“I took Him with me”
Phyllis Ott met Meher Baba for the first time in 1964 in Meherabad, India. Here, she shares her early days in Woodstock, hearing about Meher Baba and writing to Him asking to see Him. At the cancellation of the planned darshan program, she went to India nonetheless, by herself. Nine months later she went back with her husband Lyn Ott. Phyllis and Lyn were both painters who painted Baba’s image numerous times and were one of the two families to live at the Meher Center.
Video, 46:01
Meher Center Meeting Place, June 15, 1996
From the Meher Spiritual Center, Inc. Archives
“I felt completely loved”
Ann Conlon found out about Meher Baba in 1956, Here, she shares what she calls the “fairytale” of her longing to meet Him after a missed opportunity in Myrtle Beach in 1958—and her eventual journey to India “for the weekend” (from New York!) to accept Baba’s invitation for darshan for just one day in 1961. Ann shares with humor and poise about her experience of Baba’s love and presence.
Video, 57:25
Meher Center Meeting Place, January 31, 1995
From the Meher Spiritual Center, Inc. Archives
“Such an all-pervading peace and joy in His presence”
Marion Florsheim of New York was nicknamed “Energy” by Meher Baba because she frequently said, “I wish you would use my energy, Baba.” Baba did appoint Marion to do significant work for Him, including making all the arrangements for His 1956 trip to the West. In this talk, Marion describes what it was like to be with Baba, and some of the unforgettable events of that 1956 visit.
Audio, 27:40
Meher Center, 1972
From the Meher Spiritual Center, Inc. Archives
“He made meaning of a senseless life”
Tex Hightower and Donald Mahler were dance students under Margaret Craske, one of Meher Baba’s close Western women disciples. Their lifelong association with Baba began when Tex met Baba at Meher Center in 1952 in the Lagoon Cabin after a harrowing airplane journey with several other dancers. Donald first met Baba in 1956 at the Delmonico Hotel in NYC. They were most fortunate to be among the prominent carriers of Baba’s lift chair on the Center in 1958. In this laugh-fest of a video, the fellow dancers share profound gems from their contact with Baba, and what they learned about discipleship by observing Margaret Craske’s enormous capacity to love.
Video, 1:44:12
Meher Center Meeting Place, May 27, 1995
From the Meher Spiritual Center, Inc. Archives
“He is the answer to all questions”
Left to right: Adele Wolkin, Filis Fredrick, Mani Irani (Meher Baba’s sister), Rita Lukes, Charmaine Duce, Meher Baba, Mehera J. Irani, Delia DeLeon, Meheru Irani.
Filis Fredrick lived in New York and first met Meher Baba at the Meher Center in 1952. She was a great devotee, archivist and editor of the Awakener Magazine dedicated to Meher Baba. In this audio recording, she talks about the early years of the Center, sharing details such as wearing large boots to be able to walk through the wilderness of what would become the Center, and helping dedicate the property to Baba by calling His name and inscribing it with shells. She was present during Baba’s first arrival and received His invitation to be His guest at the Center. Elizabeth Patterson also chimes in with spontaneous details to convey how much Meher Baba loved His Center.
Audio, 31:47
Meher Center Library, May 2, 1971
From the Meher Spiritual Center, Inc. Archives
“He is Compassion Itself”
Charles Haynes first met Meher Baba in 1958 at the Meher Center, when he was eight years old. In this video, he shares the personal story of what it was like to fall into the arms of the Master for the first time, and find someone he wanted to be around forever. Charles goes on to relate his process of trying to get close to Baba—from attempting to be physically near Him, to learning to seek Him in his own heart.
Video, 1:17:16
Meher Center Meeting Place, May 27, 1995
From the Meher Spiritual Center, Inc. Archives
“We held on to His hands, for dear life”
Fred and Ella Winterfeldt (fondly called “Fredella” by Meher Baba) came to the United States from Germany and learned of Baba in 1948. In 1971, they moved to the Meher Center and touched the hearts of many with their love. In this audio recording, Fred talks of his deep search for God, and their first meeting with Baba in 1952 at the Meher Center, when Ella ran into Baba’s arms and Baba invited them into His intimate family. This intimacy is revealed in Baba’s coming over to their home in New York to watch television, playing marbles with Fred in Meherabad, and many more profound and simple details of their lives.
Audio, 1:10:25
Meher Center, October 1974
From the Meher Spiritual Center, Inc. Archives