~veStreet,CamfPosv THE AVATAR MEHER BABA CENTER OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA NEWSLETTER & CALENDAR FOR WINTER 1993
Mariposa Baba Center Gets More Real Daily!
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o weekend-long business meetings were held in the fourth quarter of 1992 toward the goal of establishing a Meher Baba retreat center in Mariposa County, California. The meetings were held at the home of Chris and Christi Pearson, two former longtime members of the AMBCSC who moved to Mariposa three years ago. Many will know Chris and Christi as the selfless and energetic hosts for two fabulously successful "Bhaustock" gatherings graced by the attendance of MandaIi member Bhau Kalchuri. The focus of the two meetings, and a subsequent one to be held in early January, has been to work out details of the Center's mission and organizational structure. This is a considerable task, not unlike the drafting of a Constitution! May the work of the Mariposa planners prove, with Baba's blessing, as enduring as that of our country's founding fathers! The following important points have been agreed upon by the Mariposa planners: The center is for spiritual renewal dedicated to Avatar Meher Baba and His principles of active love and service, and specifically is to be a home for meetings, retreats, service projects, and the growth of community. It is to be run, within a short and clearly delineated period of time, by a democratically elected Board of Directors. Initially, however, the board will be established by appointment, with the Southern California, Northern Califor-
nia, and Mariposa Baba groups specifically represented, and with several At Large members who may represent other constituencies and bring needed skills and energy to the project. It has also been agreed that two types of membership are to be established: "Associate (non-voting) and "Active" (voting). Associate membership will be widely and freely available. Active membership will likewise be available to all who subscribe to the mission of the Center, but will, in addition, require active service in support of the Center and at least annual attendance at an on-site work meeting. The requirements, although no less open and democratic than the voting requirements of the southern and northern Baba centers, are somewhat more rigorous in order to ensure that voting members will be both committed and well-informed regarding the mission, activities, and history of the Center. Since there will be significant physical assets at
Bhau Kalcburi to Return This Year! Bhau has announced that he will be returning to California in May! In separate letters to Lynne Berry and the Pearsons (see Letters, page four) he said, "I was not intending to visit the States this year, but they told me that if! do not visit Mariposa in 1993 there will be a setback for the project." The exact dates of "Bhaustock IV" are not yet established, but don't plan anything in May!