Directives, Guidelines and Procedures

Meher Baba called Meher Spiritual Center “My home in the West”, adding “I never leave. Remember, I do not leave because this is My home.”

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To love God in the most practical way is to love our fellow beings. If we feel for others in the same way as we feel for our own dear ones, we love God.  ~ Avatar Meher Baba

Conduct and Behavior

Substance-free environment – By Meher Baba’s directive, no drug activity or involvement with drugs (including marijuana) is permitted at Meher Center. Meher Baba has said: “Drugs are harmful physically, mentally, and spiritually.” No alcoholic beverages are to be brought onto or taken at the Center.

Respectful speech – Following Meher Baba’s guidance, the Center asks guests to remember that Baba does not wish us to indulge in conversations regarding backbiting, politics, or drugs while at the Center.

Honoring sacred places – By Meher Baba’s wish, the Barn, the Lagoon Cabin, and Meher Abode are kept as they were, as nearly as possible, when He was here. They are available for prayer, meditation, and general quietude. Please do not converse, eat, drink (other than water bottle), smoke, or sleep in these sacred places.

Respect for privacy – Retreat guests and visitors are asked to respect the privacy of others. Please do not visit or take meals in others’ cabins, including porches. If you would like special permission, please have the guest who is staying in the cabin call the Gateway (843-272-5777) during business hours.

Respect for personal boundaries – In the interest of maintaining a loving, safe and welcoming environment, all guests, volunteers and staff are expected to treat one another with dignity and respect. Any form of sexual harassment will not be tolerated. The Center defines sexual harassment as unwelcome behaviors such as unwanted sexual attention or advances, inappropriate physical contact, and explicit sexual remarks.

If you experience or witness behavior that you consider sexual harassment, please report the incident immediately to Geri Craddock, HR coordinator ([email protected] ), or Buz Connor, Executive Director ([email protected], 843-267-2227). All reports will be handled promptly, confidentially, and with sensitivity to the individuals involved.

Appropriate attire – Please dress appropriately for a spiritual retreat.

Shoes – Always wear covered shoes (closed toed) while outside.

Spiritual Practices and Group Activities – If your personal spiritual practice involves movement or sound, please practice away from others, and never in Meher Abode, the Lagoon Cabin, or the Barn. Group activities are only permitted at the Center with permission from the Center administration.

Use of divination tools – Divining cards, the Ouija Board, I Ching and other divination tools are not to be used at the Center.

Business and Professional Services – Meher Center is a place for renewal of the spiritual life. To maintain that focus, retreat guests are not permitted to conduct sales and marketing or offer professional and healing services. Please do not conduct remote work in public spaces, except by permission of the Center administrator. Guests should not stay on the Center while working or attending conferences in town.

Cell phones and Electronics – Please keep the ringtone on your cell phone or smartwatch silenced. When using these devices, please stay out of hearing range of fellow guests. Use of cellphones, laptops or tablets are permitted in guests’ private space, away from communal areas. Texting, scrolling, and recording are not permitted during Meher Center programs.

Photography, Video/Audio Recordings – Guests are free to take photos or video/audio recordings at the Center except during Center programs or inside Meher Abode. Please do not include others in your photos, videos, or sound recordings without their permission.

Safety and Protection

Fire – Fire is a serious danger to the Center. Do not use candles, incense, or fireworks anywhere, or start any outdoor fires. Immediately report any sign of fire or smoke to the Gateway (843-272-5777 or 843-272-1118).

First Aid – Supplies are in the Refectory and Lakeview Kitchens, the Caretaker’s Cabin, a few supplies in cabins with kitchens, and at the Gateway.

Smoking and Vaping – Smoking indoors or outdoors is strictly prohibited except in designated smoking areas where clay pots are provided. Never walk anywhere on the Center with a lit cigarette. Vaping is prohibited in all indoor spaces, porches and when outside when others are present.

Firearms – No firearms are permitted on Meher Center property.

Flashlights – Always use a flashlight at night.  Flashlights are available at the Gateway and the Caretaker’s Cabin.

 Roads and Parking – Drive very slowly throughout the Center at all times to preserve the retreat atmosphere, the wildlife, and the roads. Guests may park briefly at their cabins and kitchens only when loading or unloading. Guests with a Gateway disabled parking pass or disabled plates may use any space marked for disabled parking; otherwise, all vehicles must be parked in designated parking areas.

Long Lake and Gator Lake – Fishing or swimming in the lakes is prohibited.

Wildlife and Pets – The Center is habitat for a variety of wildlife, including deer, alligators, snakes, and coyotes. Please do not approach or feed any wildlife. Be alert and keep close watch on children. Report to staff or Gateway (843-272-5777) any problem with wildlife in cabin areas. Due to raccoons, please do not leave food on porches overnight.
* Pets are not permitted on Center.

Children and Teens – For safety reasons, children under 9 must always be accompanied by a responsible adult. For children 9-14, a responsible adult should always be aware of their activities and whereabouts. Children are welcome to attend programs as long as they can remain quiet and not distract others. If children do not attend programs, parents must be responsible for their whereabouts and behavior. Should you decide to schedule a babysitter during your retreat, inform the Gateway about your arrangements.

Young adults – Guests 15 and over are expected to know and follow these directives and guidelines.

Activity Guidelines

Boating – Call the Gateway first (843-272-5777) for requirements and permission to use the rowboat during daylight hours only. Up to 3 people are allowed in the rowboat, all of whom must know how to swim. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult (18 and over). A life jacket for each person must be in the boat. See sign on rowboat for precautions reminder.

Trails and Paths – The Center’s many trails are for meditation, spiritual renewal, and enjoyment of nature. Please use caution and be alert when walking anywhere on the Center. Always wear covered shoes (including to and from the beach), stay on the paths, watch for snakes, and do not smoke. We do not recommend that guests go alone on the more isolated trails which are not patrolled. If you do go alone, bring a mobile phone with you in case of emergency. Children under 15 MUST be accompanied by an adult, and no one should use the trails after dark.
* Always stay on the paths.

The Beach – The beach is a beautiful shoreline, visited by Meher Baba during His stays at the Center. Keep in mind that below the high-water mark, the beach is public property and is not supervised by lifeguards. Be aware that dangerous undertows and strong currents in the ocean are possible. Do not use floats or rafts. In the interest of safety, walking alone on the beach is not recommended. Children under 15 must be accompanied to the beach by an adult (18 or over). If you go to the beach, the key used at the entrance gate also unlocks the beach gate. Be sure to relock the gate coming or going. A radio at the beach gate can be used in case of emergencies.
* Do not walk or drive down to the beach after dark.
* No one is to swim alone in the ocean.

Bikes – Ride slowly and cautiously, especially in the cabin areas. If on the trails, all trail guidelines should be followed. No children under 15 should ride on the trails without an adult.

Meals and Food – To help maintain cleanliness and control pests, be extremely careful about food storage, preparation, and cleanup. Store foods in the appropriate kitchen areas, using proper containers; dispose of garbage only in kitchen cans with lids; wash food preparation areas, dishes, and utensils carefully, both for sanitation and control of bugs and pests. Do not take food or beverages into the Meeting Place, Library, Lagoon Cabin, Barn, or Meher Abode, and food should not be kept or eaten in cabins without kitchens.

Conservation – Help us keep the cost of maintaining the Center down by minimizing your use of water, electricity, and gas.

Arrival and Departure

Registration and Payment – Each guest must sign in at the Gateway upon arrival. You may occupy your cabin at 2 p.m. You may pay for your stay at the Gateway between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. any day during your stay.

Hours – Retreat guests must be inside the Center gate by 11 p.m. each night and inside their cabins by 11:30 p.m. at the latest.

Departure – Vacate your cabin by 11 a.m. You may remain on Center until 5 p.m. If you are staying on Center after checkout time of 11 a.m., notify the Gateway and find out where to store your belongings. Out of respect for Meher Baba’s home, please leave your cabin clean and tidy. Place used bed sheets and towels in a pillowcase. Turn off heat, fans, and lights and open windows if weather permits.

Emergencies and Needs

Reporting – Please report any emergency, illness, or special needs immediately to the Gateway (843-272-5777 or 843-272-1118). Also, report anything not in working order.