Entertaining Baba at Meher Center

This silent video highlights some of the joyful entertainment put on for Baba at the Center during the 1958 Sahavas. First, Lenny Willoughby leads the crowd in a rousing version of “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” with a backup band including Henry Kashouty on the trombone. Then, after a video of Baba being carried in His lift-chair by some of Margaret Craske’s dancers, we see a skit put on by a group of men dubbed “The Alligator Club.” In the skit, Dana Field portrays a baby being wheeled around in a wheelbarrow “carriage” by his “mother.” Finally, there is a video of more Alligator Club members before a playful shot of Kitty Davy. Baba said that watching the Alligator Club’s work made Him laugh so hard He almost broke His silence.

Video, 2:27
Meher Spiritual Center, May 1958
Used with permission from Sufism Reoriented

You Alone Exist

Meher Baba dictated the first couplet of the prayer “You Alone Exist” in 1959 to His close disciple and night watchman, Bhau Kalchuri. Bhau then added to the prayer by Baba’s instruction and Baba finished it three years later. In this delightful video put together by Peter Nordeen and edited by Bob Fredericks, Jim Meyer sings the prayer, and a bright and playful compilation of pictures and videos accompanies it—in the form of Meher Baba, and of the infinitely varied creatures and objects that are all part of Him.

Video, 23:14

Children’s Day at Guruprasad

In 1961 Meher Baba came out of a long, deep seclusion and the first souls he wanted to see were the children of His lovers. At first only a few dozen were expected but the program swelled to include 300 children, age 1 -12 years, accompanied by one parent. Bob Fredricks put together Jal’s short footage of this special event to a tune that the women Mandali often sang while visiting the Samadhi, in slow motion so that we can better see the expressions on the faces of Baba and His young lovers during their magical reunion.

Video, 7:24
Guruprasad, India, 1961
Used with permission from Bob Fredricks

Meher Baba in Dehradun

In this silent version of the film taken in Dehradun in 1954, Meher Baba is seen greeting His lovers with Prasad and embraces; receiving offerings of garlands, music, and love; and giving his priceless companionship.

Video, 5:49
From the DVD Lord of Love
Courtesy of Sheriar Foundation

Meher Baba at Brookgreen Gardens

In this stunning sun-dappled video from 1956, Meher Baba is seen strolling through Brookgreen Gardens followed by a group of His lovers, appreciating the sculptures and occasionally stopping under a tree to rest or play with the children. Charmian Duce describes the experience of being with Baba during those heavenly moments.

Video, 03:41
Courtesy of Sufism Reoriented

Take Baba with You!

This beautiful silent footage of Meher Baba, taken at the Meher Center in 1958, was shown to end the Holiday Sahavas. While some of you might have seen this before, we share it here again to re-experience His intimate Darshan at the Center.

Video, 5:28
Meher Center, 1958
Used with permission from Liz Sacalis

Meher Baba’s Call

Edited by Chris Riger from the original 35 mm footage, this film features the 1954 men’s savahas at Meherabad, India, which came to be know as the “Three Incredible Weeks.” Narrated by Darwin Shaw, an early American devotee of Meher Baba and an attendee at the event, the film succeeds beautifully in conveying the spirit of the savahas.

Video, 34:47
Courtesy of Sheriar Foundation.

Meher Baba In America 1932

This is an exquisite collection of two of the earliest films of Meher Baba’s public appearances in America. The first unedited film was rediscovered in 1993 in the archives of the University of South Carolina. Baba is seen here answering questions about His mission in America. The second film was rediscovered in 1994 in a film archive in New York. This Paramount Newsreel of Baba is filmed at Harmon on Hudson, with a commentary written by Mani.

Video, 14:38
Courtesy of Sheriar Foundation.

The Ancient One

The Children’s Birthday Party

This rare home video of Meher Baba was taken at the Meher Center in 1958 when Baba held a “Birthday Party” for all the children (adults could only come when accompanied by a child). Baba is seen here cutting the cake and personally distributing different types of prasad. Baba plays the perfect host at the Center as He smiles, laughs and embraces His lovers while enjoying their company and providing them with an opportunity for His intimate darshan.

Video, 5:28
Meher Center, 1958
Filmed by Liz Sacalis, courtesy of Virginia Sadowsky