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Meher Baba Archives Dvd List
Dvd List - Work in Progress - Template
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Afsaneh Ajang
1
Freiny Kharas
Absolute Beauty
Judy Stephens Archives
2
Aloba (Ali Akbar)
An Ordinary Day
Judy Stephens Archives
3
Eruch Jessawalla
Avataric Impressions
Judy Stephens Archives
4
Bernard Bruford
Baba Picked on Me
Los Angeles AMBCSC
5
Jeff McGuire
Crown Prince of the Kali Yuga
Southern California Sahavas
6
Charles Haynes
Breakfast with God
Southern California Sahavas
7
Eruch Jessawalla
Calvary of Companions
Judy Stephens Archives
8
Eruch Jessawalla & Professor Hazra
Coincidence of Sweetness
Judy Stephens Archives
9
Meheru Irani, Charles Haynes
Bob & Jane Brown
Exodus of Illusion
Southern California Sahavas
10
Sam Kerawalla
Faster Than Lightning
Judy Stephens Archives
11
Gary Kleiner
Gary Kleiner' s Dad
Judy Stephens Archives
12
Wayne Geller
Give Baba a Chance
Los Angeles AMBCSC
13
Davana Brown
Glimpses of Mehera
Southern California Sahavas
14
Sam Kerawalla
God is Deaf
Judy Stephens Archives
15
Dr. Moorty
God is Father, Mother, Wife
Los Angeles AMBCSC
16
Mahmoud & Nasrin Ajang
How We Came to Baba
Los Angeles AMBCSC
17
Adi K Irani
Journey of Conviction
Southern California Sahavas
18
Meheru Irani
Journeys with God
Southern California Sahavas
19
Rhoda Dubash
Keep Your Nazir
Judy Stephens Archives
20
Eruch Jessawalla
Mandali Hall Session Vol 1
Judy Stephens Archives
21
Eruch Jessawalla
Mandali Hall Session Vol 2
Judy Stephens Archives
22
Eruch Jessawalla
Mandali Hall Session Vol 3
Judy Stephens Archives
23
Eruch Jessawalla
Mandali Hall Session Vol 4
Judy Stephens Archives
24
Eruch Jessawalla
Mandali Hall Session Vol 5
Judy Stephens Archives
25
Eruch Jessawalla
Mandali Hall Session Vol 6
Judy Stephens Archives
26
Eruch Jessawalla
Mandali Hall Session Vol 7
Judy Stephens Archives
27
Eruch Jessawalla
Mast Stories Mast Tours
Judy Stephens Archives
28
Compilation
Meherabad Historical Tour
Judy Stephens Archives
29
Baburoa Gohile
Meherabad In the Beginning Pt 1
Judy Stephens Archives
30
Baburoa Gohile
Meherabad In the Beginning Pt 2
Judy Stephens Archives
31
Baburoa Gohile
Meherabad In the Beginning Pt 3
Judy Stephens Archives
32
Don Stevens
New Life Seminar Part 1
Judy Stephens Archives
33
Don Stevens
New Life Seminar Part 2
Judy Stephens Archives
34
Dr. Moorty
No Doubts
Los Angeles AMBCSC
35
Eruch & Freiny Nalavala
Our Friend Freiny is Here
Judy Stephens Archives
36
Prof Digambar Godekar
Sharing Baba's Love
Los Angeles AMBCSC
37
Eruch Jessawalla
Slave of the Master
Judy Stephens Archives
38
Meheru Irani
Sweet Obedience
Southern California Sahavas
39
Charles Haynes
The Beloved Within
Southern California Sahavas
40
Bal Natu
The Best of Friends
Judy Stephens Archives
41
Eruch Jessawalla
The Divine Rendezvous
Judy Stephens Archives
42
Fills Frederick
The Kick and the Kiss
Southern California Sahavas
43
Alan Wagner & Tara Zhaolker
The Meherabad Interview
Judy Stephens Archives
44
Meheru Irani
The New Life
Southern California Sahavas
45
Havovi Hoshan Dadachanji
The Old Man Never Lets You Down
Southern California Sahavas
46
Bal Natu
The Perfect God Man
Judy Stephens Archives
47
Aloba (Ali Akbar)
The Postman
Judy Stephens Archives
48
Katie Irani
This Breezy Afternoon
Judy Stephens Archives
49
Roshan Kerawalla
Those Were the Days
Los Angeles AMBCSC
50
Eruch Jessawalla
Traveler's Talk
Judy Stephens Archives
51
Bal Natu & Davana Brown & Merwan Jessawalla
Quaker Oats
Judy Stephens Archives
52
Aloba (Ali Akbar)
The Mast, Mohammed
Judy Stephens Archives
53
Meheru Irani
The Masters Prayer
Southern California Sahavas
54
Meheru Irani
The New Life
Southern California Sahavas
55
Eruch Jessawalla
Flooding Mecca
Judy Stephens Archives
56
Don Stevens
God Speaks Vol. 1
Judy Stephens Archives
57
Don Stevens
God Speaks Vol. 2
Judy Stephens Archives
58
Don Stevens
God Speaks Vol. 3
Judy Stephens Archives
59
Don Stevens
God Speaks Vol. 4
Judy Stephens Archives
60
Don Stevens
God Speaks Vol. 5
Judy Stephens Archives
61
Filis Frederick
The Journey of Ten Tests
Southern California Sahavas
62
Havovi Dadachanji
For the Sake of Love
Southern California Sahavas
63
Ann Forbes
Dear God
Southern California Sahavas
64
Meherwan Jessawalla
The Legacy of Bindra House
Judy Stephens Archives
65
Ann Conlon
How I came To Mehera Baba
Southern California Sahavas
66
Bernice Ivory
How I came to Mehera Baba
Southern California Sahavas
67
Hoshang Dadachanji
The Avataric Orbit
Southern California Sahavas
68
Charles Haynes
On Perfection
Southern California Sahavas
69
Filis Frederick
The Perfumed Ocean
Tony Griss
70
Merwan Merchant
The Pleader Chronicles
Tony Griss Archives
71
Leatrice Johnston
Meher Baba's 1956
World Tour
Los Angeles AMBCSC
72
Jehangir R. Irani
The Best of Janjoo
Southern California Sahavas
73
Filis Frederick
Enchantments of Worry
Southern California Sahavas
74
Filis Frederick
DeMystifying Death
Southern California Sahavas
75
Irwin Luck
The Price of Admission
Southern California Sahavas
76
Ann Forbes
Dear God
Tony Griss Film
77
Lynn Ott
Avataric Kiss
Southern California Sahavas
78
Gary Kleiner
Town Hall Meeting
Los Angeles AMBCSC
79
Bhau Kalchuri
Lord Meher
Southern California Sahavas
80
Tom Riley
The Gnostic Ocean
Southern California Sahavas
81
Filis Frederick
Inner Self & The Avataric Game
AMBCSC West Los Angeles
82
Jeanne & Darwin Shaw
Nothing Fades
AMBCSC West Los Angeles
83
Henry Kashouty
Eluding Illusion
Southern California Sahavas
84
Henry Kashouty
The Quiet Mind
Southern California Sahavas
85
Henry Kashouty
The Treacherous Mind
Southern California Sahavas
86
Darwin Shaw
1973 Meher Baba House
Interview (Restored Version)
Meher Baba House New York
87
Sampler One
Compilation Guest Speakers
Archives
88
Darwin Shaw
The Inner Life
Southern California Sahavas
89
Bob Een
Bob Een Concert
AMBCSC West Los Angeles
90
Charles Haynes
Anamnesis of Grace
Southern California Sahavas
91
Jeff McGuire (Man 0 Nash)
The Crown Prince of the Kali Yuga
Southern California Sahavas
92
Jal Irani
Spiritual StoryTelling
Charles Morton Archives
93
Eruch Jessawalla
The Silent Master
Charles Morton Archives
94
Sampler Two
Compilation Guest Speakers
Archives
95
Bal Natu Bonus Feature ‘Mansari'
The Pillow Book
Charles Morton Archives
96
Rama Rao
The Night Watchman
Charles Morton Archives
97
Merwan Merchant
The Pleader Chronicles
Charles Morton Archives
98
Adele Wolkin
Life & Times of Adele Wolkin Vol1
Charles Morton Archives
99
Adele Wolkin
Life & Times of Adele Wolkin Vol2
Charles Morton Archives
100
Adele Wolkin
Life & Times of Adele Wolkin Vol3
Charles Morton Archives
101
Adele Wolkin
Life & Times of Adele Wolkin Vol4
Charles Morton Archives
102
Adele Wolkin
Life & Times of Adele Wolkin Vol5
Charles Morton Archives
103
Mani & Eruch & the Meherazad Family
Meherazad Time Capsule
Charles Morton Archives
104
Dr. H. P. Bharucha
Guruprasad Glimpses
Charles Morton Archives
105
Marguerite Poley with Jeff McGuire
The White Horse Avatar
Charles Morton Archives
106
Bhau Kalchuri
Our Duty to the Beloved
Southern California Sahavas
107
Filis & Bhau & Kitty Davy
Theatre of Three
Southern California Sahavas
108
Wendy Conner
Remembering Baba Talk
Los Angeles AMBCSC
109
Buzz Conner – Billy Goodrum
Remembering Baba Concert
Los Angeles AMBCSC
110
Forthcoming Documentary
Forthcoming Documentary
Forthcoming Documentary
111
Aloba (Ali Akbar)
The Dark World
Charles Morton Archives
112
Bhau Kalchuri
Academic Embrace (UCLA)
Charles Morton Archives
113
Jack Small
Conversations 1992 Sahavas
Charles Morton Archives
114
Group
Sanctuary of Love – the Daaman – 1983
Southern California Sahavas
115
Eruch Jessawalla Mani Irani
The New Life 1995
Tony Gris Archives
116
Margerite Poley
Meher Mount Serenade
Charles Morton Archives
117
Adele Wolkin
Advent Slide Show
Charles Morton Archives
118
Mani Irania / Mansari
Baba Ram Nam
Fred Stankus Archives
119
Virginia Sadowsky
Pilgrim Pines 1989
Southern California Sahavas
120
Filis Frederick
Prem Yoga
Southern California Sahavas
121
Davana Brown
Eruch
Los Angeles AMBCSC
122
Tex Hightower, Leatrice Johnston, Adele Wolkin
Meher Mount Series
123
Bhau Kalchuri
Night Watchman Series
The Secret
124
Bhau Kalchuri
Night Watchman Series
The Dhuni
125
Bhau Kalchuri
Night Watchman Series
This Beautiful World That Beautiful World
126
Bhau Kalchuri
Night Watchman Series
The New Life
127
Bhau Kalchuri
Night Watchman Series
Sixteen Thousand Gopis
128
Meheru Irani
The New Life
AUDIO
LUD DIMPFL THE EPIC EPOCH AMARGEDDON
HERNY KASHOUTY 1975 SAHAVAS
VIDEO
SUHAS GINDE THE PERFECT MOMENT
ADELE WOLKIN ADVENT SLIDE SHOW
BERNICE IVORY, BILL LEPAGE, ADELE WOLKIN, SAM KERAWALA, LYN OTT SANCTUARY OF LOVE: THE DAAMAN
1983 SAHAVAS
MANI IRANI WITH MANSARI BABA RAM NAAN
A.K. KASTHURI THE MEMORY WELL (laCenter 1977)
CHARMIAN DUCE KNOWLES THE FAULTLESS ALPHABET
JAL & DOLLY DASTUR LOS ANGELES TOUR 2009
MARGUERITE POLLEY MEHER MOUNT OJAI 1999
BHAU KALCHURI NWS: THE NEW LIFE
BHAU KALCHURI NWS: SIXTEEN THOUSAND GOPIS
BHAU KALCHURI NWS: THE DHUNI
BHAU KALCHURI NWS: THIS BEAUTIFUL WORLD
KANJI MIYAO REVIEW OF MANDALI AND ADVENT PERSONALITIES -THE COLLECTIONS
The Memory Well
By: A. K. Kasthuri
Location: Los Angeles Meher Baba Center
Date: 1977
Time: 1 hour 43minutes
A. K. Kasthuri grew up in a Baba family. His grandfather in the late 1920’s knew K. J. Dastur who was a mandali member at the time. It was through K.J. Dastur, who later denounced Baba as a fraud, the Kasthuri family came into Meher Baba’s orbit. Baba went to Madras in 1930 and 1934 and visited the Kasthuri house. The stories told in this talk span the time from 1930s through 1960s. A few of the story topics are identified below. Note that although Mr. Kasthuri’s English is good, his intonation in some instances makes it difficult to understand him.
Dedication of the Meher Ashram in Madras by Baba
Story of an event during the 1953 visit to Andra where a boy after seeing Baba’s picture asks his parents to take him for Baba’s darshan.
Story about a tree planted by Baba in Madras in 1930.
In 1954, Mr. Kasthuri’s baby daughter’s fever disappears after Baba sees the baby.
Story about an event that happened at Rishikesh in 1934 that reinforces the adage “If the aspirant is not ready, the master disappears.”
Reading of personal correspondence letters with Baba
Faultless Alphabet
By: Charmian Knowles
Location: Los Angeles Meher Baba Center
Time: 1 hour 13minutes 37 seconds
This talk by Charmian starts with the showing of a 20 minute video of Meher Baba’s 1956 tour of America with a focus on his visit to California. (The video is not shown on this DVD.) Charmian then answers questions from the audience. The scope of this talk covers Charmian’s entire life with Baba. Due to time limitations, some stories are brief and others stories are more fully described (identified by double asterisks).
Picking up sea shells in Myrtle Beach
On the airplane with Baba returning to England in 1952 after the accident
Trip to Muir Woods in 1956
Visit by Baba to homes in California in 1956
Baba tells Ivy Duce thousands will come to the Sufi order
Singing “I’ve Got Spurs that Jingle Jangle Jingle” for Baba
How Francis Brabazon met Baba
Charmian’s first meeting with Baba
Charmian in a Saudi Arabian jail **
Charmian as watchman for Baba in a hotel **
Charmian eats eggs
Marguerite Poley
The chapters and menus are fine.
All I can say about the DVD is : Marguerite Poley recalls Baba's visit to Los Angeles and Meher Mount. Time: 55:19 Location: Meher Mount
Advent Slide Show
By: Adele Wolkins
Date:
Location: AMBCSC Los Angeles
Time: 38 minutes 51 seconds (exclude bonus material which covers the same slides except with Adele using the pointer stick.)
Adele Wolkins hosts this program at AMBCSC with slides of pictures she has taken over the years. There are pictures on Baba’s trip to America in 1956 and 1958, Baba House in Pune, Panchgani Cave in Tiger Valley, Guruprasad, and the Samadhi. Photos of people include Jane Haynes, Elizabeth Patterson, Carrie Ben Shammai, Ivy Duce, and Harry Kenmore.
The Daaman
Panel: Leatrice Johnston, Sam Kerawalla, Bernice, Ivory, Lyn Ott, Bill LePage, Adele Wolkin
Location: Sahavas at Pilgrim Pines
Date: 1983
Time: 45 minutes 27 seconds
A panel discussion on the meaning of “Holding on to Baba’s daaman”. Q&A follows after each panel member explains what “Daaman” means to them.
Bal Natu Video Tape: The New Life
Date:
Time: 61 min
Location: Meherazad
Filmed By: Tony Griss
In this video, Bal Natu talks about his experience about the events leading up to the New Life. This talks covers the period between August 1949 and October 1949. Although Bal Natu eventually did not physically join Baba in the New Life, Bal did sign the circular to be with Baba in the New Life, and made all arrangements including getting permission to leave his teaching job. As instructed by Baba, Bal Natu went to Meherabad penniless and with an identify card on October 5, 1949. During a meeting with Baba, Bal was asked if he played cricket. Bal explained he no longer played after contracting tuberculosis. On October 9, Baba relieved Bal of the New Life but had Ramjoo write down on the signed circular that Bal Natu previously signed, that Bal would participate in the New Life.
Eluding Illusion
Speaker: Henry Kashouty
Date: July 1988
Time: 50 Minutes
Location: Los Angeles Sahavas
The theme of this talk is about putting Baba first and the work it takes to put Baba first in our lives. In Henry’s words, “Our work is to try not to let a moment go by without remembering Baba. Stories of people who put Baba first have their inner life transformed. Baba is a mystery. So you get over the hump of ignoring the distractions in life and focusing on Baba.”
The most touching part in this video is Henry’s story in 1958 when Baba came to Myrtle Beach and ignored Henry. Because of Baba’s outward indifference to Henry, Henry had great pain in his heart; but because Henry’s character was to resolve his problems, Henry had the love and will to do the work and came to the conclusion that if Baba did not want to see him, then this is what Henry would also want. Once Henry surrendered to Baba’s will, Henry was on “cloud 9”. At this point, Henry did not care if Baba talked to him or sent him away because all Henry wanted was what Baba wanted. This is a story worth telling and retelling as an example of surrendering to Baba’s will.
The Quiet Mind
Speaker: Henry Kashouty
Date: July 1988
Time: 66 Minutes
Location: Los Angeles Sahavas
The discussion of this talk centers around Henry Kashouty’s understanding of a number of Baba’s words, sayings, and messages. During the Q&A, Henry shares his story of his first meeting with Baba in New York, 1956. Here are some examples of Henry’s understanding:
Baba says “Be cheerful”. Henry goes further by explaining if you are cheerful for any other reason than Baba, then you are doing it for the ego. Baba tells us to be positive. We must do it for Baba.
Conviction – Conviction is a gift from God and is given when the soul ready. Conviction means you already have the nazar of the master and to not have to be thrown from one extreme experience to another. This means you are removed from the path of impersonal karma.
Balance of heart and mind – The heart has to dictate the policy and the mind to implement it. An awakened heart is creative. Just saying hello is creative when the heart is awakened.
Remember Me – To think of Baba is to be desireless. Baba says put Me first. You hear the heart by remembering Baba. Anything that reminds you of Baba is good. Paradise is here by remembering Baba but we are distracted by other things.
Henry summarizes his understanding of Baba messages by saying Baba gave us one message: Remember me, Obey me, Love me, and Surrender to My will.
The title of this video comes from Henry Kashouty’s own practice of finding Baba within by quieting the mind.
Our Duty To The Beloved
By: Bhau Kalchuri
Location: Los Angeles Sahavas
Date: July 1985
Time: 68 minutes
Comment: At 42:47 into the video, there is some editing done on the video, and the audio went away. I had to switch to the other channel to listen to the audio. We need to put the audio on both channels.
A vibrant and passionate Bhau focuses on the topic “Our Duty to the Beloved”. In this talk Bhau identifies our duties as a Baba lover:
Stick to one master. Do not go to other masters once you have accepted Baba. Strive to become closer and closer with the master.
a. Story of the scorpion bite and the disciple seeking help from Baba and the 5 perfect masters.
b. Story of a pilgrim going from city to city seeking darshan from saints.
Remain focused on Baba.
a. Story of disciples going to a fair with a glass of milk with the condition they do not spill a drop of milk.
b. Story of disciples given a day of enjoyment with no restrictions and getting intoxicated.
Follow Baba’s wish.
a. Story of Bhau feeling guilty of receiving a banana from Baba when the other disciples were only getting dal and rice.
b. Story of Kaka giving orders to Aloba to walk the dogs and in return Aloba teaching Kaka English (even though Kaka know more than Aloba).
c. Story of Kaka’s heart attack and Kaka repeatedly slapping Bhau’s head.
Our duty is to please Baba. We are not to care about the opinions of the world but to care about pleasing Baba.
a. Story of Baba’s order to Bhau to eat well.
For each duty, Bhau has one or more stories related to the theme. The story I enjoyed the most was the one about pleasing Baba. In 1957, Bhau was told to go to Nariman’s house and to eat well. Meal time was with a group of people, and every time Bhau started to eat, Baba would make a comment about Bhau’s eating habits, Bhau’s eating manners, and in general making eating a miserable activity for Bhau. Bhau felt self-conscious with people staring at him and as a consequence, Bhau did not eat well. This went on for over a month. Baba, sensing Bhau’s frustration, offered Bhau some food, and an angry Bhau told Baba that he was not hungry. Baba reminded Bhau of the order to eat well, and Bhau’s disobedience to this order caused Baba much pain. Bhau realized his mistake and was given another chance at Guruprasad. At Guruprasad, with a large gathering eating together, again Baba poked fun at Bhau’s eating. This time Bhau continued eating. Baba continued His poking and Bhau continued eating. To an outsider, it would seem that Bhau disregarded Baba’s comments and not worthy of being Mandali. After everyone left, Baba told Bhau that he (Bhau) made Baba very happy!
Title: Being Brave
Date: Mid 1980s
Duration: 48 minutes
Volume: Fair
Medium: DVD
Comment: The image is not sharp on this video. Filmed by Fred Stankus
Mehera talks on her porch about her garden and about animals in this video tape. The video starts with a panning of the garden at Meherazad adjacent to the women’s porch. After a short talk about the garden, Mehera spends most of the video talking about animals. Topics are:
1. Poor soil at Meherazad
2. Baba gives Mehera a baby parrot.
3. Nepalese mina bird learns to say “Baba Darling”
4. Rabbits
5. Amusing story of Baba with animals in upper Meherabad. Baba would feed bread to a cow and a dog. The dog, being jealous, would try to chase the cow away. Instead of running away, the cow would run in circles with the dog not far behind. After a while, you could not determine who was chasing who.
6. Baba saves a puppy dog from falling into a steep ravine.
7. Snake story
8. Mehera’s Father kills tigers for villagers
The Avataric Orbit
By: Hoshang Dadachanji
Location: L.A Sahavas, Pilgrim Pines
Date: July 1996
Time: 1 Hour 6 Minutes
Hoshang is Changi’s (the first secretary of Baba) nephew and brother to Nariman. It was at the engagement party for Nariman and Arnavaz on December 21, 1942 that Hoshang first met Baba. Although Hoshang did not know Baba was God, he knew Baba was an extraordinary person. The second meeting with Baba was at the marriage in 1944 between Nariman and Arnavaz. Nariman’s opportunity to meet Baba increased after the marriage because Baba would stay with Nariman and Arnavaz whenever Baba visited Bombay. Hoshang was asked to drive the car in Bombay, with Baba inside, looking for masts. Baba’s kindness, compassion, and consideration appealed to Hoshang. For example, when Baba met Hoshang’s grandmother who was about 90 years old, Baba hugged her and was very loving to her.
In this talk, Hoshang goes chronologically through the years when he met Baba, (3 incredible weeks in 1954, Guruprasad days) and shares his memorable experiences with Baba. Stories include Baba’s comments on a yogi walking on water, “Juda loves me most”, rubbing his nose on the floor in front of Baba, Baba’s concern with people’s family life, and Hoshang’s impression of his first meeting with Mehera.
For the Sake of Love
By: Havovi Dadachangi
Location: Pilgrim Pines, 1996 Los Angeles Sahavas
Time: 57 minutes
The title for this talk was inspired by one of Baba’s telegrams urging His lovers to love Him more and more. Havovi Dadachangi, a long time lover of Baba, shares her story with us. Her Baba story starts in 1953 with her engagement to Hoshang Dadachangi. Havovi is Zoroastrian and she was named after Zoroaster’s wife, Havovi. Havovi did not know anything about Baba and the thought of God in human form was foreign to her. Havovi was not impressed before or after her meeting with Baba although Baba gave the sign of perfection after meeting her. She found reasons not to like Baba and would agree with people who openly slandered Baba. For example, Baba permitted smoking and her religion did not permit smoking (using sacred fire at the end of your lips is sacrilegious); Baba permitted marriage between caste and her religion did not. For seven years, Havovi would see Baba, not for love, but to keep harmony with her husband and relatives; and to keep an eye on her husband. When she met Baba lovers who described meeting Baba in dreams, she thought these people crazy. Havovi loved the women mandali, but did not understand their love and devotion to Baba.
Baba turned the key after seven years. There was no “Eureka” moment when Havovi suddenly loved Baba, but in the 1960s when she and her relatives went to Guruprasad regularly on the weekends to see Baba, her objections to Baba died and was replaced with love.
Other stories in this DVD include her sadra kusti story, novjote ceremony for her children, and other Baba related stories.
2006 Amartithi
Location: Lower and Upper Meherabad
Date: January 30, 2006
This DVD depicts the activities during the 2006 Amartithi. The following are some of the highlights in this video:
Short tour of the new Pilgrim Center including the murals and sculpture.
Prayer and arti at the Samadhi.
Interview with Ward Park
Dhuni on the morning of Amartithi
Excerpts of a few of the music programs
Scenes of pilgrims around the Samadhi
Amartithi Silence
How I Came To Baba
By: Bernice Ivory
Date: July 1993
Location: Los Angeles Sahavas, Pilgrim Pines
Time: 1 hour 9 minutes
This is the story of Bernice Ivory (an “old” soul according to Baba) coming to Baba. Bernice met Baba in 1956 but her story begins much before this event. It was actually Bernice’s sister Beryl who was the spiritual seeker in the family. Beryl would go from one spiritual group to another, and got Bernice into meditation. Beryl was constantly looking for something more, but Bernice was satisfied with her meditation. In 1952, Bernice’s Father obtained tickets from a friend to hear a talk by Norina Machabelli. Bernice’s Father got sick and of course it was Beryl that used the ticket and went to hear Norina. After the talk, Beryl was excited about meeting a spiritual master and asked Bernice if she would like to go with her to Myrtle Beach to meet Him. Bernice wasn’t like Beryl and declined to go, but Bernice noticed a difference in Beryl after she returned from Myrtle Beach. One day Beryl gave Bernice a picture of Baba. When Bernice looked at the picture, her heart leapt out and this scared Bernice, so she hid Baba’s picture in her husband’s dresser drawer. Later, Bernice attempted to read the Discourse on Love, but all she got was a headache, after reading a few paragraphs. Bernice was disappointed in herself for not being able to read the Discourse and wondered what was wrong with her? When Bernice met Beryl again, Bernice heard a voice in her head saying “Don’t read the Discourse until you are ready.”
This is just the beginning of how Baba captured Bernice’s heart. Bernice tells her story in an open and personal way, with humor, e.g., when she tells of jumping into bed and covering herself with bed sheets as a result of a Baba spiritual experience. Bernice’s story is fascinating yet down-to-earth. Her story is a reminder of Baba’s infinite ways of capturing the hearts of His lovers.
Bob Een Recital at Meherabode
By: Bob Een
Date: March 2006
Location: Meherabode
Time: 1 hr 6 minutes
Bob Een gives a cello recital at Meherabode. These pieces are inspired by Baba and by Bob’s longing. Some of the pieces were composed during a pilgrimage to Meherabad and debuted at the World Music Festival in Los Angeles.
Chapter 1
a. I Love You Forever
b. Struck By You
Chapter 2
Excerpts from Mass for Baba
Chapter 3
More Excerpts from Mass for Baba
Chapter 4
More and More
Chapter 5
You Break My Heart in Two
Cello Instrumental
Chapter 6
Excerpts from The Guest House
On Perfection
By: Charles Haynes
Date: July 1994
Location: Los Angeles Sahavas, Pilgrim Pines
Time: 1 hour 1 minute
The theme of this talk is Spiritual Growth. Charles shares his thoughts with us about Spiritual Growth and Remembrance.
Charles was 8 years old when he first met Baba in 1958 in the Lagoon Cabin. The first thing Baba gestured/said to Charles was “You have grown”. The idea of growing spiritually is important … but how? Baba told Charles to hold on His daaman, not with one hand, but with both hands. Baba said “Love has meaning”, “Obedience has more meaning”, and “Holding on to my daaman has most meaning”. If we hold on to Baba, we will automatically grow and change.
The elimination of the ego is Baba’s job, and not our job. Our job is to remember Baba with love. Remembrance is growth. Remembrance is waking Baba up. Remembrance is also a two way street … it begins the dialog between the lover and the Beloved, and is the beginning of our labor. A happy life is knowing that whatever happens in life, it is part of your growth. You cannot remember Baba without loving and serving others. Remembrance brings awareness which also includes more pain, but as a Buddhist teacher said, there is a difference between painful pain and joyful pain.
Our job is to grow spiritually and prepare for Baba’s next incarnation so that when we meet Him again, Baba will say to us, “You have grown!”
Cultivating Our Inner Life
By: Darwin Shaw
Date: July 1984
Location: Los Angeles Sahavas, Pilgrim Pines
Time: 1hr 15min
Darwin Shaw draws on his life’s experience to tell us about the many ways to cultivate our inner life. The inner life is about the spiritual aspect of life. The inner life is about becoming more conscious of spiritual life. Meher Baba has a name for this inner life … the involution of consciousness. Below, Darwin shares with us the ways to cultivate our inner life:
Practice Sahaj Dnyan to feel Baba’s presence. Sahaj Dnyan is the practice of “Dressing your soul with Baba” four times a day … when you get up in the morning, at noon, at 5:00 pm, and before retiring for the night.
Make a commitment to the spiritual life. Spiritual life is just like any other skill. You need to work at it and move forward. It doesn’t unfold by itself. Ask Baba for help and make an effort.
Trust Baba and leave everything to Him. Give Baba everything (suffering, pride, envy, hatred, pleasures, moods, etc.) and be free.
Try to stop wanting. Wanting is a statement of our incompleteness. We can discover our own soul if we stop wanting. We can discover our own completeness. Be content in Baba’s love.
Discover our own nothingness. Discover who we are and who we are not. We will discover we are nothing.
Don’t be reacting to Maya. Don’t be overly happy or overly depressed. Don’t swing with the pendulum of emotion. Be centered in Baba’s love. Love is giving and in the giving is fulfillment.
The Journey of Ten Tests
By: Filis Frederick
Date: July 1985
Location: Los Angeles Sahavas, Pilgrim Pines
Time: 47 minutes
The theme of the 1985 Los Angeles Sahavas is “Companionship”. In adhering to the theme of this Sahavas, Filis identifies 10 qualities we can strive for, as companions with Baba.
Obedience - Obey the Leader, i.e., obey Baba.
Accept Others
Don’t interfere in the family affairs of others. Be helpful but don’t meddle. Don’t give advice.
Cheerfulness
Diminish the Ego – reduce your anger and hate
Balance – Control negative emotions
Forgiveness – Forgive quickly. If you cannot forgive, look for the reason why you cannot forgive.
Determination – Have the goal firmly in mind. Have a roadmap and be determined to make the journey. Focus on the goal and stick to the leader.
Be Child-Like
Don’t Let Go the Hand of Truth – Discover who you are
Filis elaborates on these qualities drawing from her life experience and experience with Baba.
How I Came to Baba
By: Ann Conlon
Date: July 1986
Location: Los Angeles Sahavas, Pilgrim Pines
Ann Conlon’s story of how she came to Baba begins in 1956 when she first heard of Baba through Ginny and Liz Sadowski who had just met Baba two days before. When Ann saw a picture of Baba, she saw the kindest eyes she had ever seen. Ann completely accepted Baba as the Christ when she was told by Liz that Baba was the Christ.
In 1958, when Baba came to Myrtle Beach, Ann did not attend the Sahavas because she wasn’t sure she qualified since Baba’s instructions were that only those who loved Baba should attend the Sahavas. In New York, during the Sahavas time period, Ann had a vision of Baba standing at the foot of her bed in a pose that said, “Well, are you coming?” After the Sahavas, Ann told the Sadowski sisters about her vision which resulted in Ann’s first trip to the Meher Spiritual Center in Myrtle Beach. At the center, Ann had the experience of Baba’s love go to her and then back to Him. At this point, Ann knew she loved Baba and intensely wanted to meet Baba.
In 1961, although Baba was in seclusion, He opened a small crack and told His lovers they could see Him for one hour during a two week period. There were only 9 days left when Ann heard this news. Ann had no passport, no visa, and no money. Through Baba’s grace, all the obstacles of money, passport, visa, getting time off from work, and the logistics of getting from the Indian airport to the train station, and finally arriving in Pune were overcome.
Ann’s story is a timeless love story of the lover and the Beloved. It is a story of longing and yearning; of obstacles and the overcoming of these obstacles by the invisible hand of love.
The Beloved Within
By: Charles Haynes
Date: July 1993
Location: Los Angeles Sahavas, Pilgrim Pines
Time: 52 minutes
The theme of this talk is Baba Living in Our Hearts. Jesus said, “The comforter will not come if I do not leave.” The Christ leaves so that He can come. When the Christ leaves, it is the beginning of His living in our hearts. Everything Baba did while He was living was for His coming into our hearts after He drops His body. This video is about Charles Haynes’ story of how Baba left Myrtle Beach in 1958 to come to live in Charles’ heart.
In 1958 Charles said goodbye to Baba. At this meeting, Baba gave Charles a handful of candy and ordered him to eat all the candy by himself … Charles was not to share the candy with anyone. This order lifted the sadness and after Baba left, Charles wondered if Baba remembered him. As the days passed and this thought reached its height of despair, a letter came, written by Mani, that a film of the 1958 Sahavas in Myrtle Beach was shown to the Mandali and Baba pointed out Charles in the film to the Mandali. This taught Charles that Baba knows your heart.
During Baba’s seclusions, Baba would push people to find Baba in their heart, by saying “Do your best and I will be there to help you.” So Charles tried to find Baba in his heart. In the 1962 East-West Gathering, Charles wondered if the Baba he was going to meet again was the same Baba that was in his heart. Baba in Charles’ heart had been his companion since 1958. Charles was assured after seeing Baba’s hand while waiting in line, that the physical Baba was the same as his Baba companion in his heart.
One event at Guruprasad convinced Charles that Baba truly lives in our hearts. Charles asked Eruch permission to come to Guruprasad the following day early, before the buses arrived. Eruch said you have to ask Baba, so Eruch pushed Charles to Baba. Baba said yes, and gave Charles a kiss. The next morning, Charles walked to Guruprasad early and when he peeked through the curtain he saw Baba alone, already waiting for the people to arrive. Rano asked Charles to say good morning to Baba, and when Charles walked up to Baba and looked into His eyes, Charles knew that Baba Is and Baba was complete. Baba wanted Charles to know that He is the nameless One that lives in our hearts.
The Master’s Prayer
By: Meheru Irani
Date: July 1993
Location: Los Angeles Sahavas, Pilgrim Pines
Time: 27 minutes
In this video, Meheru expresses her feelings and shares her experiences with Baba and Mehera about the Master’s Prayer. 1953 was the first time Meheru heard the prayer and the depth of the words struck a chord in her. A few days later she was given a written copy of the prayer and felt compelled to learn it. At this time, Baba and the mandali were at Dehra Dun. Meheru learned and recited this prayer, in the atmosphere of Baba’s presence, since her bedroom was adjacent to Baba’s.
The importance of this prayer cannot be overstated since Baba participated in the prayer. Baba would stand up with the men mandali while Eruch recited the prayer. When Baba went to the women mandali’s side, Baba would again stand up with the women mandali while Mani recited the prayer. The Master’s Prayer was also recited at Guruprasad in different languages.
After Baba dropped the body, the woman mandali recited the prayer daily. The Master’s Prayer and the Beloved Prayer would be recited in the morning and the Prayer of Repentance would be recited in the evening. Meheru witnessed Mehera’s recognition of the importance of the prayer, as Mehera would make the effort to say arti even though her health declined.
Reciting the Master’s Prayer is a source of spiritual benefit and important connection to the One.
An Ordinary Day
By: Aloba
Date: 2002
Location: Meherazad
Time: 39 minutes
Aloba tells stories in Mandali Hall, Meherazad about his experiences and other mandali experiences with Meher Baba. There are stories of a woman’s prayer to be reunited with her son being answered, gambling house raids, and the circumstances that led to Aloba watching a hockey match. Of course, it would not be a talk by Aloba if there were no predictions of future events. Aloba predicts the future of Pakistan and India, future wars, and the reason for wars.
The Anamnesis of Grace
By: Charles Haynes
Bonus: Darwin Shaw
Date: July 1984
Location: Los Angeles Sahavas, Pilgrim Pines
Time: 45 min + 18 min of Darwin Shaw
In this question and answer format, Charles Haynes talks about some of his experiences with Baba. In 1958 Meher Baba visited the Meher Spiritual Center at Myrtle Beach. On the day Baba was to leave the center to see a film of the 1956 Tour, Charles stood by the Lagoon cabin and opened the door for Baba. After Baba got into the car, Baba looked at Charles and motioned for him to come with Him to see the film. Elizabeth Patterson was driving and Kitty Davy along with other mandali was also in the car. While driving to the theater, Kitty asked Baba about Charles’ parents who had separated. In reply, Baba put his two index fingers together and then separated them. Kitty then queried, “What about a father for the 3 children?” Baba pointed to His chest and then gestured, “I am their Father.”
In another memorable story, Charles invited Baba to his high school graduation, even though Baba was in India. Baba’s reply was “I am happy with your graduation from high school but I’m happy you are still with your aim to graduate in the love of the Highest of the High.”
One word that describes Baba is grace. Even though Baba was in pain, He could not hide His grace … His divinity. It was harder for Baba to hide His divinity than to show it. In 1962, Baba said “Do you have any idea how I want to break my silence?” Baba was so full of divine love at the East-West Gathering that when Baba gestured “I give you My love” … it was overwhelming. You could almost see the love come out of Baba. His gift of love is grace. No one is worthy of that. That’s why it’s grace. Grace is a gift … without obligation … undeserved. The tragic thing is that people try to get ready for His grace or maybe they never say they are ready because they feel unworthy. When Charles went to India to deliver Elizabeth Patterson’s ashes, he brought with him 9 students. After a month, one of the students had a block about Baba being the Avatar. He asked himself “Why am I here?” He could not believe he had the fortune of coming into contact with the Avatar. It’s good to remember we cannot be worthy. We can accept his grace and that makes us worthy.
In the bonus video, Darwin Shaw talks about Sahaj Dnyan (God’s company or presence) and trusting Baba. Dress your soul with Baba in the morning, noon, at 5:00 pm and before retiring. Do this faithfully daily and Baba’s presence will be with you.
Meherabad Historical Tour
By: Judy Stephens
Location: Lower and Upper Meherabad
Date: 1999 and later
Time: 143 minutes
Judy Stephens give a tour of Lower and Upper Meherabad. The DVD is divided into 3 parts: Tour 1, Tour 2, and Tour 3.
Tour 1 is 39 minutes and covers only Lower Meherabad. This tour is especially suited for those that have never been to Meherabad since it provides a look at the original pilgrim center offices, dining hall, courtyard, kitchen, bathrooms, staff quarters, in addition to the usual sites such as Men Mandali’s graveyard, New Dharamshala, Old Dharamshala, and Hostels. Tour 1 also shows the inside of the Spiritual Academy building and the Physical Education Center.
Tour 2 is 53 minutes and covers both Lower and Upper Meherabad. This is the tour Judy usually provides the pilgrims at Meherabad.
Tour 3 is 51 minutes and covers those parts of Lower and Upper Meherabad not covered in Tour 2. This tour includes, Mansari’s room, Museum room, the theater (aka Hostel A), Meher School, Archive Building, Library, Study Hall, Enquiry Office, and the main road.
Breakfast With God
By: Charles Haynes
Date: July 1993
Location: Los Angeles Sahavas, Pilgrim Pines
Time: 52 minutes
Charles Haynes met Baba as a boy in 1958 in the Lagoon Cabin in Myrtle Beach. Charles felt he was alone with Baba as everyone in the room receded from his vision. Baba was so expressive that Charles felt that Baba was speaking to him. Charles also met Baba in 1962. Charles was high with anxiety at this meeting because he knew he couldn’t take in as much of Baba as he wanted to. Baba grabbed Charles’ chin and shook it vigorously. It meant, relax, and don’t worry because Baba will give you exactly what you need.
Thus Baba has given Charles Haynes what he needed in this extremely insightful talk about what we can do to take advantage of the Baba’s availability: (1) Listen to Baba and (2) Nurture Baba
Listening to Baba takes trust and acceptance that Baba is speaking to us. Baba evokes answers from within and Baba is the one who awakens us to hear when He speaks. This awakening is what Baba worked for. It would have been easier for Baba to tell each person his/her destiny rather than to draw the answers from within each of us. However, the answers would not have meant anything if they didn’t come from deep within each person. Baba says, “Every moment I respond to all creation and being divine, my response is wholly from love.” We can work to listen to His response.
The analogy Charles uses for nurturing Baba within ourselves is the nurturing/caring the mandali gave Baba. If the mandali experience means anything, the mandali’s experience of nurturing/caring for Baba is the way Baba nurtured and cared for the mandali. Similarly our nurturing/caring for Baba is the opportunity and we want to mirror the way Baba nurtures/cares for us. Baba makes himself available to be nurtured. Baba has said He does not need us and He can do His work alone. But, He gives us the opportunity to nurture Him just like He gave the mandali the opportunity to nurture Him. It is no different now that Baba is not in the body.
Sweet Obedience
By: Meheru
Date: July 1993
Location: Los Angeles Sahavas, Pilgrim Pines
Time: 47 minutes 51 seconds
The theme of Meheru’s talk is Obedience to Baba. Meheru is the youngest of the mandali, and went to live with Baba when she was 16 years old. Meheru shares her observations and experiences regarding Obedience while living and traveling with Baba. In Baba’s words, “Obedience is greater than love.” With these opening words, Meheru first talks about Mehera’s obedience. Mehera thought obedience to Baba is most important. Baba’s last message to Mehera was “Not to worry and be brave.” Meheru saw Mehera living these words during the Last Darshan consoling women Baba lovers as they saw Baba’s body lying in the tomb, even though Mehera needed consoling the most.
Meheru shares an incident in Lahore, Pakistan of her failure to comply with Baba’s orders. In a movie theater a man with a large turban was sitting and blocking Baba’s view. Baba played on Meheru’s shyness by asking her to ask the man to move to an adjacent chair. Although reluctant, Meheru asked and the man moved, but now his turban blocked Mehera’s view. Baba asked Meheru to ask the man to move again. This time, Meheru could not overcome her reluctance and Meheru felt Baba’s displeasure! Fortunately, Baba forgave Meheru, but it was a lesson not forgotten.
Other stories captured in this video include Meheru informing Baba on other mandali’s activities, life in Baba’s ashram, memories of Kashmir, and the horse tonga story.
Traveler’s Talk
By: Eruch Jessewala
Location: Meherazad
Date: ???
Time: 41 minutes
Note for Charlie: When I am at the menu where I can select the Chapters, you do not have a chapter identified for the beginning of the video. Therefore I am not able to rotate back to the beginning of the video. “Espanol 1” is 6 minutes into the video and I cannot get to the beginning.
There are 6 different stories in this video. Each story is translated by Jose into Spanish.
Baba in Pandharpur with Gadge Maharaj. At the request of Gadge Maharaj, Baba visits Pandharpur to give darshan to the residents and to work with lepers. Gadge Maharaj announces to the crowd, he has kept his promise to bring the Lord to Pandharpur.
New Life in Dehra Dun. Eruch tells the story of Kumar’s dream and the cooking done by his family for Baba at Dehra Dun.
Pure ghee for sale. In their life of helplessness and hopelessness in the new life, the companions of Baba needed to work and earn some money. Some washed and ironed clothes. During the new life in Delhi, the companions create a company and make ghee for sale. Unfortunately they are unsuccessful in selling this high quality ghee.
A young Indian woman tells how she came to Baba. After an accident with a car on her scooter, an old man comes and tells her “This is not the way you ride … This is your life, you be careful.” Though the front tire of the scooter was lodged in the car, to her amazement, the old man easily picked up the scooter and set it aside. The old man disappeared as quickly as he appeared. The young woman thought the old man was Baba.
Devana Brown tells the story of a young Indian woman wearing a backpack and traveling on a bicycle. The young woman is hit by a car and lands on her back. Fortunately the woman escapes serious injury and the book she was carrying in her backpack was “God Speaks”.
I am always with you. Devana Brown tells the story of how a young Indian woman was saved by Baba from dacoits as she traveled home from work at night in a bicycle rickshaw.
Mast Stories
By: Eruch and Devana
Location: Meherazad
Date: 1999
Time: 58 minutes
Note: There is a lot of static on the audio and occurs when the speaker’s voice was too loud for the video recorder’s microphone.
Mast stories, because of the nature and definition of the word “mast” (souls who are intoxicated with divine love), remind me of the sweet delicate intoxicating fragrance of natal plum blossoms. Masts are mad for God and poles apart from the worldly mad. According to Eruch, the difference between mast and mad can be seen in their eyes. This DVD recounts mast/mast-related stories:
Eruch gets an electrical shock as Chatti Baba brushes by Eruch.
Eruch encounters the body parts of a ghous-type mast and believes he has been murdered.
On a train, Eruch asks a fellow passenger, if he knows the location of any masts. The passenger says yes, but also tells Eruch the root of all masts is Meher Baba.
Story of Krishna mast and his dramatic embrace with Baba.
An orderly at Bellevue mental hospital helps a mad scientist patient regain his mental balance.
A mast in an asylum who stands on his head, when asked why he stands on his head, answers: “If only I could. Tell me where I can stand where my lord is not?”.
A “How I came to Baba” story. A woman receives mail from a friend containing rose petals that were placed on Baba’s tomb. Her heart recognizes the scent, and she enters into a state of bliss.
The Coincidence of Sweetness
By: Professor Amiya Kumar Hazra and Eruch
Location: Meherazad
Time: 61 minutes
Professor Hazra, author of “Memoirs of a Zetetic”, is on the “hot” seat in the first 39 minutes of this video, sharing with pilgrims how he came to Baba. Professor Hazra had negative preconceived ideas about masters and swamis; and that the fear of death was the primal motivating force of religious worshippers. The professor was so skeptical that he thought vocal Baba followers were paid to stir-up interest in Baba … until he found out that one of the more vocal follower was extremely poor, so poor that his sandals were made from used tires. A series of coincidences slowly brings about Professor Hazra’s change in attitude toward Baba. In one instance, as a test of Baba’s omniscience, Professor Hazra prays to Baba for candy. Well, you can be the judge and decide whether what happened was due to Baba’s omniscience or just a coincidence of sweetness, but the Professor did get his candy.
In the last 22 minutes of this video, Eruch talks about Baba as the same Ancient One come again; and the process of how to “see” God as He really is. Once you get a glimpse of God, you will fall in love.
The Old Man Never Lets You Down
By: Hoshang and Havovi Dadachanji
Location: Meherabad Dining Hall
Date: 2001
Time: 59 minutes
Unlike some “How I Came to Baba” stories where a critical event occurs and Meher Baba becomes a focal point in the aspirant’s life, Hoshang and Havovi were slowly drawn to Baba. Hoshang’s uncle was Chanji Dadachanji (Baba’s secretary in the early years) and Havovi married into the Dadachanji family. Havovi was not a Baba lover in the beginning, and it took seven years to fully accept Baba. She felt pressured to see Baba at Guruprasad and made excuses not to go to Guruprasad every weekend. Hoshang knew of Baba at an early age and first met Baba in December 1943 in Lonavla at the engagement party for his older brother Nariman and Arnavaz. Even at this age, Hoshang recognized the radiance in Baba’s face, but it was not until about 1960 that Hoshang and Havovi were finally caught and drowned in Baba’s net of love.
Their experiences with Baba as the human side of God was so engaging that Baba constantly reminded the crowd, “Don’t forget, I am God”; and their experiences with Baba as the divine side of God taught them that Baba is honor bound to help and will never let you down.
Eruch Video Tape: Slave of the Beloved
Date: Oct 12, 2000
Time: 1 hours 2 minutes
Location: Mandali Hall, Meherazad
This video is a touching tribute to Eruch and occurred one day before Eruch’s birthday. It is truly delightful. This video is hosted by Gary Kleiner who is a long time resident at Meherabad and friend to Eruch. The theme is Eruch – Slave of the Master. The contents can be summarized as follows:
Gary retells a story of The Touchstone – a stone that turns anything into gold.
Wonderful monologue by a pilgrim in a lion costume acting as “Baba - The Lion of Love”.
Gary introduces his brother Jerry, and how Jerry came to Meherazad at Eruch’s invitation.
Gary Kleiner focuses on the theme of Eruch’s surrender to Baba and tells several stories. One story is of the time when Baba asked Eruch, “Do you love me?”. The other story is an account of the time when Gary asked Eruch, “Would you put a bullet in my head if Baba ordered it?
Aloba and Gary read the Hafiz poem about “Befitting a fortunate slave …”
Story of when Eruch thought he misrepresented Baba when Jerry Kleiner suggested more pictures of Eruch be on the walls of Meherazad.
Singing Happy Birthday to Eruch.
Eruch tells the story of when Baba asked the crowd “Give me your imperfections”.
Eddie Box presents a birthday gift to Eruch.
Gary Kleiner tells the story of Bilal, a black slave who was the first to voice the Call to Prayer.
Short 1956 film clip of Baba and Eruch in New York City.
Eruch blows out his birthday candle.
Eruch Video Tape in September and October 2000
Volume: Fair. Eruch speaking volume is low. Other voices are loud depending on their proximity to the microphone.
Dates: Sep 21, Sep 28, Oct 5, and Oct 12 2000
Tape No. 18A
The topics in the video recorded September 21, 2000 are:
Pilgrim asks Eruch if there is a difference between saying Jai Baba or Jai Meher Baba
Eruch greets pilgrims
The topics in the video recorded September 28, 2000 are:
Initially the video show pilgrims loitering in Mandali Hall prior to Eruch’s talks
Mehera Makeig talking about her recent hiking trip to Yosemite
Pilgrim named Brian tells his story of how he came to Baba.
Eruch tells how the book “Everything and the Nothing” got published.
Story of Gora
Story of the Jeweler and the Con Man
The topics in the video recorded October 5, 2000 are:
Pilgrim named Vijay tells of his dream that Krishna and Baba are One.
Young Indian girl retells the story of how Baba saved Bailey from committing suicide.
Story of Balu and “Castles in the Sky”.
Eruch tells a story about his Mother. NOTE: There is a blank spot in the section of about 15 seconds.
Vesta Clinton tells how she came to Baba.
True story told by Eruch of a woman who hears a voice say “I am here”. The woman takes a picture with a camera in the direction of the voice. The developed photo shows an image that looks like Meher Baba.
Story of Baba telling the crowd “Give me your imperfections”.
This video recorded October 12, 2000 is truly delightful. Since October 13 is Eruch’s birthday, October 12 was dedicated to celebrating Eruch’s birthday.
Touching tribute to Eruch by Gary Kleiner. The theme of the tribute is Eruch – The Slave of the Master.
Wonderful monologue by a pilgrim in a lion costume acting as “Baba - The Lion of Life”.
Gary Kleiner focuses on the theme of Eruch’s surrender to Baba and tells several stories. One story is of the time when Baba asked Eruch, “Do you love me?”. The other story is an account of the time when Gary asked Eruch, “Would you put a bullet in my head if Baba ordered it? Finally Aloba and Gary read the Hafiz poem about “Befitting a fortunate slave …”
Eruch tells the story of when Baba asked the crowd “Give me your imperfections”. NOTE: Eruch is hard to hear. Video abruptly ends.
Don Stevens’ God Speaks Seminar in Meherabad, Part 1
Time: 1 hour 21 minutes
Volume: Fair. The omni-directional microphone picks up other sounds.
Medium: VHS Tape 91
This is the first of a series of talks given by Don Stevens about God Speaks. This talk was given on February 15, 2002 at upper Meherabad. After an introduction by Ward Parks, Don identifies the three topics he wants to discuss for this meeting:
Importance of Internal Links. The 1954 message by Baba was the last message He gave using the alphabet board. The way to establish a link with Baba for new people is for them to follow Baba’s words.
Meditation. Don asked Baba why there were so many pages in the Discourses on meditation, when Baba never asked Don to meditate? Baba’s answer was that meditation was not necessary while the “Path of Love” was open to illumination during Baba’s manifestation and a little time after this. Don never heard Baba mention a time duration for the opening to the “Path of Love”.
Power of Baba’s Words. The power of Baba’s words are like atom bombs of spiritual energy. This is what Baba said and that working with Baba’s words, even though you don’t understand, will provide the energy that will be invaluable for spiritual progress.
There was a give and take of the audience’s experience reading God Speaks.
Mehera in Mid-1980s
Date: Mid 1980s
Duration: 52 minutes
Volume: Fair
Medium: VHS Tape
Comment: The image is not sharp on this video and the video is interrupted once with blue screen.
Mehera talks about her garden and about animals in this video tape. The video starts with a panning of the garden at Meherazad adjacent to the women’s porch. After a short talk about the garden, Mehera spends most of the video talking about animals. Topics are:
9. Poor soil at Meherazad
10. Baba gives Mehera a baby parrot.
11. Nepalese mina bird learns to say “Baba Darling”
12. Rabbits
13. Baba, cow, and dog
14. Bhooti
15. Mehera’s Father kills a snake
16. Mehera’s Father kills tigers for villagers
Date: December 1996
Duration: 69 minutes
Volume: Poor
Medium: VHS Tape
Comment: This video is not useful for the lending library.
There is a lot of time spent on Meheru greeting the pilgrims at the women’s porch. After that, Arnavaz, Goher, and Meheru each have separate conversations with pilgrims. There is a lot of cross-talk on the video because of the separate conversations so much of the audio is not intelligible.
Bernard Bruford and Najoo & Hiloo Kotwal at Meherabad
Date: January 6, 2001
Duration: 59 minutes
Volume: Good
Medium: VHS Tape #3047
Bernard Bruford is an Australian who grew up in a Baba family but did not consider himself a spiritual seeker. As Bernard was growing up in the 1950’s, he felt awkward and uncomfortable answering the question “Whose picture is that?” as a friend pointed to a picture of Baba. Bernard did not feel worthy but he met Baba three times : 1956, 1958, and 1962 East-West Gathering. Bernard was 13 years old when he first met Baba. What impressed Bernard in 1956 was Baba’s ability to pick out the people who came to see Him while Baba was being processed through customs at the airport. Later, confusion reigned on poor Bernard when Francis Brabazon gratefully accepted Baba’s orders which to Bernard seemed like a prison sentence. This tape offers the honest thoughts of a man who had the great fortune of meeting Meher Baba. Other topics in this talk are:
17. Bernard’s Father chauffeurs Baba in 1958
18. Bernard takes a picture of Baba in 1958
19. Bernard gets to pace back and forth with Baba
20. Bernard is intrigued with Baba’s ability to greet other people visually while lovers bows down to Baba
21. Bernard’s Father’s busts of Baba
Date: January 27, 2001
Duration: 61 minutes (45 minutes by Hiloo, 16 minutes by Najoo)
Volume: Good
Medium: VHS Tape #3047 (After Bernard Bruford)
Comment: Najoo’s talk abruptly ends. There is probably a part 2 on another tape.
Najoo and Hiloo are sisters and have known Baba from birth. In the first 45 minutes, you will be entertained by the numerous and humorous incidents experienced by mischievous Hiloo as a young girl and early adult. In Hiloo’s words “Life was wonderful when we moved to Meherabad. Baba was kind and gentle me.” The stories presented are:
1. Baba cures Hiloo’s stomach ache
2. Hiloo catches Baba cheating at card games
3. Naughty at school
4. Calamine lotion removes Hiloo’s face marks
5. Hiloo pesters Mohammed the mast for a wedding date
6. Cleaning Babuji the mast’s foot sores
7. Chased by Lucky the monkey
8. Scared by ghosts
9. Nursing Rano
The last 16 minutes of this tape is a talk by Najoo. Najoo is the older of the two sisters. Najoo tells a fascinating story of how her parents came to Baba. Najoo’s Father was a seeker of God, always going from sadhu to sadhu and place to place. He even saw perfect masters (Babajan, Narayan Maharaj) but was never satisfied. Narayan Maharaj told him to go to Meher Baba. When he met Baba, he felt he found his master! However as a seeker, he neglected his wife so much, that Najoo’s Mother was determined to confront Meher Baba and complain about her husband’s behavior. At this time, she was married 4 months and 3 months pregnant with Najoo. Najoo’s Mother told Baba, “You are the cause of my misery.” Baba replied, “I have not come to break families but to unite people.” Upon hearing these words, Najoo’s Mother was drawn into Baba’s net. What makes this story more incredible is Najoo’s Father resigned his job as a cashier at the Bank of India on the same day he was told of his promotion to bank manager; and he resigned before he asked Baba’s permission to stay with Him.
The talk by Najoo abruptly ends. Najoo’s talk probably continues on another tape.
Filis Frederick Tape at Los Angeles Sahavas
Title: The Kick and the Kiss
Time: 58 minutes
Volume: Good
Medium: VHS Tape
Filis expounds on her experience and understanding of what she calls “Kicks and Kisses”. Kicks are the experiences of suffering in life and Kisses are the experiences of joy in life. Filis explains the necessity of suffering: “Suffering is necessary to crack the nut of the ego.” Meher Baba’s answer to why there is misery in the world is because of the satisfaction of individual selfishness. Filis tells stories of her own personal difficulties (kicks) in life and how the disappointments in her youth prepared her for meeting Meher Baba.
This talk tackles a serious subject in a kind-hearted way and gives the viewer a larger perspective to life’s Kicks and Kisses.
Baburao Panlchaudra Gohille Part 3/3 Video Tape 3053
Volume: Fair to Good depending on location. Lots of background car noise in short segments.
Time: 1 hour
This is part 3 of the interview with Baburao Gohille who first met Baba in 1919.
The interview dates are September 3, 2000 and September 8, 2000.
There are 2 different locations where the interview occurs:
In Front of the Dhuni. Date: September 3, 2000. Interpreter: Najoo Kotwal and Roxannie Jesia. Time : 11 minutes. This is a continuation of the interview in Part 2. There were so many indications of Baba’s divinity … the way He looked and moved. Baba was radiant like the sun. After Baba went to the west, more people started knowing Baba. At that time, there were about 500-600 people living in Arangaon village. Najoo also describes the strong fragrance of roses in and around the Samadhi and the unusual disturbance of the soil inside the Samadhi after the internment.
Adjacent to the Table Cabin. Date: September 8, 2000. Interpreter: Roxannie Jesia. Time: 49 minutes. When Baba visited Arangaon during a festival, Baba would be carried on a chariot, just like the saint who, many years ago, came to Arangaon to break his fast. This saint appointed Baburao’s family ancestors to be the watchman of the temple. When disputes arose in the village, Padri would arbitrate these conflicts. Baburao’s daily practice is to take Baba’s name at 5:00 am. When he was in the Babajan School, the students would repeat Meher Baba’s name for about 30-45 minutes each day. When asked if he ever went inside the Table Cabin, Baburao says other boys spent time inside the Table Cabin but he was afraid to. It was enough for him to repeat Meher Baba’s name. After Baba dropped the body, everyone got a chance to carry the coffin Baba was in.
Baburao Panlchaudra Gohille Part 2/3 Video Tape 3052
Volume: Good
Time: 1 hour 56 minutes
Interpreter: Najoo Kotwal and Roxannie Jesia
The interview dates are August 30, 2000, September 1, 2000, and September 3, 2000. There are 6 different locations where the interview occurs:
Upper Meherabad. Date: August 30, 2000. Time: 20 minutes. This part of the interview is a continuation of Part 1. Baburao talks about the one and only time Babajan visited Meherabad. Babajan looked beautiful and all the students came to Babajan to pay their respects. Bhajans were sung for her and Babajan distributed sweets. Babajan left to shouts of Babajan Ki Jai!
Old Dharmashala building. Date: September 1, 2000. Time: 19 minutes. The Dharmashala was originally a military building and well maintained when the military owned it. After it was sold and given for Baba’s use, the Mandali cleaned and washed the building before moving in. Baburao identifies where the kitchen and sleeping quarters were for the resident Mandali in the Dharmashala; and where Baba slept.
Mandali Hall in Meherabad aka New Dharmashala building. Date: September 1, 2000. Time: 14 minutes. The original building was only half the size. An addition was built to its current size. The interview was interrupted for a few minutes while Mohammed the Mast came by for his usual exercise walk. The building was used to house non-resident Mandali and for darshan programs. People from Ahmednagar and surrounding areas would come for Baba’s darshan. Baba went around supervising activities and sometimes games were played. According to Baburao, Baba was very clever in these games.
Jhopdi Building. Date: September 1, 2000. Time: 13 minutes. Baburao states that Baba planted the Banyan tree near the Jhopdi and describes the bathing house that used to be near the Jhopdi.
Original Well. Date: September 1, 2000. Time 7 minutes. Baburao states there were a long line of bathing houses near the well and the Mad Ashram used to be located where the Buses are now parked.
In Front of the Dhuni. Date: September 3, 2000. Time 43 minutes. The location of this interview is under the Neem tree (which is in front of the Dhuni) where Baburao first met Baba. Baburao states when Baba came down from the Neem tree, there was a fragrance, like roses, all around. There was something special about Baba. People who were just walking by would prostrate in front of Baba as they went to work. Every afternoon between 4-6 pm, games used to be played. Every Saturday, films would be shown in a meeting hall across the street from the Dhuni. For Baba’s birthday celebration, food would come from Ahmednagar and free food would be distributed to the local people.
Davana Brown DVD at Los Angeles Sahavas
DVD with 7 chapters.
Time: 1 hours 5 minutes 29 seconds
Chapter 1 9:18
2 6:19
3 8:35
4 12:59
5 9:47
6 12:55
7 5:30
Volume: Excellent
Drawbacks: Jumps a couple of times (due to concatenation of different tapes)
I could not get to page 2 of the chapters. Page 1 has chapters 1-4. Page 2 must have chapters 5-7 but I could not access it.
In this DVD, Davana Brown shares her experience with Mehera. Davana starts the talk by stating “It’s wonderful to be a woman in this lifetime because women can get close of Mehera. Men couldn’t have tea, or sit next to Mehera, or show you how to wear a dupata. Through Mehera, Baba allowed me to have a glimpse of Mehera’s love for Baba” .
Davana met Mehera in 1971 on her first trip to India. Her first meeting with Mehera was on the veranda in Meherazad. Devana describes Mehera as lively and effervescent. “ We wanted to be in her presence because so much love radiated from Mehera. There was a stillness surrounding Mehera because she had only one desire … to love Baba more.”
This is a very articulate and loving expression of Davana’s personal, first hand experience being with Mehera. Davana witnessed the stillness and tears of Mehera as Mehera described Baba’s beauty and suffering
A Day In The Life Of A Pilgrim Video Tape 3002
Fred Stankus made this video with the intent of showing the activities of a pilgrim staying at the Pilgrim Center in Meherabad.
(4:35) This first scene shows the areas a pilgrim would visit upon awakening early morning at the Pilgrim Center. There are shots of the communal bathroom, the dining hall for early morning chai, Samadhi, and morning arti and prayer.
(11:36) Visit With Mansari – Mansari tells various stories:
Thief repeats the name of Ram to repent for his past actions.
Story of Baba instructing a follower to go to Rishikesh to contact a mast.
If you remember Baba, Baba will remind you to remember Him, even when you are in a coma.
(3:27) Scenes of the dining hall during breakfast, shower stall used for morning bucket bath, inside the bus going to Meherazad, and greetings by Eruch at Meherazad.
(10:09) Mani gives a talk in Mandali Hall about Norina. A second story is about Valu, a local woman disciple, and her humorous attempt at playing the role of a singer in one of Mani’s play’s performed for Baba.
(0:19) Fred Stankus shows his desk in his Pilgrim Center room.
(9:21) Greetings from the Mandali to the pilgrims coming to Meherazad are shown. Gigi and Fred get a hug from Mani. Greetings from Meheru, Goher, and Arnavaz at the women’s porch to the pilgrims.
(7:30) Eruch at Mandali Hall greeting and chit-chatting with pilgrims. The chit-chat goes for 6 minutes :15 seconds. (The volume is low.)
(2:15) Scenes on the bus returning from Meherazad to the Pilgrim Center.
(18:01) Greetings by Goher and Aloba to pilgrims arriving at Meherazad. General chit-chat in Mandali Hall. Talent show at Mandali Hall includes Fred singing the Manonash Calypso (good volume), 3 poems read by a pilgrim, and singing by other performers.
(49:32) Another visit by pilgrims to Meherazad. Scenes show Aloba greeting pilgrims. Greetings by Mani in Mandali Hall and stories by Mani:
Mani talks about her problem determining where sounds come from. (Volume on video is low)
The sound when Baba claps his hands cuts through all other sounds. Mani tells a story of a time when traveling on a train, soldiers were bickering with passengers and the situation was getting our of control … when all of a sudden Baba clapped. Everyone in the train compartment stopped and Baba gave a talk. After the talk Baba promised everyone tea and sweets at the next station stop.
Life with Baba was rich and full.
Story of Mani reading a circular about the breaking of Baba’s silence being written by Eruch and Baba tells Mani that Eruch doesn’t believe Baba will break His silence. This story is cut-off prematurely.
Mani talks about the song Begin The Beguine. (Audio is a little low) Baba asks her to sing the song for Eruch because Eruch has never heard the song. Mani likes the version of Begin The Beguine sung by Leslie Hutchinson.
Delightful story about the visit from an Australian girl prior to the dropping of Baba’s body. The girl came to give a letter to Baba from an Australian follower but because of her unusual attire, the Mandali thought she was a mastani.
Stories about Francis Brabazon. Francis’ one and only time drinking toddy. Francis plays the harmonium for the song Begin The Beguine and the Mani reads of one of Francis’ ghazals.
(about 6 minutes) Aloba in Mandali Hall. Aloba in his own way tells pilgrims not to chase other masters and to stay with Meher Baba.
Sam Kerawalla Video Tape 3039
Sam Kerawalla tells stories about Baba, Mohammed, and other perfect masters. Included in this video is Sam’s own story of how he was drawn closer to the Beloved through his own difficulties. Other topics included are:
In Poona, Baba used to hold meetings at the Fruit Experimental Station. One day, 2 Indonesian students came to meet the living Buddha. One of the students asked Baba for the meaning of the word “Infinite”. Baba answered the question in His own inimitable way.
Mohammed, in a conversion with the archangel Gabriel, asks how old he is.
Story of Tulsidas and his missed opportunity of receiving God’s grace.
A Slave’s love for Mohammed causes him to die of a broken heart when Mohammed drops His body.
Story of how Mohammed drew a family close to him. Mohammed helps a woman stranger by carrying her luggage/goods. During this activity the woman disparages a man named Mohammed, not knowing He is the one helping her.
Sarisacoti enters the spiritual path by following the advice of his slave: turn away from the world; keep the company of God; eat and sleep in moderation so that it does not become a barrier between you and God.
Baba in a playful mood tells visitors that he has given powers to Mani and Mani will answer any question.
Story of Vivekananda and Rama Krishna which emphasizes the doubting nature of mind.
While in a losing battle, Mohammed throws sand at the enemy army. The sand turns into a sandstorm and destroys the enemy.
Although in seclusion, Baba shows compassion to an old woman who wants his darshan.
A baby bird that was rescued a few months earlier, flies to Baba, lays its head on Baba’s feet, and dies.
An elephant garlands Baba at a circus.
Baba gives darshan and His nazar to Dr. Gadekar and family.
Krishna Nair and Sam Kerawall Video Tape 3040
Krishna Nair tells his stories of serving Baba since 1939, when he first met Baba. In this tape, Krishna provides glimpses of his caretaking experience with the mast Chatti Baba in Bangalore, Meherabad, and Ceylon. Krishna’s English is difficult to understand but his joy as he recounts his experience in service to Meher Baba is undeniable.
Topics in the Krishna Nair talk:
Krishna first meets Baba in Bangalore.
Krishna is caretaker for Chatti Baba.
Krishna wonders what sort of God Baba is, when Baba scolds Krishna for making small movements during night watch but Baba can sleep through Chatti Baba’s noisy tantrums.
Mast standing on one leg prostrates in front of Baba upon meeting Meher Baba.
Changi disobeys Baba by taking potatoes to Kashmir.
Baba scolds Krishna for pedaling his cycle against His orders
Krishna sees a spirit visit Baba
Sam Kerawalla tells timeless stories of Perfect Masters and Saints that reinforce the truth of God’s compassion and love; and of humanity’s struggle with its weaknesses (pride, anger, lust). These stories inspire us to hold onto Baba’s daaman. Topics are:
A Saint thanks God for satisfying all of his needs. When confronted by an observer about the Saint’s state of poverty, the Saint replies “Absolute poverty is my need and God has satisfied my need.”
Perfect Masters are a bounty for one and all.
Allegory of a stream of water that wants to cross a desert.
Story of a Master and a chest.
When you don’t have lust, you see people as just human beings.
Esfandiar Vesali and his cherry orchard.
Baba meets a yoga teacher and Baba teaches him you-go-I-come.
Rumi story of a man who bargains with God and his clever but greedy way of fulfilling his promise to God.
Baba asks forgiveness for his disciples eating berries without asking the permission of the owner.
Baba’s views on vegetarian versus non-vegetarian.
Baba consoles a Father who loses a daughter.
Tears shed in Love of God cleanses the inner being.
Story of Hassan and the beautiful girl.
Eruch Video Tape 3011
Krishna devotee dreams of Krishna and 7 colored river. Krishna states He and Baba are One.
Girl retells the story of Baba’s disciple Bailey.
King Balu renounces his kingdom and builds castles in heaven.
Young Eruch avoids Baba to play with friends.
Vesta Clinton’s story of how she came to Baba.
I Am Here! Woman takes a picture in the direction of the voice she hears. The developed picture reveals an image of Baba.
Baba wants your imperfections.
Baba answers the question: How can infinite God be housed in a human body?
Tex Hightower’s story. A boy from Texas, dances his way to the Avatar. Tex describes his first meeting with Margaret Craske and the difficulties encountered to keep his appointment with the Avatar. (Incomplete – video stops at his arrival to Myrtle Beach)
Eruch Video Tape 3008
Pilgrim describes how he came to Baba. He was influenced by Darwin Shaw and notices inner blocks are removed when making pilgrimages to India.
Moisha Kleiner (Father of Gary Kleiner) talks about his multiple escapes from death during World War II in Poland. A frightening first hand account of the atrocities inflicted on humanity and the resilience of the human spirit.
Bill LePage talks about the inner cables laid by Baba to Australia and about his spiritual search, which led to Baba. He describes his first meeting with Baba.
By: A. K. Kasthuri
Location: Los Angeles Meher Baba Center
Date: 1977
Time: 1 hour 43minutes
A. K. Kasthuri grew up in a Baba family. His grandfather in the late 1920’s knew K. J. Dastur who was a mandali member at the time. It was through K.J. Dastur, who later denounced Baba as a fraud, the Kasthuri family came into Meher Baba’s orbit. Baba went to Madras in 1930 and 1934 and visited the Kasthuri house. The stories told in this talk span the time from 1930s through 1960s. A few of the story topics are identified below. Note that although Mr. Kasthuri’s English is good, his intonation in some instances makes it difficult to understand him.
Dedication of the Meher Ashram in Madras by Baba
Story of an event during the 1953 visit to Andra where a boy after seeing Baba’s picture asks his parents to take him for Baba’s darshan.
Story about a tree planted by Baba in Madras in 1930.
In 1954, Mr. Kasthuri’s baby daughter’s fever disappears after Baba sees the baby.
Story about an event that happened at Rishikesh in 1934 that reinforces the adage “If the aspirant is not ready, the master disappears.”
Reading of personal correspondence letters with Baba
Faultless Alphabet
By: Charmian Knowles
Location: Los Angeles Meher Baba Center
Time: 1 hour 13minutes 37 seconds
This talk by Charmian starts with the showing of a 20 minute video of Meher Baba’s 1956 tour of America with a focus on his visit to California. (The video is not shown on this DVD.) Charmian then answers questions from the audience. The scope of this talk covers Charmian’s entire life with Baba. Due to time limitations, some stories are brief and others stories are more fully described (identified by double asterisks).
Picking up sea shells in Myrtle Beach
On the airplane with Baba returning to England in 1952 after the accident
Trip to Muir Woods in 1956
Visit by Baba to homes in California in 1956
Baba tells Ivy Duce thousands will come to the Sufi order
Singing “I’ve Got Spurs that Jingle Jangle Jingle” for Baba
How Francis Brabazon met Baba
Charmian’s first meeting with Baba
Charmian in a Saudi Arabian jail **
Charmian as watchman for Baba in a hotel **
Charmian eats eggs
Marguerite Poley
The chapters and menus are fine.
All I can say about the DVD is : Marguerite Poley recalls Baba's visit to Los Angeles and Meher Mount. Time: 55:19 Location: Meher Mount
Advent Slide Show
By: Adele Wolkins
Date:
Location: AMBCSC Los Angeles
Time: 38 minutes 51 seconds (exclude bonus material which covers the same slides except with Adele using the pointer stick.)
Adele Wolkins hosts this program at AMBCSC with slides of pictures she has taken over the years. There are pictures on Baba’s trip to America in 1956 and 1958, Baba House in Pune, Panchgani Cave in Tiger Valley, Guruprasad, and the Samadhi. Photos of people include Jane Haynes, Elizabeth Patterson, Carrie Ben Shammai, Ivy Duce, and Harry Kenmore.
The Daaman
Panel: Leatrice Johnston, Sam Kerawalla, Bernice, Ivory, Lyn Ott, Bill LePage, Adele Wolkin
Location: Sahavas at Pilgrim Pines
Date: 1983
Time: 45 minutes 27 seconds
A panel discussion on the meaning of “Holding on to Baba’s daaman”. Q&A follows after each panel member explains what “Daaman” means to them.
Bal Natu Video Tape: The New Life
Date:
Time: 61 min
Location: Meherazad
Filmed By: Tony Griss
In this video, Bal Natu talks about his experience about the events leading up to the New Life. This talks covers the period between August 1949 and October 1949. Although Bal Natu eventually did not physically join Baba in the New Life, Bal did sign the circular to be with Baba in the New Life, and made all arrangements including getting permission to leave his teaching job. As instructed by Baba, Bal Natu went to Meherabad penniless and with an identify card on October 5, 1949. During a meeting with Baba, Bal was asked if he played cricket. Bal explained he no longer played after contracting tuberculosis. On October 9, Baba relieved Bal of the New Life but had Ramjoo write down on the signed circular that Bal Natu previously signed, that Bal would participate in the New Life.
Eluding Illusion
Speaker: Henry Kashouty
Date: July 1988
Time: 50 Minutes
Location: Los Angeles Sahavas
The theme of this talk is about putting Baba first and the work it takes to put Baba first in our lives. In Henry’s words, “Our work is to try not to let a moment go by without remembering Baba. Stories of people who put Baba first have their inner life transformed. Baba is a mystery. So you get over the hump of ignoring the distractions in life and focusing on Baba.”
The most touching part in this video is Henry’s story in 1958 when Baba came to Myrtle Beach and ignored Henry. Because of Baba’s outward indifference to Henry, Henry had great pain in his heart; but because Henry’s character was to resolve his problems, Henry had the love and will to do the work and came to the conclusion that if Baba did not want to see him, then this is what Henry would also want. Once Henry surrendered to Baba’s will, Henry was on “cloud 9”. At this point, Henry did not care if Baba talked to him or sent him away because all Henry wanted was what Baba wanted. This is a story worth telling and retelling as an example of surrendering to Baba’s will.
The Quiet Mind
Speaker: Henry Kashouty
Date: July 1988
Time: 66 Minutes
Location: Los Angeles Sahavas
The discussion of this talk centers around Henry Kashouty’s understanding of a number of Baba’s words, sayings, and messages. During the Q&A, Henry shares his story of his first meeting with Baba in New York, 1956. Here are some examples of Henry’s understanding:
Baba says “Be cheerful”. Henry goes further by explaining if you are cheerful for any other reason than Baba, then you are doing it for the ego. Baba tells us to be positive. We must do it for Baba.
Conviction – Conviction is a gift from God and is given when the soul ready. Conviction means you already have the nazar of the master and to not have to be thrown from one extreme experience to another. This means you are removed from the path of impersonal karma.
Balance of heart and mind – The heart has to dictate the policy and the mind to implement it. An awakened heart is creative. Just saying hello is creative when the heart is awakened.
Remember Me – To think of Baba is to be desireless. Baba says put Me first. You hear the heart by remembering Baba. Anything that reminds you of Baba is good. Paradise is here by remembering Baba but we are distracted by other things.
Henry summarizes his understanding of Baba messages by saying Baba gave us one message: Remember me, Obey me, Love me, and Surrender to My will.
The title of this video comes from Henry Kashouty’s own practice of finding Baba within by quieting the mind.
Our Duty To The Beloved
By: Bhau Kalchuri
Location: Los Angeles Sahavas
Date: July 1985
Time: 68 minutes
Comment: At 42:47 into the video, there is some editing done on the video, and the audio went away. I had to switch to the other channel to listen to the audio. We need to put the audio on both channels.
A vibrant and passionate Bhau focuses on the topic “Our Duty to the Beloved”. In this talk Bhau identifies our duties as a Baba lover:
Stick to one master. Do not go to other masters once you have accepted Baba. Strive to become closer and closer with the master.
a. Story of the scorpion bite and the disciple seeking help from Baba and the 5 perfect masters.
b. Story of a pilgrim going from city to city seeking darshan from saints.
Remain focused on Baba.
a. Story of disciples going to a fair with a glass of milk with the condition they do not spill a drop of milk.
b. Story of disciples given a day of enjoyment with no restrictions and getting intoxicated.
Follow Baba’s wish.
a. Story of Bhau feeling guilty of receiving a banana from Baba when the other disciples were only getting dal and rice.
b. Story of Kaka giving orders to Aloba to walk the dogs and in return Aloba teaching Kaka English (even though Kaka know more than Aloba).
c. Story of Kaka’s heart attack and Kaka repeatedly slapping Bhau’s head.
Our duty is to please Baba. We are not to care about the opinions of the world but to care about pleasing Baba.
a. Story of Baba’s order to Bhau to eat well.
For each duty, Bhau has one or more stories related to the theme. The story I enjoyed the most was the one about pleasing Baba. In 1957, Bhau was told to go to Nariman’s house and to eat well. Meal time was with a group of people, and every time Bhau started to eat, Baba would make a comment about Bhau’s eating habits, Bhau’s eating manners, and in general making eating a miserable activity for Bhau. Bhau felt self-conscious with people staring at him and as a consequence, Bhau did not eat well. This went on for over a month. Baba, sensing Bhau’s frustration, offered Bhau some food, and an angry Bhau told Baba that he was not hungry. Baba reminded Bhau of the order to eat well, and Bhau’s disobedience to this order caused Baba much pain. Bhau realized his mistake and was given another chance at Guruprasad. At Guruprasad, with a large gathering eating together, again Baba poked fun at Bhau’s eating. This time Bhau continued eating. Baba continued His poking and Bhau continued eating. To an outsider, it would seem that Bhau disregarded Baba’s comments and not worthy of being Mandali. After everyone left, Baba told Bhau that he (Bhau) made Baba very happy!
Title: Being Brave
Date: Mid 1980s
Duration: 48 minutes
Volume: Fair
Medium: DVD
Comment: The image is not sharp on this video. Filmed by Fred Stankus
Mehera talks on her porch about her garden and about animals in this video tape. The video starts with a panning of the garden at Meherazad adjacent to the women’s porch. After a short talk about the garden, Mehera spends most of the video talking about animals. Topics are:
1. Poor soil at Meherazad
2. Baba gives Mehera a baby parrot.
3. Nepalese mina bird learns to say “Baba Darling”
4. Rabbits
5. Amusing story of Baba with animals in upper Meherabad. Baba would feed bread to a cow and a dog. The dog, being jealous, would try to chase the cow away. Instead of running away, the cow would run in circles with the dog not far behind. After a while, you could not determine who was chasing who.
6. Baba saves a puppy dog from falling into a steep ravine.
7. Snake story
8. Mehera’s Father kills tigers for villagers
The Avataric Orbit
By: Hoshang Dadachanji
Location: L.A Sahavas, Pilgrim Pines
Date: July 1996
Time: 1 Hour 6 Minutes
Hoshang is Changi’s (the first secretary of Baba) nephew and brother to Nariman. It was at the engagement party for Nariman and Arnavaz on December 21, 1942 that Hoshang first met Baba. Although Hoshang did not know Baba was God, he knew Baba was an extraordinary person. The second meeting with Baba was at the marriage in 1944 between Nariman and Arnavaz. Nariman’s opportunity to meet Baba increased after the marriage because Baba would stay with Nariman and Arnavaz whenever Baba visited Bombay. Hoshang was asked to drive the car in Bombay, with Baba inside, looking for masts. Baba’s kindness, compassion, and consideration appealed to Hoshang. For example, when Baba met Hoshang’s grandmother who was about 90 years old, Baba hugged her and was very loving to her.
In this talk, Hoshang goes chronologically through the years when he met Baba, (3 incredible weeks in 1954, Guruprasad days) and shares his memorable experiences with Baba. Stories include Baba’s comments on a yogi walking on water, “Juda loves me most”, rubbing his nose on the floor in front of Baba, Baba’s concern with people’s family life, and Hoshang’s impression of his first meeting with Mehera.
For the Sake of Love
By: Havovi Dadachangi
Location: Pilgrim Pines, 1996 Los Angeles Sahavas
Time: 57 minutes
The title for this talk was inspired by one of Baba’s telegrams urging His lovers to love Him more and more. Havovi Dadachangi, a long time lover of Baba, shares her story with us. Her Baba story starts in 1953 with her engagement to Hoshang Dadachangi. Havovi is Zoroastrian and she was named after Zoroaster’s wife, Havovi. Havovi did not know anything about Baba and the thought of God in human form was foreign to her. Havovi was not impressed before or after her meeting with Baba although Baba gave the sign of perfection after meeting her. She found reasons not to like Baba and would agree with people who openly slandered Baba. For example, Baba permitted smoking and her religion did not permit smoking (using sacred fire at the end of your lips is sacrilegious); Baba permitted marriage between caste and her religion did not. For seven years, Havovi would see Baba, not for love, but to keep harmony with her husband and relatives; and to keep an eye on her husband. When she met Baba lovers who described meeting Baba in dreams, she thought these people crazy. Havovi loved the women mandali, but did not understand their love and devotion to Baba.
Baba turned the key after seven years. There was no “Eureka” moment when Havovi suddenly loved Baba, but in the 1960s when she and her relatives went to Guruprasad regularly on the weekends to see Baba, her objections to Baba died and was replaced with love.
Other stories in this DVD include her sadra kusti story, novjote ceremony for her children, and other Baba related stories.
2006 Amartithi
Location: Lower and Upper Meherabad
Date: January 30, 2006
This DVD depicts the activities during the 2006 Amartithi. The following are some of the highlights in this video:
Short tour of the new Pilgrim Center including the murals and sculpture.
Prayer and arti at the Samadhi.
Interview with Ward Park
Dhuni on the morning of Amartithi
Excerpts of a few of the music programs
Scenes of pilgrims around the Samadhi
Amartithi Silence
How I Came To Baba
By: Bernice Ivory
Date: July 1993
Location: Los Angeles Sahavas, Pilgrim Pines
Time: 1 hour 9 minutes
This is the story of Bernice Ivory (an “old” soul according to Baba) coming to Baba. Bernice met Baba in 1956 but her story begins much before this event. It was actually Bernice’s sister Beryl who was the spiritual seeker in the family. Beryl would go from one spiritual group to another, and got Bernice into meditation. Beryl was constantly looking for something more, but Bernice was satisfied with her meditation. In 1952, Bernice’s Father obtained tickets from a friend to hear a talk by Norina Machabelli. Bernice’s Father got sick and of course it was Beryl that used the ticket and went to hear Norina. After the talk, Beryl was excited about meeting a spiritual master and asked Bernice if she would like to go with her to Myrtle Beach to meet Him. Bernice wasn’t like Beryl and declined to go, but Bernice noticed a difference in Beryl after she returned from Myrtle Beach. One day Beryl gave Bernice a picture of Baba. When Bernice looked at the picture, her heart leapt out and this scared Bernice, so she hid Baba’s picture in her husband’s dresser drawer. Later, Bernice attempted to read the Discourse on Love, but all she got was a headache, after reading a few paragraphs. Bernice was disappointed in herself for not being able to read the Discourse and wondered what was wrong with her? When Bernice met Beryl again, Bernice heard a voice in her head saying “Don’t read the Discourse until you are ready.”
This is just the beginning of how Baba captured Bernice’s heart. Bernice tells her story in an open and personal way, with humor, e.g., when she tells of jumping into bed and covering herself with bed sheets as a result of a Baba spiritual experience. Bernice’s story is fascinating yet down-to-earth. Her story is a reminder of Baba’s infinite ways of capturing the hearts of His lovers.
Bob Een Recital at Meherabode
By: Bob Een
Date: March 2006
Location: Meherabode
Time: 1 hr 6 minutes
Bob Een gives a cello recital at Meherabode. These pieces are inspired by Baba and by Bob’s longing. Some of the pieces were composed during a pilgrimage to Meherabad and debuted at the World Music Festival in Los Angeles.
Chapter 1
a. I Love You Forever
b. Struck By You
Chapter 2
Excerpts from Mass for Baba
Chapter 3
More Excerpts from Mass for Baba
Chapter 4
More and More
Chapter 5
You Break My Heart in Two
Cello Instrumental
Chapter 6
Excerpts from The Guest House
On Perfection
By: Charles Haynes
Date: July 1994
Location: Los Angeles Sahavas, Pilgrim Pines
Time: 1 hour 1 minute
The theme of this talk is Spiritual Growth. Charles shares his thoughts with us about Spiritual Growth and Remembrance.
Charles was 8 years old when he first met Baba in 1958 in the Lagoon Cabin. The first thing Baba gestured/said to Charles was “You have grown”. The idea of growing spiritually is important … but how? Baba told Charles to hold on His daaman, not with one hand, but with both hands. Baba said “Love has meaning”, “Obedience has more meaning”, and “Holding on to my daaman has most meaning”. If we hold on to Baba, we will automatically grow and change.
The elimination of the ego is Baba’s job, and not our job. Our job is to remember Baba with love. Remembrance is growth. Remembrance is waking Baba up. Remembrance is also a two way street … it begins the dialog between the lover and the Beloved, and is the beginning of our labor. A happy life is knowing that whatever happens in life, it is part of your growth. You cannot remember Baba without loving and serving others. Remembrance brings awareness which also includes more pain, but as a Buddhist teacher said, there is a difference between painful pain and joyful pain.
Our job is to grow spiritually and prepare for Baba’s next incarnation so that when we meet Him again, Baba will say to us, “You have grown!”
Cultivating Our Inner Life
By: Darwin Shaw
Date: July 1984
Location: Los Angeles Sahavas, Pilgrim Pines
Time: 1hr 15min
Darwin Shaw draws on his life’s experience to tell us about the many ways to cultivate our inner life. The inner life is about the spiritual aspect of life. The inner life is about becoming more conscious of spiritual life. Meher Baba has a name for this inner life … the involution of consciousness. Below, Darwin shares with us the ways to cultivate our inner life:
Practice Sahaj Dnyan to feel Baba’s presence. Sahaj Dnyan is the practice of “Dressing your soul with Baba” four times a day … when you get up in the morning, at noon, at 5:00 pm, and before retiring for the night.
Make a commitment to the spiritual life. Spiritual life is just like any other skill. You need to work at it and move forward. It doesn’t unfold by itself. Ask Baba for help and make an effort.
Trust Baba and leave everything to Him. Give Baba everything (suffering, pride, envy, hatred, pleasures, moods, etc.) and be free.
Try to stop wanting. Wanting is a statement of our incompleteness. We can discover our own soul if we stop wanting. We can discover our own completeness. Be content in Baba’s love.
Discover our own nothingness. Discover who we are and who we are not. We will discover we are nothing.
Don’t be reacting to Maya. Don’t be overly happy or overly depressed. Don’t swing with the pendulum of emotion. Be centered in Baba’s love. Love is giving and in the giving is fulfillment.
The Journey of Ten Tests
By: Filis Frederick
Date: July 1985
Location: Los Angeles Sahavas, Pilgrim Pines
Time: 47 minutes
The theme of the 1985 Los Angeles Sahavas is “Companionship”. In adhering to the theme of this Sahavas, Filis identifies 10 qualities we can strive for, as companions with Baba.
Obedience - Obey the Leader, i.e., obey Baba.
Accept Others
Don’t interfere in the family affairs of others. Be helpful but don’t meddle. Don’t give advice.
Cheerfulness
Diminish the Ego – reduce your anger and hate
Balance – Control negative emotions
Forgiveness – Forgive quickly. If you cannot forgive, look for the reason why you cannot forgive.
Determination – Have the goal firmly in mind. Have a roadmap and be determined to make the journey. Focus on the goal and stick to the leader.
Be Child-Like
Don’t Let Go the Hand of Truth – Discover who you are
Filis elaborates on these qualities drawing from her life experience and experience with Baba.
How I Came to Baba
By: Ann Conlon
Date: July 1986
Location: Los Angeles Sahavas, Pilgrim Pines
Ann Conlon’s story of how she came to Baba begins in 1956 when she first heard of Baba through Ginny and Liz Sadowski who had just met Baba two days before. When Ann saw a picture of Baba, she saw the kindest eyes she had ever seen. Ann completely accepted Baba as the Christ when she was told by Liz that Baba was the Christ.
In 1958, when Baba came to Myrtle Beach, Ann did not attend the Sahavas because she wasn’t sure she qualified since Baba’s instructions were that only those who loved Baba should attend the Sahavas. In New York, during the Sahavas time period, Ann had a vision of Baba standing at the foot of her bed in a pose that said, “Well, are you coming?” After the Sahavas, Ann told the Sadowski sisters about her vision which resulted in Ann’s first trip to the Meher Spiritual Center in Myrtle Beach. At the center, Ann had the experience of Baba’s love go to her and then back to Him. At this point, Ann knew she loved Baba and intensely wanted to meet Baba.
In 1961, although Baba was in seclusion, He opened a small crack and told His lovers they could see Him for one hour during a two week period. There were only 9 days left when Ann heard this news. Ann had no passport, no visa, and no money. Through Baba’s grace, all the obstacles of money, passport, visa, getting time off from work, and the logistics of getting from the Indian airport to the train station, and finally arriving in Pune were overcome.
Ann’s story is a timeless love story of the lover and the Beloved. It is a story of longing and yearning; of obstacles and the overcoming of these obstacles by the invisible hand of love.
The Beloved Within
By: Charles Haynes
Date: July 1993
Location: Los Angeles Sahavas, Pilgrim Pines
Time: 52 minutes
The theme of this talk is Baba Living in Our Hearts. Jesus said, “The comforter will not come if I do not leave.” The Christ leaves so that He can come. When the Christ leaves, it is the beginning of His living in our hearts. Everything Baba did while He was living was for His coming into our hearts after He drops His body. This video is about Charles Haynes’ story of how Baba left Myrtle Beach in 1958 to come to live in Charles’ heart.
In 1958 Charles said goodbye to Baba. At this meeting, Baba gave Charles a handful of candy and ordered him to eat all the candy by himself … Charles was not to share the candy with anyone. This order lifted the sadness and after Baba left, Charles wondered if Baba remembered him. As the days passed and this thought reached its height of despair, a letter came, written by Mani, that a film of the 1958 Sahavas in Myrtle Beach was shown to the Mandali and Baba pointed out Charles in the film to the Mandali. This taught Charles that Baba knows your heart.
During Baba’s seclusions, Baba would push people to find Baba in their heart, by saying “Do your best and I will be there to help you.” So Charles tried to find Baba in his heart. In the 1962 East-West Gathering, Charles wondered if the Baba he was going to meet again was the same Baba that was in his heart. Baba in Charles’ heart had been his companion since 1958. Charles was assured after seeing Baba’s hand while waiting in line, that the physical Baba was the same as his Baba companion in his heart.
One event at Guruprasad convinced Charles that Baba truly lives in our hearts. Charles asked Eruch permission to come to Guruprasad the following day early, before the buses arrived. Eruch said you have to ask Baba, so Eruch pushed Charles to Baba. Baba said yes, and gave Charles a kiss. The next morning, Charles walked to Guruprasad early and when he peeked through the curtain he saw Baba alone, already waiting for the people to arrive. Rano asked Charles to say good morning to Baba, and when Charles walked up to Baba and looked into His eyes, Charles knew that Baba Is and Baba was complete. Baba wanted Charles to know that He is the nameless One that lives in our hearts.
The Master’s Prayer
By: Meheru Irani
Date: July 1993
Location: Los Angeles Sahavas, Pilgrim Pines
Time: 27 minutes
In this video, Meheru expresses her feelings and shares her experiences with Baba and Mehera about the Master’s Prayer. 1953 was the first time Meheru heard the prayer and the depth of the words struck a chord in her. A few days later she was given a written copy of the prayer and felt compelled to learn it. At this time, Baba and the mandali were at Dehra Dun. Meheru learned and recited this prayer, in the atmosphere of Baba’s presence, since her bedroom was adjacent to Baba’s.
The importance of this prayer cannot be overstated since Baba participated in the prayer. Baba would stand up with the men mandali while Eruch recited the prayer. When Baba went to the women mandali’s side, Baba would again stand up with the women mandali while Mani recited the prayer. The Master’s Prayer was also recited at Guruprasad in different languages.
After Baba dropped the body, the woman mandali recited the prayer daily. The Master’s Prayer and the Beloved Prayer would be recited in the morning and the Prayer of Repentance would be recited in the evening. Meheru witnessed Mehera’s recognition of the importance of the prayer, as Mehera would make the effort to say arti even though her health declined.
Reciting the Master’s Prayer is a source of spiritual benefit and important connection to the One.
An Ordinary Day
By: Aloba
Date: 2002
Location: Meherazad
Time: 39 minutes
Aloba tells stories in Mandali Hall, Meherazad about his experiences and other mandali experiences with Meher Baba. There are stories of a woman’s prayer to be reunited with her son being answered, gambling house raids, and the circumstances that led to Aloba watching a hockey match. Of course, it would not be a talk by Aloba if there were no predictions of future events. Aloba predicts the future of Pakistan and India, future wars, and the reason for wars.
The Anamnesis of Grace
By: Charles Haynes
Bonus: Darwin Shaw
Date: July 1984
Location: Los Angeles Sahavas, Pilgrim Pines
Time: 45 min + 18 min of Darwin Shaw
In this question and answer format, Charles Haynes talks about some of his experiences with Baba. In 1958 Meher Baba visited the Meher Spiritual Center at Myrtle Beach. On the day Baba was to leave the center to see a film of the 1956 Tour, Charles stood by the Lagoon cabin and opened the door for Baba. After Baba got into the car, Baba looked at Charles and motioned for him to come with Him to see the film. Elizabeth Patterson was driving and Kitty Davy along with other mandali was also in the car. While driving to the theater, Kitty asked Baba about Charles’ parents who had separated. In reply, Baba put his two index fingers together and then separated them. Kitty then queried, “What about a father for the 3 children?” Baba pointed to His chest and then gestured, “I am their Father.”
In another memorable story, Charles invited Baba to his high school graduation, even though Baba was in India. Baba’s reply was “I am happy with your graduation from high school but I’m happy you are still with your aim to graduate in the love of the Highest of the High.”
One word that describes Baba is grace. Even though Baba was in pain, He could not hide His grace … His divinity. It was harder for Baba to hide His divinity than to show it. In 1962, Baba said “Do you have any idea how I want to break my silence?” Baba was so full of divine love at the East-West Gathering that when Baba gestured “I give you My love” … it was overwhelming. You could almost see the love come out of Baba. His gift of love is grace. No one is worthy of that. That’s why it’s grace. Grace is a gift … without obligation … undeserved. The tragic thing is that people try to get ready for His grace or maybe they never say they are ready because they feel unworthy. When Charles went to India to deliver Elizabeth Patterson’s ashes, he brought with him 9 students. After a month, one of the students had a block about Baba being the Avatar. He asked himself “Why am I here?” He could not believe he had the fortune of coming into contact with the Avatar. It’s good to remember we cannot be worthy. We can accept his grace and that makes us worthy.
In the bonus video, Darwin Shaw talks about Sahaj Dnyan (God’s company or presence) and trusting Baba. Dress your soul with Baba in the morning, noon, at 5:00 pm and before retiring. Do this faithfully daily and Baba’s presence will be with you.
Meherabad Historical Tour
By: Judy Stephens
Location: Lower and Upper Meherabad
Date: 1999 and later
Time: 143 minutes
Judy Stephens give a tour of Lower and Upper Meherabad. The DVD is divided into 3 parts: Tour 1, Tour 2, and Tour 3.
Tour 1 is 39 minutes and covers only Lower Meherabad. This tour is especially suited for those that have never been to Meherabad since it provides a look at the original pilgrim center offices, dining hall, courtyard, kitchen, bathrooms, staff quarters, in addition to the usual sites such as Men Mandali’s graveyard, New Dharamshala, Old Dharamshala, and Hostels. Tour 1 also shows the inside of the Spiritual Academy building and the Physical Education Center.
Tour 2 is 53 minutes and covers both Lower and Upper Meherabad. This is the tour Judy usually provides the pilgrims at Meherabad.
Tour 3 is 51 minutes and covers those parts of Lower and Upper Meherabad not covered in Tour 2. This tour includes, Mansari’s room, Museum room, the theater (aka Hostel A), Meher School, Archive Building, Library, Study Hall, Enquiry Office, and the main road.
Breakfast With God
By: Charles Haynes
Date: July 1993
Location: Los Angeles Sahavas, Pilgrim Pines
Time: 52 minutes
Charles Haynes met Baba as a boy in 1958 in the Lagoon Cabin in Myrtle Beach. Charles felt he was alone with Baba as everyone in the room receded from his vision. Baba was so expressive that Charles felt that Baba was speaking to him. Charles also met Baba in 1962. Charles was high with anxiety at this meeting because he knew he couldn’t take in as much of Baba as he wanted to. Baba grabbed Charles’ chin and shook it vigorously. It meant, relax, and don’t worry because Baba will give you exactly what you need.
Thus Baba has given Charles Haynes what he needed in this extremely insightful talk about what we can do to take advantage of the Baba’s availability: (1) Listen to Baba and (2) Nurture Baba
Listening to Baba takes trust and acceptance that Baba is speaking to us. Baba evokes answers from within and Baba is the one who awakens us to hear when He speaks. This awakening is what Baba worked for. It would have been easier for Baba to tell each person his/her destiny rather than to draw the answers from within each of us. However, the answers would not have meant anything if they didn’t come from deep within each person. Baba says, “Every moment I respond to all creation and being divine, my response is wholly from love.” We can work to listen to His response.
The analogy Charles uses for nurturing Baba within ourselves is the nurturing/caring the mandali gave Baba. If the mandali experience means anything, the mandali’s experience of nurturing/caring for Baba is the way Baba nurtured and cared for the mandali. Similarly our nurturing/caring for Baba is the opportunity and we want to mirror the way Baba nurtures/cares for us. Baba makes himself available to be nurtured. Baba has said He does not need us and He can do His work alone. But, He gives us the opportunity to nurture Him just like He gave the mandali the opportunity to nurture Him. It is no different now that Baba is not in the body.
Sweet Obedience
By: Meheru
Date: July 1993
Location: Los Angeles Sahavas, Pilgrim Pines
Time: 47 minutes 51 seconds
The theme of Meheru’s talk is Obedience to Baba. Meheru is the youngest of the mandali, and went to live with Baba when she was 16 years old. Meheru shares her observations and experiences regarding Obedience while living and traveling with Baba. In Baba’s words, “Obedience is greater than love.” With these opening words, Meheru first talks about Mehera’s obedience. Mehera thought obedience to Baba is most important. Baba’s last message to Mehera was “Not to worry and be brave.” Meheru saw Mehera living these words during the Last Darshan consoling women Baba lovers as they saw Baba’s body lying in the tomb, even though Mehera needed consoling the most.
Meheru shares an incident in Lahore, Pakistan of her failure to comply with Baba’s orders. In a movie theater a man with a large turban was sitting and blocking Baba’s view. Baba played on Meheru’s shyness by asking her to ask the man to move to an adjacent chair. Although reluctant, Meheru asked and the man moved, but now his turban blocked Mehera’s view. Baba asked Meheru to ask the man to move again. This time, Meheru could not overcome her reluctance and Meheru felt Baba’s displeasure! Fortunately, Baba forgave Meheru, but it was a lesson not forgotten.
Other stories captured in this video include Meheru informing Baba on other mandali’s activities, life in Baba’s ashram, memories of Kashmir, and the horse tonga story.
Traveler’s Talk
By: Eruch Jessewala
Location: Meherazad
Date: ???
Time: 41 minutes
Note for Charlie: When I am at the menu where I can select the Chapters, you do not have a chapter identified for the beginning of the video. Therefore I am not able to rotate back to the beginning of the video. “Espanol 1” is 6 minutes into the video and I cannot get to the beginning.
There are 6 different stories in this video. Each story is translated by Jose into Spanish.
Baba in Pandharpur with Gadge Maharaj. At the request of Gadge Maharaj, Baba visits Pandharpur to give darshan to the residents and to work with lepers. Gadge Maharaj announces to the crowd, he has kept his promise to bring the Lord to Pandharpur.
New Life in Dehra Dun. Eruch tells the story of Kumar’s dream and the cooking done by his family for Baba at Dehra Dun.
Pure ghee for sale. In their life of helplessness and hopelessness in the new life, the companions of Baba needed to work and earn some money. Some washed and ironed clothes. During the new life in Delhi, the companions create a company and make ghee for sale. Unfortunately they are unsuccessful in selling this high quality ghee.
A young Indian woman tells how she came to Baba. After an accident with a car on her scooter, an old man comes and tells her “This is not the way you ride … This is your life, you be careful.” Though the front tire of the scooter was lodged in the car, to her amazement, the old man easily picked up the scooter and set it aside. The old man disappeared as quickly as he appeared. The young woman thought the old man was Baba.
Devana Brown tells the story of a young Indian woman wearing a backpack and traveling on a bicycle. The young woman is hit by a car and lands on her back. Fortunately the woman escapes serious injury and the book she was carrying in her backpack was “God Speaks”.
I am always with you. Devana Brown tells the story of how a young Indian woman was saved by Baba from dacoits as she traveled home from work at night in a bicycle rickshaw.
Mast Stories
By: Eruch and Devana
Location: Meherazad
Date: 1999
Time: 58 minutes
Note: There is a lot of static on the audio and occurs when the speaker’s voice was too loud for the video recorder’s microphone.
Mast stories, because of the nature and definition of the word “mast” (souls who are intoxicated with divine love), remind me of the sweet delicate intoxicating fragrance of natal plum blossoms. Masts are mad for God and poles apart from the worldly mad. According to Eruch, the difference between mast and mad can be seen in their eyes. This DVD recounts mast/mast-related stories:
Eruch gets an electrical shock as Chatti Baba brushes by Eruch.
Eruch encounters the body parts of a ghous-type mast and believes he has been murdered.
On a train, Eruch asks a fellow passenger, if he knows the location of any masts. The passenger says yes, but also tells Eruch the root of all masts is Meher Baba.
Story of Krishna mast and his dramatic embrace with Baba.
An orderly at Bellevue mental hospital helps a mad scientist patient regain his mental balance.
A mast in an asylum who stands on his head, when asked why he stands on his head, answers: “If only I could. Tell me where I can stand where my lord is not?”.
A “How I came to Baba” story. A woman receives mail from a friend containing rose petals that were placed on Baba’s tomb. Her heart recognizes the scent, and she enters into a state of bliss.
The Coincidence of Sweetness
By: Professor Amiya Kumar Hazra and Eruch
Location: Meherazad
Time: 61 minutes
Professor Hazra, author of “Memoirs of a Zetetic”, is on the “hot” seat in the first 39 minutes of this video, sharing with pilgrims how he came to Baba. Professor Hazra had negative preconceived ideas about masters and swamis; and that the fear of death was the primal motivating force of religious worshippers. The professor was so skeptical that he thought vocal Baba followers were paid to stir-up interest in Baba … until he found out that one of the more vocal follower was extremely poor, so poor that his sandals were made from used tires. A series of coincidences slowly brings about Professor Hazra’s change in attitude toward Baba. In one instance, as a test of Baba’s omniscience, Professor Hazra prays to Baba for candy. Well, you can be the judge and decide whether what happened was due to Baba’s omniscience or just a coincidence of sweetness, but the Professor did get his candy.
In the last 22 minutes of this video, Eruch talks about Baba as the same Ancient One come again; and the process of how to “see” God as He really is. Once you get a glimpse of God, you will fall in love.
The Old Man Never Lets You Down
By: Hoshang and Havovi Dadachanji
Location: Meherabad Dining Hall
Date: 2001
Time: 59 minutes
Unlike some “How I Came to Baba” stories where a critical event occurs and Meher Baba becomes a focal point in the aspirant’s life, Hoshang and Havovi were slowly drawn to Baba. Hoshang’s uncle was Chanji Dadachanji (Baba’s secretary in the early years) and Havovi married into the Dadachanji family. Havovi was not a Baba lover in the beginning, and it took seven years to fully accept Baba. She felt pressured to see Baba at Guruprasad and made excuses not to go to Guruprasad every weekend. Hoshang knew of Baba at an early age and first met Baba in December 1943 in Lonavla at the engagement party for his older brother Nariman and Arnavaz. Even at this age, Hoshang recognized the radiance in Baba’s face, but it was not until about 1960 that Hoshang and Havovi were finally caught and drowned in Baba’s net of love.
Their experiences with Baba as the human side of God was so engaging that Baba constantly reminded the crowd, “Don’t forget, I am God”; and their experiences with Baba as the divine side of God taught them that Baba is honor bound to help and will never let you down.
Eruch Video Tape: Slave of the Beloved
Date: Oct 12, 2000
Time: 1 hours 2 minutes
Location: Mandali Hall, Meherazad
This video is a touching tribute to Eruch and occurred one day before Eruch’s birthday. It is truly delightful. This video is hosted by Gary Kleiner who is a long time resident at Meherabad and friend to Eruch. The theme is Eruch – Slave of the Master. The contents can be summarized as follows:
Gary retells a story of The Touchstone – a stone that turns anything into gold.
Wonderful monologue by a pilgrim in a lion costume acting as “Baba - The Lion of Love”.
Gary introduces his brother Jerry, and how Jerry came to Meherazad at Eruch’s invitation.
Gary Kleiner focuses on the theme of Eruch’s surrender to Baba and tells several stories. One story is of the time when Baba asked Eruch, “Do you love me?”. The other story is an account of the time when Gary asked Eruch, “Would you put a bullet in my head if Baba ordered it?
Aloba and Gary read the Hafiz poem about “Befitting a fortunate slave …”
Story of when Eruch thought he misrepresented Baba when Jerry Kleiner suggested more pictures of Eruch be on the walls of Meherazad.
Singing Happy Birthday to Eruch.
Eruch tells the story of when Baba asked the crowd “Give me your imperfections”.
Eddie Box presents a birthday gift to Eruch.
Gary Kleiner tells the story of Bilal, a black slave who was the first to voice the Call to Prayer.
Short 1956 film clip of Baba and Eruch in New York City.
Eruch blows out his birthday candle.
Eruch Video Tape in September and October 2000
Volume: Fair. Eruch speaking volume is low. Other voices are loud depending on their proximity to the microphone.
Dates: Sep 21, Sep 28, Oct 5, and Oct 12 2000
Tape No. 18A
The topics in the video recorded September 21, 2000 are:
Pilgrim asks Eruch if there is a difference between saying Jai Baba or Jai Meher Baba
Eruch greets pilgrims
The topics in the video recorded September 28, 2000 are:
Initially the video show pilgrims loitering in Mandali Hall prior to Eruch’s talks
Mehera Makeig talking about her recent hiking trip to Yosemite
Pilgrim named Brian tells his story of how he came to Baba.
Eruch tells how the book “Everything and the Nothing” got published.
Story of Gora
Story of the Jeweler and the Con Man
The topics in the video recorded October 5, 2000 are:
Pilgrim named Vijay tells of his dream that Krishna and Baba are One.
Young Indian girl retells the story of how Baba saved Bailey from committing suicide.
Story of Balu and “Castles in the Sky”.
Eruch tells a story about his Mother. NOTE: There is a blank spot in the section of about 15 seconds.
Vesta Clinton tells how she came to Baba.
True story told by Eruch of a woman who hears a voice say “I am here”. The woman takes a picture with a camera in the direction of the voice. The developed photo shows an image that looks like Meher Baba.
Story of Baba telling the crowd “Give me your imperfections”.
This video recorded October 12, 2000 is truly delightful. Since October 13 is Eruch’s birthday, October 12 was dedicated to celebrating Eruch’s birthday.
Touching tribute to Eruch by Gary Kleiner. The theme of the tribute is Eruch – The Slave of the Master.
Wonderful monologue by a pilgrim in a lion costume acting as “Baba - The Lion of Life”.
Gary Kleiner focuses on the theme of Eruch’s surrender to Baba and tells several stories. One story is of the time when Baba asked Eruch, “Do you love me?”. The other story is an account of the time when Gary asked Eruch, “Would you put a bullet in my head if Baba ordered it? Finally Aloba and Gary read the Hafiz poem about “Befitting a fortunate slave …”
Eruch tells the story of when Baba asked the crowd “Give me your imperfections”. NOTE: Eruch is hard to hear. Video abruptly ends.
Don Stevens’ God Speaks Seminar in Meherabad, Part 1
Time: 1 hour 21 minutes
Volume: Fair. The omni-directional microphone picks up other sounds.
Medium: VHS Tape 91
This is the first of a series of talks given by Don Stevens about God Speaks. This talk was given on February 15, 2002 at upper Meherabad. After an introduction by Ward Parks, Don identifies the three topics he wants to discuss for this meeting:
Importance of Internal Links. The 1954 message by Baba was the last message He gave using the alphabet board. The way to establish a link with Baba for new people is for them to follow Baba’s words.
Meditation. Don asked Baba why there were so many pages in the Discourses on meditation, when Baba never asked Don to meditate? Baba’s answer was that meditation was not necessary while the “Path of Love” was open to illumination during Baba’s manifestation and a little time after this. Don never heard Baba mention a time duration for the opening to the “Path of Love”.
Power of Baba’s Words. The power of Baba’s words are like atom bombs of spiritual energy. This is what Baba said and that working with Baba’s words, even though you don’t understand, will provide the energy that will be invaluable for spiritual progress.
There was a give and take of the audience’s experience reading God Speaks.
Mehera in Mid-1980s
Date: Mid 1980s
Duration: 52 minutes
Volume: Fair
Medium: VHS Tape
Comment: The image is not sharp on this video and the video is interrupted once with blue screen.
Mehera talks about her garden and about animals in this video tape. The video starts with a panning of the garden at Meherazad adjacent to the women’s porch. After a short talk about the garden, Mehera spends most of the video talking about animals. Topics are:
9. Poor soil at Meherazad
10. Baba gives Mehera a baby parrot.
11. Nepalese mina bird learns to say “Baba Darling”
12. Rabbits
13. Baba, cow, and dog
14. Bhooti
15. Mehera’s Father kills a snake
16. Mehera’s Father kills tigers for villagers
Date: December 1996
Duration: 69 minutes
Volume: Poor
Medium: VHS Tape
Comment: This video is not useful for the lending library.
There is a lot of time spent on Meheru greeting the pilgrims at the women’s porch. After that, Arnavaz, Goher, and Meheru each have separate conversations with pilgrims. There is a lot of cross-talk on the video because of the separate conversations so much of the audio is not intelligible.
Bernard Bruford and Najoo & Hiloo Kotwal at Meherabad
Date: January 6, 2001
Duration: 59 minutes
Volume: Good
Medium: VHS Tape #3047
Bernard Bruford is an Australian who grew up in a Baba family but did not consider himself a spiritual seeker. As Bernard was growing up in the 1950’s, he felt awkward and uncomfortable answering the question “Whose picture is that?” as a friend pointed to a picture of Baba. Bernard did not feel worthy but he met Baba three times : 1956, 1958, and 1962 East-West Gathering. Bernard was 13 years old when he first met Baba. What impressed Bernard in 1956 was Baba’s ability to pick out the people who came to see Him while Baba was being processed through customs at the airport. Later, confusion reigned on poor Bernard when Francis Brabazon gratefully accepted Baba’s orders which to Bernard seemed like a prison sentence. This tape offers the honest thoughts of a man who had the great fortune of meeting Meher Baba. Other topics in this talk are:
17. Bernard’s Father chauffeurs Baba in 1958
18. Bernard takes a picture of Baba in 1958
19. Bernard gets to pace back and forth with Baba
20. Bernard is intrigued with Baba’s ability to greet other people visually while lovers bows down to Baba
21. Bernard’s Father’s busts of Baba
Date: January 27, 2001
Duration: 61 minutes (45 minutes by Hiloo, 16 minutes by Najoo)
Volume: Good
Medium: VHS Tape #3047 (After Bernard Bruford)
Comment: Najoo’s talk abruptly ends. There is probably a part 2 on another tape.
Najoo and Hiloo are sisters and have known Baba from birth. In the first 45 minutes, you will be entertained by the numerous and humorous incidents experienced by mischievous Hiloo as a young girl and early adult. In Hiloo’s words “Life was wonderful when we moved to Meherabad. Baba was kind and gentle me.” The stories presented are:
1. Baba cures Hiloo’s stomach ache
2. Hiloo catches Baba cheating at card games
3. Naughty at school
4. Calamine lotion removes Hiloo’s face marks
5. Hiloo pesters Mohammed the mast for a wedding date
6. Cleaning Babuji the mast’s foot sores
7. Chased by Lucky the monkey
8. Scared by ghosts
9. Nursing Rano
The last 16 minutes of this tape is a talk by Najoo. Najoo is the older of the two sisters. Najoo tells a fascinating story of how her parents came to Baba. Najoo’s Father was a seeker of God, always going from sadhu to sadhu and place to place. He even saw perfect masters (Babajan, Narayan Maharaj) but was never satisfied. Narayan Maharaj told him to go to Meher Baba. When he met Baba, he felt he found his master! However as a seeker, he neglected his wife so much, that Najoo’s Mother was determined to confront Meher Baba and complain about her husband’s behavior. At this time, she was married 4 months and 3 months pregnant with Najoo. Najoo’s Mother told Baba, “You are the cause of my misery.” Baba replied, “I have not come to break families but to unite people.” Upon hearing these words, Najoo’s Mother was drawn into Baba’s net. What makes this story more incredible is Najoo’s Father resigned his job as a cashier at the Bank of India on the same day he was told of his promotion to bank manager; and he resigned before he asked Baba’s permission to stay with Him.
The talk by Najoo abruptly ends. Najoo’s talk probably continues on another tape.
Filis Frederick Tape at Los Angeles Sahavas
Title: The Kick and the Kiss
Time: 58 minutes
Volume: Good
Medium: VHS Tape
Filis expounds on her experience and understanding of what she calls “Kicks and Kisses”. Kicks are the experiences of suffering in life and Kisses are the experiences of joy in life. Filis explains the necessity of suffering: “Suffering is necessary to crack the nut of the ego.” Meher Baba’s answer to why there is misery in the world is because of the satisfaction of individual selfishness. Filis tells stories of her own personal difficulties (kicks) in life and how the disappointments in her youth prepared her for meeting Meher Baba.
This talk tackles a serious subject in a kind-hearted way and gives the viewer a larger perspective to life’s Kicks and Kisses.
Baburao Panlchaudra Gohille Part 3/3 Video Tape 3053
Volume: Fair to Good depending on location. Lots of background car noise in short segments.
Time: 1 hour
This is part 3 of the interview with Baburao Gohille who first met Baba in 1919.
The interview dates are September 3, 2000 and September 8, 2000.
There are 2 different locations where the interview occurs:
In Front of the Dhuni. Date: September 3, 2000. Interpreter: Najoo Kotwal and Roxannie Jesia. Time : 11 minutes. This is a continuation of the interview in Part 2. There were so many indications of Baba’s divinity … the way He looked and moved. Baba was radiant like the sun. After Baba went to the west, more people started knowing Baba. At that time, there were about 500-600 people living in Arangaon village. Najoo also describes the strong fragrance of roses in and around the Samadhi and the unusual disturbance of the soil inside the Samadhi after the internment.
Adjacent to the Table Cabin. Date: September 8, 2000. Interpreter: Roxannie Jesia. Time: 49 minutes. When Baba visited Arangaon during a festival, Baba would be carried on a chariot, just like the saint who, many years ago, came to Arangaon to break his fast. This saint appointed Baburao’s family ancestors to be the watchman of the temple. When disputes arose in the village, Padri would arbitrate these conflicts. Baburao’s daily practice is to take Baba’s name at 5:00 am. When he was in the Babajan School, the students would repeat Meher Baba’s name for about 30-45 minutes each day. When asked if he ever went inside the Table Cabin, Baburao says other boys spent time inside the Table Cabin but he was afraid to. It was enough for him to repeat Meher Baba’s name. After Baba dropped the body, everyone got a chance to carry the coffin Baba was in.
Baburao Panlchaudra Gohille Part 2/3 Video Tape 3052
Volume: Good
Time: 1 hour 56 minutes
Interpreter: Najoo Kotwal and Roxannie Jesia
The interview dates are August 30, 2000, September 1, 2000, and September 3, 2000. There are 6 different locations where the interview occurs:
Upper Meherabad. Date: August 30, 2000. Time: 20 minutes. This part of the interview is a continuation of Part 1. Baburao talks about the one and only time Babajan visited Meherabad. Babajan looked beautiful and all the students came to Babajan to pay their respects. Bhajans were sung for her and Babajan distributed sweets. Babajan left to shouts of Babajan Ki Jai!
Old Dharmashala building. Date: September 1, 2000. Time: 19 minutes. The Dharmashala was originally a military building and well maintained when the military owned it. After it was sold and given for Baba’s use, the Mandali cleaned and washed the building before moving in. Baburao identifies where the kitchen and sleeping quarters were for the resident Mandali in the Dharmashala; and where Baba slept.
Mandali Hall in Meherabad aka New Dharmashala building. Date: September 1, 2000. Time: 14 minutes. The original building was only half the size. An addition was built to its current size. The interview was interrupted for a few minutes while Mohammed the Mast came by for his usual exercise walk. The building was used to house non-resident Mandali and for darshan programs. People from Ahmednagar and surrounding areas would come for Baba’s darshan. Baba went around supervising activities and sometimes games were played. According to Baburao, Baba was very clever in these games.
Jhopdi Building. Date: September 1, 2000. Time: 13 minutes. Baburao states that Baba planted the Banyan tree near the Jhopdi and describes the bathing house that used to be near the Jhopdi.
Original Well. Date: September 1, 2000. Time 7 minutes. Baburao states there were a long line of bathing houses near the well and the Mad Ashram used to be located where the Buses are now parked.
In Front of the Dhuni. Date: September 3, 2000. Time 43 minutes. The location of this interview is under the Neem tree (which is in front of the Dhuni) where Baburao first met Baba. Baburao states when Baba came down from the Neem tree, there was a fragrance, like roses, all around. There was something special about Baba. People who were just walking by would prostrate in front of Baba as they went to work. Every afternoon between 4-6 pm, games used to be played. Every Saturday, films would be shown in a meeting hall across the street from the Dhuni. For Baba’s birthday celebration, food would come from Ahmednagar and free food would be distributed to the local people.
Davana Brown DVD at Los Angeles Sahavas
DVD with 7 chapters.
Time: 1 hours 5 minutes 29 seconds
Chapter 1 9:18
2 6:19
3 8:35
4 12:59
5 9:47
6 12:55
7 5:30
Volume: Excellent
Drawbacks: Jumps a couple of times (due to concatenation of different tapes)
I could not get to page 2 of the chapters. Page 1 has chapters 1-4. Page 2 must have chapters 5-7 but I could not access it.
In this DVD, Davana Brown shares her experience with Mehera. Davana starts the talk by stating “It’s wonderful to be a woman in this lifetime because women can get close of Mehera. Men couldn’t have tea, or sit next to Mehera, or show you how to wear a dupata. Through Mehera, Baba allowed me to have a glimpse of Mehera’s love for Baba” .
Davana met Mehera in 1971 on her first trip to India. Her first meeting with Mehera was on the veranda in Meherazad. Devana describes Mehera as lively and effervescent. “ We wanted to be in her presence because so much love radiated from Mehera. There was a stillness surrounding Mehera because she had only one desire … to love Baba more.”
This is a very articulate and loving expression of Davana’s personal, first hand experience being with Mehera. Davana witnessed the stillness and tears of Mehera as Mehera described Baba’s beauty and suffering
A Day In The Life Of A Pilgrim Video Tape 3002
Fred Stankus made this video with the intent of showing the activities of a pilgrim staying at the Pilgrim Center in Meherabad.
(4:35) This first scene shows the areas a pilgrim would visit upon awakening early morning at the Pilgrim Center. There are shots of the communal bathroom, the dining hall for early morning chai, Samadhi, and morning arti and prayer.
(11:36) Visit With Mansari – Mansari tells various stories:
Thief repeats the name of Ram to repent for his past actions.
Story of Baba instructing a follower to go to Rishikesh to contact a mast.
If you remember Baba, Baba will remind you to remember Him, even when you are in a coma.
(3:27) Scenes of the dining hall during breakfast, shower stall used for morning bucket bath, inside the bus going to Meherazad, and greetings by Eruch at Meherazad.
(10:09) Mani gives a talk in Mandali Hall about Norina. A second story is about Valu, a local woman disciple, and her humorous attempt at playing the role of a singer in one of Mani’s play’s performed for Baba.
(0:19) Fred Stankus shows his desk in his Pilgrim Center room.
(9:21) Greetings from the Mandali to the pilgrims coming to Meherazad are shown. Gigi and Fred get a hug from Mani. Greetings from Meheru, Goher, and Arnavaz at the women’s porch to the pilgrims.
(7:30) Eruch at Mandali Hall greeting and chit-chatting with pilgrims. The chit-chat goes for 6 minutes :15 seconds. (The volume is low.)
(2:15) Scenes on the bus returning from Meherazad to the Pilgrim Center.
(18:01) Greetings by Goher and Aloba to pilgrims arriving at Meherazad. General chit-chat in Mandali Hall. Talent show at Mandali Hall includes Fred singing the Manonash Calypso (good volume), 3 poems read by a pilgrim, and singing by other performers.
(49:32) Another visit by pilgrims to Meherazad. Scenes show Aloba greeting pilgrims. Greetings by Mani in Mandali Hall and stories by Mani:
Mani talks about her problem determining where sounds come from. (Volume on video is low)
The sound when Baba claps his hands cuts through all other sounds. Mani tells a story of a time when traveling on a train, soldiers were bickering with passengers and the situation was getting our of control … when all of a sudden Baba clapped. Everyone in the train compartment stopped and Baba gave a talk. After the talk Baba promised everyone tea and sweets at the next station stop.
Life with Baba was rich and full.
Story of Mani reading a circular about the breaking of Baba’s silence being written by Eruch and Baba tells Mani that Eruch doesn’t believe Baba will break His silence. This story is cut-off prematurely.
Mani talks about the song Begin The Beguine. (Audio is a little low) Baba asks her to sing the song for Eruch because Eruch has never heard the song. Mani likes the version of Begin The Beguine sung by Leslie Hutchinson.
Delightful story about the visit from an Australian girl prior to the dropping of Baba’s body. The girl came to give a letter to Baba from an Australian follower but because of her unusual attire, the Mandali thought she was a mastani.
Stories about Francis Brabazon. Francis’ one and only time drinking toddy. Francis plays the harmonium for the song Begin The Beguine and the Mani reads of one of Francis’ ghazals.
(about 6 minutes) Aloba in Mandali Hall. Aloba in his own way tells pilgrims not to chase other masters and to stay with Meher Baba.
Sam Kerawalla Video Tape 3039
Sam Kerawalla tells stories about Baba, Mohammed, and other perfect masters. Included in this video is Sam’s own story of how he was drawn closer to the Beloved through his own difficulties. Other topics included are:
In Poona, Baba used to hold meetings at the Fruit Experimental Station. One day, 2 Indonesian students came to meet the living Buddha. One of the students asked Baba for the meaning of the word “Infinite”. Baba answered the question in His own inimitable way.
Mohammed, in a conversion with the archangel Gabriel, asks how old he is.
Story of Tulsidas and his missed opportunity of receiving God’s grace.
A Slave’s love for Mohammed causes him to die of a broken heart when Mohammed drops His body.
Story of how Mohammed drew a family close to him. Mohammed helps a woman stranger by carrying her luggage/goods. During this activity the woman disparages a man named Mohammed, not knowing He is the one helping her.
Sarisacoti enters the spiritual path by following the advice of his slave: turn away from the world; keep the company of God; eat and sleep in moderation so that it does not become a barrier between you and God.
Baba in a playful mood tells visitors that he has given powers to Mani and Mani will answer any question.
Story of Vivekananda and Rama Krishna which emphasizes the doubting nature of mind.
While in a losing battle, Mohammed throws sand at the enemy army. The sand turns into a sandstorm and destroys the enemy.
Although in seclusion, Baba shows compassion to an old woman who wants his darshan.
A baby bird that was rescued a few months earlier, flies to Baba, lays its head on Baba’s feet, and dies.
An elephant garlands Baba at a circus.
Baba gives darshan and His nazar to Dr. Gadekar and family.
Krishna Nair and Sam Kerawall Video Tape 3040
Krishna Nair tells his stories of serving Baba since 1939, when he first met Baba. In this tape, Krishna provides glimpses of his caretaking experience with the mast Chatti Baba in Bangalore, Meherabad, and Ceylon. Krishna’s English is difficult to understand but his joy as he recounts his experience in service to Meher Baba is undeniable.
Topics in the Krishna Nair talk:
Krishna first meets Baba in Bangalore.
Krishna is caretaker for Chatti Baba.
Krishna wonders what sort of God Baba is, when Baba scolds Krishna for making small movements during night watch but Baba can sleep through Chatti Baba’s noisy tantrums.
Mast standing on one leg prostrates in front of Baba upon meeting Meher Baba.
Changi disobeys Baba by taking potatoes to Kashmir.
Baba scolds Krishna for pedaling his cycle against His orders
Krishna sees a spirit visit Baba
Sam Kerawalla tells timeless stories of Perfect Masters and Saints that reinforce the truth of God’s compassion and love; and of humanity’s struggle with its weaknesses (pride, anger, lust). These stories inspire us to hold onto Baba’s daaman. Topics are:
A Saint thanks God for satisfying all of his needs. When confronted by an observer about the Saint’s state of poverty, the Saint replies “Absolute poverty is my need and God has satisfied my need.”
Perfect Masters are a bounty for one and all.
Allegory of a stream of water that wants to cross a desert.
Story of a Master and a chest.
When you don’t have lust, you see people as just human beings.
Esfandiar Vesali and his cherry orchard.
Baba meets a yoga teacher and Baba teaches him you-go-I-come.
Rumi story of a man who bargains with God and his clever but greedy way of fulfilling his promise to God.
Baba asks forgiveness for his disciples eating berries without asking the permission of the owner.
Baba’s views on vegetarian versus non-vegetarian.
Baba consoles a Father who loses a daughter.
Tears shed in Love of God cleanses the inner being.
Story of Hassan and the beautiful girl.
Eruch Video Tape 3011
Krishna devotee dreams of Krishna and 7 colored river. Krishna states He and Baba are One.
Girl retells the story of Baba’s disciple Bailey.
King Balu renounces his kingdom and builds castles in heaven.
Young Eruch avoids Baba to play with friends.
Vesta Clinton’s story of how she came to Baba.
I Am Here! Woman takes a picture in the direction of the voice she hears. The developed picture reveals an image of Baba.
Baba wants your imperfections.
Baba answers the question: How can infinite God be housed in a human body?
Tex Hightower’s story. A boy from Texas, dances his way to the Avatar. Tex describes his first meeting with Margaret Craske and the difficulties encountered to keep his appointment with the Avatar. (Incomplete – video stops at his arrival to Myrtle Beach)
Eruch Video Tape 3008
Pilgrim describes how he came to Baba. He was influenced by Darwin Shaw and notices inner blocks are removed when making pilgrimages to India.
Moisha Kleiner (Father of Gary Kleiner) talks about his multiple escapes from death during World War II in Poland. A frightening first hand account of the atrocities inflicted on humanity and the resilience of the human spirit.
Bill LePage talks about the inner cables laid by Baba to Australia and about his spiritual search, which led to Baba. He describes his first meeting with Baba.
TITLES WITH REVIEWS
Baburao Panlchaudra Gohille 2
Baburao Panlchaudra Gohille 3
The Kick and the Kiss
Bernard Bruford and Najoo & Hiloo Kotwal
Mehera in Mid-1980s
Don Stevens God Speaks Seminar Part 1
Eruch Video Tape in September and October 2000
Eruch Video Tape: Slave of the Beloved
The Old Man Never Lets You Down
The Coincidence of Sweetness
Mast Stories
Traveler’s Talk
Sweet Obedience
Breakfast With God
Meherabad Historical Tour
The Anamnesis of Grace
An Ordinary Day
The Master’s Prayer
The Beloved Within
How I Came to Baba
The Journey of Ten Tests
Cultivating Our Inner Life
On Perfection
Bob Een Recital at Meherabode
How I Came To Baba
2006 Amartithi
For the Sake of Love Page 27
The Avataric Orbit
Being Brave
Our Duty To The Beloved Page 36
The Treacherous Mind
The Quiet Mind
Eluding Illusion
Nothing Fades
Gnostic Ocean
Dear God
Demystifying Death
Enchantments of Worry
The Best of Jangoo
Meher Baba’s 1956 World Tour Page 46
The Pillow Book
Faster Than Lightning
Lord Meher
Avataric Game and Inner Self
The Price of Admission
A Day In The Life Of A Pilgrim
Aloba at Pilgrim Center
Video Tape 3006
Our Friend Freiny is Here