“I saw Him before I saw Upasani Maharaj”
Mehera Irani recounts her first glimpse of Baba (then called Meherwanji) at Sakori. When Mehera and her family arrived at Sakori, their paths crossed with Merwan who was leaving that very day. As it turns out that day was the last time Merwan saw Upasani Maharaj at Sakori. With love and wonder, Mehera goes on to describe her fist meeting with Baba, His orders, working for Him and His inexpressible beauty.
Audio, 47:33
Meherazad, India, 1972
Courtesy of the Avatar Meher Baba Center of Southern California
“Baba looked so beautiful and sweet”
In this breathtaking video taken at the East Room and Upper Meherabad, Mehera shares about the women’s life with Baba on Meherabad Hill in the 1920’s and 1930’s. Her eyes light up as she remembers the sight of Baba coming up the hill, or recalls cooking for Him, playing badminton with Him, or just following His orders during those extraordinary early years.
Video, 46:39
Meherabad, India, 1977
Courtesy of Meher Nazar Publications
“The Great Fire of Love”
In this precious audio recording at Meher Center, Kitty Davy, Delia DeLeon, Margaret Craske, and Anita Vieillard are informally interviewed about their lives and experiences with Baba. They chat freely about the early days, including Kitty’s, Delia’s, and Margaret’s first trip to India with Baba in 1933. Kitty and Anita also share the stories of how they first came to meet their Master.
Audio, 29:26
Meher Center, Date Unknown
Courtesy of the Avatar Meher Baba Center of Southern California
“We are there to obey”
Padri began his life with Meher Baba in 1922 when he was 18 years old. Called one of the “four pillars of Meherabad” by Baba, Padri was in charge of building and maintenance projects there for decades. In these videos, filmed in 1981 and 1982, Padri is interviewed by Gary Kleiner about his work and his relationship with Baba. His answers, sometimes playful and sometimes forceful, give us a glimpse into a life of literal obedience, work as worship, and an unwavering faith in the Master’s presence.
Video, 59:14
Meherabad, India, 1981 & 1982
Copyright 1983 by the Avatar Meher Baba Public Perpetual Charitable Trust
Courtesy of Sheriar Press
“Journeying with Baba”
Meheru Irani was the youngest of the women Mandali and lived with Meher Baba for decades. In this talk, she focuses on traveling with the Master—the sometimes harrowing and often humorous moments in trains, planes, and cars with Him over the years. Through these colorful stories, Meheru emphasizes the importance of obedience to Baba, and remembrance that He is always “making that journey with us”
Video, 51:39
Los Angeles, California, 1993
Courtesy of the Avatar Meher Baba Center of Southern California
In concert with the MeherBabaLibrary Oral History Archive Project
“We gambled our lives for Him”
In this short audio, Sarosh Irani, a very close disciple, shares his first meeting with Baba as a teenager in 1922. He recounts seeing Baba as Merwan while He sang sitting under a tree in Poona. Later, in Ahmednagar, Baba promised Sarosh that if he stayed with Baba, He would make him a king. Sarosh accepted Baba’s offer and signed an agreement to follow the Master to Poona, Bombay and Ahmednagar. Thus began a journey of no return.
Audio, 9:50
Atlanta, Georgia, July 15, 1971
Courtesy of the Avatar Meher Baba Center of Southern California
“He’s willing to accept each of us”
Bal Natu was a dear disciple of Meher Baba starting in 1943. Baba gave him permission to visit at any time, so Bal spent time with Him at Meherazad and Guruprasad whenever he had time off from his job as a schoolteacher. In this recording, Bal tells stories to a group of young Baba-lovers in Mandali Hall. From tales about the history of the hall itself, to his own humorous and loving moments with the Master, Bal’s tales are full of what he calls “Vitamin M.”
Audio, 44:21
Meherazad India, July 26, 1990
Courtesy of Avatar Meher Baba Center of Southern California
“Laughter belongs to Him”
Mani Irani, Baba’s sister, tells hilarious jokes at Mandali Hall. After the room is tearing up with laughter, she shares the meaning of offering things to Baba, even something as small as a joke because He wants it. She then segways most profoundly into the subject of our longings and struggles that are rewarded with His patience and His love.
Audio, 18:59
Meherazad, India, July 27, 1985
Used with permission from Mandali Hall Talks
“It shows on His face”
Arnavaz Dadachanji first met Meher Baba as a child in 1927 and was deeply devoted to Him for the rest of her life. In this recording from Meherazad, she focuses first on the power of taking Baba’s name and seeking His help and companionship. She then talks about His suffering and His Amartithi.
Audio, 59:17
Meherazad, date unknown
Courtesy of Avatar Meher Baba Center of Southern California
Unbounded Love
This poignant footage provides a rare look at Baba’s Mandali—a mere ten days after the dropping of His body. In their raw, brave states, these disciples answer questions about Baba’s hints, His physical body and its crucifixion, His humiliation, His instructions, and their own personal anguish.
Video, 15:48
Courtesy of Sufism Reoriented.