Meher Baba at Brookgreen Gardens and the Delmonico Hotel
The first part of this offering is an informal recording by Mike Loftus of Meher Baba’s visit to Brookgreen Gardens. We hear highlights of the afternoon, including the joyful crowd moving through the gardens as Baba notes sculptural pieces; Baba stopping under a tree to describe a memory of Buddha’s enlightenment; and Tex Hightower giving Baba sandals he made. Later, the recording switches to a press conference at the Delmonico Hotel in New York. Baba covers topics including His silence, the Avatar, and God’s presence in everyone. At the end of the recording, Baba leaves the room and Adi K. Irani continues to answer questions.
Audio, 49:13
Brookgreen Gardens, Myrtle Beach, S.C. 1956
Delmonico Hotel, New York, N.Y. 1956
From the Meher Spiritual Center, Inc. Archives
“Being cheerful is an act of trust”
In this talk at the Shrine club in Myrtle Beach to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of her meeting Meher Baba, Wendy Haynes Connor recalls the profound moment of that first meeting as a six-year-old girl, then her time with Him at the birthday party at Meher Center and finally at the East-West Gathering in 1962. This warm storytelling is rich with childlike wonder and memorable details, while also sharing her family’s journey to finding the Ancient One, together.
Video, 1:07:02
Myrtle Beach, Shrine Club May 22, 2008
From the Meher Spiritual Center, Inc. Archives
“God talking to Himself”
This program begins with a translation of a ghazal that Meher Baba wrote in Persian; Farhad Shafa reads the original, and Dot Pierpont follows with an English translation. Then, Dot speaks about a trip to Iran and her experiences with the Baba community there. Kitty Davy shares brief stories about her time with Baba, and about the experience of Katie Irani, one of Baba’s Mandali, in Japan. The program ends with another reading of Baba’s poem, and a heartfelt rendition of a song by Rumi.
Audio, 49:49
Meher Center, June 1, 1970
From the Meher Spiritual Center, Inc. Archives
“Be My living garland”
Dr. G.S.N. Moorty was a scholar of Philosophy, an author and a prolific speaker. Baba lovingly called him “the talkative disciple of the silent Master.” Moorty was a true skeptic who was allergic to the word Avatar when he first heard about Baba in 1940. Here, he shares his journey of doubt and conviction, his impactful first meeting with Baba and Baba’s message to him. His very interesting and profound stories are told here with humor and skilled oration.
Video, 1:25:51
Meher Center, Dilruba Reading Room, April 7, 2004
From the Meher Spiritual Center, Inc. Archives
“Finding water in a desert”
Edith Bradbury had sensed the presence of God since childhood, but as an adult she began actively seeking Him. This search brought her by the late 1940’s to the Sufi leader Murshida Ivy Duce, who told her about Meher Baba. In this talk, Edith discusses her connection with Baba, including meeting Him for the first time in the Lagoon Cabin in 1952, when she fell tearfully into His arms.
Audio, 32:39
Meher Center Saroja Library, May 12, 1974
From the Meher Spiritual Center, Inc. Archives
“As His wish is”
Stalwart Meherabad residents Jal and Dolly Dastur share their journey of coming to Baba. Dolly was Arnavaz’s cousin and thus was born into Baba’s fold. Dolly and Jal’s wedding, careers and the direction of their life were set by seeking Baba’s permission. Here, they share lesser known details about Meherabad Hill and its early residents, exhibiting their love for the pilgrimage site and their hospitable and loving nature toward the greater Baba family.
Video, 58:12
Meher Center Meeting Place, May 7, 1999
From the Meher Spiritual Center, Inc. Archives
“Obedience is a requirement of Love”
Ella Marks first heard of Meher Baba when she was a young dance student under Margaret Craske in 1947. Ella and Tex Hightower were two of Margaret’s first students after her return from her seven years with Baba in India. In this reflective sharing on the occasion of Baba’s birthday, Ella recounts her first meeting with Baba, her impressions of love, the grinding down process and learning obedience from Miss Craske.
Video, 58:02
Meher Center, February 24, 1997
From the Meher Spiritual Center, Inc. Archives