Childhood Stories from Mani
Mani, Baba’s sister, was one of Baba’s close Mandali and also a delightful storyteller. From the time she was a child, she longed for nothing more than to spend her life with Him in His ashram. In this audio recording, Mani tells two entertaining and profound stories about skipping ropes, tricycles, and Meher Baba.
Audio, 16:17
Meherazad, India
Courtesy of the Avatar Meher Baba Center of Southern California
“Baba’s Silence was so natural”
In this brief talk, Meherjee Karkaria, a close lover who first met Baba in 1923, speaks about the power of Baba’s silence, and the beauty and creativity of His continual communication.
Audio, 4:41
1980, place unknown
Courtesy of the Avatar Meher Baba Center of Southern California
His Ways Are Unfathomable
This video of Eruch Jessawala takes place in Mandali Hall at Meherazad over the 1991 pilgrim season. Eruch, who lived with Baba as one of His close Mandali beginning in 1938, tells a variety of stories that reflect Baba’s humanity, divinity, and unfathomable love.
Video, 1:04:01
Mandali Hall, Meherazad, India, 1991
Used with permission from Sheriar Press
“It is a very joyous suffering”
In part two of this audio of Adi K Irani speaking at Meher Center, his focus is on the inner life with Baba. Adi shares stories of his own struggle with following Baba’s unfathomable orders, suffering for Baba and feeling Baba’s love. Interspersed with questions and answers, Adi’s unwavering conviction is an inspiration to the group that includes Kitty Davy.
Audio, 44:25
Meher Center, March 12, 1970
Courtesy of the Avatar Meher Baba Center of Southern California
“Greater than Realization is His companionship”
In part one of this illuminating audio at Meher Center, Adi K Irani, Baba’s close disciple and secretary, talks about Baba’s cosmology and the soul’s journey. He explains the concepts of Avatarhood, planes of consciousness, and the status of God realized souls. He also answers questions from the group about the path, reincarnation, and our effort in being guided through the planes in a veiled fashion. As an added perk, we hear Kitty Davy chiming in about Baba’s next advent.
Audio, 44:09
Meher Center, March 11, 1970
Courtesy of the Avatar Meher Baba Center of Southern California
“The main thing is taking His name”
Mansari came to Meher Baba in 1938, when she was 29 years old. A few years later, when Baba and the rest of the women Mandali moved from Meherabad Hill to Meherazad, Baba ordered Mansari to stay behind. From that time until her death in 1997, Mansari did not leave Meherabad Hill, and a source of chai, chat, and inspiration for numerous pilgrims. This is a recording of one of those chats on Meherabad Hill. In it, she talks of various subjects, including stories related to marriage; her own perspectives on divorce; and most of all the importance that Baba placed on taking His name, whatever we are thinking, feeling, or doing.
Audio, 23:21
Meherabad India October 19,1988
Courtesy of the Avatar Meher Baba Center of Southern California
“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