prcsiden t 111(1 Ii nance co—

chairKarma Pag—Personnel an(l Finance co—chair

eher Mount is 173 acres of woodedwilderness on top ofSulphurMountain in

Ojai. After Avatar Meher Baba asked His loversin the West to find a spot for a center two hoursfrom a major city a foundation including

Jcan Adriel and Agnes Baron discovered theproperty and purchased it in 1946, naming it

Meher Mount.In 1952, Meher Baba told Agnes He

wanted her to put Meher Mount in her nameand to take care ofit for Him. Agnes replied,“If that’s what you want, Baba, I’ll keepMeher Mount for you through hellfire anddamnation.” In referring to Meher Mount,Meher Baba remarked, “Next to MyrtleBeach, I love this place best.”

Meher Mount is now a non-profit corporation governed by a Board of Directors,and is open to all. It is a place ofbeauty andrefuge. And it is a place for work, meditation, and losing oneself in service. Most ofall, it’s a place where the Avatar of the Agewalked, and it carries a special feeling andsignificance because of His presence.

The current Manager/Caretakers, Ray

Johnston and Elizabeth Arnold, are leavingon May 15, 2005 after three years at MeherMount. They are moving to South Africa tocare take of a healing research center there.They have done a wonderful job, and therehave been many accomplishments duringtheir tenure.

Dnfrastructure DrnprovementsMany of Meher Mount’s achievements

revolve around improvements in the infrastructure. With strong community support,including money, time and work, MeherMount now has the major components ofthe new water system. These componentsinclude: 1,500 feet of new pipe from thewell to the pool with adjacent electricalconduit; moving the pump switch up thehill; a 5,000-gallon water tank; a pool cover;a reverse-osmosis water treatment system inthe house; and an external water treatment

system that is still being tweaked. Thisinfrastructure has greatly improved MeherMount’s ability get usable water.

In addition, the road to the well hasbeen graded, rebuilt and is now accessible toSouthern California Edison. The drivewaywas re-graded and rebuilt with donatedgravel. With Ray’s vigilant tending, thedriveway held up during this winter’s heavyrains when other driveways on SulphurMountain were washed out. These improve-ments help in both the functioning and theappearance ofMeher Mount.

The new Heart Gate on the drivewayaids security by keeping out late-night par-tygoers and helps with safety by preventingpeople from just wandering on the propertyIt is a welcoming touch and represents asymbolic and actual opening of the heartto visitors.

Until the Fall of2004, volunteers at Me-her Mount cleared the tall grasses and weedswith hand weed whackers that dated backto the 1940’s. The Caretakers used a pushmover that took six days every few weeksto mow the needed areas of the property.Last fall, with support from the communityMeher Mount acquired a ride-on mower.Now the required mowing takes one, insteadofsix, days.

Each set of caretakers has cared for theproperty, and Meher Mount reflects thisheartfelt investment oftime and energy. Rayand Elizabeth have kept the property cleanand tidy while making it more appropriatefor wildlife. The tender loving care has en-hanced the attractiveness, naturalness andpeace one feels at Meher Mount. With the“no dogs” policy, there has been an increasein another type ofvisitor: we are now seeinga greater variety ofbirds and wildlife on theproperty, including peacocks, bobcats, coy-otes, deer, bear and one mountain lion.

Community &ipportThe Weeds ‘n’Water Fund Raising effort

not only funded the specific water project, it

also helped to engage the community withMeher Mount. It provided a model forchanneling necessary financial resources toachieve specific improvements. That momentum is being carried over into the cur-rent Annual Fund Drive, which will becomea recurring opportunity for participation.

For six months in 2003, Meher Mounthad a special opportunity to be one of five

What’s :Itappening nt J1’khcr J4’kuntb1 &rn Eruin, Los An&s

sites featured in a special exhibit, The Es-sence of Ojai, at the Ojai Valley Museum.The Caretakers, with input from the Board,pulled together photographs and descriptions of Meher Mount, Agnes Baron andAvatar Meher Baba.

Externally, the museum exhibit helpedMeher Mount to connect to the local communityin a way it had not before. More localresidents now appreciate and respect whatMeher Mount has to offer.

After the Ojai Museum exhibit closed,the information and photographs were givento Meher Mount and are now on display inthe main room of the house. This ability tohave the exhibit on display at Meher Mountprovides a great orientation for visitors toMeher Mount. About two years ago, MeherMount had a mailing list ofabout 100-plusnames, now there are about 500 names andaddresses. The list provides a way to communicate with the broad community of peopleinterested in Meher Mount.

Dncreased7}isitorsThe new Heart Gate and re-graveled,

graded entryway create an inviting firstimpression with a positive, welcoming tone.The signposts giving directions add to asense of welcome and orientation. Threeyears ago, there were 500 visitors a year toMeher Mount. In 2004, there were 1,000.There’s more interest in Meher Mount nowthan there was several years ago. Also, thereis a rising desire to visit Meher Baba placesof pilgrimage.

In the past several years, there have beena number of group meetings focused onMeher_Baba. In addition to the regularlyscheduled Anniversary Celebration ofMe-her Baba’s Visit to Meher Mount (the firstSaturday in August), Meher Mount hashosted a number of guest speakers sharingtheir experiences and meetings with Me-her Baba. The speakers have included: BillLePage, Diana LePage, Adele Wolkin, TexHightower, Dr. G.S.N. Moorty ProfessorDigambar Gadekar,Judge Henry Kashoutyand Esfandiar Vesali. Meher Mount is be-coming a regular stop in the speaking circuitfor visitors and guests.

A!eher JlI4ount’s 3jutureTaking a cue from other Meher Baba

centers, including Meherabad and Meherazad, Meher Mount began a long-rangeplanning process. There were two long-range planning community meetings,particularly the larger meeting in February2004 that provided an opportunity to bring

people together to discuss what they wouldlike to see at Meher Mount. And this inputhas helped and will continue to guide theBoard in developing a long-range plan forMeher Mount.

‘Iew Director to 13oardJimWhitson ofSanta Barbara, California,

has been elected to the Board of Directorsfor Meher Mount Corp. in Ojai, California.

Jim has been a long-time supporter and ahard-working volunteer at Meher Mount.Jim fills the opening left by the resignationof Bob Hazard of Goleta, California, whowas appointed by the former owner/founderand guiding spirit, Agnes Baron.

Meher Mount has five members on theBoard of Directors. The others are SamErvin, Chairman, of Long Beach, California; Bing Heckman, Secretary/Treasurer, ofPalo Alto, California;Jim Auster of Aspen,Colorado; and Jamshid Ebrahimzadeh ofIrvine, California.

Meher Mount is at 9902 SulphurMountain Road, Ojai, California. Telephone: 805-640-0000. Meher Mount isopen Wednesday through Sunday; closedMonday and Tuesday.

t: for a Jfrlanager/CaretakerBeing a caretaker at Meher Mount can be

described as inspiring, daunting, frustrating,exhilarating and transforming.

Opportunity: Live in one of the fewplaces available in the U.S. where AvatarMeher Baba visited. Experience unparalleledviews ofthe mountains and ocean. Enjoy thebeauty of unspoiled nature. Interact withhundreds ofvisitors who are moved by theirvisit to Meher Mount. Workwith the Boardto help shape the future ofMeher Mount.

Challenge: Experience extreme (forCalifornia) weather conditions. Do hard,physical work. Be available to greet visitorsfive days a week, whether you want to ornot. Be on call and responsive 24/7. Be ableto handle frustrations and set-backs. Livein difficult housing conditions. Undertakethe enormous responsibility of nurturing,protecting and preserving Meher Mounton a daily basis.

How to Apply: There are scheduledorientation days at Meher Mount for applicants. Please RSVP to 805-640-0000. Alltours/orientations are on a Saturday: April2, 2005 (1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) or April 16,2005 (1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.).

For a more detailed job description, callor e-mail Sam Ervin. Telephone: 562-498-0883 or email sam.Ervin@Nrerizon.net. To

apply, send a letter outlining your (a) skillsand backgrounds; (b) your relationship tothe Meher Baba community; and (c) whythis opportunity appeals to you. Send it viae-mail to: davywest@pacbell.net or mailto Meher Mount, 9902 Sulphur MountainRoad, Ojai, CA 93023.

c-(/1pcoming eventsDuncan Knowles: Shares his stories:

April 2, 2005 at 12:00 Noon. Duncan, wasthe husband of Charmian Duce Knowles.Charmian met Meher Baba and spent timewith Him. Duncan shares stories ofhis lifewith Charmian and his own relationship toAvatar Meher Baba.

Silence Day Weekend Saturday, July 9 toSundayfuly 10: Traditionally, Silence Dayat Meher Mount is a work party day. Be-cause Silence Day falls on Sunday this year,the whole weekend is open to volunteerswho want to work on projects. Given themany projects at Meher Mount, there willdefinitely be opportunities to be of service.Meher Mount is open from 10:00 a.m. eachday. Attend one or both days. For overnightaccommodations, see below.

Anniversary Celebration ofMeherBabaVisit Saturday, August 6, 2005: Avatar Me-her Baba visited Meher Mount on August2, 1956, for a day of relaxation, joy andintimacy with His Lovers. The anniversarycelebration is always the first Saturday inAugust. Join us for talks, music, food, andfellowship. The program will be from 10:00AM to 5:00 PM. For overnight accommodations, see below.

For those visiting Ojai overnight a suggestion for a place to stay is The Ojai Foundation (four miles from Meher Mount). Itis a reasonably priced camping-style retreatcenter with yurts, bathroom facilities andcommunal kitchens. For more informationcontact: The Ojai Foundation, 9739 OjaiSanta Paula Rd. (Highway 150), Ojai, CA93023. Telephone: 805-646-8343. Fax:805-646-2456. Web site: www.ojaifoundation.org.

In addition, there are a variety of motelsand inns in Ojai. For current information,contact the Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center: “http://www.ojaichamger.orgThe Visitors Centers is at150 W. Ojai Ave., Ojai, CA 93023. Telephone: 805-646-8126. Fax: 805-646-9762.Hours are seven days a week: Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m., Saturday andSunday, 9:00 a.m. — 3:00 p.m.

27

Without the9od7here is no goddess../1nd without (lie 9oddess

7here is no 9od.

2

2-1ow sweet is their love!7iie entire universe

35 too small to contain them,Eet they live happily in the

tiniest particle.

37itey sit together3n the same place,

Both wearing a garment oflight.

3rom the beginning of time7heg have been together,9?eveling in their own

supreme love.

7he life of one is the life of the other,LAnd not even a blade of grass

Can grow without the both of them.7:Wv lutes make one note.

7;wo roses make one fragrance.7; lamps make one light.7hrough appearing separate

7heg are forever joined.

6Look! 21e is hidden,LAnd cannot be found

without her.9:or they are mirrors,

Each revealing the other.

SShe is a chaste and devoted

partner;She cannot live without her

Lord..J1nd without her,

7:he one who can doeverything

Cannot even appear.

Poem byJnaneshwai; a Peifrct Master in the 12OOc

4

28

The following is a brief’how it allcame about’ that was printed in

our wedding program.

our utarriage was arranged in2Ieaven b4ore we ever mct!Although we had seen arranged

marriages in India, as Westernerswe had no direct experience of this.Therefore we were totally unawareofhow our Beloved’s Divine Machi-nations would affect us from thatmoment on—that moment beingwhen we first set eyes on each other.It was in the Food Tent during theAmartithi celebrations at Meherabad, on January 29nh1 2003. It was a daywe both remember as being full of DivineLoving Magic. An irresistible wave ofGod’s love was aimed directly at the twoofus, touching our hearts and our lives in amost extraordinary way. We feel it is trulywondrous that God Himselfwould tend tous in such a deeply intimate, delightful andloving fashion.

3rom Charles: I was in the process ofending one major part of my life, and onthe brink of beginning another. I didn’tknow even the broad strokes—much lessthe details, of what this new phase of mylife would be, and was waiting on directionfrom Meher Baba. I knew that whateverI did and wherever I went, I wanted tobe around Meher Baba lovers, and that Iwanted to continue to work for Him. Forthe previous 18 months I had been workingas a chiropractor in India, treating Baba’sMandali, the Western residents, pilgrimsand Indians from the surrounding areas.

on the morning ofthat lovingly destinedday inJanuary I decided to participate in thecelebrations for Amartithi by playing myguitar and singing in the food tent. Manypeople came for a while to listen, and thenleft. There was one woman however, whotook a seat and proceeded to listen withsuch enthusiasm and rapt attention thatI simply couldn’t stop playing. The finishof one song led to heartfelt requests fromher for the next song. She would shush anypeople sitting at the table that started tospeak, asking them politely but firmly toconverse elsewhere, since she wanted to hearthe music, and not the conversation, thankyou! I remember that she had been movedto tears on several ofthe songs, and she kept

protesting that she never cried at that kindofstuff. By the time I stopped that day, I hadbeen playing and singing fir eight straighthours, and she had been there the entiretime. I had never played anyvhere near thatlong a stretch before! Ifyou had asked meearlier whether or not I had it in me to dosuch a thing, I would have replied with anemphatic “No way!” However Meher Babasaid “Way!” and I not only played for eighthours the first day, I came back the next dayand played for another six hours, without myvoice fatiguing or failing in the slightest. Inmy book, such a thing is so highly unlikelythat it borders upon the miraculous.

God created an experience in our liveswe will always remember with wonder andawe. Since that time, we have come to knowand love each other in such a way that thereis no doubt in either ofus that we were notonly destined to be together, but that wehave been together many times before; thatour love is deep and lasting, and that it tookdecades ofpreparation for each ofus in thisincarnation before we could come togetherin the way we have.

crom Dina: I had been a single womanfor 27 years and was very happy with thatstatus. I had never at any time entertainedthe idea that it would be nice to be marriedagain, or as my mother had wistfully said,“to have someone to grow old with.” I hadiVieher Baba, my family and my work withthe Bookstore and the LampPost. I wantednothing more. All were very frilfihling andgave me all the love I needed.

Then came January 29t1 2003. I walkedinto the food tent and was immediatelystruck by some great singing and guitarplaying. I looked for the source, and to my

amazement saw it was coming fromthis gorgeous man who looked remarkably like Sam Elliot—an actorwho’s looks I have admired for manya year! I was mesmerized—the voice,the face and whatever magic dustBaba was sprinkling on us, kept myeves glued to his face. It was onlyn-lany 1i1Otlths later that I realizedhow Baba was softening my heartdurii those 14 hours of listeningto Charles sing: in light ofthe manytimes I vas reduced to tears (quiteinexplicable to me at the time) at anulnl)er of the songs. Those whoknew me, looked at me strangely:

“Dimi list dOeSIt do this!”Five days later I returned to the States.

At no time were we alone—no privatewords, O() whispered sweet nothings. Westarted emailing and I came to live for thesound of an incoming email! He needed toleave India to start a new life and to earnmoney, as he had been treating people at nocharge fir the duration ofhis stay in India.As he had t1() fixed place in mind to live, Ioffered him my home. Seven weeks later hearrived. From the very first moment, it wasas though we were simply picking up wherewe left off in our last life together. Both ofus have gone through much in this lifetimeto get to the exact place where we needed tobe, to fit so perfectly together. Baba willing— it will be for the rest ofour lives.

Our CWcddiiig Day. We wanted to startthe year off right, so what better way thanto get married on New Year’s Day?! Therewas never any question but that we wouldbe married at Meherabode, the Meher BabaCenter in Los Angeles. There was also nodoubt that we wanted to exchange our vowsin Baba’s room—the Dome, in front of Hischair. The room would hold no more than20—25 people, so we had arranged a videofeed over to the Reception Room—theMeeting Hall of our Center. It had beenraining heavily the week prior to Saturday,the 1st. Friday night I had a talkwith Bababefore retiring: ‘Now Baba, I know thatrain is consideredyour blessing, but could wego for something djffèrent tomorrow Couldwe have sunshine as Your blessing” Saturdaydawned bright and sunny! Blue skies, brilliant! Thank You Baba! The rains returnedon Sunday!

29

::eJ’ B4bu, 9.he DivineDina &owibson

.,1(f1_ : >i%e)’ !*J3(/41 1f17%/(fe;/(7(i(’1’...

.—___._t__llmmIwL_. . . _ZHIH

When we foundout that our goodfriend Lois Jones

(many times pastPresident ofthe LABoard of directors)was also a ministerofthe Universal LifeChurch, we werethrilled! I wanted atraditional weddingwith an overlay ofBaba’s words, loveand Presence. Loiswas happy to readthat which we hadtaken a month ortwo to put together: a large excerptfrom the chapterof the Discourseson the Sanctity ofMarried Life, someof the traditionalProtestant marriageservice and then asprinkling of our

own vows to each other.Talk about magical! Talk about a radiant bride! The photographer

was in the habit ofsaying “Happy, Happy!” before taking a shot. Myseven-month pregnant daughter, who was my Matron of Honor,said, “No, Mum can’t do that. She would have to come down severallevels to reachjust happy!” I was ecstatic—floating on air, thinkingof nothing but the magic of the moment and the incredible lovethat was flowing all around us. Charles said later he was surprised tofind how much he was enjoying the whole wedding, the pageantryof it all. Weeks were spent choosing just which music would beplaying in the Dome prior to the arrival of the Bride and what wewanted to play at the Reception. After the marriage service we chosethe Triumphal March from Aida for the Grand Entrance into theReception room. It was a classic moment!

My eldest son Michael walked me ‘down the aisle’—actually upthe path, into the Dome, stopping in front of Baba’s chair and hand-ing me over to my husband-to-be to the clarion sounds of the bells ofWestminster Abbey ringing out (via CD and the sound system) as theydid for the wedding ofthe first Charles and Di! Charles (the second!)started the ceremony offby playing the Master’s Prayer to the tune hehad composed for it. When my Mother passed on in 2001 we played,as she had been requesting for years prior to that, her favorite Brabazoncomposition TheBlacksrnith Song. I had asked Charles to playthat at thewedding to welcome Mother in, whether she was still on the other sideor aireadywith us in the form ofone ofmy grandchildren.

Following the music, John Page took over. He was standing infront of Baba’s chair, with the magnificent Mastery in Servitudecolophon in stained glass in the window behind it, and read outthe Beloved’s words on marriage. Baba’s presence in the Dome thatday was so powerifil. Some of our dearest friends had flown fromthe East Coast, Alaska, and Northern California for the wedding,but Baba was our most honored guest. Raine read the piece FrancisBrabazon had written for the first marriage at Avatar’s Abode so

many years ago, that starts, “You who marry today. . . “ I had readit for her at her wedding. Charles took up his guitar once more toplay the Australian Arti.

When Charles put the ring on my finger it was an absolute giftfrom Baba. How I happened upon that ring is told in my story“My Life Under His Thumb” and it is an amazing example ofhow Baba can be so incredibly sweet (when He wants too!) andmake something happen that would cause one to exclaim “Whythat’s a miracle!” But of course, we all know that Baba doesn’t domiracles. . .sure He doesn’t! Since Charles works with his hands,he didn’t want to wear a ring, so instead of putting a ring on hisfinger I clasped a golden chain around his neck from which hungthe exquisite solid gold Mastery in Servitude colophon created byRadiant Heart Jewelry.

There was only one little cloud on the horizon, and that was thatmy son Christopher who had flown in from his home in Australiawith his wife Helen and baby girl Tabitha, had to spend the daywith them in the Emergency Room as they had contracted a flubug that was doing the rounds. I was so disappointed they could notbe in the ceremony and the family photo, but at least Chris madeit to the reception.

Happily Charles’ elder brother Larry was able to attend as hisBest Man, and his younger brother Matthew flew in from Alaska..Nicole and Ryan, my daughter’s children, served so beautifully asFlower Girl and Ring Bearer. After the service they were delightedto be able to hand out Prasad to all the guests as they passed throughthe Receiving line. Four-year-old Ryan took his job so seriously.There were a few non-Baba lovers at the wedding and when theyaccepted the ‘candy’ from Ryan and simply said “Thank you,” Ryanwould say ever so earnestly, “You have to say Jai Baba!” Smilinglythey complied.

As part ofher Matron ofHonor speech at the Reception, my daughtersaid “. . and what better gift could we give Mother and Charles than abrand new baby—for them to look after!” Which is exactly what I amdoing as I write this. (See the Announcements page.)

As I said, that NewYear’s Day, our Wedding Day, I was on cloudnine, and if it hadn’t been for the help of some very dear friends,our weddingwould nothave come offas wonderfullyas it did. FredStankus, him-self battlingthe flu bug,manfully kepthis camcorderrolling through-out, and TomHart, from theLampPost staffwill be editingit into a DVDto send to allmy friends whocouldn’t makeit to LA on theday. Kathy Hill,Rosie and herdaughter Missy

The Radiant Bride

Giving Mummy away

éeett

_

t j t 6iê ‘ e% n r

Completing the ceremony, LoPs signs the registei;

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Decoratedsolely withfresh roses, it read sinzpz5z“Thankyou Baba,Jivm Charles and Dma.”

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Hera to You Baba!Manv thanks/The toast—in sparkling ciderofcourse.

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‘ , The traditionalcake cutting ceremony.

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11

Franklins cm the lefrMithael. Teresa andDirnz,Gibsons on the rhL Charles, Mathew andLarry.

Mendozas in the centei; Nicole andRvan.

Mi andMr. Gibson

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3 generations ofBaba 1ovei

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Dma with her two sons, Christopher and Michaeland our Fathe:

were the most dedicated attendants a bride could ask for, and MarcBrutus and Harry Thomas manned the PA and kept the musicflowing and Pris and Chris Haffenden gave us their wonderful brandof guitar and oboe playing at the reception. Thank you so muchto them and also to the many of our readers who sent us cards of

,

., .,‘

With Baba behind us, we lookforward to a veiyhappy lfi in His love.

congratulations, gifts and loving best wishes. For you, we write thisstory and hope you have enjoyed it. It is truly Baba’s miracle for a65-year-old confirmed single woman to turn into such an ecstaticallyhappy, blushing young bride. And what a knight in shining armorour Beloved has given me!

32

After weeks of rain and stormy weather,we gathered on a beautiful winter’s

day in January, full of sunshine, for a workweekend at Meherana. The grounds arecovered with a luxuriant blanket of shortvelvety grass. It is an incredible vibrantgreen that gives the impression that thewhole world was just made. Each rock andthe leaves and barks of all the trees havebeen washed clean by the abundant rainsand they sparkle and shine in the sun.This is one my favorite times for hiking atMeherana when it is like walking arounda beautifully manicured park. The grassis short and easy to walk across as it hasbeen mowed and cared for. There are nosticky burrs and our friends, the reptiles,are in hibernation. Also, most importantly,the poison oak is not in leaf at all and thebare branches are easy to go around. Wecan hike with total freedom to the mostinaccessible parts of Meheraria. And thereare many of those. In the far reaches ofthe property there are places that I wouldnever feel free to venture to in the latespring, summer or fall. Now they are open.of course to visit some of those places youhave to get across Agua Pria Creek and thatproved difficult with the full flow of waterfrom the rains. The creek has risen a frill fiveto ten feet in some places and is very widein others. Taking off our boots and wadingacross did not seem inviting as the water ismoving really fast and is very cold. So wehiked up the creek towards the highwayand found that, surprisingly, a huge tree hadfallen across the entire creek bed and createda bridge, seven feet in the air, to the otherside. With some care, you could walk acrossit. Nine-year--old Adam thought this wasgreat frm and that the new bridge was justhigh enough to be scary and challenging.Roxy the caretaker dog, ran back and forthat least ten times on the fallen tree while wewere contemplating it. So, one at a time wewent across, and the log never even budged.These hiking conditions should continuethrough late March, and I am lookingforward to more hiking during the Februarywork weekend. The snow on the Sierras is abreathtaking sight from the lookout point atthe top ofthe Meadow trail.

We also did some work! Four cords ofwood were split and stacked. Does anyoneneed wood for their fireplace? Next time you

are up please plan to give a donation andtake some wood home. There will still bea substantial amount ofwood left for thoseevening campfires. We also cleaned up theSahavas kitchen cupboards and did some“spice management” updating and cleaningout the spice bins. There was plenty of timefor chai, lunch, and a community dinner atthe caretaker’s house (rice and dal!). Pleasecheck out the photo gallery at http://www.meherana.org for pictures of the activities.At the end ofthe weekend I felt as ifl hadbeen on a real adventure that energized mefor my upcoming week in the office.

Meherana Site Caretaker

Position Open, Applications

Now BeingAcceptedMeherana spiritual retreat center located

near Mariposa, California is currently accepting applications for the position ofsite-caretaker. This is a full time volunteerposition. Applicants must be financiallyindependent. Housing is provided at Me-herana. Ifinterested call (209) 966-5078 toobtain an application form, requirementsand job description.

Remarkabk Coincidence?Channian Thtce %wwles

The gifts from a Master continue toarrive and multiply long after he has

left the earth. For the Sufi order, theseincluded the evolution of artistic talentsthat enabled us to celebrate His life andour own devotion more frilly. For me, lifebrought new and unexpected sources oflove and the most touching reminders ofhow He had shaped my destiny.Within afew months of the Last Darshan, a newstage of my life began when Duncan andI were married. We took our vows onSeptember 13, 1969, and lived our first yearof marriage in a house in Lafayette, east ofSan Francisco, across the Bay Bridge. Afterour wedding, we received the followingcable from Ahmednagar:

CHARMIAN DUNCANMAY BELOVED BABA’S LOVEBLESSINGS BE ON YOU HIS VERYDEAR CHILDRENYOUR MEHERAZAD FAMILY WISH

YOU HAPPY MARRIED LIFE INBABA’S LOVE SERVICE

MEHERA MANI

Baba’s blessing on the marriage hadalready made itself apparent, first throughMehera’s recognition ofDuncan at the LastDarshan and then through a remarkablecoincidence that occurred one night shortlybefore our wedding. On that night, Dee(Duncan’s nickname) and I were sitting atdinner, and I was feeling great happiness.

My contentment made me think backin contrast to that terrible mid-divorce dayin 1965 when I was crying miserably overa magazine picture of a joyous young manrolling down a sunlit hill.

I decided to tell Dee this story and beganto describe the picture. I didn’t get very far.Dee took over and described the photo andaccompanying article in far more detail thanI could have. He could do so, I was stunnedto learn, because *he* was the man in thephotograph! It turned out that years earlier,he’d been living on a ranch near Cloverdalewhen a photographer came up to shootpictures and asked Dee to pose for him. Oneof those pictures showed him rolling downa bright green California hill with poppiesgrowing in the sunlight. It was this picture,later published in a magazine, that had soutterly broken my heart. And now the manwho seemed once to embody all that wasbeyond my grasp was to be my husband.

With what sweetness had Baba laid hisplan!

SpreadMv Love, Charmian Duce KnowlesCopyright 2004 Sufism Reoriented

qt.ktit’c42kp1ning tit A’IeJtemnaCkris J&crson, Caiifomiti

33

3ai Baba folks,

Our regular customersjust know I came back

from Amartithi loadeddown with goodies for theBookstore. Certain thingswere purchased with certainof our good friends in mind;you have been buying fromLove Street for so long Iknow your tastes and oftensomething will catch myeye that has ‘your’ nameon it! I brought back 140lbs worth of books, CDs,photos, jewelry etc and JudyStephens, bless her heart, isbringing back another 40 lbs. •

But my very best find of allwas not something I bought over there.

Have you ever noticed how when Babawants something to happen, by golly, Hemakes it happen! Well I must confess I don’toften go to Arti, I prefer to be alone withBaba by the Ghadi and say my prayers toHim there, when it’s just me and Him. Butthis one day right after Amartithi I had astrong urge to get up early and go! So I did,and was rewarded by the most incrediblesinging I have ever heard at the Samadhi.It was a young woman who was singingacapella in a rich deep voice with such poignancy, such longing and pain in her voice,I was rooted to the floor. I couldn’t see whothe voice was coming from—there weretoo many people there. Then someone elsestarted to sing. I couldn’t bear for the soundof The Singer’s voice, still echoing in myhead, to be erased by another. I left.

At breakfast I searched until I foundher—Adrienne. I excitedly plied her withquestions, who are you, where are youfrom, how long have you been singing? Allwas answered in time. She and a girlfriendplanned on staying at Meherabad for amonth or more and then traveling aroundIndia, eventually returning to their home inOakland, California in August. She told meshe already had released one CD and had cutanother, but it had not been released as yet.“I must have it!” I told her. She arranged forher Mother to send it to me. It arrived thismorning and I have not stopped playing it!

on a scale ofone to ten I give it a 15. Adrienne composes her own songs, accompaniesherselfon guitar, (and she doesn’tjust strum

/•

i’

I

a few notes either—beautiful playing) andsings. She sings with a husky, bluesy, jazzystyle with the occasional break in her voicethat sounds so good. . Move over Norah

Jones! Adrienne told me she is fairly new toBaba, but He must have got her good! Onthis CD With My Open Heart at Meherabadshe pours her heart out to Him. There areseven wonderful tracks and it sells for $12.

And while I am on great new CDs, JimMeyer has just sent me his latest—Love-Chains, Songs ofHafiz. Luckily I receivedthat a few days before I heard Adrienne’s, soit too got its many days worth ofcontinuousplay! It is up toJim’s usual high standard andmakes for very powerftii listening; he feels it

is his best work so far. Jim tells us about themaking of the CD in the Reviews section.It sells for $15.

Many of you had been asking me forthe silver pendants with Baba’s photo in it.

We finally had 60 ofthem made, in square,oval and round, all with beautiful photos ofthe Beloved. Pris is getting them up on ourwebsite as soon as she can. Unfortunately it

crashed and so she has had to start all overagain, so please excuse us during ‘construction’. Go to: http://www.lovestreetbookstore.com to see where we are. I also foundsome smaller pendants while in India, so wehave pendants for you ranging in price from$12 to $22, see next page.

Our dear Bal Natu wrote many booksduring his time as one ofBaba’s Mandali, butespecially popular are the series of Conversations. The fourth one was released just afterhe passed on to Baba. It is the final sharing

of his heart’s conversations: with God—$12.

We received three newbooks after our deadlinefor submissions was longpassed so we do not havereviews of them for you,but I know one of them a

I great many ofyou will jumpat: The Wonders ofSilence byDr. Moorty—$15. Last yearwhen he was touring theStates, speaking at manyof the Baba Centers, hementioned the book he hadwritten on his life growingup with Baba, and spokealso ofhis father, one ofthevery Tll. W(Nt)ERS

early Mandali. (W

I was shipped just50 of them from India,so it’s first come firstserved.

Michael Kovitz tookthe 101 names of GodBaba gave us and wrote .1

sne2 . Ia 00K aoout tnem—

I Meditation and Prayerson the 101 Names ofGodfor $18. See the Reviewssection for more on it.

Not only available here,but also at Amazon.comand in other commercialbookstores.

We have a new book.. byDon Stevens—Man-

dali Email, $12. It lays out the correspondence between Don and Bhau Kalchuri asthey honestly and openly discuss their different understandings of Baba’s words.

Happily in China it is no longer ajailableoffence to read a book on God, because TheDiscourses is now available in Chinese! $18There is even a website:http://www.meherbabachinese.com

The Theme f Creation; An Exploration ofAvatar Meher Baba:s ‘God Speaks’ is the newdocumentary by Tim Thelen encompassingthe essentials ofMeher Baba’s most importantpublished work.This new documentary tracesthejourney ofthe Soul from its unconsciousorigin, through evolution, involution, and onto God Realization.

9reetings from the Bookstore,

. “44L::r

‘r-=”s” .

It

34

Adapted and edited with invaluable as-sistance from Don Stevens and the kindpermission of Sufism Reoriented.

The DVD includes footage and stills ofBaba as well as interviews with 12 ofHis cbs-est followers: Rick Chapman, Allan Cohen,Kendra Crossen Burroughs, Robert Dreyftiss,Charmian Duce Knowles, Carl Ernst, BhauKabchuri, Pascal Kaplan, Phyllis Ott, TomRiley, Don Stevens and Adele Wolkin. Musicby Richard Peikoff Tim Theben and LarryThrasher. Itis narratedbyRichard Stermerwithamnning time of54 minutes. Available on DVDonly, it sells for $25.00

Tim Thelen is the director who producedMeher Baba the Awakener, a documentarymade to be broadcast on PBS—nation wide.It created a lot ofinterest and the Love StreetBookstore received many enquiries for thevideo and ftirther information about Baba.I expect the same response from his latestproduction.

Panday, a photographerwho took hundredsof wonderful of photos of Baba throughoutHis lifetime, passed the Studio on to his son,and Panday Jr. is now turning out beautiful,quality, photos.We have them from the small-est, many laminated for carying around in yourwallet, up to 12 x 16. Many have been madeinto greeting cards with envelope, no writinginside. These are just $2 each. See page 55.They are also beautiful for framing and sittingunobtrusively on your office desk.

Anything I can help you with, feel freeto call 310 837 6419, 9-5 weekdays or emailme.

Tee 1, black and whitegreen leaf decoration $8

Tee 2, very colorful! $8

Tee 3, soft red, with blue and blacklettering $8

Tee 4, color photo of the gate to Baba’shome $8

Tee 5, extremely sharp photo, black andwhite $10

Alltees on awhitebackground50/50 cotton.All Indian made except for the Manzil-eMeem, so are thin. Wash on gentle cycleand hang to dry—none ofthese tee shirtsshould be put in the dryer.

Pendants: lA-iC 2 in. square $22; 2A-2D pcfldants 1 1/2 in. long oval $203A, 3B 1 in. round $18; 3 smaller oval all same photo $18, $16, $14.

7ee Shirts are here!!:e

photo with soft

In His love,Dma

:aE* j3

I

1AYATARMEH BAM:j; b

j,

35

The 101 iines of9odb J4/Iichael 2<ovitz

[This review takenfrom the Forwardto the bookwritten by Carl Ernst7

The 101 names of God that are thesubject of this book derive from a

misty antiquity but theyretain a remarkablefreshness even today. They form part of theancient Zoroastrian prayer compilationknown as the Khordeh Avesta, which canbe traced back at least 2000 years, and istraditionally associated with the ProphetZoroaster himself These names are all inOld Persian, an Indo-European languagewith close affinities to Sanskrit. Thesenames also continue to form part of theregular Zoroastrian litany of prayers, bothamong Zoroastrians in Iran and Parsis ofIndia.

The great modern spiritual teacher,Meher Baba (1894-1969), periodicallydrew attention to these 101 names of Godas an important spiritual legacy from theZoroastrian tradition, and he occasionallywould have them recited alongside prayersfrom Christian, Hindu, Muslim, and Sikhsources. Meher Baba would certainly haverecited these divine names during his youth,as he grew up in the Parsi community ofPune in Western India. But in an importantdeclaration about this prayer given in 1963,Meher Baba also emphasized that these 101names can be an effective prayer of divinelove, regardless of one’s religious affiliation.Meher Baba gives both in the original OldPersian and in the translation the list of 101names contained in this book.

These 101 Persian names of God invitecomparison with the well-known 99 namesof God from the Islamic tradition. All ofthose are in Arabic, and are taken from thedescriptions of God found in the Qur’an.Recitation of these names, and meditationon their divine qualities, forms a centralpart of the Sufi mystical practice of dhikror recollection of God. Recitation of thosenames is considered to imbue the reciterwith the divine qualities contained withinthe names.

A glance at the table of contents of thisbook will indicate some of the distinctivecharacteristics of the 101 names of Godfrom Zoroastrian tradition. Some namesemphasize God’s transcendence beyondhuman comprehension: Without Beginning,

36

Without End, Exalted One, Detached fromAu, Formless, Lord Invisible. Other namesspeak of God’s infinite power and knowledge in relation to the world: Lord of All,In Touch with All, Bountiflil One, Lord ofthe Universe. Still other names reflect onthe intimate relationship between God andcreation: Worthy of Our Profound Thanks,Remover ofAffliction, Bountiftil Giver, andPreserver of Creation. There is a particularemphasis on the profoundly ethical teach-ings of Zoroaster, summarized in the tripleformula of”good thoughts, good words, andgood deeds.”This stress on truth and justiceis revealed in divine names such as NeverDeceiving, Just Accountant, and Lord of

Just Rewards. These names of justice arematched by other names stressing divinemercy, including Forgiver ofSins, InfinitelyPatient, and Compassionate Judge. An especially interesting series of names (beginning at No. 61) describes the cosmic role ofGod as the Transmuter ofone element intoanother. In the end, God remains uniquein his beauty: Rayed in Glory, Haloed inLight. It is significant that the very first ofthe 101 names is Worthy ofWorship. TheOld Persian term for Worthy ofWorship isyazad, or in modern Persian izad, and areboth derived from the Avestan term yazata,“adorable,” found as a description of Godin the Gathas of Zoroaster. Meher Babaretained this name (with the spelling Ezad)in the conclusion of his Universal Prayer.

Michael Kovitz brings to bear his owncreative interpretation in the meditationson the 101 divine names that comprise thisbook. He draws upon spiritual symbolismfrom a variety of sources, including Hindu,Christian, Sufi, and Buddhist themes. Anaccomplished musician and poet, he reflectswith sincerity and passion upon the divinequalities inherent in these names. I hopethat this book ofmeditations will bring thisremarkable ancient prayer to a new and appreciative audience

Carl Ernst, author ofEternal Garden andUnveiling ofSecrets.

Love Chains-&ngs of R4zby jirn 1eyer, fNorth Carolina

Ifirst began putting Hafiz to music in1972. (Bob Brown was instrumental in

encouraging me musically, as he did a numberof fledgling Baba singer/songwriters). Irecorded “Wine Worship”, an Aj. Arberry

translation of Hafiz, on my first solo record,One Real Friend in 1975. Over the years Ihave recorded several other Hafiz translations,including two of Daniel Ladinsky’s on my1994 cassette, RelentlessLovd. (This collectionalso included, “Come To Me”, an adaptationofan H.Wilberforce Clarke translation.)

Love Chains-Songs ofHafiz has been inthe works for over five years. It representsmy ongoing fascination with the myriadvariety of English translations of Hafiz,clearly brought about by Meher Baba’sawakening of this greatest of all poets inthe consciousness of the West. As such, theCD’s 15 songs represent the translationsof seven different individuals. I have freelyadapted these translations into song form,with the hope that the original flavor andmeanings are maintained and enhanced.Only one song, “Separation” (Ghazal 352)a translation by Paul Smith (copyrightl986,New Humanity Books) remains exactly astranslated in ghazal form.

The opening song, “Where Are YouGoing” is freely adapted from a translationby H. Wilberforce Clarke and is somewhatof a tone poem, with a remarkable musicalaccompaniment by my co-producer, TomDimock. Tom is a great musician and an out-rageous slide guitar player as demonstratedthroughout this CD. Another H. Wilberforce Clarke adaptation, “My Desire”, lentitself beautifully to a folk/blues approach.Two translations by my old poker buddy,Danny Ladinsky appear in this collection:“Journey into Nothing” and “A BrilliantFlute”.

Four Aj. Arberry translations are here:“Awakening” (ghazal 1, done up as a Reggae/Caribbean/swing concoction), “All MyPleasure”, “The House of Hope”, and a rerecording of “Rose and Nightingale” (whichfirst appeared on mylong out ofstock, 1990cassette,Journeys ofihe Heart).

Two songs, “ I Cast”, and “Wake theDead”, are freely adapted from the Persiantranslator, Salehe Salehpour. The first songis in classic, uptempo Delta blues mode andthe latter is more countrified.

The great translator, Richard LeGallienne, is represented by three selections: “SadRain Song”, “Exiles”, and “My Beloved”.These are very soulful, with “Exiles” beinga rather forceful blues.

The CD itselfgets its name from a songthat was translated by Baba’s own MaudeKennedy, called “Love Chain”. In manyways it is the centerpiece of this colletion.It features a driving beat and multiple chordchanges.

I derive a great deal ofjoy singing formy Beloved Meher Baba, and I am certainthat He encourages me to continue to doso. I only hope one clay to please Him insome small way with my meager attempts.Because Baba so loved Hafiz, it seemedonly natural for me to lay this labor oflove at His Feet. 1 do want to give a special“thank you” to T)() Tall Tom Dinock, whonot only recorded, engineered, mixed andco—produced this CD from his bedroomstudio (Thunderstorm . Hollow S tudios), butalso played fliOst of the instruments. He isa gift from Baba.

*Available in audio cassette from theLove Street Bookstore—flU

.A Singing 7:o 71wEternal Be1oved

J.ainc Easttiiuii janneu, Californiaancis Brabazon, Beloved Baba’s resident

iViandali Poet, wrote this wonderhilsong cycle fir Avatar Meher Baba’s 74thBirthday, February 25th 1968. This gemwas then, and still remains, unpublished; buta private printing of 50 signed songbookswas nade at that tine and given as gifts.It was presented to Beloved Baba for Hisfinal Birthday in this Incarnation.

Francis returned to Avatar’s Abode50011 after Baba dropped the body, andwhen we Australians living in the area firstbecame aware of this sweet song cycle, welonged to learn it. VVe had the perfict op—portunitv when, as a group of onw forty

Australian Baba by-ers, we returned toIndia with Francisin January 1973 andwere invited to singat Armatithi during the three daysof entertainment atMeherabad. It wasa delight to see theMandali rememberthe last time theyhad heard it in 1968and to see how muchthey loved it this timearound.

For many years Ihad wondered howto release this songcycle so that every-one could learn it’ssecrets of concentration and repetition of

His Name and Attributes. Perfect is the waythe song cycle leads us through the Avatar’sshared wisdom, and then with Francis’ pureand seemingly simple yet skillful way ofwrit-ing, takes us back to His Name at the end.In 1985 the opportunity arose when a dedicated group of good singers and musicians(eight in all) decided to devote the time andenergy during their pilgrimage at Meherabad to learn it. Inspired by a line from anumber ofFrancis’ poems, I called the groupThe Love Street Singers. We were offeredthe Rahuri Cabin at Meherabad for rehearsals and to my delight I found that most ofthe singers could sight read the music well,and we were sounding strong, lovely and yetnatural. But the best part was yet to come:Mani was made aware of our efforts andasked us to perform it for all the Mandalithe following Sunday at Meherazad.

This CD is the focus of2O years of won-dering how to overcome some of the trickieraspects ofthe live recording that Hughie Mc-Donald had made that day in Mandali Hall.Slowly but surely the way to keep the feelingof the iViandali present, the atmosphere ofthe Hall evident and yet enhance the overallperformance quality unfolded. After tape cleanup, digitization, and several tracks of bells,tamboura, madhal, framedrum, khaytals, shaman stick, etc. were added, I feel it is as pureand spontaneous as the day we presented it inMandali Hail with all the Mandali present.

The group who gave many hours oftheir Pilgrimage to present once againto the Mandali, Francis’ gift to BelovedBaba in this beautiful song cycle are:

Lorraine Brown,John Conners, Raine East-man-Gannett, Wendy Haistead, Ted Judson,JackMormon,JaySchauer andJudith Shotwell.Guitars:Ted,Jay and Raine.Tabla:John Con-ners. Percussion enhancements: temple bells,madahal, frame drum, khaytals, gungarus &shaman stick, Raine.

Francis Brabazon says about the piece:“The repetition of the Name of Godmanand the praises ofHis Attributes has alwaysbeen known to be the most interesting andbeautiful path to the door of the Beloved.But as just speaking the Name and At-tributes tends to become a bit dry andmonotonous at the beginning—that is untilthe Name and Attributes begin to shinewith the light inherent in them—it has beenfound better to sing them to simple tuneswhich give buoyancy to the words withoutdistracting the lover from his concentrationon the Beloved. Naturally such repititionand praises are better, more effective, inone’s mother tongue, for only that goes tothe depths ofone’s heart.”

Lyrics and melodies by Francis Brabazon. Sung by The LoveStreet Singersat Meherazad. Directed and producedby Raine Eastman-Gannett. The CD isavailable at the Love Street Bookstore $14Photocopies of the song book are avail-able at “Rainy Day”: www.Nadaom.comThanks to my dear friend and Mentor,our Mandali Poet, Francis Brabazon.Thanks to the Mandali who haveloved this song cycle since 1968.Thanks most of all to Avatar Meher Baba,the Singer and the Song.

Editorc note: Ifelt I had to include someunsolicited testimonialsfroin two Aussies whohave known both Francis andRainefor manydecades, andto whom this song cycle by Francishas great import and who have been waitingfor 20 years to see it on CD. To say they were

37

enthusiastic in their praise would be grosslyunderstating the case.

Dear Raine: FANBLOODYTASTIC!!!Received parcel yesterday evening - openedit today on HIS birthday and played it

straight away. Thank you so so much. Fan-bloodytastic is an understatement—morelike fanbloodytastic in spades (and inhearts too). It has always been my favouriteFrancis piece. I have been bugging Sam formany years to produce it—never dreamingI would ever get to hear one of the earlierproductions!

Andfrom another:Bravo!!!!! A magnificent production! Well

done! So simple and perfect. Thank you!I’ve been straining over that one fir years

and am now very happy you have done it,

and done it WELL. Jai Baba!And then in re/i’rence to her previously

released CD:Bhajans and Artis by Rani Didi

“Surely this is the most amazing and beauti—flu version ofthe Australian Arti and exactlyhow Francis conceived it, I have played it allday and the Eastern flavour and accompaniment to such a lovely Mozart like tune is soclever. Your years with Francis have givenyou the wisdom to knoW his music.”

This is indeed a lovely CD. Besides somewell known hhajans, it has the I lindi arti

(Aadi sachetana) the Gujerati arti, and theabove mentioned Australian arti. Also $14

Leap of3aith

b11 jit1ie Rust

reviewed by Jauc i3rowu,..A/Iyrtlci3eacli

Sitting in the audience at the SoutheastGathering one day in April, maybe seven

years ago, I was very surprised and thrilledwith the incredible talent ofJulie Rust.

Out of the blue, there she was—thismagical singer, songwriter, piano player,singing lyrics that very few would dare tosing—-so honest, so deeply touching. Themusic disarmed most ofus in the audiencethat day, made us cry, softened us, and therewas nothing to do but love her and thankBaba for her.

At long last, after many trials in her life,Julie has completed Leap ofFaith, her brandnew CD. ‘Trust In Me’, my favorite cut,is track two: “My wall became so strong,couldn’t let anyone in, couldn’t hear anybodysay ‘trust in me’. I promise everyday I’ll beright here, trust in me, you will begin to seeno need for fear. Then I met a man wholifted me up so high, I began to see what wasliving on the other side, there was music andthere was dancing and there was Love.”

J ulie’s voice is really soothing and goesalong beautifully with her piano playing.She sings her oxvn harmonies. . .Baba’s Cu—Jerati Arti being one ofthe highlights. Herhusband Rusty accolpanies her on acousticguitar, along with Stan Lassiter on electricand acoustic guitar, Jack Flarris, acousticguitar, Robert Bond and 1\”Iickey Grimmon drums and Roy Vogt and Rick Plant onbass. Debra Harris adds cello to one song.The CD was Pr(lCe(i and recorded inNashville, Tennessee. ‘\Jl songs were vrit—ten or co—written by Julie Rust with theexception of the (llijerati Arti which waswritten by IVieher Baha. All ofit is absolutelydelightftil. $12.

Dsn’t Lit Wondqu1by Jioger W. .Robiuson.

::Revicni 1)!] J’l/lisclia JutcIl1)crges. . . it is wondertiil! \‘Vhat a happyevent it is to listen to a new collection

of songs by Roger. His songs always createa loving and intiniate atn)sphere thatsupports a warm sweet embrace in thearms of iir Beloved, 1\leher Baba. \‘Vhilethe themes and voice on this CI) continuetining the rich vein othis previous CD the5ound is very different. Roger has arrangedthese songs with drums and a Wi(IC verietyof orchestral SOundS troll his synthesizer.One of the songs called “fhe i\.rrival otAlways” is an instrumental.

On “Drink Deeply Now The \Vine”,“Still Believe in l’he Love f\Ian”, and “Soar—ing Infinite Love”, Roger sings in the voiceof a troubadour conipanion vho is pointing

the way towards the goal. I Ic describes ourshared experience and urges us on together.

The wonderful melody and poetry of “Soar-ing Infinite Love” make it one ofthe standouttracks. “0 Dearest One” and “The Blind Manand The Ancient One” are declarations oflove and allegiance made by the lover tor theBeloved.This is part ofthe universal dialoguethat all lovers have with the Beloved. Roger’sbeautiful baritone, as always, delivers theseexpressions intimately and genuinely.

I could fill pages expressing appreciationot Roger’s ielodies, lyrics and voice butthere is one more thing that is unique andrare... it is his absence. On the songs “Be—come lVline Alone, “The OnlyTrue Friend”anc:l “Isn’t It \‘Vonderfiil” Roger sings as thevoice of Meher Baba. Roger sings thesesongs ill such a way that he disappears andBaha appears. Fhis is a seeningly siTple 1itactually iery difficult task. I ai glad to sayRoger disappears because it is so wonderfulto hear Baba sing Ilis nessage to our hearts.

These are three more standout tracks whichI f()ufl(1 fliOst noving.

(_;() lni yourself a copy of this CD aiuithen buy one fir a friend. lfyou do, then wecan all look forward to Roger’s third CD!

J44rntdali EtnciilBetween Don &cvens trnd

731mu 2<!rnichuriL—’4lurictia /1pplcbaiim, Californ ii

Mant/u/i Eiiiiii/ is an intintite itul

revealing corresp )ndence betveen

Don Stevens and Bhau Khaldhuri vrittenduring the sunier aiI fill of 2004.Reading it is an intense U(1 tlvight—provoking experience. Clearly both Bhauand Don shared fron the deepest partsOf thenselves, honestly ui authenticalland tried their best to communicate abouttiOt only delicate interpersonal matters 1italso hOOt profoundly inportut questions

‘Bhau Ilchuri &Dol7jtevens

JVtanda1i Smail

regarding sources and interpretations ofMeher Baba’s words.

They embarked on a long and meticulousjourney together to accomplish this task forwhich they had to build many bridges tomeet each other in order to clear up wildmisunderstandings, as well as overcomewhat appear to be cultural, philosophical,and personality differences . Throughoutthe correspondence they approached thischallenging way of relating with the utmostcare and love—always aware of each other’sfeelings and strengths. Yet this sensitivity didnot stop them from the mission, initiatedand pursued with determination by Don, toclarif correct, and communicate regardlessoftime and health constraints, or Bhau’s mi-tial reluctance. There is a sense ofurgency inDon’s letters to conduct this correspondencebefore it is too late. Don writes to Bhau: “Asyou and I are the only ones left nowwho havebeen deeply immersed in Baba’s words underhis direct supervision, the reconciling of ourviews on Baba’s words has become a very keynecessity for the proper continuation of thedissemination ofBaba’s works.” These lettersback and forth illustrate how committed bothDon and Bhau are to living the very individualized paths each feels Baba gave him.

At times Mandali Email is so personaland charged that I felt seW-conscious readingit and had to remind myself that I was notsurreptitiously reading a private communication. Early on in the correspondence, Bhauwrites: “Please Don, if there is anything thatcreates misunderstanding, it is always bestfor us to discuss and thrash it out.” With thiscourageous intention, discuss and thrash theydid. One area of contention that is considered is the issue of hearing one’s inner voiceof Meher Baba. Some questions that theirdialogue raises are: Is this really Baba’s voice?Can messages for the public be given fromBaba in this way,via a Mandali member? Can

anyone’s consciousness be trusted enough tofully get out of the way for Baba to comethrough clearly? Ifso, is this a psychic or occult experience, or merely intuition? Didn’tBaba say the voice of intuition is his voice?What does this all mean? Many questionsarise which though not necessarily resolvedin this book, at least are asked, and now wehave the opportunity to hear the valuableperspectives ofboth Bhau and Don.

Some other issues that are discussed andclarified are: the role of reading intellectualand philosophical works (including Baba’sown writing) in the life ofthe spiritual aspi-rant, the balance of the head and the heart,the attribution of sources in Bhau’s books,and the confusing topic of un-natural vs.non-natural sanskaras. Don points out in-stances where Bhau’s explanations appear tocontradict what is in Baba’s writing, and thenBhau cites historical references and stories ofexplanation. One of Don’s main concerns isexpressed in this statement to Bhau: “Theextreme sensitivity of this fact lies in themanner in which Meher Baba’s own preceptsand words given to us by Him can result in aconfused situation in which Baba’s words areleft aside, and your own exposition is takenas the official presentation ofMeher Baba’sphilosophy in this area.” Bhau’s responses toDon’s concerns often revolve around his deepfaith and belief that Baba is guiding all thatcomes to him and all that he expresses to thepublic. In addition, Bhau discusses how Babagave him instructions for his writing and thatBaba repeatedly told him not to worry, for“Everything will be crystal clear to you.”

Another issue up for discussion is Don’sstory of how Baba said there is somethinglike an atomic bomb of spiritual energy at-tached to Baba’s words. Interestingly, Bhauresponds that ifthis energy attached to “Hisword is just kept and is not used, it v ‘1 bemeaningless. Thewords should beput into action. . .“ Both Donand Bhau useBaba quotes andstories to illus—trate their points.Although Bhauwillingly answersmany of Don’squestions, he alsostates, “You mustnote and realize,that spiritualityis not meant for

. .

discussion ,_=—

At separate times during the correspondence, both Bhau and Don acknowledge,each in his own way, that they may nevercome to a resolution about certain differ-ences of opinion. Bhau suggests that theyeach follow their own duty towards Babawithout interfering with each other’s duty.Don writes, “I would not be averse to hay-ing the two of us say very simply to theBaba-world that here we have a differenceon an important matter, and have agreed tomaintain our separate positions with absolutely no rancor, nor intent to try to changethe other’s viewpoint. I would like this tobe a public matter and for everyone to seethat in real fact neither of us is the least bitannoyed, to allow the other to maintain hisposition.” As it was quite an ambitious andchallenging correspondence in many ways,this statement from Don is comforting. It isnatural that there might be some degree ofuneasiness in the reader to see two of Baba’sclose and beloved companions disagreeing,vehemently at times. There are even moments when I thought I might have detectedtones of criticism or sarcasm towards eachother. However, along with this initialdiscomfort in myself I found even greaterrespect and admiration for both Don andBhau for putting themselves on the line foreach other and for all of us, for the sake oftheir deep love for Baba.

Along with the very important and in-triguing content ofthese letters, the beautiliii individual personalities ofBhau and Donshine through in their writing. It is easy toget a sense of their unique contributionsand the path each walks with Baba. Thereis the added treat ofboth authors includingfascinating and touching stories oftheir lifeexperiences with Baba. I highly recommendthis book ofletters. Paperback 79, pgs 8 1/2x

The Denver group invited Charlesto be their musical guest for their

celebration of the Beloved’s Birthday, heldhere every year and known as The RockyMountain Sahavas. They also wanted tohear the talk I gave at the New York Centerin 2003 titled “My Life Under His Thumb”and so asked me to accompany Charles. Icall my talk that because in 1987 Mani toldme that sometime in the mid 60s she wassitting in the Meherazad kitchen readingmy latest letter and looking at a photo ofmy husband, myself and our three children.Baba came in, stood there looking at thephoto and then reached down and put Histhumb over my face, holding it there for afew moments.

When iVIani told me this I was totallyignorant as to its meaning. Not so today!Since He gave me the winning ticket to theLos Angeles Fly to India Sweepstakes andI became involved in the running of theBookstore and editing this magazine, I amvery aware that He has me right where Hewants me—Under His Thumb!

We were very honored and happy to beasked, and since neither of us had been toDenver before, we looked forward to it withgreat anticipation. It could not have beenmore wonderftil. Our hosts,Janet and NickDascalos met us at the airport and drove usto their home for Thursday night. Fridaymorning Charles spentjamming with fellowmusicianJeffDe Loe and then we all packedup and headed offto La Foret.

A more beautiful, comfortable and cozyspot could not be imagined. Ponderosa

40

Lodge, the main

I meeting hall, isa very large log

I cabinwithasoarI ing cathedral cell-

ing built by AliceBemis Taylor andher husband in1928 as a privateresidence. Also

.on the 450 acres(most ofit wood-ed with soaringpines) is an exqui

I site chapel builtby Mr. Taylor forhis wife’s personaluse. This adobe

Mission style chapel is on Colorado’s list ofhistorical sites.

The cabins for sleeping are scatteredabout the property, many with doublebedrooms so married couples or familiescan be together. ‘Sage’, our lodge, had fourbedrooms, two bathrooms and a fireplace inthe living room. What luxury! The diningroom was a short walk down the path fromPonderosa or across the field from the cabins.The staffwere the friendliest I have ever hadthe pleasure ofbeing associated with, and theincredibly delicious food was such that oneneeded a brisk walk after each meal to burnoff the massive quantities that one had justconsumed. Lunch and dinner were alwaysfollowed by desert! Weather permitting,one could sit on the outside balcony andenjoy the most stunning view ofPike’s Peak,which is alsoclearly visiblefrom the mainlodge. Whenbuilding theirhome the Taylors very cleverlyhad their housesituated to takeadvantage ofthis magnificentsight.

The weathercould not havebeen nicer —

brisk morningswith a slight

frost on the ground and clear blue skiesand sunshine, with a snow covered Pike’sPeak gleaming in the distance. There wassome snow on the ground that had fallen afew days prior, a delightftil sight to the twoLos Angelenos.

Most ofthe Sahavasees I knew by namefrom their having ordered from the Book-store, so it was a delight to finally put a faceto the name. And what a treat it was to hearVirginia Sadowsky from New York, a wittyraconteur who spoke of her life before andafter meeting and spending time with Babawhen He came to New York and MyrtleBeach in the ‘50s. She set us all to laugh-ing with her at her self-deprecating humor.Judith Shotwell, harpist of great repute.charmed us with her playing, and Sara DcLoe who was leaving in two days to go toSeville Spain to study Flamenco, gave us apreview of what she has learned so far. Jeffde Loe, soon to be moving to Meherabad

La 3oret -

/I 3ive 5tw Sahctvas Site!:Dina Snow9ibsou

The beaut/iil Ponderosa Lodge, meeting hal/for all events.

Pike Peak as seenfrom thefront door oft/ic lodge.

with his wife Meg, gave us a couple of hisvery funny songs written to Baba.

Charles and I were wonderfully receivedand found the overall atmosphere to be verywarm, friendly, and full of Baba’s love. Weare deeply grateful to them for inviting usWhat a Birthday!

Captions c1ockwisefi.im above left- Dma tells ofMvLf UnderHis Thumb’S. Virginia SadowskyandDina enjoying a conversation. Charles Gibsonsinging his vemion of the Gujeratiuirfi. Sara &Loe dances a Flamenco tango. Virginia entertains us‘with herstories.Jeffde Loe sings a ballai

. ‘

:. .

4’

!.he .lfr1t:tster and the Old Aian’s four Sons.Story © Bhau Kaichuri, Artwork © Nadia Wolinska

Here is a story, as told by Baba, ofa per-fect master, an old man and his four sons:

AII his life, the old man would come tothe master. One day, he said to him,

“Master, now I am old. Very soon I will die.I also want my four sons to follow you, soplease advise them.”

“All right, bring them tomorrow,” themaster replied.

The next day the old man brought all foursons to the master.

“One at a time, send your sons to me,”the master instructed the old man.

The first son came before the master, whoenquired, “What do you want to do?”

“Master, whatever you want me to do, Iwill do,” the first son replied.

So the master told him, “I am very, veryhappy. Last night, I was thinking about youand what would be good for you. Ifyou do anormaijob, then, ofcourse, you will becomea slave. You will be bound. This is not goodfor you, you should be free! Do you want tocultivate land?”

“Yes, master, ifyou want me to do it.”

“Become a farmer. Cultivate the land, andyou will be free. But don’t tell anyone, this isa secret for you. Now go.”

So the first son left, thinking that themaster had given him something secret andthat he must not tell anyone.

The second son then came to themaster.

“If I ask you to cultivate the land,” themaster said, “what might happen? Some-times it will rain, and sometimes it will not.If it rains, then you willhave a good crop. But ifit does not rain, then you i

will have a bad one. So Ido you want to cultivateland?”

And the second boyanswered, “Master, youplease decide.”

“No, land cultivationis not good for you. Gointo business. If you do,you will earn a lot. So,do you want to go intobusiness?”

“Of course, master, ifthat is what you want!”

“Good. But this is asecret for you. Go out and42

go into business. Do not tell anyone.”Then the third son came to the master.The master said to him, “I was thinking

about you, and what you should do. If youcultivate land, that will be no good. If I askyou to go into business, then sometimes youwill incur a loss and sometimes a gain. So,this also would be no good for you. But ifyoutake a job, on the first of every month, youwill get a salary. Do you want this?”

“Yes, I would like ajob ifyou want me tohave one, master,” said the third one.

And the master said, “Okay, good. Butthis is our secret. Do not tell anyone.”

Then the fourth son came to themaster.

“Of course, I have been thinking aboutyou,” said the master. “Ifyou do land cultivation, there will be rain at some times, and norain at others. This is no good for you. If Iask you to do business, you will incur a loss.Also no good. If I ask you to do a job, youwill become a servant, and this, too, will beno good for you. So why don’t you remainhere with me?”

And the fourth son replied, “Master, Ihad wanted to be with you!”

“This is a secret, so do not tell anyone,”the master informed the fourth son.

Why did the Perfect Master give differentorders to the different sons? Because theirtreatment needed be according to the diseasefrom which each one suffered.

Though we don’t know our own disease,everybody has one. Only the masters know

So why has Baba said, “Remember Meand follow My Wish?”

Only the One who knows impressionscan give a person proper treatment accordingto their disease (impressions). You cannotsay, “Just do this or do that” as a spiritualdiscipline, because spiritual discipline isdifferent for everyone. What is spiritual discipline? “Eat like this; don’t eat like that?”

But what importance is there in eatingor sitting? Eat everything! Sit comfortably!Why sit like this or like that? That is notspirimality In spirituality we should be freefrom all these impressions. Only when impressions are wiped out are we really free.

He is doing everything for us, and He hastaken on the burden of our impressions forus. He is an expert cleaner; it is His business.Impressions are an obstruction, and whenthey are cleaned, awakening will occur.

Ifyou had spoken to the Mandali members who had been with Meher Baba, theywould have told you that the instructionsBaba gave them were specifically for them,not for people in general. Baba would giveorders according to the individual Mandalimember’s need. For example, Gustadji onlyobserved silence and did nothing else.Eruch and I, however, always had a lot ofwork. FIis orders were always according tothe disease. Only Beloved Baba knew whatour disease was, and He gave us treatmentcorrespondingly.

I

this.

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2juiiis ‘Beiovcd EB•abi

by JPkber 2iwi4r A.:istryjd 2ith8mm

ishore Mistry, aged 67, a tireless workeror Beloved Baba and Secretary of the

Mumbai Baba Center, suffered a massiveheart attack on January 7, 2005 and diedalmost immediately. At the time, he wason his way to Meherabad. Of his passing,Bhau Kalchuri has remarked, “What luckhe had, that while he was on the way toMeherabad from Bombay, at Thana, hejoined Baba! This joining Beloved Babais different. He was coming to Paradiseon earth, but he went to the Real Paradise(Vaikunth).”

Kishore heard about Beloved Baba inSurat at the age of 1 6. Within two years, hewent to Bombay, where he discovered greatlovers ofMeher Baba and joined a circle ofyouths whose tutoring was administered byKaikrushoo Pleader, Baba’s Mandali member. By this time, Pleader had come downto Bombay, and was busy instructing a newgeneration ofBaba lovers on how to pleaseBeloved Baba. These persons includedKishore’s lifetime friends Gulabdas Panchaland his brother Ratilal, and K. V. Nene,whose daughter he later married.

The atmosphere in Bombay (now calledMumbai) at that time was a fertile one fornew Baba lovers. So many old and closeones were in that city at that time, includingKharmanmasi, the Dadachanji family, Raosaheb, the Talati family, the Karanis, Soonamasi, Pilamasi and small Khorshed. Theseclose ones provided love, companionshipand instruction to the new boys and girlsjoining the family of Baba lovers. Pleaderwas especially influential on them. Theprofound and amazing stories of Pleader’sexperiences, and his explanations, made agreat impact on Kishore’s life. At that time,there were no textbooks in the “University ofLove for Baba,” and so the instructors werevery important.

Kishore met Beloved Baba in 1954-55.The family doesn’t remember the exact dateof the first meeting, but the impact of thatmeeting was such that Kishore began to loseall interest in worldly affairs. Within hisheart, he began to search for ways to comecloser to Beloved Baba.

rJ2ctssins

To do so, he became heavily involved inthe activities carried out in Beloved Baba’scause in Bombay. He joined the group ofenthusiastic Baba workers led by Shri S.R.Siganporia. The group was instrumental inholding its first public function on the occasion ofthe 62nd Birthday ofAvatar MeherBaba on 25th February 1956. The responsewas tremendous.

Working for Baba came at the expenseof any more formal study. This did not freeKishore from uncertainty about whether heshould try for more education. One exampleofdirect correspondence from Baba that wasin response to Kishore’s seeking directionon the issue of further study was receivedby him in early 1958. The scribe (and thereadily recognizable voice of the correspondent) is Eruch Jessawala, who handled allcorrespondence with them:

‘Baba wantsyou to loveHinzforHe is theLord ofLove andfor the sake ofloving Himas He ought to be loved. Love Baba NOTbecause your lovefor Him will make youpassin your examination! Your very life is TheExamination, fyou couldbutpass in this examination allother examinationsfade out intoinsignficance.Andtopass in this examinationyou have to love Baba with allyour heart andsoul without expectation of reward — eithermaterial or spiritual. It is a hard affair buteveryone has to sit oncefor this exam andpassby His Grace.”

Kishore also received advice on otherworldly problems from Baba. This lettercame in March 1960:

“Baba directs me to inform you that youshould try tofind ajob in Bombay. Ifaftertryingyour bestyoufailtoget one then you goto Surat atyour home. In the meanwhilepullon at thefirm whereyou are working atpresent. Asfor asking Blessings ofBaba ofdoingHIS work, Beloved Baba wants you to notethatHISBLESSINGSare always athandforthose who work in His Cause with Sincerityand Love.”

Beloved Baba was closely monitoring theactivities carried out by the Bombay group.

In another letter in 1960, Eruch writes:“Beloved Babac instructions to you are 1)

Love Baba with allyour heart. 2) Holdfastonto His daamanforBaba is theAncient One.3) Baba lovesyou very much. 4) Continuefor2 months in the old service and fthis boss ofyours is pleased to keep you longer then con—tinue the same service, fnotfind anotherjobin Bombay and fyoufind one, thenjoin thenew service in Bombay. Ifyourpresent bossasksyou to leave his service after two monthsandfhe is determinedtogiveyou notice, thenit is best thatyou be on look outfrom nowforanotherjob whileyoustillhave the two monthsin hand. 5) Baba wantsyou to cooperate 100%with Sorabjee Siganporia and fyou are ableto do so 100%you willsat4fy Baba andyouwill also make Baba happy. 6) Baba wantsyou, Goolab, Ratilalandothers to work in theCause ofTruth as humble workers ofBelovedBaba. SpreadHis Love alloverBombay withmuch humility, simpleheartedness andwithoutleast malice in heart and mindfor anyone. 10)Baba wantsyou allto work unitedly with oneheart and love Baba with allyour heart andsoul. 11) Baba wantsyou write to Him once afortnight ofthe developments ofyour service.12) Beloved Baba sends you and allHis dearonesHisLove. 13)Also conveyBabacLove toSarosh-Khorshed-Merwan. 14) Baba wantsyou ailto remain happy and cheerful.”

[Points 7—9 were left out ofthis excerpt sincethey were not of universal interest.] Surelythe points are just what any ofus would beoverjoyed to receive.

Within a month, this came from BelovedBaba’s Eruch:

“Baba sends you His LOVE and He cx-pressed His happiness to find you obeyingHis instructions. Baba wciithyou to remainunder the guidance ofSorabjee and to carryout whatever instructions he may give to youfrom time to time regarding Beloved Babaiwork in Bombay. Baba is happy to find you

4

going out in search ofa newjob. Baba wantsyou to tryforthesame anditwillbe best fyoucanfind it in Bombay. Ifnot,you willhave togo to Surat.”

Kishore was so intelligent that he pickedup the skills he needed to be quite helpfulto any enterprise, just by observing andasking questions. Eventually he became anaccountant and, at that, one with the mostprecise and exacting standards. For instance,in accounting for Baba work expenditures,he would be careful to render the accountsto the accuracy of the smallest coin in useat the time.

Soon thereafter:

“Baba was happy to hearfromyou thatyouwilijoin a new servicefrom tomorrow_3ft

March. Also that you were planning to payvisitto Guruprasadon3TApril. BelovedBabasends his love toyou and toyour new boss whosentsalutations to Baba through you.”

Kishore’s new boss was a devotee of SaiBaba ofShirdi, and was sympathetic, givingKishore more scope to help organize andattend the various Baba events at which thepublic was made aware ofthe modern adventof the Avatar.

It will come as no surprise to anyone whohas tried to participate in group-orientedwork for Baba that the Bombay group attimes would go through troubled waters. In1962, Baba wrote again to Kishore to addressthis point as follows:

“Baba wantsyou NOTtofeelworried overwhat did happen, but He wantsyou to knowthat He isproud ofyour deep understandingregardingyour duty to remain resigned to HisWill. Try andtry again andthere willbe a daywhen you will succeed to controlyourse’fandgain control overyour eagerness and naturalkeenness to be nearBaba when He haddesiredyou to see thatyou awaitedHis directpermis—sion before coming. Baba says that He knowsofyour deep lovefor Him andyour anxiety toplease Him at all costs. This has made Himhappy andHe says thatyou are very dear toHim. He sends His Love.”

By 1964, Kishore, having reached the ageof 26, got engaged to Rajani, who surviveshim. Beloved Baba Himself performedKishore’s engagement with Rajani by put-ting both their hands together in His ownhands and declaring both of them as en-gaged to each other. The two of them werefrom different communities, which posedsome annoyance to them, as their respectivecommunities were not happy with the mar-riage proposal, but Beloved Baba smoothedeverything over, and five weeks later they

went through the registered marriage (civil)ceremony. On that occasion Beloved Babasent a telegram to the two of them:

“My Love Blessing to you and Rajani onoccasion ofyour marriage to remain unitedin my love and service. Convey my Loveto My dear Nene and Family and to yourparents and family.”

Soon thereafter:

“Beloved Baba wants you to visit Meherazadany one day at2:QOp.m. He wantsyouto come alone to Him at Meherazad. Babawants you to return after an hourc visit toMeherazad. Baba wants you to inform Adikaka in advance ofyour date ofvisit here sothat he can makefor you some arrangementoftransport. Beloved Baba sends His Love toyou and Rajani.”

The Bombay Centre was formally in-augurated in 1962. Kishore served there asjoint secretary (the otherjoint secretary wasDolly Dastur), and during the East-WestGathering in November Baba gave him andother volunteers the duty oflooking after theAustralian contingent.

In 1966, Kishore came down with whatwas feared to be tuberculosis. Baba was keptinformed about his condition, and sent thisletter:

“BelovedBaba rememberedyou veryfondlythis morning andHe wants to know whetheror notyou are continuing the treatment chalkedoutforyou by dear Hoshang Bharucha. Ifbychance you have discontinued the treatment,then Baba wants you to resume itforthwithwithoutfail. Baba wants you to write to Dr.HoshangBharucha immediately details ofyour

present condition and send reports of bloodcheck up etc. Baba wants you to do exactly asHoshang wantsyou to do asfarasyour medicaltreatment is concerned. Beloved Baba wantsyou not tofeel unhappy or worriedbut to keephappy and cheerfid. He sends His Love andBlessing toyou and to Rajani.”

Kishore recovered, and until his endenjoyed good health.

The family grew in subsequent yearswith the addition of children, all of whomare active and engaged Baba lovers. A sonborn on December 7, 1967 was named byBaba himself. Typical of the joy correspondence with Beloved Baba could bring wasthis delightful extract of a letter dated thefollowing day:

4llMeherazadis very happy today to hearthat dear Rajani has delivered a bonny sonon 7th December with belovedBabac NAMEon her lips. The newborn babe is bound to

be as devoted and loving as his parents. Be-loved Baba has named His new bhakta asMEHERKUMAR, andBaba directed me toconvey His Love andBlessings toyou, Rajaniand bonny son Meherkumar. Hope both Rajani and dear Meherkumar are in good healthby beloved Babac Grace. Beloved Baba sendsHis Love to you and directs me to inform youthatyou and Rajani keep happy in His WillandrememberHim andloveHim allthe more.He is verypleased withyour loveforHim andyour Service in His Cause. He isproud ofyouandyour love/He wantsyou both to takegoodcare ofdarling Meherkumar and teach him tolove Baba with allhis tiny heart.”

Two other children who are very activein Baba work followed: Meher Shobha wasborn in 1970. The Mandali suggested hername. She became a homeopath and continues to give her loving service at the charitableclinic of the Avatar Meher Baba Centre ofPoona. In November 1971, Rajani gave birthto Meherveena. She went on to composethe music for and to sing beautiful ghazals,the words ofwhich were written by BelovedBaba under the pen name of”Huma.”

Music was quite important to Kishore.He had a natural talent for it. Injuly, 1958,Baba commented that he had heard goodthings about the Bombay Bhajan singersand permitted them to sing two devotionalsongs to Him. The singers were KeshavNene, Gulabdas Panchal and Kishore. Onmany occasions, Kishore and his wife Rajaniused to sing together, presenting ghazals andbhajans to Bombay Center audiences.

Kishore used the opportunity ofworkingfor Baba to intensify his focus on Baba. Forexample, Meherkumar recalls that whenAmartithi time came (and Kishore wasalways a volunteer for Amartithi), Kishorewould getvery charged up.When Meherkumar would see him at Amartithi, it wouldbe like seeing another person. All worldlyinterests were completely absent from hispersonality at that time — his whole focuswas on pleasing Baba with the work.

Like so many staunch Baba lovers,Kishore was stubborn and focused, anddidn’t tolerate practices that he felt wereunbecoming to Baba. For instance, he wasstrongly opposed to those who came into thefold ofBaba lovers, but continued to worshipother deities. He could be bold and blunt onexpressing his disapproval of this practice.He also disapproved of rituals, creeds anddogmas, and demonstrated his views onthese matters though they made him unpopular in some near and dear circles.

44

Meherkumar recalls, “Papa had a tremendous sense about the importance of time.He used to time every activity and observedthat a thing happens within the time set forit to happen. Timeliness in Beloved Baba’sways ofworking, demonstrated in seeminglytrivial matters, made such a lasting impression on Papa that he never failed to respectthe time factor about any activity He notonly used to follow it himself but used toexpect the same respect for time from everyone of us.”

Kishore took Baba’s instructions aboutbeing punctual quite literally, and was himselfdetermined to live up to these instructions. Inaddition, he was determined to master obedience to Baba’s instructions once he recognizedwhat those instructions were.

In addition, Meherkumar recalls, “Hestrived and strived very hard to to sow theseed of Beloved Baba’s Love in the heartsof his children; nurture the seedling andprovide a suitable environment to ensureits growth in the right direction. He wasextremely vigilant and as a father observedour words and deeds very closel) He keptchecking all the time whether we were goingin the right direction. He continuously kepton warning us about not getting too muchinvolved in worldly matters but always tryto keep ourselves in tune with Beloved Baba.He constantly kept hammering that BelovedBaba is the ONLY REALITY...He is theonly ONE that exists and only ONE thatmatters. He often used to remind us abouthow fortunate we were to come close toBaba in this very life and how importantit is to make the most of this life (uniqueopportunity) to come closer and closer toBeloved Baba.”

Pleader had taught him to avoid praisingor being praised. He also kept his feelings tohimself. As his son remarked, his love wasdeep within.

He studied homoeopathyvery deeply andhe thought it was effective, with less side-effects on one’s body and also affordable tothe common man. He used to give medicinesto the needy with Baba’s name on his lips.There were instances where he cured almostimpossible cases.

One ofhis patients was Rajani. She wasdiagnosed with possible breast cancer, buthe administered medicines, and no cancerdeveloped. On another occasion he cureda stomach tumor in her by administeringhomeopathic treatment. Then there was thecase ofa man who had been discharged fromTata Center because he was assumed to be inthe untreatable final stages ofheart disease.

Kishore’s treatments, in Baba’s name, wereresponsible for a complete recovery. Hebelieved that the medicine that he gave wasmerely a medium through which BelovedBaba’s love flowed to cause the healing.

Upon hearing ofKishore’s passing, BhauKalchuri sent this additional communication, some days after the one given in thefirst paragraph:

“The family is really unique. [FollowingKishore’s demise] I saw everyone happyand cheerful, and I felt touched when I sawmy dear Sister Rajani coming to me smiling. What a gift you have received fromthe Beloved, and how my dear Kishore hasserved you all. This service is unknown toeveryone. Nobody knows. And how can oneknow; because it is inner service...

It was really an amazement to everyonewho knew dear Kishore that he passed away.But no one knows that he has not passedaway, but he has met the Beloved in such away that He will keep him immortal. I amreally happy that you found him hale andhearty when you saw his body. It is a greatgift that Beloved Baba has given to the family, that the burden ofsanskaras which theywould have taken a long time to spend, andthen again collect new impressions, were justwiped out in no time, because the connections are broken.

That day was a unique day, when I metthe family and the smile ofeach one. I felt asifl should bow down to Beloved Baba’s Lovein you all, who have given so much courageand strength to realize that no one goes andno one comes. It is a dream. Though peoplesay this through talks, very few can feel it,and still fewer can experience it. How lovingand merciful our Beloved is, that when yousaw your Papa’s face, you saw him smiling.I feel very much touched. You are reallyunique, and how fortunate my Sister Rajaniis, who has such a blessed family.

Your father was completely dedicatedto Baba’s Cause. What a gift He has giventhat not only did He make him free frombirths and deaths, but also He cleaned all youdear ones. The smile you all had was the joywhich Beloved Baba has given. I really felttouched, and I will never forget in my lifethe gift of the Beloved.”

9turi2Iazrnby .Amitabk ..hiukIwijec, 3abalpur

Gauri Hazra passed away abruptly on8 February 2005, from cardiac arrest,

in South India, where she was visiting hergrandson, my brother.

Gauri learnt about Baba from her husbandProfessor Amiya Kumar Hazra* after theirmarriage. Although Amiya explained theAvatar to her, the explanation failed to cap-ture her imagination, and she didn’t take Himto be God. However He arranged for her toexperience His compassion. One afternoon,as she sat by a window ofher house puzzlingover who Baba might be, Baba with all Hisincomparable splendor appeared at the win-dow. She felt the overwhelming warmth ofBaba’s presence and His love, and from thattime forth was securely in His fold.

She and Amiya married in summer of1962. At the East-West Gathering in No-vember 1962, Baba called them before Him,joined their hands Himself and said, “Nowyou are properly married.”This was her firstopportunity for ; she also attended the 1965Pune darshan program.

She was very well educated, with amaster’s degree in commerce and economics,and taught school for most ofher adult life.It was her good fortune to teach in a schoolwhere most of the teachers were also devotees ofMeher Baba. She thus spent most ofher working time in the company of Babalovers, with whom she had the experienceof being bathed in the eternally blissfulsunshine ofBaba’s love.

She corresponded with Baba throughouther married life until such directcommunications were no longer possible andthere are charming incidents both in Memoirsofa Zetetic and in the correspondence website at www.trustmeher.com/zetetic.

She was a reticent, yet avid, Baba loverwho held on to Baba’s daaman till her lastbreath. May her divine sojourn be peacefulin Baba’s lap!*Author ofMernoirs ofa Zetetic and Of Menand Meher Baba

4s

7kriui 2loffmtrn

April 17, 1917—December 16, 2004

erna Cecilia Mansfield Hofmann wasborn April 17, 1 917 down under in

Ballarat, Victoria, which was the centerof the first gold fields in Australia. Hermother Cecilia May Cregan loved hergirls and it was from her mother thatVerna learned the ways of being a lady inthe upper class of society But Cecilia hada special closeness to her second daughterVerna that turned into a deep friendship.Verna’s love of books and literature camefrom her mother’s Welsh half while thatgreat wit and mischievous smile was fromher feisty Irish half. Verna and her motherhad a continuing stream of inside jokesabout Father. And that great independenceVerna displayed throughout her life wasdeveloped from witnessing Mother gettingwhat she wanted, no matter how “unladylike” Father thought it to be.

It was in Western Australia, while livingthere a second time during 1968 with herthree younger children, that Verna heardMeher Baba’s name. Ana had attended apublic meeting in Perth hosted by Bill LePage and she exuberantly told her mother allabout Him. However, at that point, Vernahad no real interest. Verna had moved toMyrtle Beach in 1972 after an around-the-world trip, where she visited not onlythe spiritual places of Jerusalem but alsothe homes ofMeher Baba in Australia andIndia. She loved the ocean and woods andher interest in Baba had grown. She wantedto know more of Him and she enjoyed thecommunity ofBaba lovers that lived nearby.Kitty Davy and Verna hit it off immediatelyand Verna became Kitty’s seamstress. Shortlyafter her move, Verna became the first book-keeper for Sheriar Press and worked therefor many years. She did not profess to be a46

“Baba lover” but rather a “Baba respecter”.She loved Jesus dearly but eventually in herlater years Baba became her Jesus. In 1973her daughter Ana moved to Myrtle Beachfollowed by her sister Carolyn in 1974. Inthe late 70’s Susan, the youngest, also movedthere. Verna made ever effort to be close toher three daughters. She worked to developrelationships with each one which she hadnever really had a chance to do when struggling to raise and support them with herformer husband Ross in Pennsylvania. Eachone ofthem can attest to her determinationin nurturing these relationships.

After Verna retired she continued to live inNorth Myrtle Beach, taking walks along thebeach and through the woods of the Centerand forever collecting her thousands ofbooks(“one day I’ll get around to reading all these!”).And it wasn’t too late to get her four-yearBachelor ofArts degree, majoring in history

Verna was a great Grandmother toSusan’s children and she became a “mom”to many ofthe Baba lovers in the area. Anaand Susan stayed in North Myrtle Beachand always kept contact with their mother.Carolyn and her husband Daniel moved allover the world raising their children andlived in NMB twice more. In 1996 Ana andGary, who lived next door to Verna, startedtaking care of her more and more. Even-tually in June of 1998 she moved in withCarolyn’s family in Marblehead, MA.

In these later years, Verna became a happyseventh member ofthis Montague household.All four of Carolyn and Daniel’s kids cameto love their Grandma deeply and appreciateher wit and quirkiness, but none more thanBrendan who was 6 years old at the time.Cregan Montague, halfofthe Divine Maggiesdynamic duo, was one ofher lucky grandchildren, named for Verna’s mother.

Then injuly of2000 tragedy hit with herfirst major stroke. It was hospital for weeksand then 2 separate nursing homes. TheMontagues longed for her to come home andshe struggled through rehabilitation to makethat happen. But another stroke hit duringChristmas of2000, which meant no chanceat all of ever going home. In June of 2001the Montagues moved to the midcoast ofMaine and brought Verna to her final nursing home. The Knox Center for Long TermCare and its loving staffwas a true blessing.It allowed Verna to finish her extraordinarylife of love and service in the comfort andlove ofsuch a special place with people whosincerely loved her. Verna was trapped ina body that didn’t work for the last 4 and1/2 years of her life. There were many days

rHer left

.j arm stillworked,

allowing her to reach out and grab othersfor a big hug (and to occasionally let hernurse Richard know she was displeased withsomething). And that wonderful twinkle inher eyes and that mischievous smile werealways there at least once a day to light upthe lives of those around her.

Verna served her Beloved Baba right upuntil the end by loving and serving thosearound her. Her last written verse before thestroke in July 2000 beautifully captures thelife of this very special servant of God:

“Take it as a blessing, take it as a curse,Whatever happens, we can’t rehearse... Godknows what’s best for us, so let’s not be per-verse...”

OnThursday, December 16th 2004, Vernapeacefully passed away into the arms ofBaba. Carolyn, Daniel and Brendan were byher side chanting Baba’s name. At the moment ofdeath, they said Baba’s Prayers andDaniel sang Begin the Beguine. That evening,Verna was brought home to rest in her bedfor four days, truly a gift from Beloved Babato His Verna and her close family.

Jreiny rDadciclwnji

Freiny, wife of Rustom, HoshangDadachanji’s immediate older brother

(oldest being the late Nariman, husbandof Arnavaz) had been battling cancer forsome three years. She had an operation inPune on the 7th and passed on to Baba 8thFeb 2005 just after it. She was cremated atMeherabad on the 8th at 4:00 pm.

Leatrice3ohnstønThere will be afuill story ofour dear

Leatrice in thefidy issue.Ifthere is room and fthere are any

stories orphotos you would like to share,sendthem to us by May 1st.

that musthave beensuch torture forher. Butshe surmountedhat de

A.tie &tfllfl

by 7<enneth Lux

A Secret History ofBegin the Beguine, Part II

I the May/June 1992 issue of the oldDenver area Meher Baba newsletter,

with the delightftil title of Broken DownFurniture News, I wrote an article called“A Secret History of Begin the Beguine.” Ithas had some continuing popularity, and Ibelieve the text of it is has been available onthe Baba ListServ. Herewith is a follow-up.

At the end of what has been a terribleyear, particularly with the unbelievable tsunami, whose death toll is still being countedas I write, and may be for a long time tocome, the single death of swing era bandleader Artie Shaw on December 30th wasin the headlines on the 31st (first page ban-ner in the BangorDailyNews). His death atthe august age of 94 was a very natural one,regardless ofcause, in contrast to the tragedyof “Nature’s Rebellion,” as Baba has calledsuch phenomena as the earthquake-causedmassive tsunami. With the big emphasisof his hit song, “Begin the Beguine” in thenewspaper account of his life and career,and probably other media as well, I thinkwe can take this as Baba’s secret message ofconsolation to us in His worldwide familyas the New Year starts.

Shaw was quite the colorful characterand complex personality ofsubstantial intel-ligence, as the bio points out. In researchingmy previous article on him, I read his 1952autobiography The Trouble with Cinderella.Before starting it, I assumed that the titlereferred to the trouble he had with his eightmarriages, some ofwhich were to the mostglamorous and famous women ofthat time.In fact, although the marriages come in fordiscussion, as well they must, the Cinderellahe refers to in his title is not the women, butfame. Shaw, an ordinary young man, as all

ofus are ordinary as we start out in life, wassuddenly catapulted into fame and fortuneat the age of28 with his swing recording ofCole Porter’s song, his version of which isconsidered an early epitome of the pop hitsong. (This is not to degrade it, as I considerhis version deserving of its fame). XavierCugat had put out a Latin-oriented versionshortly before, but it did not go anywhere.

His personal recounting of his life upuntil its middle period in the book is actuallyquite well done, and it has been widely notedthat this is one of the successful and intel-ligent show business autobiographies. In factit effectively conveys what we can call Shaw’sagonies or, at the minimum, his discontents.For it turns out that Shaw did not take wellto fame, or even to being a very successfulmusician, nor certainly to being married. Ashe explains in the book, and subsequently,Shaw really wanted to be a writer. And notjust a writer of his autobiography; he wasinherently philosophically-minded, ifin anuntutored way, without any post-high schooleducation. Shaw’s continual dissatisfactionwith all the rewards that life can bring—andhe had it all—indicated a man on a search.It would not be too fancy or overblown tosee it as a search for meaning, for what is anylife search, but ultimately a search for that?Shaw, like so many others of the celebrityworld who had made it big, could have beensatisfied with that and played it for all it wasworth, and wound up like so many others ofthat ilk, as late life fodder for the tabloids.But that truly was not Shaw.

So did Shaw ever find what he waslooking for? From the admittedly limitedknowledge I have of his later life, I wouldhave to say no. And furthermore, beingArtie Shaw, the great popularizer of “Beginthe Beguine,” I also would say that if hedid not find Meher Baba, then he did notfind what he was searching for. I wouldn’tsay this for most other people of fame, andeven offame and search, but for Artie ShawI would say it.

After all, without his version, bringingwhat originally was one of the minorsongs of Porter’s show, “Jubilee,” to publicawareness, I think it is safe to say that itprobably never would have become the songthat it was for the Avatar ofthe Age, whichincluded Baba’s asking the Mandali to haveit played seven times at His side when hedropped the body. Having been in that role,albeit completely unknowingly, in thelife of the Avatar, I would say again that ifArtie Shaw, who was on an intense searchthroughout most ofhis life for the meaning

ofwhat that life, or anylife was, did not findBaba, then he did not find that meaning. Inhis own way, he was close, but yet so far.

What is most fascinating in this regard isthe known fact, well noted in the obituariesthat it was in part the fame of “Begin theBeguine” that drove him out of the musicbusiness. The overwhelming success of thesong meant that Shaw could never get awayfrom it. From 1938 on, when he recorded it,he was always asked to play it—again andagain. “Ad nauseum,” as the articles stateit. Shaw, who besides wanting to be a phi-losopher, also had ambivalent feelings aboutpopular music, and had aspirations to be aserious musician. This led him to quit themusic business several times. Accordinglyhe renounced his band and popular music,only to come back to it for one reason oranother. Each time he came back he wouldrelease another song, which would becomea mega hit. One gets the feeling that whensomething like this happened, you couldalmost hear Shaw saying to himself “Oh no,not another hit.”

It is interesting to note the parallels,fanciful as we may be in drawing them, be-tween the lovers of Meher Baba and ArtieShaw, at least in one sense. Baba says, “Nomatter how hard you try, you can never getaway from me.” And ofcourse we can’t, sincehe is our Real self. Not knowing about, orunfortunately not being a lover of MeherBaba, Shaw did not try to get away fromHim, but he did try to get away from Beginthe Beguine. But he could not, and the songhaunted him down through all his years andright up through his obituary.

However, he did finally make the breakfrom the music business, and reportedly laiddown his clarinet for the last time in 1954.Now, this was one of the most significantyears in the advent of the Avatar. Baba an-nounced he was the Avatar in that year, aswell as giving “The Final Declaration,” hold-ing “The Three Incredible Weeks,” otherunprecedented mass darshan programs,and also giving up the alphabet board. Babagives up the board, and Shaw gives up theclarinet.

Would we be surprised if he, in his nextlife, finally found the object of his search?In his own agonized way, he earned it,didn’t he?

47

In 1952, I lived with my parents in Switzerland. I was 1 1 years old. My mother toldus we were going to go to Solduno, near Locarno in the southern part ofthe country,tomeet Meher Baba, and that He was like theChrist. For me, this was the same as sayingthat He is the Christ.

We went to public school, but went oncea week to Catholic instruction. My youngersister Vreneli (Verena) told our religiousteacher, a Catholic nun, that she was goingto see Meher Baba. The nun didn’t get it,but finally concluded enthusiastically thatVreneli was going to Rome to see “papa,” thePope. It was then I realized that one had tobe careful about what one said.

When we arrived in Solduno, the German people who owned one part of the Lshaped house had moved out temporarily forBaba’s visit. That was the part Baba and thewomen Mandali were going to live in andalso my mother with us three girls, Rona 12,Vreneli eight years old, and myself. Therewas a gorgeous garden on the property,surrounded by a wall. There were even palmtrees by the entrance. It was all enchantingand I felt quite rich.

On the day of the night Baba was toarrive, I remember going into Baba’s roomwhile the adults were bustling about. I hadheard that Baba had been in a car accidentand was hurt and I heard that He was sup-posed to sleep on a hard mattress to havemore comfort. So I checked the mattressintended for Baba. I bounced it with myhands and it seemed very soft. It seemed tome that the hard mattress was on the bottom and the springy one on the top, and Ithought, “Why don’t they reverse it. Theyare doing it wrong. They don’t want to hurtHim, but now they are going to hurt Him.”But I said nothing aloud.

That night we children stayed up late,waiting, but Baba did not arrive at the timeHe was supposed to, and we were finallysent to bed.

In the morning my mother woke us andtold us that Baba had arrived late at nightand that we were going to see Him. I wasexcited about it and also a bit afraid. Whenwe three girls were brought to Baba, He wasin His bedroom sitting on His bed with Hislegs on top. I was shy and terribly embarrassed with all the adults around. They weresmiling and rather quiet and then talking in

48

alanguage I didilt know. I liked Baba alot. Ifonly all these people hadn’t been around.

Baba smiled and made gestures and Iwas fascinated by His fingers. They movedconstantly and very fast. I couldn’t movemine that fast! I remember staring at Babawhenever I could. As far as I was concerned,it was bad manners to stare, so I tried to beinconspicuous about it. When He turnedHis back on me, I stared blatantly. I remember seeing His braid and bald spot and neckand shoulders verywell. I wanted to see whatthe difference was between Him and otherhumans. It seemed to me ifl couldjust starea little longer, I would get it. I was convincedthat He was the Christ, but why couldn’t Iquite see it?

Later when we had a meal, I wanted tosee how Baba ate and drank. So wheneverpossible, I stared then too, but only whenHe didn’tlook. The children ate at a separatetable, which made the staring easier. I alsostared when Baba had to do exercises withan exercise machine with Dr. Donkin helpingHim. I tried to hang around without reallyhanging around. But the staring was veryhard, because it wasn’t allowed for me tolook like I was looking. So I only got shortglimpses. And I never could quite fathom thedifference I was seeking.That didn’t take any-thing away from my conviction about Baba. Itjust meant that the struggle went on.

We three girls played in the garden.I found it amazing to be surrounded byso much luxury. We lived at that time inZurich in an apartment and didn’t haveany pets, but here was a kitten, which wecould pick up and carry around and evenlay on its back like a baby. My older sisterRona played mostly with the cat. I lived inconstant competition with Rona. While shewas superior to me in every regard, I alwaysfelt that it was really the other way around,but that nobody got it. Rona didn’t fight withme, but I fought with her either inwardly oroutwardly pretty much always. So I simplydidn’t like what she liked. And since Ronaplayed with the kitten so much, to me it wasout ofbounds. But now and then I couldn’tresist the kitten and I picked it up too andfound it very exciting.

Irene had brought her white bunnyTrixli. Rona played with the bunny a lot,too, so I left the bunny alone. Now thatRona played with it, it was untouchable for

me. Once, Rona picked up the bunny andit struggled and fell and severely injured itsback. I was so grateflil that this didn’t hap-pen to me. Last year, I asked Rona about it

(we get along very well and I love her now).She said that the bunny was close to theentrance and that a car was coming in andshe grabbed it because she was afraid forits life. The bunny felt the jarring grab andstruggled to get free and slipped out of herhand. Irene loved that bunny very much. Itwas brought to Baba who told Irene that thebunny would be all right, even ifit died. Healso had Rona brought in and He made surethat everything was okay between Irene andRona. Later, we had Trixli with us often inour apartment in Zurich when Irene wentplaces. It could get around slowly by drag-ging its hindlegs on the floor. It was a darlingbunny and I enjoyed it then.

As children, we each wanted to adopt oneofthe adult visitors as our very own. Who wasI going to adopt? I considered Mehera, butshe was being protected by the women aroundher. I felt a gleeful satisfaction that I couldsee Mehera while my father, who seemedso powerftii, was not allowed to. Deep downI wanted to get closer to Mehera, but shelooked so fine and pure to me that I felt thatshe was not to be “owned” by me. So I left heralone from my possessive feelings.

What about Mani? I adored Mani. Shewas total fun to be with. She played with uschildren often. She was always silent andcommunicated with gestures, since Babahad put her on silence. It was such fun towatch her. Rona immediately gravitatedtowards Mani, so I pulled back and gaveher to Rona.

I looked at each of the Mandali withcritical eyes. Mehera was unattainable, Maniwas gorgeous but taken by Rona, Meherulooked too strict to my child eyes, Goherwas busy, Rano looked too masculine andtall, Anita was too European and big-cityelegant. How about Charmian. I liked howCharmian was different from the rest ofthe Westerners. I remember her standingapart and leaning against a column. I likedher expression. But her skin was much toowhite and her lips much too red.

What about the men Mandali? The menlived about five minutes away in anotherhouse and we sometimes brought stuff there,so I scrutinized them, too. Gustadji was

41 Chiid’ac Lye 7)iew of Ji4ëeting;41anik 2kflijr .7Qc1Wwkc, Wiit Creth CilifQmin

much too small. Sarosh was too big andnoisy. I liked Meherjee, but somehow I lefthim alone. I liked Dr. Donkin a lot, but helooked so darn British, I couldn’t stand it. Iliked Dr. Nilu, too. What about him? Niluwore pink shirts and on his dark skin thatlooked irresistible. He had big dark eyes justlike Vreneli, my much adored little sister. ButVreneli found Nilu most admirable and thetwo of them fitted together very well. Hesmiled so sweetly when she adored him. Sonaturally, I gave Dr. Nilu to her.

The only one left was Baba. He wascompletely available. No one seemed to ownHim. I puzzled over His looks, because Hedidn’t seem to look at all perfect. He had abald spot on His head, His hair was thin-ning, He seemed a bitlumpy like old people,and He was suffering greatly as far as I couldsee. Yet He seemed just right. So I choseHim. Still, His form puzzled me constantly.How could He look the way He lookedwhile something inside me still knew Hewas perfect? I tried hard to figure out whatmade that possible. Why couldn’t I fathomit? There seemed to be a secret behind itall that I just wasn’t getting, no matter howmuch I looked.

My mother showed us a photo that hadbeen given to her by the owner ofthe housewhere the men Mandali stayed. She hadphotographed the flowers in her garden,and when she developed the picture, abeautiful image ofJesus Christ was on it.(My mother still has that photo.) That wasthe way I imagined Jesus. But Baba lookeddifferent. I definitely stuck to Baba andthere was no doubt in me that He was thehighest. But why His looks? And then itstruck me! It was because of His suffering.I knew that we were all guilty and that Hesuffered for the whole world, but it seemedto me it was the grown-ups that made Himsuffer, and particularly all those hustlingand bustling grown-ups around Him whowere too noisy!

One evening we all went to see fireworks.We drove up a mountain and sat and waitedand waited. Word came that Baba was get-ting impatient about this waiting and wewere going to leave. This happened severaltimes. When the fireworks finally started,I was disappointed with the puny thingsbecause it all seemed too far away.

Another thing I remember about Baba’svisit was the driver ofthe car hired to transport Baba. He was Swiss, big and heavy,and he seemed a really nice man. He woreimpeccable suits that covered his big waist.He seemed eager to serve well and he looked

like he always tried his best. Even though hewas big and heavy he moved fast and eagerly.I heard that he was a family father.

I remember studying Hedi’s body andwondering about her legs. They bent outso much and then went in so much thatI wondered how she could walk and howdifficult it must have been for her to work.It seemed to me such a body would bringnothing but pain since nothing was hold-ing together well. I wondered how longshe would live with such a wobbly body.My mother confirmed to me that Hedi hadhealth problems.

I also remember Tobi Mertens, Hedi’syoungest son. I thought he was such a fineyoung man and I admired him.

One morning my mother discovered ascorpion by Rona’s bed. In my mind, scorpions were deadly, because every year weheard offarmers dying from scorpion bites.But my mother was so calm about it, it wasnot a big deal.

Once we all went out together. I don’tremember who came, but it included Babaand lots of people, my parents, my two sisters, and me. What I remember from thattrip was the ice cream we got in a restaurant.We three girls were being raised very strictly.We didn’t go into restaurants and we rarelyhad ice cream. But here we had cassata, agreen ice cream with pistachio nuts andother things in it. This treat was servedin a chalice-like silver dish on a saucer. Itseemed heavenly to me. I felt very lucky andmost luxurious. There was no doubt that wegot this rare treat from Baba. It left a deepimpression on me.

Once I was in the paved part of thecourtyard of the L-shaped house when Icame upon Baba talking with Mani. Babawas in His wheelchair in the courtyard andMani was in the “loggia,” the terrace onthe second floor. Nobody else seemed to bearound. Baba and Mani were “talking” witheach other and I felt that I had stumbledupon a private moment. Should I leave?Should I hide my eyes? There was a battleraging in me between two forces. One sideofme felt very indecent and snoopy and badmannered and was pulling me to behavemyself. But another side ofme was resistingand saying I don’t care if it is wrong. Thissight is so fascinating that Fin not about togive it up. So I stayed rooted to the floorand watched.

The two joked and laughed with eachother in royal entertainment. You couldhear no sound, yet it was so alive. I was justfascinated, and I drank it all in as far as my

torn position allowed me. Neither Baba norMani seemed to care about my looking on.In fact, they seemed not to notice me, eventhough I was convinced they did. Then itwas all finished and I went on my way.

Finally the time came and we said good-bye to Baba as He and His party left forGeneva and then to Paris, where they flewback to India.

In 1956, I had a summer volunteer jobworking with a mountain family in theFrench part of Switzerland. They had foursmall children and a fifth one was on theway. I was 15 then.

My mother had told me that Baba wasgoing to come to Switzerland on His wayto America and many people were goingto see Him. I said that I would not cometo the gathering. I felt that people werealways pestering Baba and I wasn’t goingto be one ofthem. He was all powerful andHe could do His job very well without allthose pesky flies around Him. My motherwrote to Mani and told her that I refused tocome. I hadn’t told her about the pesky flies.Mani answered that she was disappointedin me and said that from time to time theiron needed a new charge from the magnet.I could understand that very well and whenmy mother wrote (there were no telephones)that Baba was going to stop at the Zurichairport, I decided to come.

I was picked up by my parents in Zurichand we traveled together to Kioten, the air-port. We waited in a reserved room. WhenBaba came in, He looked to me so fragileand suffering. To this day I cannot connectmyperception ofHim then with photos I seefrom that time and the descriptions I read ofhow fast He could walk. As far as I could see,He could barely walk and was supported oneither side by a Mandali. He walked like araw egg, like everything was hurting and ina fragile state. He sat down and motionedto my father to make a • speech. I was soself-conscious, I could have disappeared intothe ground. I had pity for my poor father tohave to talk in front of all these people. ButI thought he did it with ease, and I admiredhim for that. Still, I was all the time busybeing embarrassed for him.

The waiters served Baba an ice cream.It was the kind that in the U.S. is called asundae. I had never seen such a thing before.In Switzerland, windows of sugar bakersdisplayed similar confections, but you knewthat they were made of gypsum. This onewas real. On the very top was a cherry. Babatook the teaspoon and ate the equivalent ofone fiftieth ofa teaspoon. I wondered if He

49

Above: Dr. Goher with Monika and Vèrena.Below: Mansari talking with Max HçftigeiMonikafather; behind them are Michael,

Mani, Alexy andMonika Kochowiec, 1979.

wasn’t going to eat more ofit, but He neverdid. I thought about the regretful waste ofthis goodie, and at the same time I admiredHim for His enormous self-control.

People filed past and when it came tomy mother, I got the feeling that Baba waslovingly scolding her for something that Ididn’t understand. In my thoughts, I said toBaba that she was the nice one; He shouldscold my father.

When it was my turn, I gave Baba myalpine wildflowers that were by now prettydroopy. Baba kissed me on the forehead. Theexperience was so light, so nonexistent, thatI almost forgot about it. But my father wasimpressed, and he reminded me of it later,when I could still remember it. Pretty soonafter that Baba left. Again He was supportedon either side, as far as I could see. I cried outinside, “Oh Baba, when will you be free ofall that suffering and walk again with ease?”That was my last impression ofHim in thephysical body.

When I was about 18, my mother toldme that we could write one letter to Baba.I thought I had to, because this was aninvitation to do so. But all words seemedso inadequate and stupid. They seemed tocontort everything. I tried many versions,but all felt insincere. Finally I remembereda conversation I’d had recently with mymother. She had asked me ifBaba might bethe silent one in Nordic mythology. I got abit impatient and said that I would never follow anybody but the highest ofthe high andthat Baba was definitely the highest and if

there was anybody still higher,then Baba was that one, too,

.

and anyway, if He wasn’t thehighest, I was making Himthe highest, no matter what.So in my letter to Baba, Iwrote, “You are the Highestof the High. . .“ No otherwords came to me. It felt a bitshort, so I drew some daisiesand bluebells and roses to fillup the space. It looked veryinadequate and childish, butit couldn’t be helped. Thatwas my letter.

__:?II%1 I

‘vteiiem S

¶Beth c7frtaec, Colorado

God and Gardens online magazine is theresult ofan idea that came to me while

I was working in the garden last summer,the light-toned marigolds remindingme of Molly Sheehan’s story about dearMehera. Molly dreamt of evolving a whitemarigold on her Green Hope Farm andlater discovered that Mehera had for yearsbeen up to the same enterprise, saving theseeds ofthe lightest-toned blossoms so thatshe might grow a pure-white marigold forher Beloved Baba.

I envisioned a magazine that would combine spirituality and gardening, dedicated,ofcourse, to Avatar Meher Baba. Initially, Isaw a paper magazine, but the cost provedprohibitive. Though I knew nothing aboutconstructing a website, the price seemedright, and since my Internet Service Providerwas local, I could pick the owner’s brain as Iset out to find a top-notch designer. Beforelong, one was sitting in my home studio.

Dean Rickman is a bouncy, cheerfulcharacter, one of those energetic, happy-to-be-of-help types, and, as he mentionedofffiandedly, he ran some seven miles everymorning along the paths near his home.

I told him what I hoped to accomplishthrough the website while he stole occasional glances at the photograph of Babaon my computer.

“Great!” he said. “God and Gardens...that’s a pretty catchy title. This should befun! You want something that will pullgardeners in? We can do that.”

That’s when I had to backtrack a bit, andrepeat the primary purpose ofthe site.

“Hmm,” he said, “let me see if I’ve gotthis right—people will visit the site to...what? Find out about this guy?”

I told him I hoped so, but the main audi-ence would probably be made up of peoplewho already knew about Meher Baba.

“And there are enough ofthose to make it

worth the trouble?” he asked doubtfully.I told him that hundreds of thousands

ofpeople around the world knew of AvatarMeher Baba, a fact that often stuns me, andseemed to have the same effect on DeanRickman, momentarily.

“Wow,” he whispered. “Well then, off tothe races! Let’s do this thing. Here, let meshow you a few sites. . . We could go with abackground like this, no problem,” he saidhappily. As he clicked out of the site, thephotograph ofBaba returned to the screen.

so

Dean’s smile faded. “Who’s this guy again?”he asked.

I offered to lend him a few of my Bababooks and The Beloved video. “Do someresearch,” I said. “If you still want to workon the site, we’ll talk about the design.”“Great! Perfet!” he said, as if a trap-doorhad swung open.

The following day, he emailed to saythat he was working on a template for thesite. I didn’t suppose lightning had struck,he hadn’t become a Baba-lover overnight,but I was curious about his reaction to theliterature and video.

“Haven’t gotten around to those yet!” hewrote back. “Busy, busy, busy!”

Not long after, he sent the potential homepage, a gorgeous design done in my favoritecolors, deep rose and turquoise. Delighted,and wholly surprised, because I hadn’t saida word about color during our meeting, Inonetheless wrote to tell him that the maincolor had to be avocado green, which I knewwas one ofMehera’s favorite colors. Plus, Iwrote, the green was a pure garden color. I

favorite of all the sites he has designed. Heworks on the site practically for free, takingevery opportunity to ask his next questionabout Baba. Lightning hasn’t struck as yet,but don’t we all know it will, in Baba’s owntime, and by the stroke ofHis infinite, clear-colored Grace.

To visit this site, enter Godandgardens.com.

Aiâni.’s SJtC1Ui J2OWS

Biti £eaje

There was, Mani said, rivalry among thethirty or so women in the ashram for

progress on the spiritual path in the formof spiritual experiences and the acquisitionof powers. Baba of course knew this, andone day, He took Mani aside and said thatthe next day He would announce to thewomen that He had given certain powersto her, and that they could ask questionsand that she would answer. He then taughtMani a series of answers and a few signsthat would indicate to her the particularanswer to the question.

At 4 pm, everyone was called, and Babatold of Mani’s powers and invited them toask her questions. This they did and withsigns from Baba, Mani answered and all wereimpressed—she did have some power.

A few days later, with everyone againpresent, Baba told them the showwith Manihad all been pre-arranged. Baba loved toplay such tricks, but the interesting point,which Mani only realised years later, wasthat Baba knew beforehand what questionswould be asked!The Divine Hurnanit ofMeher Baba, Sam Kerawala Section, pp. 87-88. ©1999 Avatar Meher

Baba Perpetual Public Charitable Trust

A/1y 9od, my 73eloved—to think 3l-tt:ive spent my dajs in forgetfulness anddrink, .J1nd you were t1tinkinj of me!

The East- West Gatheringp26, Francis BrabazonMeher House Pub. Australia, 1963.

SI

included a square ofthe reso

I: lution I had in mind.“Sorry, this simply won’t

r work,” he responded. “It: clashes with everything. Toj my eye, it’s sort of an ugly

color. Way too muddy!”I stared at the email. Mud-

dy? Mehera’s green? I mayhave thought the same in thepast, but I’d be darned ifl’d tobow to the charge now.

“Please, give it anothertry,” I typed.

Within minutes, the an-swer was in my mailbox: “Yep!

: I’m right! It’s a no—go color!”i• The man seemed to think

I that exclamation points couldsolve everything. I didn’t want

F to argue to the point oflosingthis designer, and I could cer

. tainlylive with the wonderfuldeep rose and turquoise, butdidn’t want to give in. It wasconfusing, the position Babahad placed me in. Was I justbeing stubborn in my insistence on the green?

‘ F It was at this juncture, I of the flying emails that I

‘ I had an appointment to call- .— . Molly Sheen for her inter-

1952 Myrtle Beach, Mehera andBaba with Bunny. Photo by view, which I aimed to printas the first feature ofGod and

Gardens. After we’d finished, I jokinglyshared what was happening with the site’sdesign. Molly became silent. Her laughingvoice wasn’t finishing my sentences as it haddone for the past hour.

“This is extremely important,” she saidwith emphasis. “I feel that Baba is creatingthis website. He wants it done. For whatpurpose, we don’t know, but your vision ofMehera’s green is very, very important. Thisis your intuition, and our intuitions are givenby Baba Himself.”

After Molly and I said our goodbyes, Imarched to the computer and wrote Deana letter. The answer came quickly:

“I’m offfor a run. Will twiddle with thesite when I return.”

Waiting was tough but when the next let-ter arrived, Baba’s influence was obvious.

“I have no idea how this happened,” hewrote. “AU I can say is this Baba ofyours hasa great sense ofhumor. I put that resolutionofgreen in the mix and this time everythingjust fell into place!”

These days, Dean will tell you this is his

‘Charmian Knowles.

S2*iumor for ?1umtiConversion rDilemma

Jewish man goes and visits a Rabbiabout a personal concern of his.

“Rabbi,” he says, “I am so upset aboutmy son, I don’t know what to do. I raisedhim a good Jew, taught him the Torah,and instructed him about the Sabbath.Well, I just learned at this last Passoverthat he converted to Catholicism. Pleasetell me what I should do to reason withhim!”

The Rabbi answers: “Funny youshould mention this. The exact samething happened to my son. I taught himeverything I know to make him follow inmy footsteps and become a good Rabbilike me, and the next thing I know, he con-verted to Catholicism and became a Priest! Itruly don’t know what to tell you: maybe weshould ask Yahweh for some insights.”

To two men started praying: “Yahweh,God almighty, Creator of the Universe,please come to our rescue. Our firstbornsons have converted to Catholicism! Whatshould we do?”

A thundering voice responds: “WELL,TELL ME ABOUT IT!!”

L/lfl Orangutan’s Rea4ing ListOne day the zoo-keeper noticed that the

orangutan was reading two books: the Bibleand Darwin’s Origin of Species. Surprised,he asked the ape, “Why are you reading boththose books?”

“Well,” said the orangutan, “I just wantedto know if I was my brother’s keeper or mykeeper’s brother.”

LAncient /1ncestryThe following was overheard at a recent

‘high society’ party:“My ancestry goes back all the way to

Alexander the Great,” said Christine.She then turned to Miriam and asked,

“How far back does your family go?”“I don’t know,” replied Miriam, “All of

our records were lost in the flood.”

:-tow Do )3out To 1eaven?“IfI sold my house and my car, had a big

garage sale, and gave all my money to thechurch, would that get me into heaven?”I asked the children in my Sunday schoolclass.

“NO!” the children all answered.“IfI cleaned the church every day, mowed

the yard, and kept everything neat and tidy,

would that get me intoheaven?”

Again the answer was, “NO!”“Well, then, ifl was kind to animals and

gave candy to all the children and loved mywife, would that get me into heaven?” I askedthem again.

Once more they all answered, “NO!”“Well,” I continued, thinking they were

a good bit more theologically sophisticatedthan I had given them credit for, “then howcan I get into heaven?”

A five-year-old boy shouted out, “Yougotta be dead!”

7;Iie Proverbia! Wisdom of ChildrenA first grade teacher collected well known

proverbs. She had twenty-five studentsin her class and she presented each childin her class the first half of a proverb andasked them to come up with the remainderofthe proverb. It’s hard to believe that thesewere actually done by first graders. Theirinsight may surprise you and the last oneis a classic!

1 . Better to be safe than... punch a 5thgrader.2. Strike while the. .. bug is close.3. It’s always darkest before... DaylightSaving Time.4. Never underestimate the power of...termites.5. You can lead a horse to water but...how?6. Don’t bite the hand that... looks dirty.7. No news is... impossible.8. A miss is as good as a... Mr.9. You can’t teach an old dog new. . . math.10. Ifyou lie down with dogs you’ll... stinkin the morning.

11. Love all, trust... me.12. The pen is mightier than the...pigs.13. An idle mind is... the best way torelax.14. Where there’s smoke there’s...pollution.15. Happy the bride who... gets all thepresents.16. A penny saved is. .. not much.17. Two’s company, three’s. .. theMusketeers.18. Don’t put offtill tomorrow what...you put on to go to bed.19. Laugh and the whole world laughswith you, cry and. . . you have to blowyour nose.

20. There are none so blind as. .. StevieWonder.21. Children should be seen and not...spanked or grounded.22. If at first you don’t succeed... get newbatteries.23. You get out of something only whatyou. . . see in the picture on the box.24. When the blind leadeth the blind... getout of the way.

A Sunday school teacher asked herchildren, as they were on the way to churchservice, “And why is it necessary to be quietin church?” A little girl replied, “Becausepeople are sleeping.”

Ow’ 2iexL /1dventurcHow really amazing, Baba!

Only afiw minutes agoI was talking aloud to you,

When I heard myse(fsay.“but to Know is the same as to Love!”

AndI immediately became silent —

Th see You smiling so happily.

It didnt take me long, Baba,lb do a bit ofSpiritual Calculus

And very5i that, indeec4717 truly and really knowSomeone or something —

Is to actually be One withThat Someone or Something!There is no other way, Baba!

Yet to truly and really LoveSomeone or something —

Is to actually be One withThat someone or something as well!

How wonderfully amazing!

The only djffèrence betweenThe two would appear to be

In the way (how?)This union is attained!

Iguess thatc going to beOur next adventure Baba —

Th uncover how Truth and Love,Though One andlndivisible, d/ftr?

Beloved Baba, what can I say?pin starting to even talk

Likeyou, now!Baba, Lfr with you isjust so really Real!

-Mirek

_/11! Lovers‘4re 2oetsAll lovers arepoets: only some have voices

and some do not.They are the LJè-treec sap thrusting

beyond materialismc rot.

They areflags ofinnocence above themarshes ofcorruption.

They are white sails on the shark-infestedwaters ofreligion.

Theirpurityprotects themfrom thefalse,the outworn and the shoddy,

r2octry

Give us time, Beloved, give us time torightly read and obeyyour sign

Foryou yourse’fhave said that truevision is only in your gift ofwine.

Give us one drop to make aflame in thedark ofour trouble;

Give us one glass and we will reduce thetemple to rubble.

Ifnow we are intoxicated with somefair

face,Your Word will sing us clean andprepare

usforyour Gnzce.

All lovers arepoets; andpoetiy is the stateofperfect trust.

In the end the green sap, theflags and thesails turn into singing dust.From In DustlSing Francis Brabazon

©1974 by Francis Brabazon, Avatar’s Abode,Queensland, Australia

DL11icc

layers reflect within layersone side is out to the other

doyou know which side lam?doyou know which sliver is left ofme?

ask yourse(fquicklywhy is ityou wonderjfl readyour thoughts

or are you my shadow dropjustfar enoughfrom me

so the words soundlike an echo in a dream?

Isay they arerzplesfrom His Membrane

currents in the DanceC’arve outyour highest mountain

Thke the biggest chance:Believe

layers rçflect within layerscolors glance against mirrors ofLightdoyou know which silver coin lam?doyou dare link the moments together

ask yourse(fwhethercomparing another to the Highest is Real

orjustagameyou’ve come to play?

Layers arer4plesfrom His Membrane

currents in the DanceCarve outyour own mountain

Thke the biggest chance.Believe

andlknow thatHis Riverfiows through me

as the Oceanjiows Freelyriplingfrom His Membnzne

currents in the DanceCarve outyour highest mountain

Thke the biggest chance.Believe

0 Believefor itc time to Dance

itc time to Dance...—Bridget Robinson

After Ait This 7ini....Youl think that after all this timeLclknowyou bettei know how to

please you,makeyou happy,win your heart.

YouJ think I;l know what I meantoyou andyou to me,

how to spend a day with you aloneon my mind,

in contentment.

After all this timeIshouldknow where we stand,

howfar thejourney,howfar we’ve come

together

You are today more mysteryto me than ever

andlcannot do more thanloveyou still

after all this time.-Mary Su Noble

For they woo a divine beloved thoughthey imprison him in a body.

ARIZONA

Irma Sheppard, phone: 520-321-1566, 7320 N. VillageAve., Tucson, AZ 85704. Email:ihs22@theriver.com

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

San Francisco Bay Area. call for information re meeting timesand places 510-845-4339 or Ben Leet at 510-351-8259, e-mail:Benleet@earthlinknet.The Northern California Avatar MeherBaba Center is located at 6923 Stockton St., El Cererito,CA ,

94530-2931. wwwMeherBabaMeherBaba.org.

Sacramento: Marilyn Buehler, phone: 916-812-9496. E-mail:premsay@sbcglobal.net; www.prcmsay.com/MeherBaba

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

LosAngeles: Meetings are Sundays 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., held inour center “Meherabode,” 323-731-3737, 1214 South VanNess Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90019 (just East ofthe intersection ofArlington and 12th Street.) The Avatar Meher BabaCenter ofLos Angeles now has its own web site at www.Meherabode.org to bring the local news, programs, activities, andannouncements to the Baba community and the public.

COLORADO

Meetings Sunday evenings at 7 p.m. at various homes in the Denver-Metroarea. (Also the contact person for Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Wyoming,and Arizona.) Barbara A. Roberts 303-238-4649, 3475 Moore Court,Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-5543 (suburb of Denver). E-mail: babara@fone.net

FLoRIDA (TAMPA BAY)Jane Paladino,Tampa, FL, 813-962-8629. ContactTom Decker, M.D.,Clearwater, FL, 727-536-9282

HAWAII (MAUI)

Meredith Moon Phone: 808-573-1188 or 808-572-6556, Fax: 808-573-1189. E-mail: mm@dreamcircle.org. Location: 1940 Olinda Road or formail P.O. Box 1269), Makawao, Maui, HA 96768 USA

HAWAII (M0LAKAI)Shirley Alapa at “Meher Dham.” 808-567-6074 or 808-567-6383.Fax: 808-567-6363. E-mail: salapa@aloha.net. 69K Farrington Ave.,Hoolehua, HI 96729. Mail: P.O. Box 177 Kualapuu, HI 96757.

MAINE

Group meets once a month on the third Sunday taking turns hosting thegathering at 1 p.m. Potluck, then the meeting. Connie and Doug Leavitt,work: 207-594-0909, home: 207-594-1968 evenings and weekends. Mail:P.O. Box 125, Spruce Head, ME 94859. E-mail: publisher@sevencoinpress.corn, or Noreen O’Brien, phone: 207-354-7005 P.O. Box 43, Rockland, ME04841. E-mail: ompoint@yahoo.com, or Ken Lax, phone: 207-594-6391P.O. Box 108, Rockland, ME 04841, E-mail: kenlux@aol.com.

M ASSACH U SETTS

Meher Baba Information Center (Cambridge). Contact Michael Siegell617-864-3997, or Linda Porelle email: lpgp@verizon.net.

MONTANA

Andy Shott 406-549-5949, 336 Connell, Missoula, MT 59801.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Call for info: Lis Miller 603-749-3668. E-mail: mceliz2001@yahoo.com.NEW MEXICO

Robert Reser and Edle Andersen. Meetings are held the last Thursdayofthe month at 7:00 p.m. in our home 1921 Fort Union Drive, SantaFe, NM 87505, 505- 983-6621. E-mail: robertreser@yahoo.com.

NORTH CAROLINAWinnie Barrett, 22 Chunns View Drive, Asheville, NC, 28805. E-mail:

. winkiebai@mac.com. Sheldon Herman 336-288-8090 or336-235-2730, 2405 Kery Drive, Greensboro, NC 27408. Email: bikewafla@gbronline.com. Peter and Debbie Nordeen,5 Fern Street, Asheville, NC 28803. E-mail: nordeens@msn.com.

NEW YoRKNEW

JERSEY PENNSYLVANIA

Meher Baba House, Angela and George Chen, 124 PondfieldRoad West, Bronxville, NY 10708. E-mail: info@MeherBaballouse.org.wwwMcherBabaHouse.org.

ladelphia and surrounding tn-state area ofNY, NJ and PA.-weekly meetings on Saturdays at 4 p.m. Contact Frank Bloise6-696-4374, 431 West Garden Road, Vineland, NJ 08360.

- .L1: thloisc@earthlink.net.

OREGON

Portland Avatar Meher Baba Group do Baba House (JimI P0. Box 38, Scotts Mills, OR 97375, 503-873-2048.

E-mail: oregonbabagroup@msn.com.

TEXAS

Chris &Anne Barker 936-560-2631, 3101 Skyline Drive, Nacogdoches,TX 75965. E-mail: rockbl@yahoo.com.

WASHINGTON, D.C.Pamela Butler-Stone, phone 310-946-0236. Friday and Saturday meet-ings. www.lifeimages.com/MeherBaba.

WASHINGTON STATE

Seattle Meher Baba Group Meetings: every Friday at 8:00 p.m. Alsogatherings for special events (Amartithi/Baba’s Birthday). Location rotateseach week in homes. Mail: do Cynthia Barrientos 206-713-9905, P0. Box16081, Seattle, WA 98116. E-mail: cybar7@comcast.net.

ENGLAND

Meher Baba Center 228 Hammersmith Grove, London W6 7HG, 0207485 7042

FRANCE

Marseille: C. Dallemagne, Le Sylvereal Al. des Pins, 13009 Marseille.Phone: 4 91 41 39 02. Marc Molinari.

Cannes: Debby Sanchez, 1300 Route de Callas 83490 Le Muy (nearCannes). Phone: 4 94 45 81 39.

St.Nazaire: Christine &PhilippeJoucla, 7 Allee des Pins, La Salette 56610Arradon (near St. Nazaire). Phone: 2 97 46 13 19.

Connerre:Andre Grimard, Champ Brule Duneau 72160 Connerre. Phone:2 43 89 01 94.

Paris: Claude Longuet, 13-15 Rue Pastourelle, 75003 Paris, 1 44 59 30 06.

ISRAEL

Michal Sivan, phone/fax: 02671-5835, 46 Hebron Road ,Jerusalem, Israel93513. E-mail: myb@netvision.net.il.

MEXICO

Mexico City: Rafael Villafane; phone from US: 011 52 555 295-0512 cell:011 52 555 502 7225. E-mail best: raal@royerlabs.com. We have meetingsabout every month, in Mexico City at 7p.m. No set meeting day, people onthe list contacted prior to meetings—emails preferred. I am also found inCancun or Acapulco at times, so email me ifyou will be in those areas.

Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa: Jeff and Ciny Lowe, phone from US: 011 52 755544 6303. E-mail: cindearaba@yahoo.com. Meetings upon request. Pleasecontact us ifyou will be in our area.

WORLDWIDE MEHER BABA MEETINGS

The following is information about the various Baba groups around the country and a few from overseas. Ifyour local data is not included please send tome and should things change from the published details, please let me know that before the next issue’s deadline. —Dma

55

Meher Babac Samadhi. Photo by Paul Comai

AVATAR MEHER BABA CENTEROF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

1214 SOUTH VAN NESS AVENUE

LOS ANGELES, CA 90019-3520

Address Service Requested

DATED MATERIAL

NONPROFITU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDLOS ANGELES, CAPERMIT #3 1394

PLEASE EXPEDITE !