Love Street Lamp Post 4th Qtr 1997 by AMBCSC ARCHIVES PRINT LIBRARIES

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your year is up. We do not have anything as sophisticated and commercial as do the newsstand magazines to trackyour ‘expiration date,’ so we are leaving that up to you—whatever your heart moves you to do. Each issue costs around $1,800 to get out to you, so all dona tions are greatly appreciated. One ofour readers feels so strongly about the LampPost that he donated a very special archival piece to raise funds for the magazine. He suggested it be given as a Silent Auction. See the box for details. For those of you submitting articles, please note our changed deadline. Two weeks just isn’t enough time for the Design and Layout person to create the beautiful magazine you hold in your hands. Remember, all the work we do for Baba, we do in the evening hours after our regular day jobs. Tom Hart, still here after a beautiful first effort on the July September Silence Day issue, is puffing in 22 hour stints at the computer! Baba never promised us a rose garden now did He?! While on the subject ofsubmissions we th, must ask that you not only get it in by the 8 but also in itsfinal, correctedform. Ifyou do realize a mistake before we go to press, please resubmit the entire piece rather than ask us to change a word here or there. We did have you e-mailing your piece to bothTom and myself but we have found this creates confusion at

Editor’s Corner Baba to you all. Thankyou to the many readers who have taken the time to write in and tell us how much you appreciate your Love Street LampPost. It gives us greatjoy to create it for you and to know that it brings the light and love ofBaba into some very remote outposts. Remember, it isyourmagazine, filled with the articles you have sent us. But we have not exactly been inundated with jokes for the Humor for Huma page, nor the amazing Baba sayings from the little ones. Let’s hear from you! It is a year since the beautiful colored memorial issue David McNeely created for Mani’s passing. So many ofyou saw that issue, donated very generously, and asked to be on our mailing list. A year has passed, and that money has been depleted, so we must ask you once again to consider the worth of the magazine and send in a new donation. We realize we have picked up many new subscribers throughout the year, so unless you feel tralyimpelled to donate at this time, wait till

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Tom’s end when he has all his regular work e mails coming in too. So please send all disks and e-mails to me alone. anniver August 1997 marked the sary ofthe Independence oflndia. I noticed a number ofmagazines wrote lengthy, in-depth articles on the occasion,Time and Vanity Fair among them. They were analyzing how far she has come, where she needs to go, etc. But I found to my amazement, thanks to Eric Solibakke of Norway posting on the Baba Listserv, Baba Himselfhad written the most profound, insightful piece yet, and He had written it in 1943—four years before Libera tion. It could have been written today! It is featured on page 24. We have notices of three weddings on the Announcements page, but in case you skip over that, I do want to mention here the joyous nuptials of a couple that have affected the health and welfare of thousands of pil grims—not the least ofwhich was saving my son’s life—see “A Fatal Illness” on page 13. Dr. Gus, as he is affectionately called, and his sidekick Radajoined in the Beloved’s love in June.Theywill continue dispensing their po tions and advice at the Pilgrim Center in Meherabad. We all wish them Much Love.

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A VERY SPEcIAi. AUCTION

at&t thxsyearlrtcezveda SpecnlDeliverypadcagefromafrtendmAnzona Hewasdortatmganongmalmanusenpt ofaplayBhau Kaichun had written in 1%1 Bhau had gntn it to my fitend sit 1973, asking him to put tt into colloquial American English D , as a curator of priceless tnanuscrtpts has kept it vetycarefully all these years and it is in the same condition as when Bhau gave it to hun—old and battere& America is odyjust begmningtoleam eonservatioa—the lnthanshavebeenpracucingttforcentunesiAnold heavycardboardledgerformstbeeovfront andhadswrth “1954155 Business no 12”wntten inblun penedontt khas a thmwhtte shoelacebmdingit through the2 holepunchedpapers Theplayistyped onthebackofsheets talcenfrom a 1972 ‘73 Tbeftontpageisuded TheSznnreSouflndrapencdBhau has lined througbthatandretided it TheAnamtOne(htshandwnting) and ssgaedss It thensays Dtdttation -BiovedRaba TbeAnnern’ One is dethcatedtothc /ove qfyourkvenv.xath aIllov4 —Bhau Kalehun, Meherazad2e Nov 1972 :i asked Bhau lit was all right to auction offthis prenous document as a flirts! raiser He told me “I am happy that 0 setityon this as a donation andyesyou mayauctaonthtsfortheLampPost In 1961,BelovedBabaliadaskedmetuwraeaplayforHis birthdayand solwrote it Then Babacalled His lovers from Ahmednagar Center and asked them to stage it, and they did it in Sarosh Cinema Baba and men and women Mandá caine iowa to see the play at Sarosh Cinema, and theywere allvery happy Some Baba lovers from different partsofMaharashta had also come Itwas really a very goodperformance Therewasone RustomKaka whowas averygoodsmger,and hebad the knowledge to stagethe play andhedid it verywell Songs &h November 1972 “ were really very good It was written in Hinds, and itwas translated on 2 In the hundreds ofynats to come this precious manuscript: and others like is, could take on the value ofSt Paul a Letters to the Epistles Now, we look on Bhau as ajolly good fellow and a wonderful friend but I have a feeling the world hundreds ofyears from non will not be seeing things that wayt We felt rather thanjust auction this offat our annual fund-raise; we would allow people from all overtheworld a chance to own it Accordingly, wewillhave asilent auction with the manuscript goxngtothe highesthidwehave recentdbyNotember3Q, 1997 Accordingly, write the amount you wouldlike to donate for ownership ofthrspiece ofhistory on a slip ofpaper and include italong with srnr regular donation lfyours is thewinning bid for the auction we can take paymenthy credit card but foryour yearly donationwe would need a check I made out to Love Street LampPost Because of extremely high postage costs I in afraid we must ask a minimum donation of$20 for all overseas addresses Goodluckon theaucuon (ffyouwish to partictpate)—rernembereverypennygoes tohelpthe LampPost keep a-shining

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A publication of the Avatar Meher Baba Center of Southern Ca1fornu

Lo veStreet LamPosr welcome The Love Street LampPost is dedicated with love to Avatar Meher Baba. Its primary purpose is to contribute to a sense of community among all His lovers by providing a place for sharing His remembrance. All the members of the Baba family are invited to contribute to this feast of Love. Your stories, photos, art work, poetry, letters, articles, and humor are all actively solicited. We seek expressions ofBaba’s message of Love andTruth. Please submit your text on computer disks if possible (in any software format); typewritten copy on white paper is also acceptable. Be sure to dearly identifr all submissions and properly credit every quote or reference.

submissions, subscriptions, donations: Love Street LampPost Avatar Meher Baba Center of Southern California 1214 South Van Ness Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90019—3520 phone (213) 731—3737 ;:i::. e-mail Bababooks@aol.com

deadlines for submissions J an Mar issue .::::::AprJun issue Jul Sep issue Oct Dcc

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November 8 F’ebruary Bth.: May 8 th Aug 8

is published quarterly, The J.ou&Strcet in January, April, July, and October. All contents © 1997, Avatar Meher Baba Center of Southern California. All quotations of Avatar Meher Baba or books, © AMBPPCT, India. £ctmç1JP.osr

New Caretakers at Meher Mount

Kendra Crossen Burroughs

Peter Ravazza Meher r

A K and Leela Kasthuri Numberless Impressions

spcc:iaI teätures: Grand Opening ofMeherabode

Jeff Magui

Silence Day at Meherabode

Fred Stankus

HarryThomas

The 23 Annual Silence Day Sahavas

Billy Goodrur’

The J Baba Catalog

Mani s Day A Fatal Illness He Builtitwith Love—Meher Babas Shrine Roshan Kerawala’s Story

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WhoAmi? A School Work Project earr.:. 9a11eyf’t6 4 An Experience in Miracle MyHeartis Calling You ofMani’s s..

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Grand Open

Mehei Baba Manifests in L.A. by Jeff Maguire st nJuly 1 ofthe great myster ies ofthe Baba World was finally and definitively solved. We may never in our lifetimes know what happened to Baba’s Book; and the debate over when and how Baba will break, or has broken, His silence will go on for a while; but after a long and arduous ordeal, the Avatar Meher Baba Center ofSouthern California has officially opened a permanent site, affectionately known as Meherabode. Opening night found some 200 people gathered in the pleasant summer twilight to tour the buildings and gardens. It was won derfiil to see so many old friends and out-oftown guests in attendance, and it drove home the fact that a Baba Center belongs not to one group orlocalitybutto theAvatar and all His Lovers. The crowd gathered near “Mehera’s Rose Garden” where our President, Mike Ramsden, offered abriefhistoryofthe Southem California group’s nomadic existence and search for a home. We gave thanks to Baba and remem bered our spiritual fairy Godmother Filis Frederick who providedlove and leadership to the L.A. group for over 20 years until her passing in 1987. We also offered our grati tude tolongtime Baba Lovers, Adele Wolkin and Marguerite Poley, who’ve served as shining examples as we strive to grow ever closer to our Beloved.

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Then our great friend and brother Bhau Kaichuri, cut the ceremonial ribbon stretched across the driveway, amidst repeated shouts of”Avatar Meher Baba kiJai!”We felt itwas Baba’s blessing to have Bhau present, for he long ago dubbed L.A. the “Lunatic Asylum” and has been a great inspiration, both in our search for a permanent site and in our efforts to become lunatics in Baba’s Love. To show our appreciation, a motion was made and voted upon by the Center’s

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as inernorabit uly L, visitby rBhau4ca: ::about3Ootherstowatch fihnoi Baba and to hear a wonderful piano c •cçfto byRaphael Rud& At12 midnight the silence was broken wtth hearty cries of AaMeherBthaMJaifl!Theaunosphen* was surcharge&wtth a special hapsaonceih.a1ifeñrneexpeñenee tDaywith anihthnaternandali:riernber:. ier Baba at our new Center’ We;iaré *ry .

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The 23’’Annua1

Silence Day Sahavas by Harry Thomas

rd he 23 Los Angeles Silence Day Sahavas wafted once again through Pilgrim Pines as a gentle, loving breeze blew throughout the gathering. All in all, it was a wonderful Sahavas. The intention was to reurnte everyone who had been a guest ofprevious Sahavases. By Sahavas time, thir teen people had graciously accepted the invitation. The speaking guests were Bhau Kalchuri, Henry Kashouty LeatriceJohnston and her sister Renee Shaw, Adele Wolkin, Pascal Kaplan, Allan Cohen, Donald Mahler, andJack Small. Fiffing in for Irwin andJanet Luckwas Irwin’s brother, Edward.The musi cal guests were Jane Brown, Raphael Rudd, and Debbie Nordeen. The following account provides only a briefglimpse ofthe treasures shared by this remarkable group ofguests.

n day one, Adele provided the assemblage with wondrous recollec tions. She revealed her deep connections with Norma Matchabelli and Ivy Duce and told how Baba instructed Ms. Duce to live with Filis, Norma and her. In 1952, at the Meher Spiritual Center, Filis and Adele were the only outsiders permitted to stay on the grounds. It was a great honor to have this privilege conferred. She fondly recalled how Filis played a major role in the Los Ange les group (in fact, she was one of the founders of the Sahavas) and referred to her as “the mother of the hippies.” (She also said that Elizabeth and Norma kept her out ofa lot of mischief!) Henry Kashoutywho interviewed Adele, asked, “Is there anything you asked Baba in ‘52 along spiritual lines?” Adele had asked Baba, “What can I do for you?” Part ofBaba’s response was, “I heard about you from Norma and Elizabeth and I heard from within, when

I see such souls who love me I feel happy and strong. I love you because you love Me so much.” Later in Adele’s meeting with Meher Baba, He stated, “I want love, nothing else; love Me and let God love us. That is what I want—when you love Baba, God will love you. And God’s loving means everything. So Filis and Adele, I am very veryhappy. One who is the humblest of the humble is the greatest ofthe great, butithastobeinafl honesty and all truth.” One final statement made to Adele deserves mention. Baba stated, “I do Adele Woilcin everything for you, but I cannot bring harmony into your lives. That, you have to do.”

ascal Kaplan was next to be interviewed and was asked how he came to Meher Baba. He explained that he was brought up in a Jewish family in Manhattan. He recounted that at the age ofsix, he witnessed a simulation of a hydrogen bomb exploding and its destructive capability was illustrated againstManhattan. This shook him to his core and instilled in him a chronic de spair about life. His Jewish affiliation didn’t help because God belonged to the Biblical past; He wasn’t a part ofthe present. While

growing up, Pascal said, “I didn’t meet anyone who cared about God.” Pascal was in college during the 60’s where he was involved in the SDS and the anti-war movement. At this time, however a psychological dichotomy raged inside ofhim. He wanted to right the wrongs ofthe world, yet was plagued with the questions “Who am I?” and “Does God exist?” He later attended graduate school at Harvard and majored in Theology. One day while he was walking in Cambridge (after Baba had dropped His body in 1969), he happened upon “The Universal Message.” (He read it the same summer he became a fill fledged hippie living in Vermont.) He later got a call from a friend who said, “I’m with someone who is onto what w&ve been looking for.” Ram Dass (the former Richard Alpert, Harvard colleague of Timothy Leary) was teaching meditation and yoga techniques he had learned in India. Pascal departed Vermont and headed for New Hampshire where he met Ram Dass, who was “the first person who took my quest seriously.” One day, on the back Ram Dass’s chalkboard, Pascal spied a small card with Meher Baba’s picture and the message, “Don’t worry; Be Happy.” Pascal later secured the card from Ram Dass and spent the next sev eral months looking at it. Ram Dass suggested to Pascal that he read Meher Baba’s works, but he wasn’t interested. With his wife, they endeavored to hitchhike across Europe to India. Later still, Pascal began reading the Discourses. “The first few sentences of the Discourses,” he recalled, “went right through my analytical mind and hit me in the heart. here was Someone who knew the truth.” He sought out other Baba Lovers, which carried him to Myrtle Beach. ..

He walked into the kitchen and “found people smoking, talking, and frying up bacon and eggs.”This shattered his preconceptions about a spiritual lifestyle. From here, progressive steps brought him more and more into the fold ofMeher Baba’s all inclusive embrace.

nJack Small’s intervie he recalled, with some angst, that he had had the opportu nity to travel to India after Baba had dropped his body. Fills had said, “Don’t go; the mandali will be nurturing sad feelings and you’d be in the way.” Later he spoke with both Allan Cohen and Rick Chapman, who reiter ated what Fills had said. However, a few days later both ofthem were on their wayto India! “I was totally stunned. I wanted to go and could have but didn’t.” Following this dis appointment, Jack received from Filis a copy of a tape sent from India by Don Stevens indicating the mandali’s greatjoy at receiving the western visitors. Jack subsequently trayeled around the country and played the tape to many others who had canceled their plane reservations upon hearing ofBaba’s dropping His body. So, with the sting ofregret at not having traveled to India, he didn’t just hear this tape once but several times.To him, this brought forcefullyhome the notion offollowingyour heart.

couch, in an atmosphere ofquietude with Adi interpreting Baba’s gestures. They each recalled an experience of looking into Baba’s eyes. Renee, upon an occasion of saying goodbye to Baba, “I leaned over and He took my face in His hands. I looked into His eyes and I felt eter nity and I don’t know how long this lasted. I felt I was eternity.” Leatrice recounted of her farewell from Baba in 1952 that, prior to His embrace, she had really wanted to ‘know Baba.’ As she decribed, “He held me so that I could look directly into His eye... I entered and there was no stopping point. I kept going on and on and on and it was an infinite journey into infinity. And what I saw was colorless, formless, boundless light and beauty. And then the embrace was over, and Baba was smiling.”

Lagoon Cabin but afterwards would be at the Barn. The dancers readied His chair at the Barn for His later arrival. The Lagoon Cabin session was winding up and several people were milling about Baba, including Donald’s four artistic friends. Several more people were outside this configuration, so the four dancers were boxed in. There was a certain young man, about the same age as the dancers, who desperately wanted to be one ofthe carriers ofBaba’s chair. When this fellow recognized the dancers’ predica ment, he took offswiftly down a trail to the Barn to secure a place on the chair. Donald was on the periphery ofthis large crowd, and, receiving eye contact communication from his friends, took off down another path to the Barn. By the time the earnest young man ar rived at the chair, Donald was waiting there,

rom Donald Mahler’s interview by four Meher Miniatures, he shared the following anecdote. In 1958, Baba informed Margaret Craske that he wanted the five male dancers to carry him. This was after the 1956 accident, and Baba still had some difficulty walking. But the original wooden chair only needed two people to carry him. Harry Kenmore found a chair that had long poles on it and four dancers could carry Baba with the fifth rotating in. The danc ers carried Baba in and out ofthe Barn and sometimes to and from the Lagoon Cabin. The dancers were told that ifyou were assigned ajob by Baba, you shouldn’t give it to anyone else, even if they wanted it. One day, Baba was scheduled to be at the

securing his and his friend’s position on the chair. About this Donald said, “This was an act as near to perfect as I’ve ever done.”

eatriceJohnston and her sister Renee Shaw delivered several talks. Renee related how she and Leatrice, with the rest ofthe family, had undertaken upon Baba’s direction a month long fast and silence. Renee recalled one ofthe difficulties ofa Meher Baba household—all those pictures ofBaba. Her girlfriends would ask, “Who’s that in the photo?” Renee would explain: “He’s a very dear friend of the family” Leatrice added, “Renee would say Baba was her Godfather.” Leatrice shared that prior to meeting Baba, she was afraid she’d have no feelings for Him because “my parents loved Him so much.” She was first in line on the bench waiting to enter the Lagoon Cabin in 1952 and when the door opened she thought, “Oh, I’ll let my mother go first.” Before being embraced by Baba, “I had no thoughts in my mind.” After the embrace, “Ijust melted into His arms and I thought, ‘I’ve come home to my real home at last.” Renee remarked of this first meeting, “As Baba embraced me, I lost all consciousness ofself All I could feelwas complete joy.” Her next recollection was ofsitting on a

llan Cohen was also interviewed by the Meher Miniatures, who asked im to speak about his involvement in spreading Meher Baba’s anti-drug mes sage in the West in the mid to late sixties. At that time, Allan Cohen, Rick Chapman and Richard Dreyfus, began their Baba-com missioned crusade. Drug usage was rampant yet very little was known about drugs’ deleterious effects. Baba instructed these three to usc the print and electronic mediums to spread the message. They were encouraged to say that Meher Baba was

God in human form. They had no personal credentials, but this only strengthened their position. Allan recalled having thought, “If He’s God, He should be able to pull this off. Let’s see how He does it.” Allan had the idea that they could write letters to editors ofcollege newspapers, and in these, they could quote Baba. Surprisingly, several newspapers printed their letters. They were stunned when the Christian Science Monitor printed one. As momentum gathered, they began conducting several interviews. From this range of experience, Allan narrated the following story: He had met the head of Palmer Chiropractic College, located in Florida, who invited Allan to speak at the gradua lion. He even flew our fearless speaker down on a private jet. This gentleman owned a TV station and he gave Allan an entire evening to deliver his message. Allan arrived at the studio for his seven o’clock interview. This was a local cable operation that employed one camera, which Allan couldn’t see, to capture the proceedings. A telephone would allow viewers to ask ques tions. The show got underway, and at some point, the owner flashed an indecipherable gesture to Allan, then disappeared. On the next phone call, Allan extended the answer to five minutes, thinking he had to stall. Viewers called in, Allan answered their questions, and all was well. As more time passed, physical needs began kicking in. He had run out ofwate; had to go to the restroom and, knowing he was on TV, couldn’t even scratch an itch! 8:30 arrived, but he maintained his cool. By 9:00 the phone was still ringing, and he really had to go to the bathroom. His mouth was parched and he was running out ofmaterial. 9:30... 10:00... and the phone was still ringing. By now he was starting to lose his cool. Time ticked on as he wondered ifhe was living a nightmare. Eleven o’clock arrived. Then itwas five minutes before midnight. Was there no end to this madness? “By this time,” said Allan, “I was free-associating and mak ing no sense.” Finally, at wit’s end, he blurted, “Thanks very much and this concludes the broadcast. Good night.”

Walking to the camera room, Allan dis covered it was pitch black and deserted. “Where is everybody?” Everything was on automatic. He called a cab and arrived at the mansion to find everyone asleep. He walked into his room, fficked on the TV and voila, “There it is!” The show was still running. His final comment, “This experience really humbled me.”

turned to the podium and said “Don’t worry guys, my friends in Berkeley will so love this.” With whipped cream dripping off his face, he continued answering questions; however, the audience had been trans formed into a docile and receptive group. Later, an editorial in the school’s newspa per said how embarrassed they were over this incident; then later stated, how gra cious the speaker was and that the students should take his message seriously.

The second anecdote involved a talk at the University ofAmherst. On a cold, winter night, about 1300 people showed up to the auditorium where the talk was scheduled. Allan showed a film of Baba and began his talk about the dangers ofdrug use. He then opened up the floor to questions. The ques tions began getting more and more hostile. Towards the end ofthe program, about 500 people were still there, but they were getting nasty and he was losing ground. Another re ally negative question was asked and shortly afterward, a blood curdling scream permeated the auditorium. A millisecond later, he was thrown back, blinded, and he couldn’t breathe. There was screaming all about and he thought, “My God, someone’s finally shot me.” People began rushing forward and the scene was total chaos. However, a few sec onds later, Allan felt a strange sensation in his mouth—the taste ofbanana creme. Someone had run up from behind him and smashed a banana creme pie into his face! The culprit was an escaped mental patient who thought Allan was promoting LSD usage, which he blamed for his condition. The college people were mortified and considered arresting the man but Allan re

dward Luck, who had never been a Sahavas guest, proved to be an engaging speaker who related a remarkable association with the God-Man. He recalled that his brother Irwin had sent him a picture ofBaba, accom panied with literature. Ed related how on three different occasions, Baba’s picture looked different. Realizing he had to study the photo ear— nestly, he noticed two things: first, that Baba was suffering, and secondly, that he was looking at the Christ. Edward then said to himsclf “So He’s here again.” Ed was living in Miami at the time, and shortly after this experience, received a phone call from Irwin in New York sug gesting they meet Meher Baba. Irwin had written to Baba and been given permission for both ofthem to do this, but they were allotted only one hour. But first, they had to raise the money. Irwin returned to Miami, came to work for his father’s real estate company and shortly afterwards, put in a big advertisement for many of the company’s land parcels. On the second day, they received an avalanche of buyers and this supplied the necessary money. They left for NewYorkwith the ambition of going to see Baba. Enter the father who pronounced to the young men, “Only one ofyou can go.” Irwin was the designated one and a few days later was in Indiawith Baba. About this same time, however, Ed related, “I began to experience this presence ofGod.” He later went to the beach and a friend looked at him and re marked, “Eddie, you’re radiant.” Other friends

made this observation. One said, “Yeah, he glows these days.” As time pressed on, the spiritual pres ence intensified. He recalled passing a couple who turned completely around and stared wide-eyed at him. He began realizing that something mystical was happening and later received a telegram from Baba which read: “Time and distance mean nothing to me.”The telegram also informed him that he would benefit equally by Irwin’s visit to India. Irwin later returned, unhappy he didn’t receive God Realization. They began planning the next trip to India, this time financed by Harry Kenmore at Baba’s instructions.They arrived at Guruprasad and went searching for Baba. Theylocated him and when Edward entered the room he immediately felt, “that invisible presence ofGod permeating the room.” When he looked at Baba, He appeared as a baby to Edward. “What was coming through Baba were the most innocent and purest of emo lions.” Baba later embraced both brothers and told them that He wanted them to remain close to Him while they were there.

enry Kashouty was our guest at the very first L. A. Sahavas, so his re turn was both appropriate and hon orary “The most important thing in Creation,” he declared to the audience, “is to focus on Baba.” Henry told us the story ofhis coming to Baba. “Before Baba, my need was to find meaning in life.” Through an internal search-

ing process, Henry deduced that this meaning could best be exemplified by finding a human being who embodied great quali ties such as courage, honesty, compassion, and humor. He discovered the teachings of the Vedanta Society and by 1955 was avidly reading literature from the society when a friend in NewYork mailed him a copy of God Speaks. Henry, only seeing Baba’s picture, immedi ately called her and exclaimed, “Liz, He is the one! Find out how we can meet Him.” He wrote a letter to Baba beginning with “Dear Meher Baba, I have your book God Speaks, which has great meaning for me. I want to meet you.” Baba’s reply was, “Your connec tion with me is oflong duration. You’re one of the fortunate ones.” The storyleaps ahead to the Delmonico Hotelin NewYork Cit where itwas Henry’s great fortune to meet the God-Man. As he embraced Baba, he whispered into His ear, “I adore you.” At one point duringthe Delmonico meeting, Baba said to Henry, “I brought you into this world blindfolded with your hands tied behind your back. You had to find a miracle. You have found it; now I want you to forget your past.” Henry said that Baba would say to people, “You have the God-Man, use Him.” And as Henry said, “Baba’s with you every second, consciously. Baba is always within you and Baba will never leave you.”

hau Kalchuri has graced our gather ing numerous times, and to have a re union Sahavas without him would seem unthinkable. Of course, all that Bhau said in his several talks could be transcribed into a booklet, only a few choice morsels follow. Bhau explained that there are two types ofintellect: perverted and constructive. Perverted intellect is when mind controls the heart; constructive intellect is when heart controls the mind. Mind is illusion; mind is the obstruction. On the New Life, he said, “At this time, the Beloved is following us, and we are coming closer and closer to him.” He also said, “Since the dropping of His body, His physical suffering is absent, but His mental and spiritual suffering is still present.” While talking on Baba’s Silence, Bhau told us, “The gradual breaking ofHis Silence means a gradual awakening.This is going on.” He also said, “A Perfect Master works for the Universe in a general way and for the selected ones in a chosen way, whereas the Avatar works for the Universe in a chosen way and for the selected ones in a special way.” Bhau left us with these final words from his concluding talk: “He’s the most Compas sionate One and you are all very fortunate to have come in His contact. But know well that He has taken the responsibility ofeach one. Have that trust and whatever you can do for

[@t@t Him, do it! Ifyou cannot, dont worry for that also. Just remember Him. Ifyou can’t remem ber Him, then ofcourse, also, dont worryc J ust love Him, more and more. Justlove Him. Jai Baba.”

usical guest Jane Brown sung magnificently. Her initial selec lion was “IfI FollowYou,” accom panied by Raphael Rudd. Additional songs included”Ishtiake” and “I’m Yours.” Jane’s voice caressed the audience with its sweet purity She closed with “ Victory Unto Thee,” one ofBob Brown’s most popular composi tions. She wasjoined on stage by several other musicians for a powerfid, moving performance ofthis song.

ebbie Nordeen opened her musical segment with “Begin the Beguine,” followed by a string of pop standards whose love lyrics, Debbie explained, lend themselves well as songs for the Beloved. These songs included “I’ve Grown Accus tomed to your Face” and “My Heart Belongs to Daddy.” With the audienceju bilantly joining in, “Those Were the Days” spirited us away on a singalong, made especially sweet by knowing that Mehera and Mani so loved this song.

aphael our third musical guest, entertained us with several original compositions, including “Coming Home,” a piece he had played for Mani in her

Top: Rob Thornburn, Billy Goodrum, and Raphael Rudd. Bottom: David Miotke, Debbie Nordeen, and Keith Gunn.

last days. He concluded with a medley devoted to the theme of Awakening. This was an energetic musical surge that dazzled the audiencc. Later in the show, Jane Brown joined him for the “Gujerati Arti.”

hen there was Bobby Mononash. What can one say? Only that many agreed this may have been the best Mononash yet. You had to be there,* and ifyou were, you were laughing!

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esides all the wondrous discourses and personal stories from the guests, and the always popular and entertaining Childrens’Talent Sho the Sahavas was once again a place for regrouping and sharing in the fellowship ofBaba’s love.The toddy shop, in splendid fashion, was the meeting place for attendees to converse, listen to live music, see art, snack, catch their breath or reflect upon the gathering.The Love Street Bookstore (de dared by Bhau as being the best Meher Baba bookstore in the world!) was sumptuously filled with books, posters, tapes,jewelry, pins, tee-shirts, cards, and even a Baba screen-saver. And the dhurti, as always, was a hallowed event,

Top left: Danny Maguirc— the next David Cassidy?!

Top right: Don’t Worry,

Be Happy “15 year Reunion” plus new voices. Ages 3 to 29 years.

where afterwards people gathered, basking in the persistent glow ofBaba’s grace. The Sahavas Committee deserves a hearty thanks for all its dedicated year-long work towards the fulfillment ofthis event. This year three people in particular are to be singled out: LoisJones and David McNeely, for their tireless dedication to the nuts and bolts of organizing the Sahavas; and Fred Stankus, who conceived the idea ofthis year’s guest reunion. *4fld fyou weren’t there, you can check out the video of the Bobby Manonash Showfrom our lending library (see page 19).

Thej Baba Catalog

his year at the L.A. Sahavas Billy Goodrum introduced to us his “fool proofplan to solve all the financial needs of all Baba Centers worldwide.” Catalog sales, he informed us, can generate millions of dollars in revenues. “You’ve heard ofj Peterman and I Crew, now I present to you thej Baba cata log”, Billy said as he proudly held up the first copy fresh offthe press. He then treated us to descriptions ofsome ofthe items in the catalogwhich included Pray and Wipes, TheA/i-Linen Mohammed The Mast Gardening Smock and Mandali Trading Cards. Then Mitchell Rose came out and modeled the Bhau Kaichuri SpiritualEnsemble as Billy read the description “Springtime at Meherana.” “On first arriving you make your

way over to the kitchen area where a crowd has already gathered. It is clear once again this Sahavas season that the fashion concious set has followed in the footsteps ofthat great trend-setter Bhau Kalchuri. Simply put: accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. The Bhau Kalchuri accessory ensemble includes sus penders, Avatar Meher Baba string tie, and stone-washed, distressed plastic ffip-flops.” “You walk around greeting old friends and mingling.These ffip-flops feeljust right. They don’t pinch your big toe and the sound they make as they flop back against your heel is full and resonant. Whether spending a ca sual afternoon in Mariposa or dining under the pandal at Meherana, you will feel confi

dent and saintly in this smnning accessory ensemble. Availaible in mango chutney, okra, and ‘lawender.” Billy then informed us that pre-season response had been so overwhelming in the fashion world that Bhau had been offered a flip-flop endorsement deal with NikeTM and that the Air Bhauji would soon be on the market. Not only that, but Bhau had been offered a three picture deal by Warner BrothersTM and would be reprising his Ahmednagar Iones role in a series of films. It is comforting to know that all our fi nancial troubles are now solved through this little bit ofingenuity and effort. Thanks guys. Jai Baba! •

Mani’s Day August 19t, 1997

by Meheru e have come here to bow down to Mani, to honor one who led such an exem plary life oflove and service for and in her Beloved God-Brother, Avatar Meher Baba. In her life with Him she played, nay, lived all the roles asked ofher with naturalness and perfection, her humor never far from the surface. Her many talents in various fields were an innate part of her that she used unstintingly in Baba’s cause. The numerous plays and skits Mani composed and enacted for Baba’s entertainment and amusement could fill a volume. Within a day or two she would not only have the plot with dialogue and even songs ready, but have everyone rehears ing and making or procuring costumes under her direction.

112

Mani wrote her own special songs to Baba, after He dropped His Physical Form, which most of you have probably heard. They were the outpouring expression of her love for Him and are sung everywhere by the Baba world. They keep alive her memory and are such a gift to all. But her life and responsibility on the serious side, which was against her natural bent, but which she carried out with such flair and grace, was the work she did as Chairman ofthe Avatar Meher Baba Trust. This role was entrusted to her by Baba, which she carried out until the end of her life. Mani was one of Baba’s best readers and interpreters ofthe Alphabet Board as His fingers would fly with lightning speed over the letters with His own version of

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shorthand, cuts in spelling, and even changes in language. She did a lot ofBaba’s secretarial work and typing, and expected a high standard ofwork from all the Baba helpers around her. Mani will always be loved and remem bered by all the children as a child amongst them, who found time to play with them even in her busy schedule, and by the grown-ups to whom she gave so much of herselfin every way she could. Today as we honor this day ofher first anniversary of going to Baba, remember Mani as ajoyous being whose life was com plete in fulfillment ofhaving spent it with her Beloved Lord Baba, whom she always aimed to please.

was sent to Ahmednagar for EKG’s, X-rays and Sonagrams. When every test came back negative and it was nearing the time we had to leave India, the blood cultures Mike and Sarah, the resident lab technicians, had taken days earlier, finally gave up the answer: Streptococcus. Sarah said she had never seen that by Michael Franklin much strep in anyone’s blood stream before. In consultation with Dr. Arvind, (Mani’s nephew) and 2 cardiologists they determined that the disease I had suffered from for the was April oflast year when my mother felt thatpoorly, but as I’d made a commitment previous six months was called Subacute EnDma asked me ifl wanted to go to India docarditis, a bacterial infection ofthe blood (and thinking that it might get better ifI just with her on her biannual pilgrimage in with a concentrated growth on the Aortic valve got out ofthe house) I reaffirmed my decision October. It was about then that I contracted togo. ofmy heart. Fatal ifleft untreated! the fatal disease. Needless to say Mum and I were hornBy the time we got to Poona all I could At first I wasn’t too thrilled aboutthe idea do was sleep. Though I did get hungry, the fled but at least we knew what we were up ofgoing to India; my idea ofa vacation usu against. The cure? Two weeks ofhospitaliza smells from the small kitchen wafting up to ally includes white sandy beaches and the dormitory did nothing to make me want tion on round-the-clock antibiotics. The cost? swim-up bars. Ijust couldn’t get enthusiastic to get out of bed. Nor did the noise and About $700 for everything. I wouldn’t have about going to a third world country where been able to afford the barrage oftesting and smell ofthe diesel powered trafficjust outplaying chicken with oncoming traffic and ultimate treatment in America and so would side my window excite any interest in dodging bewildered bovines was the order of exploring the greater surroundings of the surely have died from lack of treatment if I the day, even if it was to see Baba’s tomb. hadn’t gone to India with my Mother. Poona center. Ifthis was India, I couldn’t Although I grewup knowing that Baba is God wait to get back home. Little did I know The Mandali were extremely support(I’m a third generation Babalover), itjust wasnt that my life would soon be saved here. ive. Immediately upon being told of my something that I could get excited about. condition, Dr. Goher reserved a room at Ruby I became aware ofmy sickHall, telling me it was impera ness a few months before the trip. tive I get started on the treatment I became increasingly lethargic, right away. She told me Ruby feeling drained as thoughl hadiñ Hall was the best hospital in quite got over a cold and I was Poona, and itwas where Maul was also having very bad night treated. Arnavaz had a long talk sweats. I went to see a local doc with me and gave me her support tor and complained of my by telling me to up-root my fear symptoms. At the time, my ternand give it to Baba. perature, heart beat and blood After Mum saw that I was pressure were all normal. The safely admitted, she reluctantly doctors “thorough” exam conwentbackto the States.That af sisted ofmy sitting in a corner of ternoon I received a call from the examination room while he Bhau. He was in the hospital listened to me explain why I down the road and he called me I thought might not be well. He to find out how I was doing. He Eruch and Michael embrace. [Note: see No More Hugs, page 37] came to the conclusion that if I might have cancer and was in didn’t have tuberculosis then it was just jobTwo days later we were in Meherabad. I for some tests, and he calls me.Three days in related stress and not to worry about it. When became immediately familiarwith the Pilgrim a row! I truly felt blessed by all the attention the TB test came back negative, I began to Center’s resident medical staff Dr Gus and I received from such special people and canthink he maybe right. But the symptoms kept Rada. By this time I had lost 30 pounds, my not begin to guess at the healing effect it had. geffing worse. resting heart rate was 120 beats per minute, Looking back I can almost see Baba’s In the few days before I was to leave for the night sweats were becoming annoyingly Hand lifting me from my house in Los AnIndia I couldn’tget offthe couch. I would wake profuse and I was throwing up all night. Of geles and gently placing me in His home at up, feel normal for about an hour, then sleep course they didn’t believe the conclusion of Meherabad. I don’t knowwhy He chose to save until dinner. After eating, I was okay again for the doctor I saw in the States nor did they my life on what He has in store for mc, but you another hour, then I’d sleep until noon the think it may be psychosomatic as others had can be sure that whatever happens from now next day and itwould start all over again. Dma previously suggested. Instead they poked, on, it happens with Baba in my heart. even suggested that I shouldn’t go to India ifI prodded, tested, X-raycd and tested again. I

A Fatal Illness

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He Built it with Love

Meher Baba’s Shrine

by RichardJ. Procyk

he gleamingwhite dome ofthe shrine shone in the desert sun like a wel coming beacon in the distance. As I drove closer and turned into the last street, “The Perfect Man Shrine” loomed up in its beauty and splendor against the contrasting stark desert sand and muted mountains in the background. Built as a replica of Meher Baba’s tomb in Meherabad, it stood tall, like a surreal painting in gentle pastels ofblue, pink, grey, and white, accentuated by the shades of the brown and grey ofthe desert floor. Emblazoned over the entrance was the message “Mastery in Servitude.” Five sculptured reli gious icons, placed on each corner ofthc roof and at the top ofthe dome, symbolically proclaimed the five major religions ofthe world. The smile that covered my face was one of appreciation andjoy as I viewed this statement made in stone—a monument built with love. I meditated quietly as my mind flashed back to the beginning ofthisjourney. In the early 1960’s Earl Starcher, who was my brother-in-law, came to my house in Miami for a visit. Earl, at this time, was employed by the Federal Aviation Agency as an air traffic controller at the Miami International Airport. He was a man ofthis world—single, somewhat materialistic, living in the fastlane with stewardesses and pilots—and he had no particular direction regarding religious philosophy or the spiritual life. Myparents were Theoso phists, and my library included books written by Krishnamurti, H.P. Blavatsky, Besant, Gurdjieff, Yogananda, Ouspensky, Alan Watts, and others on metaphysics and reli gious philosophy. Earl inquired about this material and we were soon discussing the search for the spiritual path, the need for enlightenment, and how the serious neophyte had to reach the state ofawareness before the life oftransformation could begin. When Earl was leaving, he asked where he could go to expand on these ideas and was directed to

theTheosophical Societyin Miami.

Several months later he visited again and stated that his friends, Lois and Gerry Seeley, had introduced him to the philosophy of Meher Baba. He appeared different in his demeanor, and bore a quiet, contemplative attitude that was new and powerful. I listened while he spoke of a higher purpose and the need to live the spiritual life. It was obvious that his interest was sincere, and I was im pressed with the level ofintensityhe displayed so soon in his spiritual quest. Apparently, as an old soul, he recognized the spiritual path as part ofthe process ofreawakening and asked me tojoin him in several ofthe Meher Baba meetings at the Ann Forbes home. After one of the meetings Ann Forbes joined us and smiled as she advised me that I had been a monk in a prior existence and that Earl and I had been brothers. It would be years later that I would realize how deep the karmic ties ran. Earl’s love ofand service to Meher Baba took a dramatic turn in 1965, when he re signed from the FAA. He gave up the material world and began the life of surrender and transformation by adopting a role of poverty, service, celibacy, detachment, and complete devotion to Baba. The detachment was se vere and included his family whom he loved butwould not see for the next 30 years. A few years later I was no longer married to his sis ter, making it possible in his eyes to reestablish his concern for them through me. When the Federal government learned Earl had given up his position in order to serve the poor the handicapped, and the needy, and to devote himseifto the spiritual path with no means of income, they suggested a disability pension; they assumed that onlyjob-related stress at the Miami Air Tower could account for such unusual behavior. It was unusual, indeed, for those still caught up in the material world. Earl was soon at the Baba Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and later trayeled around the countrylooking for a spiritual site. He had a vision ofa Baba learning center and shrine that would attract those who wished to study in a retreat-like atmosphere

without having to travel to India. When he reached Columbus, NewMexico, he remarked how much the aura ofthe surrounding coun try side—the silence ofthe desert, the power of the mountains, and the spirituality—reminded him oflndia, where he had traveled many times. Earl began the shrine in the mid-1980s and immediately faced many difficulties. When he applied for a building permit, he was denied until he submitted a plan de signed by an engineer.Then they insisted that a contractor build it, with more time lost and additional anxiety and frustration. Finally, in a strange turn, he suddenly had permission to build it himself. He writes in a letter dated October 12, 1988, “At present I am working with white cement trying to get the proper mix to build the dome. The white cement should look very nice and will need little or no maintenance. The shrine walls will be constructed with “split face” blocks. These blocks will be ofa charcoal color and should go very well with the white cement. It should look very much like the fieldstone that they used in the Samadhi.” Speaking ofthe shrine in one ofhis letters, he states, “This shrine is not a temple or a place of worship. It is a replica of the Tomb-shrine ofAvatar Meher Baba that is located in Ahmednagar, India.The shrine has a temporary reality and existence. Its value lies in pointing to Avatar Meher Baba’s reality of eternal existence and life eternal. The sole purpose ofthis shrine is to inform visitors ofMeher Baba’s divine mission ofredeeming the world and His love for all. At first, I wanted to name it the Perfect Man Shrine, however, as this name could have been confusing to the general public, the Avatar Meher Baba Shrine appeared more appropriate.” Before working on the shrine, Earl constructed a combination information center, library, and museum that he envisioned one day to be staffed by Baba lovers for those who made the pilgrimage to Columbus. This construction, in addition to a garden and guest

house, is in a compound surrounded by eightfoot concrete walls. The research center complex was to accommodate serious students as a retreat and provide information to the visitor ofthe shrine. Earl Starcher dropped his physical body on November 1, 1994. His monument and research center is now a reality and awaits the pilgrim-visitor to view one man’s effort to serve God. An archaeologist and his wife, who is a teacher have shown a serious interest in Earl’s place, and ifthe sale is completed at the end ofthe year, theypromise to preserve the Shrine and add flowers and a fountain. When asked why they would perpetuate its care, the wife said, “I can feel he built it with such love.” For those going west into the “land of enchantment,” there is someone who is in charge ofthe property and arrangements can be made for a visit.You will find Columbus is a charming village-town at 4,000 foot eleva lion where there are no traffic lights, and a local phone call is still a dime. The museum in town had been the old train depot when Baba rode through Columbus on his way to Albu querque in the 1930’s. Earl had no way of knowing when he purchased the land that Baba had been there before him, but he felt the spirituality and he knew that if he built the shrine, “theywould come...” .

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Roshan Kerawala’s Story by Linda Zavala

[Editori note: Last September we were privi leged to have as our guest Roshan Kerawala, wft of ‘Sam the Story Teller Roshan certainly had aJèw stories ofher own with which to re gale us! She spoke twice at the Center and attended many teas heldfor her. Roshan grew up in the Jessawalla household and sofelt the influence andpresence oftheAvatar throughout her childhood and on through her marriage to Sam. Baba had His nazar very closeiy on this lady. He even toldher to give her wedding dress, which she hadjustshown Him, to Mehera to let her tiy it on. So Mehera put on this gorgeous, beaded, bejeweled, goldthreadedwhite sari and presentedhersqfto her Beloved Wouldthat we hadaphoto ofthat.’]

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oshan informed us that Emch’s mother was Roshan’s aunt—her father’s sis er. So, the Satha’s and the jessawalla’s were a close knit family. Roshan’s father, Homi Satha, lived with his wife and children in Ahmednagar in a home called Akbar Press, a name inherited from the previous tenant. The name stuck, so it was always referred to that way. In 1922, Homi, Roshan’s father, heard that a Parsi saint had come to the area now known as Meherabad. He and a few family members trekked across the open fields, which surrounded Ahmednagar, to meet him. They found Baba sitting under a tree, singing. Her father said that he had never heard such a beautiful voice. Baba called the family to sit near him. He asked how many members there were in the family. Homi said, “We are 5 brothers and 4 sisters. Baba said, “No, now you are six brothers and 4 sisters. I am one of you.” This was the beginning of a long and intimate relationship with Baba. In the early days Baba would often visit Akbar Press unexpectedly and, as part ofthe family, He would go into the kitchen to see what was cooking. The first time Baba came to their house, Roshan’s grandfather was sitting at his usual place on the porch. After Baba left he called all the children together and said, “Dont think that He’s an ordinary man. He is a very, very high soul—like Lord Zoroaster.You should all respect Him.” Roshan said, “And so we all respected Baba from the very beginning. There was never even Left: Roshan in her wedding sari (now dyed blue) that Baba told her to give to Mehera to try on.

the slightest doubt. Whatever He said, we would do wholeheartedly.” In 1942 her mother died. Her father was left with many children, all ofwhom devel oped muscular dystrophy. Shortly after her mother’s death, she was taken with the family to meet Baba. Baba took Roshan and cuddled her on His lap.Then He had everyone sit and He told Homi, “You don’t have to worry about this child. I am going to take care ofher. But, I order you not to take her to any saints, shrines, or physicians. You havejust to obey my orders and do as I tell you to do.” So Roshan was always under Baba’s care and she would live with whichever family Baba wanted. In 1955 Roshan was directed by Baba to stay at Bindra House where she remained until her marriage. Over the years Baba vis ited there many times and sometimes He would bring carloads ofpeople to be fed. Roshan recalls that in 1957 Baba called the whole Bindra House family to the Bo tanical Garden where Babawas staying. Her uncle Naosherwan-mama was there but not her father. Baba said to Roshan, “I think it’s high time you got married. I want you to get married.” Being careful to say the right thing in Baba’s presence she told Baba, “Baba, you know,when I used to go for mymedical checkup in school all the doctors told me that I should not get married because all my brothers and sisters have this polio [muscular dystrophy]. So they told me that I shouldn’t get married. But ifyou say, ‘Get married’ then I’ll get married.”Then Baba called Goher, who was standing at a little distance and said, “Goher, come here.”When Goher came Baba said, “Go inside and check her, whether she is fit to get married or not.” So she took her inside and checked her from “top to bottom”. When Goher had completed the examina tion she said to Roshan, “Now go out.” Baba was reclining on the sofa and He asked, “There is nothing wrong?” Goher replied, “Baba there is nothing wrong with her she is fit.” So Baba said to her, “I want you to get married to Sam [Sam Kerawala, her cousin

whom she had known all her life]. Do you thinkyou are happy about it?” She said, very trustingly, “Baba, whoeveryou tell me to marry I will marry.” Roshan recalls that in those days they never asked questions oftheir parents. Whatever they said, they would say yes to. With Baba they would say, “Baba, ifyou are happy, I am happy to do what you say.”Then Baba said to her uncle, “Her father is not yet present, so I represent you as her father. And, you also tell me ifyou are happy with this.” Then Helooked at Gaimai Mai, Banu Mama, Gula Masi, Manu, and Merwan and said, “Tell me ifyou are all happy.” Naturally they werehappybecauseitwasBaba’swish.Baba then said, “Now start getting things done for themarriage.” st The marriage was set for the 21 of March, 1958.Theybegan allthepreparations. Then,oneday,Babasaid,”Wheneverytbing is ready, bring it all to Meherazad for me to see.” When the time came to take everything to Baba, theywere waiting for Sam, who had just gotten offa ship, and he arrived verylate. He refused to buy the special Zoroastrian wedding clothes needed for the wedding. He said to Roshan, “I will be at sea, who is going to wear those clothes, they willjust be lying around.I don’tfeellikebuyingnewclothes.” Roshan said, “No, you must wear them.” In some haste, they decided to have Sam revive Eruch’s wedding clothes which were still intact at that time. So he got Eruch’s clothes dry cleaned and washed and they were finally ready to place everything in the trunk to take to Meherazad. When they arrived, Baba was reclining on a sofa in mandali hall. Baba carefully reviewed each item and then said, very

sweetly, “Very nice.” Then Roshan presented her sari andjewelry made from her mother’s jewelry. Baba said, “Everything is very nice.” Then he told her to take her sari and the jew— dry to the women mandali. Baba then gave the instruction, “Tell Mehera to wear your sari and your jewelry. When I come for lunch I want to see her wear it.” Mehera put everything onjust as the bride would. When Baba saw her He looked very happy. Then He said, “Mehera, youlookvery sweet. Nowtake these clothes off fold them nicely and give them to Roshan.” [To Roshan:] “Now you can wear it for your wedding.” Mr. Meelan at Meelan Studio in Pune came to take the wedding pictures. Baba said to him, “You will take nice photos oftheir wedding, no?” “Yes Baba, don’t worry, I will take everybody’s wedding picture”, he replied. But for some mysterious reason, when the photos were developed, Sam and Roshan appeared as white shadows while everyone else in the photo looked wonderful and clear. Mr Meelan was very disturbed by this phe nomena. So Baba told Meelan, “They will come to your studio, you must make at least one good photo for their wedding picture.” So they had one picture taken together which came out very well. [In our next issue we wiieellyou ofBabac very strange and disturbing order to Roshan. It had to do with the way she was to treat herfirst born child.]

A Ghazal for Roslian byJim Wilson

Ii Bloved, such sense of hmior You hav& Sometimes when we gather to re member You It is Your plaaurc to send a member ofYour intimate family to relive for us those divine days ofYour physiclpresncc In thairlives We get dreased up we clean our homc we scurryiround—prcpar our minds

a donkey*

, he s strong and beautiful and can work cidlcsly and energetiaIly without ur rng Shepulisherplough forYouultivating’

som there Your donkey is not lazy like tha &rmcrs mules wholong for guien paturcs No Your donkey &e across Your ocears to clean the cobwebs fom our memories And to feed us the curries ofYour gracious fragrance anct mtimatcwarmth Such a donkcy she is that ic even sicieps wcll in trangc places and unfamdiar beds, And shc asks onlyfora taste ofMcDonald’s :.:.:.:.:.:for.lier noshment

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Oh Beloved how can we not recognize Your smile in her loving eyc& And Your tender motlici4iood in the heavenly kod she makes for us And how can we not weep tears of reunion when e mdueus in the family of YGurubmatelover? is Your compas sioni It can so quickly dart past our stubborn minds and pierce our hearts so that the eyes of our hearts can open and see Youhere, with us, now and always

Oh Beloved, Your humor

Oh Baba, let us be playflul and happy as children in Your family And give us guid ance in caring for Your dnnke Your Fool No 9, and all the remaining crown jewels of our precious family

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Announcements

Roshan’s Recipes from Diana Goodhearts notes Fish inTomato Gravy (alsocalledPatta) t

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Miilcc tomato gravy—tomatocs,ginger, garlic water—chop and lIend Sprinkle and rub tnrmeric and salt an the inside and outside ofwhde cleaned fish (anybig strong, ;fsh) [WnusedwtutefIsh, trout, and salmon J Pour some tomato gravy over fish and mnrinate a short w}ule (5-7 minutes) Saute lots ofc1opped onion in oil with somi whole curryleavcs Wncn onions arc weuI cookea aou caycrrnc paprika, andlots and lots ofcsh, chopped conander Cook more Add afewprnces tQm2±*s, u little water adash salt Cook more AddmarinatectfIsh and cookbriefly Itis done when fish springs backandis still firm

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ilowing is a small listing ofthc meetings in various locations around the US Ifyou would like your group to be represented here call Dma at (310) 837 6419, evenings or e-mail your announcement to Bababooks@aol com

Meetings Meherana in Northern California holds a Dhuni on tne 12 th ofevery montn i nere w th, th, 18 and be a New Life Sahavas on the 17 th 19 ofOctober Featured guests will be Babas twin nephews Rustom and Sorab This time there will be no limits on the amount of attendees To make your reservation call Christie Pearson at (209) 966-5078 Meherana will also host a Women s Retreat th th November 8 and 9

ObsrvahQi RShifl $ays 7as Babd’ whn sh adé rngr€dwntt For Meher Mount (Ojai, CA) meeting info call Kendra andJonathan Burroughs at (805) 640-0000 Meher Mount 9902 Sulphur Mountain Road Ojai CA 93023

BasmatiRice I 2 3 4

Cleannee Soak it for ½ hour before conling Conkwith waterand hutier (so it doesut stickat bottom) I 3 Whenaone auaverywcllfricdonion andgarlic (cnspygoldenbrown)

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&gmwith2ttns coconutmilk, I tmtomatoauce, I hotdetahini, I bottic crcmypeamitbutter Heatsomevegetableoilanlsa1tinpan Pouroilfromtahmimtopanwith oil Add small amountofchckpcaflour rest oftaliini, and fl nfpeanutbuttcr Stm Add curryleaves (from Meheraad) garam mas1a turmeric, and cayenne to make the currypae Adcllots andlots ofchickpea flour Add tomato gravy (hleiided tomatoc ginger garhc water) Stir again. Md aconut milk, tomato sauce and water : : tir unni itleaves the side ofthe pan. (When currypaste is ready, put a finger into t Finger hould come out clean ) Takcoutcurrypate Addwatertopot Addth&n3d sah Cookon higI forawhdc When chi&en1acooke4 addeurrypaste andbrmgto abil Wien itboit, thecirryis done :

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SoCal desert area Baba lovers meet occasionally contactJavMohlerforinformation (760) 366-3537 orwrite P0 Box 94 JoshuaTree, CA 92252-0094 -m jay mo er eeecom

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Seattle we have a regularly scheduled meeting every Friday night at different people s homes, as well as other events, such as Baba music every second Saturday night at John and B arbara Connor s house C all Catherine Alpert at (206) 525-7424 for information Denver area meetings are on Sunday evenings at 7pm Contact Judi Schoeck 303 733-9950forlocation The Fifth Annual Rocky Mountain Sahavas will take place FridaythroughMonday Febru y 13-16, 1998 The group will return to a wonderftil retreat site outside ofDenver CO over Presidents and Valentine s Dayweekend to share in the Love of the King of Heart&

t Guest(s) to be announced. For information and updates, send your address to: Judi Schoeck, 1456 5. Sherman St., Denver, CO 80210, or e-mail thejoodster@worldnet.att.net. (303) 733-9950. In the Ann Arbor, Michigan area we have monthly meetings. Anyone interested should contact Lindajones at (313) 761-2497. For the Nashville area the point ofcontact is: Scott Tycer, 1004 Gracelawn Court, Brentwood, TN 37027. Phone (615) 6619990, fax (615) 661-9223 or send e-mail to stycer@worldnet.att.net. Meetings are approximately once a month at various locations. Scott is also the trustwalla for Friends ofAva tar Meher Baba Trust and will send a quarterly reminder letter to any Baba lover who requests it, that we are gathering contri butions to send to the Avatar Meher Baba Trust (Ahmednagar) for that quarter.There is no obligation and the reminder letters can be stopped at any time. Hampton Roads, Virginia area: Henry Kashouty hosts the Baba meetings Mon day nights at 8pm last meeting of 1997 is Dec. 15, theyresuthe onjan. 5, 1998. For directions to Henry’s house in Hampton, call him at (757) 244-7865.

Lord Meher Meetings Now on Monday nights 7:30pm at the Los Angeles Center—Meherabode. Come and share the wine provided by Bhau Kalchuri in his biography Lord Meher, Avatar ofthe Age MeherBaba, (we are nowin Vol. 3). Hosted by Fred Stankus

Audio Tape Lending Library Do you ever find yourselfin a ‘dry spell’ spintually? Are you bored listening to the same old negative news, weather and traffic reports on your way to work? Would you rather have something inspiring to listen to? Do you need an interesting theme for your Baba meetrngs. . .? Well the audio library has many interesting and intellectually stimulating dis

K3® courses on life with Baba. We have over 150 titlesjust waiting to be delved into by inquir ing minds. What unsuspecting treasures to behold! Don’t waste your time on this tired old world any longer. Make your choice to move into the cosmic Baba linkup. Lynne Berry (official tape walli) is ready to assist you. For catalog or info write to: AMB Lending Audio Library cJo Lynne Berry 267 Hanover Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Video Cassette Rental Library Another treasure trove of inspiring talks is available through the Video Cassette Rental Library Seeing the guest speakers again from the L.A. Sahavas, from the many years past, brings back old memories from so many good times of Baba enrichment which the L.A. Sahavas has never failed to provide. We have many titles from over ten years to choose from. These are also excellent for meeting themes. For a complete listing oftitles and particulars write to: AMBCSC Video Cassette Rental Library, EQ. Box 3247, South Pasadena, CA 91031-6247, or phone Karma Page at (213) 225-3910.

Arts Festival II th, 1997. The first held Saturday, November 8 at Meherabode. Those interested in partici paring, i.e., music, dance, painting, sculpture, poetry food, and refreshments, etc, please call Richard at (310) 208-4764.

Meher Baba on the World Wide Web Announcing a new Meher Baba internet magazine, “The Whim.” The first issue includes a Bal Natu story, “Kiciner’s Korner,” humor and cartoons from “The Word,” the former Chicago Baba magazine, as well as new material. The next issue is scheduled for Dccember. “The Whim” can be seen at the following URL: http://cccinfo.sunycrie.edu/zine/the/whim.html.

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New Caretakers at Meher Mount by Kendra Crossen Burroughs

“Come Up and See Us Sometime!”

onathan Burroughs and Kendra Crossen Burroughs have become the new caretakers at Meher Mount, the beautiful property in Ojai that Meher Baba called his second-favorite place in the West after Meher Center in Myrtle Beach. Given in love by its late owner Agnes Baron, Meher Mount is now held by the corporation she set up before her death. Dedicated to and inspired by the teachings ofMeher Baba, Meher Mount is a universal center that will be used for vanous humanitarian and educational purposes. Kendra, a longtime Baba lover, had been an officer and board member ofMeher Baba Information Center in Cambridge, Massachussets, and was working as manag ing editor at Shambhala Publications in Boston. Jonathan had formerly been in change ofguest services at the Mahanishi Ayur-veda Health Center in Lancaster, Massachusetts, where he also lectured and taught medita non. Jonathan had long known about Meher Baba, since his parents, by a strange coinci dence, had moved next door to Meher Center in Myrtle Beach during the 1960’s. In 1993, when he read an article about Baba in a New England publication, he was reminded ofthe Center, and a self-styled sabbatical led to a two-month stay there in 1994, fol lowed by two trips to India (including Hamirpur, Baba’s “heart”) and attendance at most ofthe U.S. Sahavases. Kendra andJonathan’s engagement last fall came as a surprise to themselves and their friends. However theyfelt itwas pant ofBaba’s silent working all along: it turned out that the article about Baba thatJonathan had read in 1993 was written by Kendra! They met in May 1996 and married on November 17 in Cambnidgewith the intention ofexploring the move to Meher Mount, wherejonathan had been accepted for a caretaker position. Visiting Meher Mount together in December led to their acceptance for the position as a couple. They arrived in California in time to attend the L.A. Silence Day Sahavas, where Leatnice

Johnston recalled Baba’s visit to Meher Mount on August 2, 1956, and His remark to the group: “Now go out and see the view and try to love Baba through nature.This is all due to My love-this whole creation, this nature, all the beautyyou see, all came out ofMe.”

Bhau Visits Meher Mount llowing the Sahavas, Jonathan and Kendra hosted their first Baba event at Meher Mount, Bhau’s talk on July 8. On arrival Bhau greeted manypeople from the front porch, and then a picnic lunch got underway beneath a big oak tree while Bhau ate at an extended table in the kitchen along with eight companions.There was a delicious turkey that GiGi had put in the oven in the wee hours ofthe morning, Oriental rice salad, green salad, an Indian-style potato salad, cheese, fruit, and other goodies. Bhau took a rest after lunch while preparations for his outdoor talk were completed. It was estimated that seventy to ninety people attended the event. Bhau prefaced his talk with some remarks about Meher Mount:

came to know that I was intending to come here [to L.A.], she contacted me at the elev enth hour, of course. [Applause], so she is reallyresponsible, and I amjust observing that she is taking much interest in that. And now I see there are two persons, Kendra and Jonathan. Kendra is associated with Baba [and] in His contact since many years. I know her. And when she has come, it shows that there is something—it is Baba who has invited her andJonathan to work for Him, and theywill be looking after this place very well.” . .

Bhau shared many stories oflife with Baba including an extensive account ofHis anony mous service to the lepers, mad, masts, and the poor, as well as the destitute middle class. After the talk and entertainment (songs and recitations ofghazals), prayers and Artiled by Bhau were offered at the Baba Tree. Several people had pointed out where Agnes Baron’s ashes were placed in front of the tree, and Bhau suggested that a memorial marker with her name and dates be placed there. After a hearty send-offfor Bhau, those remaining had tea, drinks and many sweet treats at the house.

Getting to Work “I’m really ver very happy to see that now you all are taking interest [in Meher Mount]... because Baba’s visit [in August, 1956] was not without reason. The reason is behind it, and posterity will come to know what is the value ofthis property. For the present, those who love Baba, particularly from L.A. and Santa Barbara, they come sometimes, but in future because ofHis visit, people will come here and it will become a big center. And His visit also means some work here. And what is that work? He put some treasure [here] also. Under this tree [the BabaTree, which He sat under] the treasure is there. But don’t start digging! [Laughter] You have to dig in your heart. Go on digging and you’ll get the trea sure. It is there. Now I’ve come here just to feel happy, and GiGi’s responsible for this. When she .

n addition to caning for the property hosting visitors, and faciiitatingvarious events, J onathan and Kendra are taking cane of Agnes’s aging pets, kitties Blanca and Negnita, and dogMax. Unfortunately, one ofthein first chores was to provide a fiffingbunial for Negnita and Max, both ofthem having recently passed away. Negnita the cat was buried on the slope overlooking Topa Topa Mountain. Max, Agnes’s faithful and beloved dog, was buried along with a well worn toy and a Baba card, near the tree under which Baba sat and close to where Agnes’s ashes were placed. The sur vivor is Blanca, a white cat who has had his ears removed because ofskin cancer. Agnes’s last remaining pet is active and eating well. He will, however, require further surgery at a cost of$260. Ifyou wish to help, make your

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WhoAmi? A school work project by Linda Stine

he following is a love story made spe cial by the purity ofan eleven-yearold child who loves Baba with all his being, as naturally as he breathes. Baba comes into each person’s life in the way that will most serve that soul, and this little boy, my son, is a fortunate one in that Baba has made His love so apparent and guiding. Nikos, now a fifth grader in a small independent school on the Oregon coast, has been blessed by the Ancieht One in every way. The school Nikos goes to attempts to teach the children in an integrated way, using as many real life experiences to teach the language arts as they can. The classes consist of two grades and it was the third/fourth grade dass that was making a study ofresearch when they were assigned a biography project. To make the study more relevant, the children were asked to choose a famous person that they would then research and finally portray in the “Biography Ball” that would be pre sented to the parents. Nikos had a difficult time choosing his character and in an attempt to help him, I asked what person in history did he feelwas most important. Without hesi tation he answered, “Baba, ofcourse.” I could see his eyes light up as he imagined the diffi cult project turn into an exercise oflove and joy. The children worked six weeks on their projects which included extensive reading, note taking, and a written biography oftheir chosen person. They were also asked to draw a picture, and Nikos suffered this assignment, feeling like he could not do his Beloved Babas face justice. We together studied some of Wodin’s drawings in Maul’s book, GodBrother and Nikos said, “Well, I’lljust have to do my

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best.” When he was finished, he felt as ifBaba had helped him draw the picture. The night ofthe ball arrived, and Nikos prepared himselfin his homemade sadra and cotton pants, with a large painted moustache. He then wrapped his head in a white piece of cotton (to disguise his blond hair). The “fa mous persons” were asked to give three hints as to their identities and then stay in their character throughout the dinner and activi ties. The crowd ofparents and friends were then allowed to mixwith the celebrities, interviewing and attempting to identify them. If they were successful, they could ask for a sig nature in the autograph books that had been prepared for them by the students. Nikos al lowed me to interpret from his alphabet board as the many curious folks tried to identify this silent celebrity The most beautiftil calm filled Nikos’ every gesture and answer. His face was radiant with his love for Baba, and he later said that he began to feel like he would be silent forever as “it was so peaceful.” Baba undid that when Nikos dropped his board on his bare foot and yelped in pain before he could catch himself There were 75 adults touched that evening by the genuine quiet and beauty por trayed so lovingly by this little boy. No one went home without knowing about Meher Baba, as revealed and related by one of His small servants. As for Nikos, he went home feeling Baba’s presence in a newway. For sev eral weeks after the Biography Ball, Nikos donned his sadra and observed silence for the day,justto feelthe quiet and the peace through that experience. We sometimes observe si lence together as a family, which brings us close to one another in the practice ofother forms of

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communication as well as the powerful re minder ofour Baba. I have enclosed Nikos’s biography of Baba, the picture he drew, and a photograph from the gathering. In His Love, Linda Stine (mother ofNikosJ. Parse)

Meher Baba by Nikos Parse

ne beautiful February morning 1894, I, Merwan S. Irani was born. I was our family’s second child, and I lived to be the oldest out ofthe seven kids in my family. I was brought up in the Zoroas trian religion, but I went to a Christian school. My childhood was very spiritual due to my parents’ guidance. I loved sports like cricket and games like chess and marbles. One daywhen I was riding to school on my bike I saw an old lady sitting under a neem tree. I was drawn to her like a magnet to metal. I came closer and she embraced me. Over the next five days I came back to this lady, whose name turned out to be Babajan. She was one ofthe five Perfect Masters. On the fifth day, she kissed me on the forehead. I went uncon scious and I remained that way for three days. My mom became very worried. She called in a variety ofdoctors, none ofwhich could heal me.This was my first experience ofdivine bliss, although I was unaware of the world. Over the next seven years I worked with the other four Masters who brought me back to normal human consciousness.

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My first workwas writing down the very complicated experience ofdivine bliss. I told my brother Adi, this book would be found after my death. In 1920 I established a boys’ schoolwith strict spiritual mles. I began train— ing my mandali who travelled across India helping me in myuniversalwork. In the 1930’s we made seven trips to the West including China, Europe, Australia and America. In the 1940’s, 50’s, and 60’s I opened hospitals, fed hundreds of thousands of poor people and established ashrams all over India. In 1925 I purposely stopped talking. There have been enough words. I communi cated by an alphabet board and hand gestures the remaining forty-four years ofmy life. I came not to teach but to awaken love in the heart of every human being. My life was a living ex ample oflove and selfless service.

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My wish for my lovers is as follows:

1. Do not shirkyour responsibilities.

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3. When you feel happy, think “Baba wants me to be happy.” When you suffer think “Baba wants me to suffer.” 4. Be resigned to every situation and think honestly and sincerely: “Baba has placed me in this situation.” 5. With the understanding that Baba is in everyone, try to help and serve others. 6. I saywith myDivine Authorityto each and all that whosoever takes my name at time of breathing his last comes to me: so do not forget to remember me in your last moments. Unless you start remembering me from now on, it will be difficult to remember me when your end approaches. You should start prac ticing from now on. Even ifyou take my name only once every day, you will not forget to re member me in your dying moments. Meher Baba

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The Need for Creative Leadership in India by Meher Baba hroughout the hoary ages ofthe past, India has played the most prominent part in shaping the spiritual history ofhumanity She has been a home ofAvatars, Prophets, Masters, seers and sages, whose contribution to the spiritual evolution ofhu manity has been unparalleled. The contribution oflndia to the solution of mun dane problems has also been remarkable, since she has produced scientists, poets, philoso phers, emperors, leaders and statesmen ofthe first order. In the past, India has attained cminence in spiritual as well as mundane spheres of life; and her place in the post-war New World ofthe future is going to be unique. The problems which India has to face today are, in some ways, more complicated than the problems which any other country is called upon to solve. Men ofall races, creeds, cults and religions have found a home in India; and ifthis lack ofuniformity in composition has presented some difficulties in arriving at soli darity and concerted action in the national life oflndia, it must in no way be looked upon as a pure handicap. The various streams of cul ture which have poured into the life-history oflndia have added to the wealth ofher na tional personality; and they have not only created a suitable opportunity for arriving at a new cultural synthesis, but have necessitated its emergence. Ifhandled with creative leadership, the presence ofconflicting elements in Indian life can be utilized for bringing into existence a rich world-culture, which shall not only rejuvenate and harmonize Indian life, but will also give a new tone to the life ofthe whole world. The process by which we arrive at the new world-culture cannot be purely mechani cal. We can never have any vigorous world-culture by merely piling together cer

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tam isolated elements selected from the present diversity ofculture; that waywe shall only succeed in getting a patchwork of little vitality. A hodgepodge ofcollected ideas can never be a substitute for a direct and fresh perception ofthe Goal. The new world-cul ture will have to emerge from an integral vision ofthe Truth independently of existing traditions and not from the laborious process ofselection and compilation of conserved values. The newworld-culture which will emerge from integral vision will, however, automati cally bring about cultural synthesis. Since the vision that inspires the newworld- culture will be comprehensive, it will not negate the val ues ofdiverse traditions; nor will it have merely patronizing tolerance for them. On the contrary, it will express itself through active appreciation ofthe essentials ofdiverse reli gions and cultures.Thevastvision oftheTruth cannot be limited by any creed, dogma or sect; however, it helps men to transcend these limi tations, not by blind and total denial of any value to the existing creeds, dogmas and sects, but by discovering, accentuating, unfolding and developing such facets of the Truth as might have been hidden in them. Evolving a transcendent and synthetic culture which will express the Infinite Truth is one task before India. The other task, for which India is particularly qualified, is to help other nations in arriving at mutual understanding and harmony. This second task, again, requires creative leadership which will have an unclouded perception ofthe mission which India has to fuffill in relation to the destinies ofthe other nations ofthe world. In her foreign policy India must in no waybe a party to color prejudice and color war. Black, yellow and white are differences ofthe skin; they are not

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differences within the soul itself Through her past history, India has been a link between the East and the West; and the two have come closer to each other through her. The third task before the creative leadership in India is to strive for political poise in spite ofthe difficult situation in which she is placed. India can never make her full contri bution to the world unless she is free from political domination and fear offoreign ag gression or conquest. If she is to fulfill her mission in the sisterhood ofnations, India must be free to shape her own national life and to determine her policy towards other nations. But insistence upon this fundamental need should not be allowed to disturb her political poise. While leadership in Indiawould bejus tified in striving for national freedom and selfdetermination, it must not allow itselfto be vitiated by reactionary isolationism. In the same way, while discharging the clear duty of resisting foreign aggression, India should try to keep free from hate, malice or revenge. Aggression must be met with resistance; it is unpractical to insist upon nonhere and violence. Pure non-violence or incorruptible love can come spontaneously only where du ality has been completely transcended in the realization ofthe last and the onlyTruth; and non-violence ofthe brave is possible only for s who have, through rigorous 1 advanced sou discipline, eradicated from theirmind all forms ofgreed and hate. But so far as the masses are concerned, it is undesirable to ask them to stick to the external formula ofnon-violence when it is their clear dutyto resist aggression in selfdefense or in the defense of other weak brothers. In the case ofthe unevolved masses, universal insistence upon non-violence can Continued on page 50

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All

events, unless otherwise

noted, are held at the Center: 1214 S. Van Ness Avenue Los Angeles, Ca (213)731-3737

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Meetings are free and open to the public.

Ifyou have ideas or requestsfor future programs, please contact

Theseprograms are subject to change. Call the Centerfor verflcation.

L iMeberReadrngs Now on Monday nights Mehetabode Come and share the wine pro vided by Bhau Kakhun inhis bwgraphyLørd We arecurrentiy on Vol 3 which covers the years 1925 1”

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October 4 5OyearswfhMtherBaba Celebration ofMarguente Poley s 5O anmver— sary with Mehr Baba Saturday, 7 30 p m October II Mymemores mthMeberBaba Murshida Duces daughter, Charmian Duce Knowles, spent timewith Meher Baba in India, America, Europe and has manylovtlystorics to ihare Saturday I 30 m and

October 12 Sharrngsweet nwmeiztswttb Cbarmzan Potluck, storics, and muisc Bringa dish and drrnks to Sunday 12 00 noon sweet

October 16 MeherRabaand:heNevLfe Codmthe thiaNew Lftfrrallofusasuccess andjoy Come share a special evening with music, stories, and film Coordinated by Lois Jones Thursday> 7 30 p in “

October24 Afoyfidev€nmgiithMeherBabasnepbews Rustom and 3oin us to welcome our Sobrab Irani who will share some of their memories ofMeher Baba Friday, 7 30 p in October25 MemorieswuhMeherBaba Special guests Rustom and Sohrab Irani from India will share their wtalth of stories of life with Mcmi Baba Saturday 7 30 p in dear guests

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Qvember I MeherBaba ant An and madmen by Mahrnoud ng Saturday, 7 30 m November 8 Att Fernval/Exhtbiiwn liue their c expreision dedicated to Mehr Bal Richard Stermer at (310) 208 ticipation Saturday, 7 30 p ii explanation tiC

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1oderated by AdekWolksn aturday, 7:30 pm+ Jecember 20 ienñBi#hd:iy ipartytohonorthe inrest ofthe 1 •: ordinatcdbyDiane r leur and Linc Saturday :

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November 16 DZSftO Meber)i

The Kastliurii will be visitlob are welcome Please bnng food, Sunday 12 00 noon

November 22 PQ1hY/MUSW1flV Celebrating Divinelove and tastin through poetrmusic, and Saturday, 7 30 P in wine

November 29

FiliWArtiNight Godin humanformonifim Arti rnduded Hosted by Charlie Morton Saturday, 7 30 P in

Thefrsi ( MRHERABOL ••Join usto cd e Cbristrnas spirit spiritual family Gift exchange, food freihmeni:s and music are includcd 7) 7:30 pan. 1

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Notes from the Internet Bob Holdt Swims in the Ocean of Love

Mark Palmer posted the following touching story:

aba’s dear Bob Holdt died quietly in a hospice in Cambridge, Massachu setts, on Sunday, August 10, 1997, after along boutwith a slow-developing form ofliver cancer. Bob was born in Huntington, West Vir ginia, on January 19, 1944. At the age of eighteen months he was diagnosed with a rare form ofretinal cancer to which he lost his sight. Bob went to live in Massachusetts at the tender age of six to receive his education at the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, and he subsequently attended Harvard University. He first learned ofMeher Baba in 1968. Baba-lovers the world over know Bob through his beautiful song, “The Ocean of Love,” which is sung so often on Meherabad Hill that DollyDastur has called it an Arti. At many Baba gatherings on the East Coast— including Boston celebrations, Northeast Gatherings, and the concerts at Meher Cen ter in Myrtle Beach all enjoyed Bob’s singing with his autoharp accompaniment. His reso nant baritone voice was well suited to songs likejim Reeves’ “Welcome to MyWorld” and “These Four Walls” (to which Bob had written Baba-lyrics). Bob’s daughter, Michelle, learned of his passing just after arriving at Meher Center and felt that Baba had planned the moment with perfect, compassionate timing. Bob’s son Erich died in 1990 at the age ofeighteen, also from cancer. A memorial service in Cambridge is be— ing planned for September. In the past year, a recording was made of Bob singing “The Ocean ofLove,” and his friends hope to make it available soon. A more complete story about Bob and his famous songwill be published in the next Glow International. Kendra Crosscn Burroughs, Meher Mount

••

ane Brown told us that she had gone to the Meher Center beach Sunday (Aug.10) with Ira Gross and Damien Triouleyre. Ira noticed the shells on the path to the beach that spelled out “I am the Ocean of Love.” He was concerned by the weeds,etc, among the shells and proceeded to do cleaning. When theygot back to the Cen ter, they were informed that Bob had passed on about the same time theywere at the shells. Years ago, Bob was going to the beach with friends. When they got to the bridge, one ofthem asked ifhe had ever been shown the shells spelling out Baba’s words, “I am the Ocean ofLove.” He hadn’t, so he got down on his knees and felt the shells. Then as they walked on the beach, the song idea (words and music) came to him quite magically .

®:i1 A Letter from Bhau July 7, 1997

earest Beloved Avatar Meher Baba’s Dear Ones—

I’m veryhappyto havevisited Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Avatar’s Abode in Aus tralia, and Meherana, Myrtle Beach, and L.A. in the States. The Sahavas programs in Meherana and L.A. were reallyvery very intensive. People came from many different places to attend the Sahavases. The new cen ter in L.A. is verybeautiful and the L.A. Baba lovers have made it most beautiful in their love for the Beloved. The gathering at Avatar’s Abode, Aus tralia made Beloved Baba’s visit to Avatar’s Abode very fresh and His Presence very ac tive there. The Baba lovers are preparing for the fortieth Anniversary of His visit there (1998) and they expect that Babalovers from other countries too will take part in this. Myrtle Beach is the home for the Beloyed ofthe West and Avatar’s Abode is His abode in the West. The name Avatar’s Abode was given by Baba Himself and it is really Hs Abode. The programs in Myrtle Beach were full oflove, and it appeared as ifthe waves from Beloved Baba’s Ocean were touching every heart. The divine garden was full ofbeautiful birds who sing His glory in the garden and the sweet voices ofthese birds touch the heart ofeach listener.There were radio programs, a television program and interviews with newspaper reporters. The Myrtle Beach press published a very nice article in the paper. This is the sophisticated age and the more sophistication is progressing, the more bills people are receiving. This is the age ofreason and because of that people have no time to think about the will of God. They have to meditate on bills, and thus the will ofGod is ignored. But Beloved Baba is very very ac tive at present and His work is speeding up. There is material progress on one side and there is also spiritual progress on the other side, and those who are in His contact are learning how to make use ofmaterial things without getting attached to them. Beloved Baba has said, “I have come not to teach but to awaken” and He is awakening the people

gradually. The dirt (sanskaras) which we have collected must be wiped out in order to get awakened towards the Divinity, and this work Beloved Baba is doing gradually. This dirt is also found inlower kingdoms—right from the gas, stone, vegetable, worm, fish, bird and ani mal kingdoms because ofthe exploitation of these kingdoms by the human beings, and therefore Beloved Baba has to give a Univer sal Push which will clean the dirt of every kingdom and the consciousness will become natural and clean, and mankind will have the awakening towards the Divinity. This awakening will differ from person to person. For instance when it rains, those who are in the open get fully drenched. Those who hold umbrellas, they get a few drops of rain here and there. Those who sit on the yeranda see that it is raining, they shout with pleasure that this rain is ver very pleasant. Those who remain behind closed doors, hear that it is raining and that the rain is pleasant, and then they open the door in order to see the rain. Thus, the experience of those who are fully drenched is different from those who, because of the umbrella, have received the drops only. Those who are on the veranda, their experience is different yet again. Similarly, when Beloved Baba’s Univer takes place, the entire world Manifestation sal awakened will be and the experience will dif fer from person to person. This is the time when Beloved Avatar Meher Baba is following each one, because He has to wipe out the dirt. And when this process ofcleaning begins, people come into His contact. The entire world will come to Him because He is not only in everyone and everything but He is everyone and everything, and He is the one who is responsible for the whole creation, animate or inanimate and therefore He works for all. May you all love Beloved Baba more and more and follow His wish and make Him pleased. In His Love, Bhau Kaichuri

Bhauji’s Chat-session

you will read from Jerry Edwards posting, the Computer Age has hit The Trust Office full force. As just

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about the whole industrialised world is realising, ifyou don’tjump aboard the cornputer band wagon, you wont be riding into the new millennium! Mr. Kalchuri has more than got his feet wet in this medium during his recent world tour. Starting in Australia he would sit in front of someone’s computer and they would enter a program/place called The Palace. Somewhat like a ‘virtual reality’ game, the Palace was, for this occasion, the Barn at Myrtle Beach, with a photo ofBhau hovering over Baba’s chair. There were 30 or more people around the worldjoining in, each one represented by a smiley face on the screen. As each one took a turn, theyidentffied themselves, and their question or comment to Bhau would appear written on the screen in a cartoon-like balloon. The response was sometimes a tad de layed, seeing as the words were being transmitted all over the world. But as your editor and her son Michael found out, seated around his monitor, it was very exciting to be a part ofsuch a strange new happening. Bhauji got quite the expert at it, and so at every stop along his route, when it was convenient, he wouldjoin with a group ofcyber buddies and another meeting would be set up. It was fre quently heard, amongst the cyber-ites, “Hey, did you go to The Palacelast Saturday night? Wasn’t Bhau great?!” Following is the account David Israel posted ofBhau’s finalvisit to The Palace.

athered in Dan Stone’s basement office this afternoon, Bhauji was surrounded by a group ofcheery onlookers as he doled out, with characteristic eloquence and humor, thoughts, replies, and warmth, in the final Baba Palace real-time chat session in what we might caliThe First Series—this being a mode ofcommunication with Baba lovers globally that Bhau has re turned to periodically amid his travels on the current world tour. That tour now winds to its close—the man from Meherazad will be seen offfrom Dulles airport tomorrow evening, as he returns to mother India. He concluded his post-chat day with a group dinner followed by a 3-or-so hour talk. The number ofparticipants ranged from about 8 tol2—and we tried (for the first time in these Bhau sessions) a more free-form, un moderated format. I enjoyed serving as Bhau Kalchuri’s amanuensis for the event.

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Meher Baba, Mother Teresa and Princess Diana The Connection Ramarao, a residentatMeherabadwho has met Baba numerous times, told this story atArti on th, the morning ofSeptember 7 1997.

eloved Baba, in His Infinite Cornpassion, first took me in His Lap in January, 1953 At that tirne, Bhau Kaichuri and Nana Kher were sent to Bilaspur, Andhra Pradesh, as part of a tour to spread His Name and Message ofLove in Central India. One of these meetings was presided overby Rai Saheb Krishnand Verma, Supreme Court Advocate. At the time I had heard that he used to send regular gifts ofmoney, clothes and food to MotherTeresa, so it was through Baba’s connection that I first became aware ofher work. During the period ofmy suspension from the Railway Services, I served in many firms, one ofwhich was an eight year employment with Rajrishi Exports Ltd., Bilaspur. I was an export executive, in charge of of Sri Rishi’s offices at Calcutta, Bhubaneswar, Paradeep and Hyderabad. ShriJ.C. Rishiwas the owner of our company, and the founder of a chari table trust, which used to donate to the Missionaries of Charity, 54 Lower Circular Road, Calcutta, which is the wonderful, simple and sacred service group of dear Mother Teresa. I had the privelege to meet her many times, and she was always gracious and bying, at one point autographing for me a copy ofherbook, SomethingBeautfulftr God. Later, on one occasion when I visited her, I sent her my business card, which on the reverse side was printed one ofBaba’s messages. After I was seated in her simple room, which contamed two tables, some chairs, a typewriter and a telephone, she very sweetly questioned me, “You are a lover of Meher Baba?” Ohserving herinterest, I told herin Bengali, which she spoke fluently, “Yes, Avatar Meher Baba is the Living Christ.” In my hand, I carried my small briefcase, and in those days, tape recorders were all reel to reel, and the portable ones were about the size ofmy briefcase. She pointed to the briefcase in a questioning manner, and asked me ifit were a tape recorder. I opened the briefcase to show her that it was not, and in a quiet manner on that Sunday, alone in her room, .

she told me in a very reverential manner, “Meher Baba is a Christ-like person.” Prompted inwardlyby Baba, I told her, “Ma, Baba Thakur achey.” (Mother, Baha is God.) She was silent for a few seconds, then she told me in a very simple way, “I am a Ro man Catholic nun, governed by Vatican Dictates, but I know this: Baba started working on lepers, then we four became involved with lepers—myself, Baba Amte, Gandhiji (Mahatma Gandhi) and Albert Schweitzer. Following thatwork, the Government of India is now pursuing leprosy eradication, and the World Health Organization has a program to wipe outthe disease bythe end ofthe century!” After affirming her feeling about Baba’s divinity, she asked me, while she was alive, not to tell people ofher acknowledging Baba’s Christ-like life. I met her a total ofseven times, and the last three are recorded in my diaries.

Dma Snow Reports

hortly before we went to press the world got the sad news ofthe death of Prin cess Diana. There have been a great many postings on the Baba List Sen’, with most everybody seeing Baba’s hand very defi nitely at work. An editorial from an Indian magazine written after the death ofPresident Kennedy showed many parallels: “ it is indeed amazing how President Kennedy’s death has been felt as a personal loss by the man on the street everywhere! This could only be because he sincerely made his fellow hu man beings feel he was a brother to them, and championed the cause ofthe downtrodden.” And then, quoting from the Family Letters dated 10th December 1963, by Mani: “ Beloved Baba said ofhim: He was a great man, good and sincere. Dying as he did, has not only made him immortal in mankind’s memory and history, but it has given him a great push forward spiritually. However al though he was assassinated because it was ordained to be, it is not a good thing and it portends more suffering ahead for the world.” Does this hold true for Diana too? The fol lowing arejust averyfew ofthe many thoughts presented on the List Sew It wasjust too

coincidental that the two most famous women in the world, renowned for their love of hu manity, their caring for the poor, the downtrodden and forgotten, should die within a week of each other! Baba set it up with a one-two whammy! One hopes that the cu mulative effect of their lives and deaths has created a tidal wave in Baba’s Ocean ofLove As Baba used movie theaters to do His Universal work, at Diana’s funeral He had over two billion people with hearts wide open Baba performed an operation on the heart of England and it was such an incredible proce dure that we were all deeply touched Simon Reece writes: “In Britain, which is pretty high up on the world scale of emotional suppression, thousands were crying in public. There was the story of a truck driver who stopped in a lay-by to observe the minute’s silence and hugged all the other people there, even tho’ complete strangers. Many people think they are feeling grief, since a shocking death was the catalyst for it all. But I think what has really gone on has been a mega sanskaric bonfire ofindividual and collective dimensions.The sense ofHope is very, very strong, and we mustn’t let it slip.” Baba has always used the media to His advantage, and He certainly used it this time Both Priñ cess Diana’s and MotherTeresa’s deaths and funerals occurred on the weekend, so that people could stay glued to their TV sets the entire time He doesn’t miss anything! And we know that both women knew of Baba. We were also told that Sonja Davies ofAvatar’s Abode in Australia gave the Princess a copy ofJean Adriel’s book Avatarwhen Diana visited a tourist attrac tion not a mile away from the Abode. The love that was awakened at the deaths of these two women has had a profound im pact on the world. Lets hope it lasts.

J ames Cox writes from India

oday marked the first anniversary of Baba’s sister’s passing, and Goher, Katie, Meheru, Manu, and Rhoda Mistry, came from Meherazad for a Women’s Arti. Aloha was already at Meherabad. Hundreds of people from all over the world attended, as did almost all ofher family. The Twins sung rousing renditions of songs that Mani wrote or that were her favorites, and recordings ofMani performing were played at the Samadhi. As usual, many other people

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also sang, and profttse amounts of flowers adorned Baba’s, Mehera’s, and Mani’s tombs. In perhaps a leftover flavor oflndia’s 5O independence anniversary, a curtain of small orange and white flowers interspersed with tiny bundles ofgreen leaves was tied in front ofthe door to Baba’s Samadhi... ...Today, someone that had spent a lot of time with Mehera told me that Mehera, in the late ‘80’s, had once gotten up in the afternoon, doubtlessly not feeling so well, straightened her clothes, and asked, “But how would it look ifwe didn’t go out there ( referring to her porch), and share, when we have been given so much?”

van Gesteren, accompanied by his wife, is now here for the first time in 30 years, since he filmed Baba in 1967. For the first time, he showed his footage ofBaba to the remaining Mandali, and will show it again in a few days to the rest of us. Mani reportedly once told someone that Baba had hugged Louie more in a short amount of time than He had ever hugged anyone else, and at least one ofthose hugs is on film. Louie also wore the famous turban which Baba had given him, and which he wore when he filmed Baba. Evidently the same person at Meherazad also tied it for him now, 30-years later. One ofmy oldest memories ofa Baba film is seeing a man with a goatee and turban hugging Baba in a chair against the backdrop of Seclusion Hill. I was told the man was Louis van Gesteren, a Dutch filmmaker who had met Meher Baba in 1967, and had filmed something like a whole reel of35mm film of Baba, but almost no one had ever seen it, as Louis would not release it. Several attempts had been made to persuade Louis, but none were successful. So it was something of an event when Louis and his wife, at the prodding ofPaul Comar, for the first time in 30 years, showed up in Meherabad a short time ago.Theybrought a video version ofthe film, and showed it here several times. It was the first time that most ofus had ever seen it. When he filmed Baba, Louis brought a cameraman and a sound man, and the film is spectacular in its clarity ofimage and sound, although there are some slightly amusing mo ments as the cameraman shifts the focus to a branch ofbougainvillaeawhich has fallen from Baba’s lap to the ground after having been

given byLouis to Baba earlier. Baba, or someone offcamera, gentlypicks the branch back up and places it back on Baba’s lap as the camera follows and refocuses on Baba. The camera does wander to local color from time to time, but mostly it is incredibly clear footage ofBaba gesturing and Eruch interpreting. Perhaps the thing that impressed me the most about this film was the apparent diffi culty that Eruch had in translating Baba, which I had never experienced before in any medium. I had always assumed that Eruch’s translationsjust flowed, almost telepathically, but that wasn’t the case. He struggled with what Baba was trying to tell Louis, and it was apparent that to understand and translate Baba’s gestures, one had to have one pointed concentration. It wasn’t easy or smooth, and the Mandali confirmed to me that this was how it was. Much ofBaba’s explanation in the film is directed to Louis in answer to his questions, which dealt with drugs, spiritual experiences, degrees ofconsciousness, etc., and there was nothing said that I had not read elsewhere, but the clearness and expressiveness ofBaba was incredible. Baba did, however, empha size that a telltale indication of whether an experience was real or not—was whether or not it was permanent. Later I had the chance to speak with Louis and his wife,Joke (pronounced Yokeh), and theyboth maintain that theyare not devo tees in the sense that they think most of the rest “us” are, and that they didn’t care for what they perceived as pressure from some people to bow down to Baba’s chair and bed, etc., and to generally conform to the way in which other people showed their devotion to Baba. Louis told me that he first heard about Baba by a series ofcoincidences, starting with riding in Irwin Luck’s taxi from Manhattan to Kennedy Airport. The coincidences went on to include meeting Robert Dreyfus, I believe Rick Chapman, and maybe Alan Cohen ( Guys, please correct me ifl am wrong,) in a short span oftime. So Louis wrote to Baba and asked ifhe could come film Him. Baba wrote back and said, “Yes,” and that Baba had a message for Louis. Louis wrote back to say that he was coming and that he also had a message for Baba. When he met Baba, Louis described the experience as “one lonely man meeting another.” He felt that one ofthe reasons Baba went into seclusion was that, in the midst of

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having so many people around, He was really lonely. Louis said that he dislikes the practice ofpeople putting everything on Baba, and he emphsized that one must take charge and re sponsibilityofone’s own destiny. I didn’t really meet Louis until the night before he left, so I didn’t have a lot of time to pursue his ideas and the effect that meeting Baba had had on his life, but I liked both him and his wife very much, and I hope that theywill indeed come back again, sooner this time. Louis did say something about perhaps releasing a video of this film later this year, and ifhe does, itis deflnitelyworthwhile to try toseeit.

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th anniversary of oday marks the 50 India’s independence, and in ‘Nagar it was celebrated by processions of schoolchildren blockingtraffic, waving Indian flags and pushcart floats with young, dhoti clad Gandhijis sitting at styrofoam replicas of spinning wheels (cute), politicians giving speeches (boring) and the opening of Ahmednagar Fort where Nehru was impris oned, sort oflike a county fair atmosphere with camel rides and snake charmers (interesting). The road in front ofMeherabad was choked with bullock cart and tonga races, enveloped in a moving sea ofmotorcycles (definitely dangerous). For the first time, I saw someone hitch a horse and a bullock up to the same cart. It didn’t workverywell. Much has been written in the press about these first 50 years in India’s history as a de mocracy, but one cath help wonder what the founding fathers would think oftoday’s po litical situation, iftheywere here to observe it. It reminds me ofUpasni Maharaj’s com ment 50 years ago tonight, which went something like, “India is giving up her foreign masters for a worse slavery at the hands ofher own people....”

There hasn’t been much rain this year, only around 6 inches sincejune 1, although we do still have mostly cloudy days, and from time to time we get a drizzle. But it is about half of where we would now normally be. After a slowJuly, the Pilgrim Center and Dharmashala are continuously ftill, with Hos telD now also filling up in anticipation ofthe first anniversary ofMani’s passing. The line . .

for darshan at evening arti hardly ever gets finished by 8:00 pm, and it often carries on until 8:30. Work on the excavation for the founda lion at the Archive building goes on, and there is a large hole in the side ofthe hill, where the building will eventually stand. An approach road offthe Kedgaon Road has also been cut through the bundh, leading up to the building, and shortly the Wadari gang under the direction ofMr. Ramdas Fulari, will start digging footings for the foundation walls.* The physical condition ofthe remaining Mandali is more or less the same as it has been for the past few months, and Eruch is still complaining oflingering. As always, it is a “good time to come.” [*See photos on page 38—Ed.]

No More Hugs !!!

eather made an announcement last night at the Pilgrim Center that from now on, people should not hug Goher or Eruch, as they are extremely sus ceptible to catching colds and flu from the pilgrims.Theyregretverymuch havingto take this decision, but they are getting sick with increasing frequency, and they realize that this is a real burden on the people who have to take care ofthem. So Meherazad todaywas a “no hug” day for Goher and Eruch. Then on the return bus ride, Flagg Kris announced that Aloba had informed him that the rest of the Mandali would also abstain from hugging people from now on, as they felt to do otherwise would be unfair to Eruch and Goher. Somehow Ijust don’t think Meherazad will be quite the same... Jai Baba, J ames Cox

Tony Paterniti Writes

erhaps the saddest news I’ve ever heard to come out oflndia. Makes me feel Baba may be ready to take them all home and is “breaking it to us gently.” Still, what a thought! Over the years, I’ve gotten used to people telling me I’m a “great hugger.” And some-

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times I’lljust say, “Well, I’ve been hugged by the best.” At another time, in a more thoughtful mood, I wrote hugs: (Saturday, 7/13/96)

hugs seven degrees of separation make hugs a beautiful thing

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andjust as the rivers flow to the sea, the Ocean’s hugs flow back to me sometimes in a single “generation” by a Meherazad embrace so tell me then: is it my love i send or the love ofthe Ocean, flowing through me? water is water in the end, my friend, and hugs are liquid reality so please, take this hug back home for me, by accepting it no need for thought for water always seeks its own level within the human heart

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© Tony Paterniti, 1996 I remember my first arrival at Meherazad and being hugged by Mani who was Baba, my old girlfriend, God’s sister and the beauti ful Irish woman with the lovely smiling eyes who was my babysitter when I was three years old all rolled into one. .and Eruch’s warm and loving bear hugs and Bal Natu’s back-patting hugs, accompanied by a rapid ‘jaibabajaibaba jaibabajaibabajaibaba!” ...and Arnavaz; and lately I was lucky to see a picture of Katie embracing me (albeit a somewhat ‘weightier’ me) in Bill Stephens’ book Footprints, radiant with love. and all the rest. Beloved Meher Baba, thankyou for the blessing ofthese dear ones ofYou in our lives we will miss them ah, time, love, You. ..

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JaiBaba! —Tony

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Angela Ucceio was a happy Sahavasee, who upon her return homefrom Myrtle Beach in July,postedthefoiowing:

i hug you and you hug her and down the line it goes till everyone’s hugged everyone— a message in a bottle couldn’t communicate more quickly my love for you is for your love and for her love and for his love, so take this message to the one i love take me with you there

Youth Sahavas

recently returned from the Youth Sahavas that was held at the Meher Spiritual Center in South Carolina. I want to tell you all how much I enjoyed my time there. This was such a wonderful experi ence. It was my first year going, and I will definitely be returning next year. I met so many caring and loving people there. I don’t live around any Baba lovers, so to be around so many Baba lovers really helped to express my love for Baba. You could really feel Baba’s presence diring the whole week. You could also feel His love shining through everyone. I had the best time and I didn’t want to have to leave, but as al ways, good things come to an end. I am so glad that there are the Youth Sahavas, and I thank Buz and Linda for putting this whole program together for the past seven years. They, and everyone else connected with it, do such awonderftdjob. We are all very grateful. -

Pilgrim Pines Bliss Baba Cyber-family! I have a feeling that I will be greeting the mailman and answering the phones, etc., with ‘Jai Baba!’ for weeks to come, after being drowned by the Ocean of rd Love at the Los Angeles Baba Group’s 23 Annual Silence Day Sahavas. Ijust got home, and have a strong desire to share with you all my impressions and experiences of the last four days with 338 other Baba Lovers in the beautiful San Bernardino mountains. What fin it was to meet so many listies in person and get to know them better in that other part of illusion (what is the cyberspace term for noncyberspace? One can hardly call it the real world). Wendy Ward gave us ‘Cyberspace Ashram’ stickers for our name badges, and one night some ofus sat at one dinner table and got to talk face to face with what had previously beenjust names on our computer monitors. The quotation (from Sparks) setting the theme for this year’s retreat was the following: “One who hears the music ofGod in his own heart—suchwonderfiil music, foritis the origi nal music—loses his bodily consciousness and

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sees God everywhere.”This appeared in calligraphy, mounted and matted with a big colorized photo ofBaba in blue coat and gar lands, the original ofwhich had been signed byBaba, as part ofthe registration packet. And music there was throughout each day. The seeing-God-everywhere part was easy. The musicians were fabulous (Debbie Nordeen,Jane Brown, and othervocalists, guitars—includingTony Paterniti, and Raphael Rudd on piano)! Performances in programs, Artis, the toddy shop, and dhuni included instruments such as the balalaika, du1cimer cello, violin, drums (including a 13-year-old prodigy who brought the crowd to its feet), recorders, accordion, and harmonium. There was a Sahavas Chorus who managed to put so much love into theirtoo-briefperformance that when they chanted ‘Zoroaster, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, Jesus, Mohammed, Meher Baba’ in an elaborate, complex round (with one voice de claiming that familiar quote ‘To penetrate into the essence and significance ofall things. and other voices in the audience and on stage tak ingyct other parts) I felt tears welling up in my eyes. Well, I have to admit that happened often, and I am not under normal circum stances particularly prone to weeping, but I was so moved by the sounds all around mc that I wondered ifpcrhaps Baba wasnt breaking his silence! I particularly loved listening to Allan Cohen’s talks. for those who weren’t around in the sixties, he and two other BL’s under Baba’s direct instructions used to go around to talk shows, college campuses, etc. to give Baba’s anti-drug message to the west. In fact, they gave thousands ofpresentations in a very short time. (Allan or Rick Chapman spoke at my college, October, 1968, and I sat in the back of the hail snickering. A few weeks later I was experiencing that honeymoon we know so well...) Allan said many delightful things; he radiates insight and humor. Here, from Allan, are my two favoritcjewels: “We read the words of many spiritually advanced souls, gurus, teachers, masters, but Baba’s the only one with a good sense of humor!” There was a lot of humor at the Sahavas, like the Bobby Manonash Show featuring Ed McMaya. “Baba gave us a definition ofBliss. It is that which has no opposite.” (Mytake on this com ment: That takes bliss entirely out ofthe realm ofillusion, therefore, when we experience this emotion, it’s a direct experience ofBaba’s pres encc in our lives.) ..‘

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Bhaujiwas there...looking happy, healthy, and aglow... and spoke at great length. I am bubbling over with Sahavas-excitement (or something?) and could go on and on, (I even got a tour ofMeherabode!) but I have to put dinner in the oven and unpack my bookstore goodies (Bhauji said that Dma’s Baba Bookstore is the finest in the world, by the way). In His LOVE, Kathy Hill

Footprints in the Sand posted byjeannie Taylor

his book [by Bill Stephens] is brimful ofBaba’s presence, it weaves His Shining Light in-between the sen tences, dancing with the words. It had me on the edge of my seat, waiting to see the outcome ofsome ofthe real-life vignettes. The compilation ofshort stories and po ems are refreshingly filled with His palpable presence. Do get a copy and breathe in His essence. Thankyou Bill Stephens for sharing this part ofHis Stream ofLove. This book is wonderful, BABAFULL!

Heather Nadel Writes [And we don’t mind printing it!]

es, yes, yes we did get copies of the LSLP; in fact, theywere a very, very, very hot item around here—can you believe it, someone stole someone else’s copy offthe mail table for an hour, read it and put it back (that was me).... it was too full of great articles to resist. Ofcourse I had plenty oftime to browse through it again when the issue came for the Pilgrim Centre, which is now being enjoyed bypilgrims. What a wonderful issue! Loved the re port on your new and absolutely amazing Center in LA—WOW! The mandali got their issues too, and could be seen reading them in spare moments. I was very impressed with the graphics, content and quality ofit; notjust saying this now either—I rea11yTHOUGHT it at the time!

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Numberless Impressions by Meher Baba posted by Eric Solibakke

he give-and-take ofsanskaras or im pressions is constantly going on in the play oflife. Where there is mutha1it there is this give-and-take, but it is not a mechanical process. The same action can create different impressions, according to the motive which inspires that action. A man who, out of the motive ofdoing good to another person, gives him food or clothes, at once catches his good impressions. The man who slanders another person with an evil motive or steals his belongings at once catches his evil impressions. Killing an animal for sport, pleasure or food means catching all its bad impression since the motive is seffish. But no such bad impres sions are caught from snakes or germs and the like, which are a danger to humanity, when they are killed out ofphilanthropic motives and onlywhen absolutely necessary. Such killing, when it is not a duty will certainly create binding impressions.... Impressions are contagious. Eating meat is prohibited in many spiritual disciplines because the person thereby catches the impressions ofthe animal, thus rendering himself more susceptible to lust and anger. Sometimes, innumerable strong impressions are transmitted through the mere touch ofthe physical body ofanother person. gross body, even a corpse, can quickly impart numberless impressions to the person who touches it. Sparks ofthe Truth, Ed., C. D. Deshmukh, pp. 24, 26 Copyright 1971,The Universal Spintual League in America, Inc.

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AMB Trust Computer Project

he collection for the computers in India is moving along slowly. So far, we have two 4 Gigabyte Hard Disks donated, a laser printer and software on CD’s totaffing about $3,500. Our need has been reduced from $8,000 to $4,500. The computers for the education of the children in the Trust Office is being handled separately. The original total need was for $2,000 (probably as older model portables estimated at $1000 each).This need has been met, computers have been promised. No donation is too small! It is estimated that $1,000 cash is the minimum to begin the project. We have $150 total cash donated to date. Shirla and I are leaving as usual (Our 10th Yr.) at the end ofSeptember (returning in March) for Meherabad and will be working on this project, among other things, and minimum funding is required at that time. As many of you know, Bhau Kalchuri, chairman AMBPPCT has asked me to coor climate computerization ofthe Avatar Meher Baba Trust office in AhmednagaL I feel he is especially interested in computerizing the Trust Office work at this time because ofthe increased work pressures there on the mandali. Ofprime consideration at this time is coor dination of all computers and software so that programs and information are easily interchangeable. Please make checks payable to AMBPPCT and indicate for “CORPUS Trust computer fund.” The status of the fund will be reported via Listserv periodically. Anyone interested in finding out more about this or donating equipment, please contact Jerry Edwards, Avatar Meher Baba Trust, Kings Road, Ahmednagar, MS, 414-001 India. In HIS service, Jerry Edwards

[For more information about the AMB Trust Computer Project please refer to the article on pg. 20 oftheJuly September, 1997 issue ofthe Love StreetLampFost, tided ‘Meherabad Gets Wired. “—Ed.] -

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An Experience in Miracles by Mary Marmo with Joanna Tompkrn the videoA flew qfGod— Mekr Baba Throigh the Eyes of Bhau Kaithun was an experience m miracles—one after another after another Babils Hand was continually and tangibly at work, as ifile were physicallywith us From the first, each momentwas filled with Him in His timeless presence To begin with, Bhau and Jeff Maguire graciously agreed to do an interview on videotape for the purpose ofmaking a halfhour introductory program fortelevision Forthreeyears afterthefilmmg,the doors were shut to all attempts to complete the video Once the Beloved opened the doors, however, it was as ifBaba Himselfbreathed down our necks personally tellmg us “Hurry up. hurry up complete it ‘ Neither of us knew anythingabout makingvideos Smeewe had no knowledge, skill or aptitude, and also had (still have)veiy opposite personalities, we felt we probably possessed the basic pre-requtsites for plungmginto Baba work So we took up the challenge in spite of—and because of —our deficits Often we recalled Mani speaking ofher first exposure to Trust meetings and budgetmg When the numbers came out exact all she could think of was “1ts a miracle Ifs a ” which practically became our mant mirade tra as the onginal 45-minute interview went through melt-down to about2O There was no way to know beforehand ifthe cut-andpaste we had done throughout the transcript—dissectingsentences, re-positionmg seetions—wouldworkwhen the technical editor eut the videotape Continuallywe ob served Baba’s Hand smoothing the way, making it work We were supposed to be male mgavideo lnsteaditwasasifwewerewatchrng afllmoftheTrueFilmmakermakingit Andso itwentforthe integrationofbeautiful, heart and soul-full music that accompanies the magnificent footage ofBaba (The video consists ofan introduction to Baba followedbyalternating3-7 mmute sequences ofBhaus interview and 2-3 minute segments

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offootage ofBaba aceompamed by music) Except for Avatar Mther Betha ki Ja with sitar and vocals byMani, the rematmng music was recorded by Janice Reman and several Rabalovers in St Lows, Missouri The songs were written by Bhau and set to music by he andJamce, a professional musician Not to be left out, they too were saddled with chal lenging restrictions, without benefit of appropnate notations as to timing and placementin the not-then-completed video Janice mduded cymbalsto eoincidewith Baba playmg cymbals—a miracle done by feel not by technical guidance since theylacked the professional euemg equipment necessary for synchronization ofmusic and video Miracu lously Steve the professional editoijiappened to ahgnthemperfectly on his first try—and in such a way that the last cymbal chimed by Baba is silent’ This in spite ofBabas having changed rhythms mid-stream Probablythe smgle-tnost strikmg event that occurred was the recognition that Baba wanted a segment on His suffenng included in the video We intended to cut parts of it, but Editor Steve uncharaetcnstically interrupted us, insisting the viewers would not understand the significance ofBaba s suffermgifwe cutit At that pointsomethingmtense and personal happened to each ofus and then we felt Beloved Baba wanted it included for theworldtoknowofFbs suffenngfor all The final miracle was that it was cornpleted at allwhichitwas onJanuary27, 1997, 2 days before access to free editing would eeasc. to be available

All proceeds from A View of God by His Hand Productions will be donated to thc Trust for the Conservation Project For a copy of the video contact the LoveStreet BookStore Cost $25

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no intention ofstopping, even ifl could.”This signal may be emphasized by the use of headlamps (insouciant). Article IV remains subject to the provision of Order ofPrecedence in Article II above. ARTICLE V All manoeuvres, use ofhorn and evasive ac lion shall beleft until thelastpossible moment. ARTICLE VI In the absence ofseat belts (which there is), car occupants shall wear garlands ofmarigolds. These should be kept fastened at all times. ARTICLE VII Rights ofway:Traffic entering a road from the left has priority. So has traffic from the right, and also traffic in the middle. Lane discipline (‘111,1): All Indian traffic at all times and irre spective ofdirection oftravel shall occupy the centre ofthe road.

Humor for Huma rTT 11i1 rona iviemories or riome -I-.’

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Thefoiowing item wasfound in the travel sec tion ofa British newspapei

raveling in India is an almost halluci natorypotion ofsound, spectacle and experience. It is frequently heartrending,sometimes hilarious, mostlyexbilarating, always unforgettable—and,when you are on the roads, extremely dangerous.

Most Indian road users observe a version of the Highway Code based on an ancient text. These 12 rules of the Indian road are published for the first time in English. ARTICLE I The assumption ofimmortality is required of all road users. ARTICLE II The following precedence must be accorded at all times. In descending order, give way to: cows, elephants, heavy trucks, buses, official cars, camels, light trucks, buffalo, Jeeps, oxcarts, private cars, motorcycles, scooters,

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auto-rickshaws, pigs, pedal rickshaws, goats, bicycles (goods-carrying), handcarts, bicycles (passenger-carrying), dogs, pedestrians. ARTICLE Ill All wheeled vehicles shall be driven in accor dance with the maxim: “to slow is tofalter, to brake is tofail, to stop is defeat.” This is the Indian drivers’ mantra. ARTICLE IV Use ofhorn (also known as the sonic fender or aural amulet): Cars (IV,1,a-c):Short blasts (urgent) indicate supremacy, i.e., in clearing dogs, rickshaws and pedestrians from path. Long blasts (desper ate) denote supplication, ie to oncoming truck “I am going too fast to stop, so unless you slow down we shall both die”. In extreme cases thismaybe accompanied by flashing ofheadlights (frantic). Single blast (casual)means “I have seen someone out oflndia’s 870 million whom I recognize”, or “I have not blown my horn for several seconds.” Trucks and buses (IV,2,a): All horn signals have the same meaning, viz, “I have an all-up weight ofapproximately 12½ tons and have

.. .. .

ARTICLE ‘[III Roundabouts: India has no roundabouts. Apparent traffic islands in the middle ofcrossroads have no traffic management function. Any other impression should be ignored. ARTICLEIX Overtaking is mandatory Every moving yehide is required to overtake every other moving vehicle, irrespective ofwhether it hasjust overtaken you. Overtaking should only be undertaken in suitable conditions, such as in the face ofoncorning traffic, on blind bends, at junctions and in the middle of villages/city centres. No more than two inches should be allowed between your vehicle and the one you are passing—and one inch in the case of bi cycles or pedestrians. ARTICLEX Nirvana maybe obtained through the headon crash. ARTICLEXI Reversing: no longer applicable since no yehide in India has reverse gear. ARTICLEXII th incarnation ofGod was as a diesel The 10 smoke spewing truck.

My Heart is Calling You The making ofMani’s song-tape

by Heather Nadel

ne afternoon about three weeks before she went to Baba, Mani was sitting upon her bed in Meherazad. We hadjust been discussing some copyright business and I was walking out ofthe room when Mani called me back. “What about the songs?” she chirped. “The songs, Mani?” I stuttered, trying to catch up, “You mean you want the copyright ofyour songs to be with the Trust?” “That of course,” she replied, “but what I mean is, I’d like them to be shared She sat looking so sweet and expectant that I said, “We could do a songbook!” Her eyes brightened, she said, “Yes!” and then lay back down to rest. We never spoke ofit again. She was referring, of course, to the many songs she had written over the years for her Beloved God-Brother Baba, and for Mehera. Songs oflove, longing,joy, celebration, sepa ration—Mani loved to sing and she loved singing, so it is natural that many songs had come out from her heart for the ones she loved. In the difficult weeks following Mani’s reunion with Baba, I began to think about the songbook. Problems ofhow to do it, who would do the notation, how to print it, could anybodyread music anymore?, etc., were puz zling me when one day Meredith (Klein) casually remarked out-of-the-blue,” There should be a tape ofManis songs.” And that was my answer. Of course people pick up songs by listening! You share songs through a tape, not through a songbook!

From that moment the Mani song-tape project took offon wings ofits own. It was one ofthose Baba-projects where everything falls into place seemingly by magic. And the magic, I soon saw, was people’s deep feeling for Maul. Everyperson I contacted to partici pate was immediately ready. Not only ready, but excited, enthused, eager! It amazed and touched me. This willingness on the part of the singers, musicians, recording engineers, the wonderful arrangementwallis and wallas (Judy Ernst, Hugh MacDonald, Mike Hansen, Debbie Nordeen and Buz Connor), and other friends, and their love for Baba and Mani, fueled it from the first to the last. So now, what songs to put in? First and foremost, a Mani-tape naturally has to have The Songbird, Mani herself, singing—and even better, singing and playing the sitar. So included are three songs ofMani singing and accompanying herselfon sitar and one singing a capella. Maul used to recount how Baba had told her to learn the sitar and often asked her to sing and play for Him. I must say that to my ears and heart, Maul’s singing and playing is the highlight of this tape. When you hear her, you will know why we titled it My Heart is Calling You. As for the Baba-songs that Mani wrote and others sang, it seemed we should put in songs that she liked to sing and liked to hear, with singers doing versions that she herself heard, approved, and enjoyed. So these are the eleven songs that came to be included:

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Open Up the Door: Allyou L.A.wallas know this one! Buz Connor singing his rousing ver sion ofthis song oflonging that Mani gave him and he made famous at the L.A. and Youth Sahavases. This is the live version re corded at a recent L.A. Sahavas, with many Sahavaseesjoining in with Buz. Be Be Be Be Be With Baba and JaiJaiJaiJai Meher Baba: Ifyou’ve ever heard the Twins sing, I’m sure you haven’t forgotten it! These are two fun and lively Baba-songs Mani spe ciallywrote for Baba’s twin nephews Rustom and Sohrab to sing on their visit to the West in 1987. To the Glory ofLove:This ofcourse is the song that Mani wrote for Mehera’s Birthday in 1989 after Mehera’s reunion with Baba. The words were sent out to Baba-singers around the world and there are many different tunes to it. The chorus tune for this version was written by Mani. We use a live recording made at the Samadhi on Mehera’s Birthday, 1989, when Debbie Nordeen and I sang the song as a duet with Mani, the Meherazad ladies and othersjoining in. Baba, You FoundMe: A lyrical Mani-poem put to an old Italian tune and sung by Janet Luck. Mani was touched when Janet sang this song to her in the hospital last year. Lord of the Universe: One women’s arti at Meherabad when sitting outside Baba’s

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My Jfeart Is Ca(flnq y6u :•:

.i.iaiiai.MeherBa 4 Gopichand Raja 5 Keep Me with You

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6O Youth of thIAn 7Jo the Glory of Love .i. Open 1 2 25th February 3J(adiJangeYaK .

4. Baba, You.Found.Me 5Be Be. Be Be BeWithE 6 BabaNuNaam 7 Lord of the Universe B Mahara Bha4 Jaan

Samadhi with the women mandali, Mani spontaneously gave the words and tune of a song chorus to Ward Parks asking him to add verses. He did (a few days later) and she liked the result. Keep Me with You: Familiar from an early Baba-album, this is a poignant song of sepa ration that Mani wrote in the early 1970’s as if from Mehera to Baba. Andrea Winzimer sings it, as she would on occa sion for Mehera and Mani at the Samadhi. Baba Nu Naam: Katie from Meherazad, with friends, sings Mani’s Gujerati call-andresponse song about B aba’s N ame—the chorus (translated) is: ‘Babac Name, Babac Name, keep on repeating Babac Name A Singing to the Beloved: Most ofyou know this one (‘Oh Baba, Meher Baba, my heart is calling You. ..“). It is Mani’s song written for the 1973 In His Love album, here sung by Janet Luck with a slightly modified tune taught to her by Mani. 0 Youth ofthe Ancient One: One of Mani’s gifts to the young people at theYouth Sahavas at Baba’s Center in Myrtle Beach was this song. Tedjudson and I sing it accompanied in fine country style by Charlie Chu Kehier on the banjo.

Mani’s song for Beloved Baba’s Birthday in 1990. The song was included in

th February: 25

Songs to

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.1rom HIs Sister, ManI the Meherabad 100 Baba-Birthday Spectacle designed by Mani, and this is a live recording from that amazing occasion (wish we could have put in the confetti!) —So that’s how Mani’s song tape came to be. It certainly seems Baba’s special timing that it was re leased this August, which is, ofcourse, Mani’s one year anniversary ofreunion with Him. I think I speak for all the participants when I say it was a gift to work on. And now for many others, I’m sure, it will be a gift to listen to.

Isn’t thatjust like Mani to give us a surprise, a little anniversary present; we think she’s gone, but in so many ways she goes on sharing her love andjoyin Baba with us.

JAI BABA!

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Step inside...

77w Love Street 13ookstore by Dma Snow

hink Christmas! I know this is only October but now is the time to start thinking of all the Baba lovers to whom you would like to give a special Baba gift. And this is the right place to choose those gifts. We are also starting something new for you this year: something to make your gifts even more beautiful and your gift giving easier for an extra $3 we will gift wrap in beautiful, very special, Christmas paper. Or, ifyou like, Chanukah. (I think we need someone to design Mehermas wrapping paper.) Cherie Plumlee is designing us a beautiful Baba Christmas card which, for $3 (the regular price ofall her photo cards) we can also add to your gift, or you can purchase them outright in quantities to send to your very best Baba friends. At press time it is still fermenting in her artis tic mind, so we can’t show it to you, but judging by all her others, it will be a beauty. So here follows the top 28 all time fa vorites. I’m sure you will be able to find something for everyone on your list amongst the proceeding eclectic selections! A must are the five new items, all just hot offthe presses. (Isn’t it amazing, how every quarter, there are more new items?! Baba lovers are such prolific artistic producers!) . . .

A beautifully produced hardcover book Letters ofLoveforMeherBaba, byjane Barry Haynes, is illustrated with over 100 pho tographs, many published for the first time. It consists ofa collection ofletters to one family, which forms a kind of journal— deeply personal yet universal because of the unique scribes who penned them: the

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family and disciples ofAvatar Meher Baba, including His beloved Mehera, His sister Mani, Elizabeth Patterson, Kitty Davy Adi K. Irani and Charles Purdom. In particular it was Mani who was Meher Baba’s “pen,” bringing His spirit oflove, purity and selfless service to the ever-growing Meher Baba family across the world for forty years. It is 6 x 9, 656 pages, $25. Bill Stephens, head ofwhat is probably the largest bloodline ofBaba families (around 20 at last count I think!) has given us a little gem ofa book. The beautiful cover in a multitude ofsunrise colors is a painting by Roger Stephens ofBaba walking on the sand by the ocean. Titled Footprints in the Sand, it is a collection of stories of events that happened to Bill and his family that showed Baba’s ‘footprints’ all over them. Normally I have to rely on other’s opinions of all the new books we get in as I simply do not have time to read them, but luckily I was flying north for a weekend visit and took the book for plane reading. It was anything but plain! I found it absolutely delightful! So many of the little stories I will be sharing with friends and family. Eruch gives it a great write-up: “The flavour ofour dear Bill Stephens’ wholehearted love for and faith in our Beloved Lord Avatar Meher Baba comes shining through! How blessed you are, dear Bill, to be surrounded by so many drops ofHis Ocean that waves ofHis love splash upon the sands of your life, wherever you may be, keeping you and dear Peggy ever refreshed and renewed, finding His Footprints in the Sand. Paperback, 142 pages, with manyphotos, $12. “

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The long awaited My Heart is Calling You tape is a collection ofthe songs that Mani has composed to her GodBrother. Many ofthem she sings herself while playing on the sitar. For the songs ofwhich there were no recordings of Mani’s voice, we hear different accomplished Baba lovers singing them. Read Heather Nadel’s account ofthe making of this beautiful tape on page 42. At only $10 it makes a wonderful stocking stuffer! Our next item is familiarly referred to by many as The Wedding Cake, but it is, of course, the amazing picture that Baba had Rano Gayley paint of The Ten Circles ofthe Avatar. It will make a wonderful gift whether you want to go expensive, and have it framed for the recipient, or spend only $15 and give them (or yourself) the poster as is. See the picture on page 31. I had wanted to take some of Rano’s words from her book Because ofLove that tells about the execution ofthis most amazing, intriguing and enigmatic work Baba had her do. But I find short oftaking whole pages, there is no way I can excerptjust a paragraph it is all sofascinating! The hardcover book, 8.5 by 11, was originally published at $45 but is now available for $35. Apart from many color reproductions and full page photos of her charcoal sketches of Baba, it tells us of her life with Him from the time she went to live in His Ashram in 1937 until her death in her eighties. It has a very detailed accounting of the painting of this chart. Rano tells us “From beginning to end, the sole concept was Baba’s; I just blindly followed whatever He wanted. Sometimes itwas very difficult to find pictures ofthe various animals Baba wanted -

on the chart, but Mother found a book with birds, animals and insects, and I just happened later to find a magazine with pictures of the bombers and warships Baba desig nated.” Baba declined to give any explanation for this rntriguing five foot by eight foot chart, either to Rano or anybody else. She gave up her quest for explanations after being told three times by Baba in the course ofwork on the chart, “Don’t ask questions; just do as I tell you.” Our high quality reproduction of the chart is printed on .10 semi-gloss coated stock and measures 11 x 17, $15. Our fifth new item this month is a wonderful video superbly put together by the Oregon group using all commercial facili ties, so we not only have a tape of great spiritual content, but it is wonderfully pre seated. It is titled A View of God—Meher Baba Through the Eyes ofBhau Kaichuri. Read more about this tape on page 40, $25. The Sheriar Foundation has given us two new videos oftalks by Mani. When the pangs of separation grow strong, put in one of these tapes and get immediately transported back to Mandali Hall to be sitting enraptured at her feet listening to her talk about her Beloved God-Brother. Both videos run about 30 minutes and cost $15. The first talk she gives is titled DoingAilForHis Sake and the other is Accepting His Way. Hard to choose between the two, both equally rewarding. A video that has been out for two years now but is still our best seller is EternalBeloved. Produced by Meher Prasad, it has a run time of4O minutes and some fabulous footage of Baba that has been color corrected and sharpened to the point where the quality is just about equal with the recently filmed interviews with Mani, Goher, and the other Mandali who tell us about what Baba was doing and where He was in the preceeding frames. Very well worth the $50! Ifthere is anyone left out there who does not own a copy ofDaniel Ladinsky’s ‘renderings’ of Haflz I will be very suprised. These books are enjoying great success in the commercial bookstores across the country proving that you don’t have to be a Babalover to enjoythem. Dannyis currently working on a third. But until that’s released, we have the two super sellers IHeard GodLaughing $14, and The Subject Tonight is

Love $10.Anyonewho has the slightest interest in matters spiritualwould totailyenjoyeither of these books.To put it in the vernacular—it’s a no brainer! Buy them! Give them!—or enjoy them for yourselfifyou are one ofthe very few who do not already own a copy. The latest from the very erudite pen of Dr. Carl Ernst is his translation of Ruzbihan Baqli—The Unveiling ofSecrets—Diary ofa SufiMaster. I sent one to Heather Nadel and she responded with a note saying “I flipped over your wonderful present The Unveiling ofSecrets. What ajoy to have it to read. It is quite astonishing and very moving. I have never read anything quite like it!” (and Heather has certainly read a lot!). It has a dynamite color cover paperback, 5½ by 8, 150 pages, and sells for $15.95. A book that is only available in India or The Love Street Bookstore is Much Love byT.K. Ramanujam. Ifyou can only afford one book about Meher Baba this is the one to get. It is incredibly comprehensive—the index alone covers eight pages. It is hardbound, 6 x 9 with 606 pages, and sells for $20. Part 1 contains a calendar of events in the life ofthe Avatar from birth to death; Parts 2-7 cover all His important messages and declarations, prayers, songs and on and on. Apart from making good reading, haying it all under one cover, it is also an excellent reference work. The best selling book ever in our Bookstore, has been the autobiography of Arnavaz Dadachanji, GflofGod (excluding, of course, God Speaks and The Discourses). It is a very intimate accounting ofher life with Baba and her struggles to abide by His wishes at all times. Paperback, 242 pages, $18. Another must have is that wonderful collec tion ofBaba stories from Eruch. If a trip to India is not on your horizon, purchase Thatc How It Was and be transported to Mandali Hall, sitting comfortably, listening to Eruch speak ofhis life in the service ofthe Master. Hardbound $25, paperback $15, 412 pages. Delving back into the musical realm we have the incredibly popular, runaway bestselling CD by Marc DeMatteis—How Many Lfetimes?Words, music, melodies, instrumentation—it has it all; ballads,

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gentle sweet numbers, poignant, rousing rock and roll—everything for $15.95. There is also the double CD from Raphael Rudd that was a major seller at our Sahavas. People would hear him play, then come up to the bookstore and buy The Awakening so they could take some ofhis magic home with them. One ofthe CD’s is a rerelease of Skydancer which contains the exquis itely sung GujeratiArti byjane Brown. The other disc in the set is a selection of songs and instrumentals Raphael recorded in the late ‘70’s with Pete Townshend and a pick up drummer name ofPhil Collins! $20 is a fabulous deal for two CD’s! Relentless Love is a tape (no CD unfortu nately) by the incomparablejim Myer. It has been around for a fewyears now, still his lat est release though, so ifyou don’t already own it, this tape comes highlyrecommended. $12. Also two tapes (I’m bolting forward to the day when they will both be on one CD!) from Simon Reece ofEngland. They cre ated quite a stir when first released. I wouldn’t call them ‘background’ music, al though I love to ‘shut out’ the world when I am doing heavy concentration work by playing them, but they are gentle, exquisite pieces, slow, hypnotic (don’t play them on the Freeway while driving or while operat ing heavy machinery!) For those who are into meditiation, you couldn’t find better music to do it by. We have Sun and Moon and Echoes ofthe Infinite both $10 each. Along the quieter lines also, is a lovely al bum put out by Margaret Bernstein—she ofthe beautiful flute playing. It also incor porates the outdoors with crickets, etc., in the background chirping along to the harps, synthesizers, and tablas. CD is $15 and tape is $10. The Wine Shop was much frequented these past few months. We have 2 such CD’s, the first being from the trio of David Miotke, Ron Greenstein, and Darrell Rupe entitled Meher’c Wine and the second from Judi Schoeck—The Very Best Wine. Both CD’s are $ 15 each and Judi’s is also available on tape at $10.

t3@t Next we have the spoken word on tape. Michael daCosta of England gave us an absolutely delightful performance piece in his readings ofA GarlandofEgos. This is a conversation between Self and Ego—the latter, as we all know—is a stubborn little beggar and very hard to beat down. The performance is terrific, but so too are the words, and gratifyingly Michael has made them available in a little booklet. The book— let is $6, the tape is $10. Song ofHuma, Volume 2 is another best seller. For those ofyou unfamiliar with this beautiful tape, it was produced by Elaine Cox who took top recording equipment to India and recorded the women Mandali singing the ghazals that Baba had written under the pen name ofHuma in the early ‘20’s. As the women were singing a capella, Elaine then had the recordings beautifully accompanied by some very Indian sounding flutes, tablas, and synthesizers. Before each song Elaine reads the English trans lation so we get the full beauty ofthe piece. The words are all written on the inside of thejay card, and at over an hour of superb Baba music, $12 is a very reasonable price.

Have you got God-Realization yet? No? Well you didn’t buy the great board game thatJim Meyer (yes, he ofRelentless Love fame) designed for us to have fun with and practice for the Real Event. Hey, maybe for some ofyou it’s just around the corner— then for the rest ofus, there’s another 6-7 million lifetimes to go! For $10 it comes com plete with instructions and game pieces. Put it under the Christmas tree and then you can all sit around after the turkey stuffing and practice God-Realization. We have made our best selling card even more affordable for you. It is the black and white close up photo ofBaba’s face (one of Mani’s favorites) taken from the 1939 group shot ofHedi Mertens’ nieces and son Toby. (It was shown in our April 1986 issue) Beautifully printed on white gloss cover stock with the “Mastery in Servitude” logo on the back, we have shrink wrapped them 6 to a pack (with envelopes) for only $6. It’s that time ofyear again where you can order your Avatar Meher Baba Calendars for 1998—something everyone wants and

1L9

needs to start the year off right and keep it going all year long as each time you look at it you see a beautiful face ofBaba looking back at you, read His inspiring words and see just what in the Baba world transpired on what particular day—especiallyyour birthday! See the add on page 51. Christina Arazmo, the very talented Floridian who creates these works ofart for us each year has been able to hold the price at $8 while giving us a larger format, 14 months and including much more info in an easier to read design. th Our 28 item (who says we don’t have something for everyone?!) is the collection ofbeautiful cards we have by the talented trio of ladies, Margot Watson, Cherie Plumlee, and Carolyn Parker. (Walnut Creek is a hot bed oftalent!!) We are showing some more in this issue, and we had 6 featured in ourJuly issue. In that one I mistakenly attributed D to Cherie Plumlee... it was in reality, Margot Watson’s. These are all full color photos on good quality cards with matching envelope for $3 each. They feature Baba, Mani, and Mehera.

In the way ofcorrections, we were misin formed about the closing of BookCrafters. It is still a place where you can order the LordMeher volumes, no inquiries, orders only, credit card only, $82 per copy—call (800) 879-4214. Or you can place your order with us when you are ordering your other items. Either way, its a great series of beautifully produced books. Hermes tells me volumes 11-12 will be available before Christmas, so we should have that edition for you too. There are getting to be quite a few Baba books published in foreign languages. Most of them done under the auspices of Companion Books in Europe, managed by Don Stevens, but the latest addition to our collection is Meher Baba—an Introduction translated into Portuguese by Ray Spagnuolo and his wife Sonia. It is in the format ofthe origi nal, a small compact paperback for $1 titled Meher Baba—uma Introducto. Well I think that should give you a great selection of Christmas gifts. Hopefully I have taken all the hard work and anguish ofgift choosing out ofthe Christmas sea-

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son, so you just need to write out your order, phone fax write or e mail it in to me, sit back and relax, and let The Love Street Bookstore handle all the rest. Jai Baba, Dma

“The Need” continued from page 24 only lead to their being cowardly, irrespon sible and inert. True love is no game of the faint-hearted and the weak; it is born of strength and understanding. The ideal of non-violence, in the face ofaggression, is impracticable for the masses; and it will have a tendency to be readily used as a subterfuge for servile acceptance of ignoble conditions and contemptible desertion of a clear duty. In its enthusiasm for the highest ideal, wise leadership can in no way afford to lose all sense ofthe relative and the prac tical. Human evolution proceeds by gradual stages from selfish violence to unselfish vio lence, and then from non-violence of the brave to the pure and incorruptible nonviolence ofTruth as Infinite Love. All narrowness limits love. In India, as well as in every other part ofthe world, hu manity is breaking itselfinto narrow groups based upon the superficial and ultimately false differences of caste, creed, race, nationality religion or culture. Since these groups have been long accustomed to separative distrust and fear, they have indifference, contempt or hostility towards each other. All this is due to ignorance, prejudice and selfishness; and it can only be mended by fostering the spirit of mutualitywhich breaks through artificial isolationism, and which derives its strength from the sense of the inviolable unity of life as a whole. Creative leadership (which has so much scope in the soil oflndia) will have to recog nize and emphasize the fact that all men are already united with one another not only by their co-partnership in the Great Divine Plan for Earth, but also by virtue oftheir all being equallythe expression ofOne Life. No life of action can be really helpful or fruitful unless it is in entire harmonywith this deep Truth.The future of humanity is in the hands of those who have vision. Treasures, pp. 227-231 Copyright 1980 AMBPPCT

IT’S A CALEN PAR ABOUTTH E AVATAR OF THE AE —YOU CAN’T FINOTHAT IN BARNES AND NOBLE! 2 ALL PROTS cOTO:AMBPPCT 50%TO ARGI 1V ANP MU5 UM PRO)CT N MEHERA13AP 20%TO AVATAR MEHER BABA PERPETUAL PUBLIC CHARTA3LE TRUST GENERAL FUNP 15%TOMEHERAZA FRLE PISPENARY 15%TO RAES E FUNE5 FORA BOOK TENTATVELYTiTLW: COMPA55IONATE FATHER: STORIES ANE ME$SAGES BYANt ABOUT MEHER BABATH E AVATAR OFTHE AcE. 3 NEW LARERTHAN EVERFORMAT12.5 INcIHES XIS INc1L5 UNFOLDEE 4 YOU GET 14 MONTH5, JANUARYI99BTO FEB RUARY199 .

PACKER PACKED PACKEP, ANE STILL YET MORE PACKW WITH AVATARMEHER BABAS LOVfN ME$SAGES 6 BEAUTIFUL BREATH-TAKING PHOTOS OF THEANCIENTONETHE HIHETOFTHE HIGHJ 7 5EETHE 1’ATESATA cISTANEANP REAP EVERYTHINcCLEARfl’ WITHTHE NEWCLEAN DE5INANE LARGE FORMAT. 8 ELIMINATETHENEW FORANOTHERCALENPAR US HOLIPAYSARE 1OCATED INTHETOP LEFTOFTHE PAGE. SOTHEYDONT INTERFEREWITH THE BABA 1ATES. (EVENTHE HOLIPAflTHATCHANEPATE, LIKE EA5TERANt PASOVER,ARE INGLUPEP FOR PRACTICAL REASONS.) 9 I2AYLIGHT SAVI NG TIME ANO OTHER U.S. EVENTS ARE INGLUPEP. 10 MOON PHASESANP EARTH SEASONSARE INCLUPEP. 11 A COPY OF THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN 15 INCLUPEP WITH YOURCALENPAR

itliough there are numerous Baba lovers around the world, for some reason the calendar has never broken the 1 ,000 unit barrier. The low printing quantity and the fact that it is time-based (not like a book whose sales can go on for years) seriously influence the price of this product. If we can increase the sales, we can maintain this price and also increase the proceeds that are forwarded on to the non-profit Meher Baba projects mentioned. Please inform all your Baba friends around the world that this calendar is available and lets all keep this calendar going strong for years to come See “1e Low Street BookStore”article by Dma Snow (page 48) for ordering information.

Photograph Credits Page or Item Frontcovei Backcover 4,5 6 7,8,9 10,11 15 1 21 38 .41

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PhGtographer or Owner

Photographer or Owner

Page or Item

Pariday Ari&udo Meelan Studio Dma Snow and Marc Brutui Kathy Wiederhold DinaSriøw SharWisemanandFlintMednick RchardPro* DiriaStiow KathyWiederhold(A.K.,Lecla,atidEhauphotos) FromMeherazadandDouglas Fratik Tom!lart

9i&ug’-t1;ec+1arr Photos H 1,K,W .j L M N 0 P QR,S,T U V x Y

—credits continued .

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Phcitoeand cards for sale. (MI cards arecolorprintsonwhite card stockwithowelopeuriless notedotherwise. $3 each,) •Cards A,G C,D,E B

Diana LePage,blackandwhite MargotWatsori Totnllart,blackandwbte

1 2 3

SalO colorphoinofaCharlieMortonpainting, $12 WinCoates,4,c6 colorphoto$6,5x7$1O Beheramlrani, Bx1Qphoto, $12 Panday,SxlO photo, $12 Ade!eWolkin’sarchives,SiilO,S12 Meelan,4x6,$2 Ralphjackson,4a6color,$6 Panday, SxlO photo, $12 KirkAflen,5x7color,$6each Paintingby Rano Gay!ey llxl7colorposter $15 unknown,4x6photo,$1.50 Rano Gay1e4x6photo,$1.5Q MeeIan,3x5$2 Panday. BxlO, $12 unknown, 4x6colorphoto,$1.50 Adele’s archives, originalissigned,color5x7, $12 Mce!an, SxlO, $12

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