1958 Omnibus

Meher Baba hinted in October 1957, that a Sahavas program might take place at Meher Spiritual Center in May 1958. Kitty Davy recalled, “All my thoughts were focused on seeing Baba once again and the opportunity to prepare for His possible visit, even though it was still seven months away — and only a possibility at that! My head was filled once again with the planning of meals for Baba and the Center guests — my domain, of course. I even began to visit motels and hotels nearby to check accommodations.”1

Baba’s right hip was fractured — literally smashed, in the serious automobile accident that occurred in Satara, India, on December 2, 1956. He was in constant pain. Initially, plans were in the works for a combined East-West Sahavas in February to be held at Meherabad. However, this plan hinged on whether Baba’s pain lessened, which it did not. Feeling that the combined Sahavas would be taxing, three separate times for Sahavas were planned. The Eastern Sahavas slated for Meherabad in February, and the American Sahavas to take place in May at Meher Spiritual Center, to be followed by Australian Sahavas in early June.

News from Baba arrived: “I want no publicity of any kind, no ‘open day’ programme, no ‘visitors’ in that sense. The Sahavas will be for those who desired to come to India for My Sahavas (those who intended to and those who could not make it) and also for others who love Me, are willing to obey Me and wish to attend the Sahavas.”2

During the ensuing months there was a flurry of correspondence between Kitty and Elizabeth in Myrtle Beach and Baba’s sister Mani. Even the smallest details were addressed. “Shall I put up the ping pong table or hide it away?” What about the curry? Kitty made curried fish for Elizabeth with the spices left over from Baba’s 1952 visit. She wondered if the spices were too old? Mani wrote back, “Gosh yes, the curry powder and spices should be thrown away — they’re too old. Will most happily send a tin of curry powder with Eruch, but Baba says not to make special Indian dishes for Baba and the mandali, whatever you did last time [1956] was excellent and ample.”3

A February letter from Mani noted that Mehera, Baba’s closest female disciple, who was meticulous in caring for Baba’s appearance, was preparing His clothing for packing. One of the two flags from the Meherabad Sahavas was sent by airmail; the other, to Australia. The flag of seven horizontal stripes, each of a different color, was to be flown at the Center outside the Lagoon Cabin — indicating that Baba was in residence.

In March, Baba’s Seven Sahavas Sayings arrived. Baba wanted the sayings displayed where all could view; they had been hung in one of the pandals during the Eastern Sahavas. Printed on individual signs, these sayings still grace the rustic walls of the Barn as they did in 1958.

Baba was able to walk short distances with assistance. A sedan chair was made to transport Baba throughout the Center grounds and to the beach. Several of Margaret Craske’s dancers were delighted to be given the opportunity to pick up the railings and be one of Baba’s chairmen.

In April, Baba gave the following message, “My suffering is becoming daily more intense, and my health is daily getting worse, but my physical body continues to bear the burden of it all. Despite it all I will hold the sahavas. I expect from you a deep understanding of my self-imposed suffering, which is begotten of my Compassion and Love for mankind.”4

The 1958 Sahavas was a time for new devotees like the Haynes family and Tom and Yvonne Riley to meet Baba, for lovers from England, Europe and Israel to reconnect with Him, and for His followers from across the Americas who longed to spend time in His presence. Charmian Duce recalled, “As far as I was concerned, it didn’t matter if I saw Him in India, the United States, or Timbuktu. I prayed that He would soon be released from the pain that He said had ‘fallen in love’ with Him, that there would be no more delays to the sahavas, and that He would arrive in May as planned.”5

Due to the numbers, with lovers coming from other parts of the globe, not all could be accommodated in Center cabins. Kitty wrote, “Of course one thinks of tents, army huts, etc., but Eizabeth in her practical way has looked at it from all angles —climate. mosquitoes, comfort, durability, etc.— and I’m sure what she has decided will be the best.” Those who have been to the Center in May, the time of yellow flies, and of course, mosquitos, as well as an occasional copperhead snake slithering about, can appreciate Elizabeth’s decision.6

In another family letter, Baba sent word via Mani, “Baba also wants you to remember His wish that all cooperate lovingly in the Sahavas arrangements. I know you equally appreciate the difficulty of the task given to Elizabeth re accommodation at the Centre which is naturally very limited. Therefore none who is asked to put up at the Motor Courts should feel ‘less favoured’ in any way — to do so is to fall short of understanding the true significance of the Sahavas. For, its whole and sole object is the Beloved’s company and presence; and whether one sleeps at the Centre or at Motor Courts, all will as much have Baba’s presence during the hours He is there in the daytime till He retires to His house in the evening.”7

Finally, after months of preparation, the day arrived! On May 17, 1958, accompanied by William Donkin, Eruch Jessawala, Nariman Dadachanji and Adi K. Irani, Meher Baba arrived at His home in the West — the sacred ground that He was to designate as a place of pilgrimage.

Kitty recalled, “Referring to this time of “give-and-take of love,” Baba said in the Barn in 1958: “I am the only Beloved and you are all my lovers; or I am the only Lover and you are all my beloveds. I want you all to remain happy in my sahavas. I am the Ocean of Love. Draw as much of this Love as possible. Make the most of this opportunity. It rests with you to draw as much love as you can out of the Ocean.”’8

1. Love Alone Prevails, by Kitty Davy, p. 503
2. 82 Family Letters, by Mani Irani, p. 29
3. Love Alone Prevails, by Kitty Davy, p. 524
4. Lord Meher, by Bhau Kalchuri, Online Ed.,p. 4345
5. Spread My Love, by Charmian Duce, p. 154
6. Love Alone Prevails, by Kitty Davy, p. 509
7. 82 Family Letters, by Mani Irani, p.37-38
8. One Fine Thread, by Kitty Davy, p. 240