MQhQr Baba Australia Australia

'The Stealer of Hearts'

Karl Gallagher

I had not done a Baba painting paintings of Baba and in August since 1968. 1990 I sent over the Stealer of In 1988 when I visited Hearts. The following month I got /Meherazad I had with a letter from Mani saying that they me a handful of photos of some of were delighted with the painting my Baba paintings and showed and that Goher was having it them to Mani who expressed framed ready for hanging. Since delight at my work. As much as I the early eighties I haven't done felt wonderful at Mani's reaction, Baba paintings for myself but only what happened later lifted my do them on commission from spirits beyond expectation. Mani Baba lovers. Having a painting suggested that I show Mehera the hanging at Meherazad has meant photo of'The Stealer of Hearts' so much to me and has sustained and that day when Mehera came me through dark times. Jai Baba. out on the verandah Mani brought [As Karl has mentioned, he only it to her attention. Mehera took paints on commission. If you would the photo in her hands and looked like more information, please contact 'The Stealer ofHearts' 1982 at it for a minute or two and then him by email at said to me 'You are a very strong hukarlos@ hotmail.com The painting of Baba that has painter', and then she lovingly or by mail at Unit 9, 244 Gladstone become known as 'The Stealer of kissed the photo (of the Baba Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102 - Ed.] Hearts' hangs on the wall at the painting) before handing it back to end of the verandah at Meherazad, me. I was over the moon. next to the Blue Bus. It was Some years painted in 1982 along with several previous to this other paintings of Baba, and was Eruch had told prompted by an American Baba me that there lover, that I had met when I visited has always been ff' India for the first time in 1982. He a space reserved commissioned me to do a painting at Meherazad for him on my return to Australia. for one of my

'Eruch, Baba and Agnes Barren at Ojai'2001 'Baba and a group'1983 June — August 2002

Heroines of the Path

Baba's work with women in the west

Filis Frederick In the early twenties, Meher Baba as various types of metaphysics. To predicted His work in the West be drawn to these soul-companions would be done by women, and in this way was already a touch of the the East by men. And so it has New Age awakening fostered by proved, for several decades, both in Baba. I shall always be grateful to Europe and America. The stongest these three women,for living and personalities and the hardest working with them prepared me in a workers have largely been women, very special way for meeting the especially those He contacted Avatar. I cleared away some during His trips to the West in the personal karma and learned some thirties. Baba said, before He left very valuable lessons in how to be India for die first time in 1931, that with a super-conscious Being like He had to contact all the Western Baba. In the West we grow up with members of His Circle* before the so many misconceptions about the Second World War. spiritual path. One learns, with the I first met Baba's "trio". Princess Avatar, Who is so unique in His way Norina Matcbabelli, Countess of working, to throw most of these Nadine Tolstoy and Mrs. Kenneth out the window. (Elizabeth) Patterson in New York Filis at Avatar's Abode, early 1980s. Later on, I met other outstanding City in 1948. At the end of their stay women disciples of the Master, in India in 1941, Baba bad sent gold room, who said to me some of whom Baba had declared them West to work together to "Attendez le Maitre Parfait." And were in His Circle: — Margaret "spread His message of love and again I had a waking vision of a Craske, Ruano Bogislav, Kim truth." They lived together in a woman in a large blue car who Tolhurst,Jean Adriel, Delia De duplex on East 67th Street. Norina beckoned me to join her, — then we Leon, Hedi Mertens, Kitty Davy gave the public talks on Baba, seemed to ride off on a spiral road and Rano Gayley. Nadine welcomed individual into the sky! It was only a few weeks Murshida Rabia Martin, head of seekers, and Elizabeth quietiy paid later that I very mysteriously got an the Inyat Khan Sufi order, came to the bills. They were a unique blend invitation to hear Princess stay with us for many months, having of talent, temperament and Matchabelli speak on "Love is the heard about Baba on Norina's nationality. Nadine was Russian, Solution" at a nearby hotel. There I lecture tour to the West Coast, as Norina Italian, Elizabeth American. met the other two and recognized had Mildred Kyle in Seattle. Rabia When I met them I felt they were them instandy. Nadine had the declared Baba was the "Kutub" of old and dear connections and bright blue eyes and white hair, the Age and went back to announce became so close to them I was Elizabeth I found out later, had been this to her group. Mildred Kyle, who invited to live with them, which I did Baba's chauffeur many times, — for had been President of her from 1944 to late 1946, when Baba example, on the blue bus tours. And Theosophy Lodge for almost 40 recalled Elizabeth and Norina to Norina wore her fashion trademark, years, did the same thing. Later India,just before the "New Life." a white turban (Baba had predicted Rabia's successor. Ivy Diice, came to Nadine had already passed away. that one of the Western women in visit us to learn more about Baba. Actually, I had met all tliree His Circle would wear a white Both Ivy and Mildred brought many women "inwardly" before I even turban). precious souls to Baba, as did die knew of their existence, or dieir I mention tliese unusual other women I mentioned above. Master, Meher Baba. I had seen a experiences because it was Baba's Why did Baba choose women for "vision" of a strikingly beautiful way of working with me in His main work in the West? A good woman in a white turban fastened by particular; for I have always paid question. A clue may be found in a square amethyst, with handsome attention to my dieanis and visions, Baba's statement that in the East it is dark eyes that looked into mine. I they had great meaning in my own the men who are spiritual, and in development. I had studied Jungian had dreamed of a white-haired, blue- Continued on page 4 eyed lady in a beautiful white and and Freudian dream analysis as well Meher Baba Australia

Continued from page 3 the West, it is the women. He also Kitty Davy had said Eastern souls were now being incarnated in the West and vice versa. I also feel it is of great significance that Mehera, Baba's female counterpart, shared the suffering of His accident in America in 1952, and that it might symbolize a breakthrough for women everywhere, but especially in the West At least since the "Age of Enlightenment" — enlightenment by reason, of course, — it has been easier for women in the West to be "religious", as faith leans more on intuition than on reason. The West for so long, has emphasized the rational or "left brain" activity, supposedly the province of men, that the intuitive or "right brain" Kitty Davy at functioning has been left to women, Myrtle Beach on her 100th birthday often in a derogatory way. So perhaps it was easier in the thirties, when the skeptical rationalism of Freud, Marx, Wittgenstein, Russell, etc., (all men!) was the first Western Meredith and the group he had dominated our thinking, for a group country visited by the Avatar of the drawn together carried them out and of Western women to step outside Age, and 13-2 Russell Road, Kitty's home was chosen for His first of conventional religious roles and Kensington, London, home of Kitty visit. follow an "Eastern guru" who Davy, was the first place He stayed. That very first evening under the emphasized the way of the heart The year was 1931, eight years same roof with the Master, Kitty Baba certainly put some of them to before World War II, the same year together with her brother Herbert the acid test In 1933 He invited a Gandhi first visited England. In fact, and Margaret Craske, fell under the number of women and girls to join he and Baba arrived on the very spell of the Beloved. She was one of Him in India, supposedly "for same boat, the "Rajputana,* at those who saw Him alone that good," only to send them back Marseilles, September 11. Gandhi's evening: home in a few weeks to face a blast mission was the liberation of India, "I was impressed with Baba's long of publicity from the yellow Baba's mission was, of course, the hair and His kindly face and journalists. liberation of mankind, with as His manner. My eyes filled with tears. I It's time to get acquainted with target on this first trip to the West, a spoke to Him only of my brother, some of these miusual women. They group of very special souls. who was so soon to depart for have been so devoted to Baba, It was an attack of pleurisy that led China. Baba said not to worry. He however, that they have played down the young piano teacher to visit was sending Llerbert for Llis work." their lives previous to meeting Him, Meredith Starr's retreat at East Margaret told her that in the and "hard" facts are hard to collect Challacombe, N. Devonshire, and middle of the night she had jumped Therefore I emphasize my own so hear of Meher Baha for the first up from tlie floor and going to her reminiscences. time. Her brotlier Herbert had bed, shook Margaret awake. discovered this retreat through an ad Margaret said,"What is the matter? * See the Discourses, Vol. HI; The Path of in "Light," a metaphysical journal. Anything wrong? Why are you Love, p. 17; How A Master Works, p. 451. On July 17, 1931, came Baba's cable weeping!*" Kitty replied,"He is so from THE AWAKENER,Volume XX, to Meredith,"Love calls Me to the wonderful, so lovely." In the Number Two, Pages 12 &14, West. Make preparations." morning, she had no recollection of Fills Frederick Editor June — August 2002

East Challacombe, Devonshire, England, April 1932. Left to Right — unknown, Mary Backett, unknown, Meher Baba, Zilla [Kitty's neice], Chanji. this. And thus began a lifetime of disciples, 6 men and 6 women,2 of message: "Filadele" are not to do dedication to her Master, "Shri whom were Westerners, Rano any work while they are My guests at Sadguru Meher Baba," as He was Gayley and Kitty Davy. I'll always the Center." Baba not only knows called then, in the thirties. love Kitty for her wonderful advice. I what is happening everywhere, but Of all the Western women Baba was very shy, hanging in the how to play the perfect host has contacted, Kitty has spent the background when others crowded And, as workers for Baba, you can longest time in actual day-to-day around Baba."You must go up see how His Western women also, residence with Him, and thus holds close, Baba likes that," she told me. played hostess graciously to so many a unique position from which to So I did, and it was true. Baba liked seekers, following His example. describe what it was like to follow you to show that you always wanted (Who, at the Center, has not tasted the living Christ, day to day, month to be near Him. Another point Kitty Kitty's delicious stew, or her rice- to month, year to year. Knowing stressed was always to be on time, and-dal.^). I recall too a little scene in this, I had asked her years ago to more than tliat, to be early, then you the Hotel Roosevelt in Los Angeles, write up her reminiscences for the might vdn the sweetness of a few in '56, of Kitty cooking spinach and Awakener Magazine, which she extra moments, maybe an extra rice for Baba on a little Sterno stove kindly did, later adcUng more embrace, from the Beloved. In Kitty on the rug in her hotel room. On material and publishing her book you always felt such a generosity of this same '56 trip it was only Kitty Love Alone Prevails. Fortunately, sharing Baba vdth you. Whatever who had a copy of Baba's Prayer of she had kept continuous diaries, and possessive feelings about Him she Repentance. Wlien Baba asked us her book as no other, gives a must have had (everyone does, in all to stand and say it, Kitty ran to get coherent story of life with Baba from the beginning) were completely worn it, and recited it for us all. 1931 to His demise in 1969. It is a away. wonderful book. As in India, Kitty was involved, at From THE AWAKENER It was at Meher Center in Myihe the Center, in making Baba's meals. Volume XX, Number Two Beach, in 1952, that I first met Kitty. I was helping her wash up, when the Pages 39 - 41 Baba had ar rived from India with 12 phone rang, and Rano gave Baba's Fills Frederick Editor, 1983 Meher Baba Australia

Letter from John and Dawn Lawton, Cairns

I thought people might be interested three young children, an overdraft at not until the water came over my in the account of one couple who the bank, a herd of dairy cows (still chin, did He raise His forefinger to were actually with Baba at Myrde to be hand milked in those days) — halt everybody. I think I would Beach so long ago. I guess there but a rich acquaintance offered to willingly have died — drowned — aren't very many left! John and I are lend us the necessary money. A rather than stop! both in our 80s and Baba is an woman who loved children offered When we returned home, the abiding memory with us. to keep house — it was as good as a cows milked so well that our debts My husband John and I have been holiday for her, who was a town were repaid within a few months amd lovers of Meher Baba for over 40 dweller — and off we went, leaving, I still have the lace trimmed years, first hearing of Him when we in charge of the farm, a young man handkerchief that He gave me. To were farming in Wales, UK. John of our acquaintance. When we got the men He gave a wrapped lolly, heard the name "Meher Baba", and to Myrde Beach Baba asked some saying, "Eat this sweet in memory of something within him said "Master, of His rich followers to pay our rent Me", or words to that effect. I still Master, long have I sought Thee; At and keep, which they willingly did. remember the touch of His hand as last I have found Thee." I still remember vividly Baba He gave me the handkerchief — His When Baba invited "those who walking down to the beach. The fingers swept the edge of my palm, loved Him" to visit Him at Myrde men trailed behind Him, but the and in wakeful hours after going to Beach, South Carolina, USA,John women walked backwards in front of bed, it is a comfort to sweep the was determined to go. We had Him. I was one of the shortest, and edge of my palm as He did.

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Letter to Anthony Thorpe in New Zealand from his mother Hilda Thorpe

Myrtle Beach and texture - & shapes South Carolina like liquid which has USA suddenly been frozen ^ 26 May 1958 into a solid - (so hard to describe). In this lake Darling Ant - I don't begin to or lagoon is every sort know how to write of this of creature, alligators, , momentous experience which 220 turdes, fish of every • of us are having here - I dare say it descripdon, and it has ^ is not possible to even try to never been fished or the ^ convey to another something which woods been hunted Meher Baba on the porch at the Bam, Myrtle Beach, 1956. is so much an experience of the since the Indians - the Bai heart - of things for which there lake is magnificent, 45 acres in are no words & even symbols fail. extent - might be more. All this is Let me begin by describing the a good half mile from the road & physical aspects of the place - the is all absolutely private center is 500 acres of virgin forest consecrated ground - used only by which is slightly above and running Baba lovers - His center - well down to the sea - the center itself that's the setting - very brief. is cleared under the trees, pines of Now how can I tell of the man? all sorts I do not know - semi- If I had had any doubts as to who tropical, dogwoods, camellias, He is before I came here there is gardenias - flowering shrubs. The not one left - He is Perfection - soil is sandy and very very fertile - He is the very Christ. This cannot & it is very soft to walk upon with be told - only felt. When we pine needles. All where one can go arrived we were in a hotel & we is raked clean and tidy also all were not to go to the center till roads and paths as there are many 20th - we arrived 19th - we met snakes - ratders etc. In these trees up with some lovely people almost spaced far apart in odd places are at once, two sisters & their friend - huts, some dny some larger - all of then one of them had a hunch we the wendy hut type - with a larger might go to the Center & took us one for a dining hall & below this to her hotel - & there sure enough central part of the forest & was a message we were to go - Hilda Thorpe, 1992. separated from the ocean only by a Baba would see us - we were sdll belt of low trees & a white sand in our travel clothes - & we drove and there was Baba - Anthony it bank is a glorious lagoon of fresh up to the center - they were all in was extraordinary - I saw nothing water - you cannot see it all at a dither - the moment had come or no one else - I just put out my once - it twists and turns & you & each one felt differently - scared hands & with a great sob I was in can actually see the ocean over the or shaky - I just felt thrilled but His arms - He was so tender as lake & belt of trees and sand bank calm - & we got there & His littie He held me and took my head in & hear it roaring - there are house where He gives interviews is His hands and for a long long beaudful rushes running out into right there in the clearing & before moment & pressed His face to the lake - like a Chinese picture & we knew where we were we were mine - It was as if at last, long long the trees go right to the edge & a waidng outside His door - & my last, not one life but many, I had winding path has been cleared - hands did begin to shake a litde. Come Home - here was the end - but not one tree cut down and Then I was called, asked my which was only the beginning - I these are of great beauty of shape name outside the door and where got to my feet & stumbled out -Yes I was from and the door opened and contour & of primeval quality Continued on page 8 Meher Baba Australia

Continued from page 7 We are hearing through His own in the center under the pines right lips (through) Eruch, explanations in the Baba atmosphere - I have Si [Hilda's son] was with me and of Truth never before given to not asked Him to touch it - I have he went to Baba after me and then mankind - the "many things" not asked Him anything - so many we were both out in those beautiful which Jesus said he had to tell - people have gone to Him with woods - & I was crying with but that "Ye cannot hear them problems etc. & He did say do not release and joy - since then we now". It's the most tremendous ask me for things - just love me - have been filled to overflowing, experience to be actually writing that's sufficient - so I know the bursting at the seams every single down from the Christ Himself book is blessed anyway Ant & you day. these new-minted aspects of the will receive Baba with it as He has Buses bring those of us in the one Truth. held my hands & I have held the motels outside the center in each I started this two days ago. It's book - & He has told us that now morning at 7.30 - we are up 6.30 - now Wed. evening 28th May - I've our touch can transmit Him. So it & breakfast before we go - Baba lost count of the days! Since comes with all my love & a full gives personal interviews from 9 a.m. writing we had a wonderful show heart. I shall take you out a for an hour or so. Then we all are and dancing from the subscription to The Awakener waiting around, there are lots of Metropolitan School of Ballet N.Y. which is the official magazine & chairs and benches to see Him - there are about 12 of them here will have a full account of this come - He arrives from his own - all lovers of Baba & they gave a sahavas. On Friday we are all of us special house which is away in the performance for Him & it was just going to the airport to see Baba off heart of this forest - more of that too wonderful - one of the men - Wilmington 2 hours drive - so later - by car each day & we see Jean Siborn is famous, French - & we are getting up at 3.15 am & Him come - & then wait around - he did dances of his own, symbolic breakfast 4 am - starts 5 am - in case any of us are called - & beautiful beyond words. Baba was buses are taking us. then around 9.30 we go a mile to a so pleased He hugged and hugged Yesterday the men did a show for very large hall called the barn & him in spite of the fact Jean was Baba. All of it just plain funny - Baba comes with the & practically naked and running with slapstick - not the sort of thing gives us discourses. As you know sweat. Then two of them did a skit that appeals to me - very He is silent - but He speaks on on the 1920s the Black Bottom & American, but Baba was pleased & His hands thru gestures which one it was absolutely priceless & Baba laughed & laughed silently. He of his mandali named Eruch was shaking with laughter & it was shakes, grins & wipes the sweat off. translates - Eruch sits at His feet wonderful to see. He does a great deal of work on and watches Baba. Eruch is Baba's He has a colossal sense of fun - the higher planes through this sort mouthpiece - he is an Indian, with absolutely perfect on all planes! It of thing - His hands are fluttering a most beautiful face - a man of is quite impossible to find any flaw all the time - reaction from Flis perhaps 36 - Baha's face is most anywhere in Him. Can you inner work - I've written a rather expressive - He speaks with it - imagine that? I never could have lovely little poem on His hands - eyebrows - & smiles & grimaces - believed it possible - suddenly it'll be in The Awakener sometime & oh He is so amusing & makes us yesterday after lunch Si and I were I expect - I think I'd better stop laugh and cry by turns - He has called in to Him - Si got there first now and give you a chance to get very large eyes - like great pools - as I was not with him and I flew your breath! can look very very stern - & at over to His hut & flung my hat to We've been to the ocean today. moments there is great great one person & my bag to another & Such a wind - awful - the fine suffering on His face - & then into Baba's hut & he smiled such a sand was blowing so one could not there is the fun - He loves to tease broad smile and opened his arms see - & such a swell, the sea warm - & such a twinkle - His hands are as well, really I guess it's silly to - I only let the waves go over me. amazing. White and incredibly soft write of it - but you have no idea Didn't dare go in any distance - & supple - long & thin - & they of the wonder of it - we were only Well darling I wish I'd known are always moving - the fingers in his room about 10 seconds - sooner about the Australian flutter like antennae - seem to be but there must be some deep sahavas - you might have gone - all joints - this is a reaction to the reason for these unexpected calls but it's too late now - with Baba inner spiritual work which as Lord & one feels as if some deep having advanced the dates. Tons of of the Universe He is continually primeval hunger is being satisfied love - I can never be grateful doing - I have written a poem on -I'm sending you "Listen enough - His hands. Humanity". I bought it right here Your own Ma. Hilda Thorpe June — August 2002 The Anniversary program highlights

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7-10June 2002 Meher Baba, Ahmednagar, 1954.

Card Saunders God is in all Meet special guests Naosherwan and Mahrukh Anzar for afternoon tea on Friday at 3.00 pm. Meher Baba Naosherwan will recount stories of his life with Baba In the divine scales, vice and virtue are necessary experiences man goes through before attaining in the Friday evening program. the supreme balance of Self-realization, which Naosherwan also invites the younger people to a is beyond all opposites — good and had. Saturday afternoon meeting with him, Nasosherwan "Good" is like a clean mirror that reflects the image of God. When true knowledge is gained spent his boyhood with Baba and has many lively you realize that the reflection is the image of tales to tell! Skits and music by our talented youth your own Self, the God that is in all and in everything. will open this session. "Bad" is like the dusty particles that accumulate Sunday is a big day with several opportunities to and hide the image of God, until the mirror hear Naosherwan. In the morning he will have presents only a distorted or blank surface. It cannot affect the object being reflected; it merely reading of Beloved Baba's unpublished songs or a distorts your vision. sharing of his unpublished letters/discourses from Love is the cleanser that wipes the mirror bright and enables you to behold with increasing clarity Beloved Archives Collection and in the afternoon the indivisible Entity that permeates all life. lead a discussion panel on "Meher Baba, His Life, The negative experience of the "had," with its His message and His followers". Naosherwan will consequent suffering, ultimately disgusts man and leads him to the positive force of"good," thus also be on Sunday evening's program and hold a awakening divine love. Hence, the saints of the closing discussion group on Monday morning. present are the sinners of the past. In the clarity of the understanding and knowledge they have Saturday evening is devoted to films and dedicated gained they show true humility. They do not take to Eruch and his beloved Master. Sunday evening is pride in their achievements nor condemn the "sinner" whom they know to belong equally to the family night with children's songs, comedy, the God, hut help him to remove the self-created veil rhythmic choro music of South America, md a play of ignorance and perceive his true identity. "Box of Dreams". Man cannot escape his glorious destiny of Self- realisation, and no amount of suffering that he Art plays a big role this year with the ArtSpace passes through on the way to it can ever be too Tent and several fun projects happening out of much. After the apex of suffering has been reached, the time will soon come for mankind to there. Also plenty of other activities, games, and have a deeper spiritual understanding, bringing workshops. The Sunday afternoon concert is back it closer together in universal love and brotherhood in the bond of divine knowledge — and if you have a short 5 minute piece of music, the only knowledge worth having. poetiy or skit there aie still a few openings left to From Life At Its Best by Meher Baba, pages 48 - 50 make your gift to Beloved Baba. Phone Card on Copyright © 1957 by Sufism Reoriented, Inc. 5441 3792 or email [email protected] Meher Baba Australia

Avatar's Abode Trust Chairman's report

Bill Le Page The editors of the newsletter have path of this Age. It is a place asked the Trust to provide a regular for re-focussing one's life, report on the activities of the Trust assessing where one is at, and As Chairman I have agreed to where one is going. Because provide this first report Let me He is here more potently than in the general environment, begin with a statement from my we may better gauge or unpublished book: 'measure what we may Avatar's Abode is primarily a become.' Here we may rest place of pilgrimage, a and meditate, absorb His 'stopping place' as Francis atmosphere, and assess how Brabazon has said, where we we can serve others more can pick up or strengthen'the truly, more generously, better scent of the quarry - Meher able to take stock of the course Baba', as Eruch has said of of our life, and renew again all Baba places of pilgrimage. the real purpose of it: 'To love It is also the spiritual centre God, to live for God and die for Australia. A place where for God". the tone, the atmosphere,the Bill le Page on the Meherazad bus, 2002 We have welcomed three new pace, the manner and nature Australia. The underlying directors of the Trust over the past of all activities conducted basis must be Love and here will be a guide, an Service, the key words Baba eight months. They are Bernard inspiration for all in has given us for the spiritual Bruford, Liz Ga.skin and David Bowling. The new trustees bring a range of new skills that I feel will Composition of Avatar's Abode Trust complement those of existing trustees. The Trustees meet every two months. Trustees are appointed for a three I have been aware that since year term and the current Trustees are: Eruch's passing there has been a Phone Email sharp increase in the number of Bill Le Page, Chairman 07 5448 5514 [email protected] visitors to Avatar's Abode seeking David Hobson, Secretary 07 3300 5209 [email protected] Bernard Bruford, Treasurer 07 5442 1487 [email protected] information about Baba and an increased number of book enquiries. David Bowling 07 3392 8311 [email protected] I have also noted from comments of Liz Gaskin 07 5472 7252 [email protected] the Baba family around Australia that Roy Hayes, Secretaiy 07 5442 1544 [email protected] there has been increased Jeanette Isaacs-Young 07 5442 2118 j[[email protected] opportunities for them to speak Michael Rohan 07 3844 4985 [email protected] about Baba. This of course is a Leigh Rowan 07 5442 3228 [email protected] reflection of the marked increase in Gaid Saunders 07 5441 3792 [email protected]. the percentage of the general Sim Symons 07 5442 3136 [email protected] population who are seeking God in one form or another. From my Committees CHAIRPERSON experience running the Meher Baba Anniversary Bernaid Bruford Foundation bookstore I believe that Baha House Jeanette Isaacs-Young the purchasing of books cm Management Roy Hayes spirituality, forming various spiritual Events Yvan Duerinckx groups, exploring a wide range of religious traditions, and die proliferation of various schools of meditation are all examples of this Paj-t-time June — August 2002

shift. As an example I recall two years ago being asked for thirteen copies of because a A book of Meher Baba meditation group of some thirty Zye Imran members were having a weekend [Zye is 8 years old. She visited Avatar's Abode with her seminar with God Speaks as the mother and, after herfirst visit, made this bookfor Suzie required text limura, who had shown them around. — Ed.] As a result of this definite increase in activity I am reminded of Baba's "Meher Baba is God and it doesn't saying to me in 1967 that "I want matter what name you call him he is thousands to come to Avatar's one in a million. Baba is loving, Abode." Baba's words can never fail '\y.• ^ L't caring and beautiful, you may not so of course tliousands will come, see him but he is there, you can only and thousands in Baba's language feel him when you believe in him. I could mean many more than haven't seen him myself because I'm thousands. a kid but have heard about him in A recent significant event at many books but my favourite book Avatar's Abode was the memorial is Merwan, it's all about him growing celebration held for a young Baba up, it is a beautiful story I loved it lover Tadaaki limura who died in I went to Baba's house and it is so March. The Trnstees fully peaceful, the only thing you can hear supported this occasion when nearly bi-y is the birds singing beautiful songs. 400 people gathered to pay a In Baba's yard it's just green all over, heartfelt tribute to Tadaaki. For the people are always happy and most of those attending this was never sad and beautiful." their first visit to Avatar's Abode. In addition to carrying out the ^ everyday multitude of activities •VTe.her BckM ue-q a/r^ -tduxs'm- Peeoei\».n ^ needed to maintain and improve the facilities at Avatar's Abode, tlie - ^ air ti, Trustees have been discussing the principles that emanate from Baba's life and work that could guide the Trust in its stewardship of a place of world pilgrimage and the main ^ spiritual centre for Australia. This .f I has necessitated looking at the structure of the Trust including my role and responsibility as Chairman, and tlie roles of the various 9 £j committees tliat support the Trust in o Q its work. We are currently working C7 to clarify these responsibilities and AMIXM mm HM ^ o put in place clearer lines of accountability. Wlrile we are so close to tlie time next 700 years. It is important that opporPinities for people to share of Baba's physical presence on earth over the next six mondis tlie vvdth us dieir thoughts and and as Beloved Baba has said that Avatar's Abode Trust develops a aspirations for Avatar's Abode. His Presence will be as strong clear mission statement based on I look forward to reports on our during this period as it was when He die primary objects of the Trust progress in future newsletters and was physically with us, I think it is Deed and prepares a plan to guide welcome your thoughts in the very important for the Trust to development over the coming years. meantime. You can contact me on tackle issues about the future that I also want to ensure that this 07 5448 5514 or email may be difficult and require much mission and plan are communicated [email protected] discussion but ai"e essential in clearly to the Baba family in preparing a solid foundation for the AusP alia and that we provide many Meher Baba Australia

A little personal history

Bill Le Page

It was in June of 1947 that I was heightened awareness, of bodily One, directed that I and John casually introduced to Meher and mental sensations provoking Ballantyne sit in His future Tomb- Baba's Discourses, and a search and insight. This was shrine for half an hour at subsequent seven-year period of established in various incidents midnight, silently repeating His intense study culminated in my (minute cracks in the veils Name with eyes open. With the meeting and being with Him in surrounding the heart) over that windows and door of the Tomb India over three weeks in three-week period: but it was tightly shut, it was absolutely dark September 1954. confirmed and accelerated when and silent, and I experienced most Over those seven years I sought Baba had me sit in His future painfully that I was absolutely Truth — yes, Truth was God and Tomb-shrine at midnight. alone, as it were, in the universe. Meher Baba was God, and by the Perhaps it all began like this: There was only myself, no comfort study of His Discourses and around the middle of the three of sun, earth and people, a messages, attendance of meetings, weeks, I and a young American, distracting yet reassuring plethora discussions, and through Lud Dimpfl, had quite a heated of noise and movement and meditation ('thorough thinking' as discussion whilst seated on my bed creatures. So overwhelming was Baba defines it), I believed that I in Baba's Seclusion Cabin located the welter of emotions that I could would come to a plateau of adjacent to His Tomb-shrine (Baba only think of His Name little and certainty and understanding. I was had directed that Francis, myself, with great difficulty. very earnest and diligent, and I did and John Ballantyne, the other So much for the vaunted have insights and experiences that young Australian, use the Cabin as foundation of my life in intellectual encouraged me, bringing a our dormitory). Lud insisted that study of spirituality! The very first concentration more and more on a love for the Beloved alone was minute test of the strength of my relationship with this supreme sufficient for spiritual love for Him, and I dissolve in spiritual Master, Meher Baba. development, and I was equally panic and mental turmoil. But it I no doubt accepted Baba insistent that while love was was Beloved Baba's immeasurable intellectually as the Christ, and important, absorption of spiritual blessing to me, the awakening of although there was fervour, there knowledge (as exemplified by the truth that Lie had given: Just was not the depth of attachment to Baba's Discourses), was the love Me more and more until you the Body of the Avatar until my necessary foundation for lose yourself in Me: a practice meeting Him in 1954. Not that unshakeable spirituality. which I have found applies at each this 'depth' was instantaneous, but (Now how I wish that I had spent and any moment of times of worry, the promise of its increasing my time entirely absorbed in His fear, uncertainty. assurance was. How was this not Presence, storing in my heart Following our first night in His possible in His physical Presence? images of those wondrous times of Tomb-shrine, the next morning The magic quality of those days in His Companionship, but instead I Beloved Baba gave a most 1954, the sharp mornings and soft spent much time recording His beautiful message to me and to evenings, the indefinable quality of words somehow thinking in that I mankind: the atmosphere of Meherabad in would find the Truth. This is so "Do not be frightened; there is which the ordinary became true. Still, I also do not regret my nothing to fear. Don't force your extraordinary. That atmosphere, early study of the Discourses and attention; keep awake and don't heightened immeasurably by the my intense effort to understand move. Even if a snake crosses physical Presence of Baba, pressed them because that has been your legs, let it pass by. And love around me, palpable, warm, invaluable in my public talks and Baba during the half-hours. Fear comforting, supportive, containing in the preparation of introductory means there is no love. Think of so much that I was 'at home' to the booklets on Baba, many of which Baba from the bottom of your exclusion of any other 'home' in Baba signed the first copy and hearts; after seven nights you will the world. At the same time, the returned it to me.) have a glimpse of Baha. Why this atmosphere was so vibrant, Perhaps it was after this fear? Francis of Assisi and Francis stimulating, charged, that I discussion with Lud that Baba, the Xavier loved Christ with all their experienced, as it were, a state of All-knowing and Compassionate might, and what they suffered. June •— August 2002

What should we do?

Eruch Jessawala none of you could guess, but Let me give you another example flashlight on its tail and it wriggled fear was foreign to them. Do from my own life with Baba. Baba its body round and slithered back not fear, love Me. Don't be had redred to His room at night out the door. Mind you, the whole troubled, think of Baba and be and was going to lie down. This time this is happening, Baba is happy." happened here, at Meherazad. clapping. But I waited until the It is now 45 years later, and Baba was staying in what is now snake was outside Baba's room and still that dme is vivid in memory Pendu's room, and I was sitting then I took my chappal and beat it and experience. It constandy outside under the tree that used to to death. Only then did I finally reminds me to turn to Him, stand there. Baba told me not to heed Baba's clap and go inside. allowing the heart to respond to disturb Him for any reason, not to "Where have you been?" Baba His Truth and Beauty and thus enter His room unless He clapped demanded. "Didn't you hear me replacing, submerging the and then I was supposed to enter clap?" I explained to Baba what clamours of the mind with its immediately to see what He had happened. "You should have jumbled sanskaras of worry, fear, wanted. That was straightforward come. You should have let the lust, greed and anger. Beloved and there was no confusion in my snake go and come immediately. Baba awakens assurance that He mind about what I should or That was my order to you and you is always present with the calling should not do. I stayed outside the should have obeyed." of His Name and the image of room and waited for Baba's clap. I did what I felt was right I did His Face. But as I was sitting there, I felt what I felt I should do to protect In my hook The Turning of sometliing crawl over my leg. It was Baba's body, even though this the Key published in 1993, I a snake and it was heading towards contradicted an order Baba had wrote the following passage: Baba's room. given me. And Baba told me I did "[This experience] signalled, I rushed forward and, with my the wrong thing. But if it were to together with His instrucdons to flashlight I managed to pin the happen again, I would do the same me in our interview, the snake's tail just as it was disappearing thing. The point I am trying to beginning of a very real and in the crack under the door. Only make is that even when we had personal development for me as the tail was left outside of Baba's direct orders, we still had to use om a human being. It was a room, but I held it down with my best judgment, we still had to traumatic experience, and to use flashlight so it couldn't get examine our conscience and try to a trite phrase, I shall never he completely inside. I knew that figure out what would please Baba. the same again. From it, words Baba's bed was just inside the door We were not always right, we made read in spiritual discourses came to the right, so that the snake was mistakes, but it was no different to life, or rather, the minute only inches from Baba's bed, so I then than it is now. beginnings of life: the couldn't let go of the snake. But in You have to do your best. It is reladonship of Baba to self is pinning the snake, I must have difficult, I know, but there is this one to one; Baba is truly the made some noise, because Baba consolation. Baba one time told us One to take and not to give undl clapped. Now what to do? Baba's that although we would not the two become One; fear is a order was that when He clapped I necessarily know what would fear of loss of self and its world was to drop everything and rush please Him, we would always know in the mistaken belief that the into His room. Baba had not said, what would displease Him. So we self and its world must exist; "When I clap, drop everything, have this built-in compass that one must not let the mind know unless you are holding a snake in points the way. what it has lost, must not give it your hands." You see, Baba had the opportunity of dwelling given me an order. A very specific From That's How It Was upon loss; and to do this, one order, yet even so, I felt that my first by Eruch Jessawala should constandy feed the heart responsibility was to kill tlie snake. Pages 254 -257, from the Source of love, Meher Now what happens if you hold a © Copyright 1995 AMBPPCT Baba. Love conquers all, love snake by its tail? It curls ai'ound to Published by Shei iar Foundation alone prevails." attack whatever is holding it. I knew Avatar's Abode this. So I just stood there with my March 1999 Meher Baba Australia

Leopold Ormond Buchanan

Known as 'Le Buchanan' 13 November 1916-9 April 2002

Le Buchanan joined his Beloved Baba was in silence so my Meher Baba on 9 April 2002 aged 85 introduction to Him was u - 1 years. Le had a long and joyous life without words. Baba had in pursuit of spiritual perfection and an affliction (shared with love of his fellow human beings. His the Biblical prophet.Job), 'Baba wagon' which trailed up and which called for an down the East Coast of Australia antibiotic injection. I was together with his oral recordings/ honoured to be part of cassettes of the works of Meher that treatment and Baba Baba such as 'God Speaks' and recovered in a few days. 'Discourses' were a fitting testimony The silence, the stillness to his love and devotion to Baba and and the feeling of loving all His creatures. serenity made a lasting Le's children Rob, Terry, Marg impression on me. and Tony wished for a funeral Without a doubt I service that would be a celebration recognised God in Baba. I B|^V of Le's wonderful life. His daughter felt safer and comforted Marg approached the church in for having met Him. I was which Le had participated towards still very new to India and the latter years of his life, a church more tlian a little that could also accommodate many homesick for my family of the beautiful prayers, songs and and Australia. I was always arti of Avatar Meher Baba in its hungry in those early days celebration. for we had severe food |||g|||^ One of the prospective celebrants shortages, so to see Baba was willing to provide such a eating an icecream wonderful tribute to Le and also somehow gave me hope offered to include a 'cameo' of her for better things to come! I meeting with Avatar Meher Baba in always remember Baba Buchanan at Avatar's Abode, June 2000 1963 in the service. So this is it! when I eat icecream! Then many years later, I was me to eternity. It is this link tliat introduced to a smiling new organist affords me the loving authority to Cameo of who had come to StJohn the lead this celebration of Le's life. Le Buchanan Beloved, Liberal Catholic Church, where I attended in Melbourne, Dr Zilla Wooster, celebrant at Australia. Interestingly, he reminded Le's funeral, Friday 12 April 2002. me of India, because he was wearing ... dear Le Buchanan has In 1963 I was a new missionary a Nehru hat! It was Le Buchanan! gone to Baba. He teacher in Ahmednagar, His smile charmed me and his aura passed away Tuesday morning 9th April 2002 Maharashtra, India. One morning I was full of love: and then I saw the ... of a heart attack was taken to a village not far from our medallion around his neck and whilst under medical hospital to consult with a Holy Man, recognised Baba. observation at Le was delighted and held both referred tcr me by the Australian Melbourne' s St Medical Officer as a God. my hands as I told him the cameo I Vincent's Hospital. I was excited at this prospect and have just shared with you. He was amazed when we arrived to find hugged me with joy, and that was the Avatar Meher Baba the God, who was Meher Baba, beginning of a special friendship that ki Jai sitting serenely, eating an icecream! spans several decades and now links - August 2002

Dedication to a soft A long, dry

centered Sufi summer

Dave Dickens Ward Parks, for Tavern Talk 4th May 2002

Just heard the news that ever-lovable Le thought it rather amusing and Most years at Meherabad pilgrim friend to many, Le Buchanan, many felt it was clearly 'Bahaful'. He season arrives with a flush of green. passed on at 10 am Tuesday [9th thought it somehow appropriate, For just about the time that the april '02]. He was 87 years young! because Baha to him was infmitely Pilgrim Centre opens on June 15fh, For me he was definitely an 'ace' beyond the treasure hidden inside a the monsoon winds blow in from the in Beloved Baha's pack. pyramid. Arabian Sea, carrying with tliem the I wdll always treasure the That Baha van touched many first few heavy rainfalls. In no time the numerous times he accompanied people's lives and was a testament to bare brown earth is fiinged with grass me up to Betty Hall's Eltham home Le's devotion. It succinctly echoed and weed, and hardy desert frogs are over the years. For me it was pretty his love of life, family and friends. hopping aroimd after nightfall under much like driving one of the Though short in stature, all the the neem and banyan trees. But by the Mandali, and always a pleasure. early years spent baihng hay in sunny closing of pilgrim season in March, it Stories of his many visits to North West Victoria [Ouyen] gave hasn,t rained in five months, and the Meherabad, including the Great him the appearance of a real nuggety ground is utterly parched. And as the Darshan of'69 left an indelible 'rock of ages'. Of course, in last lingering pilgrims head for mark. He was a totally unaffected disposition he was as soft and gende Mumbai and their flights home, soul and in my opinion, spiritually as a lamb. He didn't mind the odd Meherabad and Meherazad residents attuned. ribald joke either, with a quiet glass settle in for the long, hot summer. I still laugh when I recall the story of rustic Rutherglen shiraz on the While April-May in Ahmednagar of Le rolling up to the Meher Baha side. are something of an endurance trial in stall at Confest back during the 80s, He was and forever will be an the best of circumstances, this season, doing a 'Upasni'... witliout a single unforgettable 'Baba Oldie and on top of the usual discomfort, we are stitch on, save his beloved Baha Goldie'. Somehow, uniquely both a facing the added hardship of a severe pendant dangling from his neck. young soul and an old soul at the water shortage. Indeed, the situation 'Pure and simple' [natural], as Baha same time! this year is genuinely critical. For more preferred! A genuine Sufi thru and thru, and than a month now most of the I will also never forget Le's undoubtedly a 'solid sent' lover of Meherabad wells have been dry. Lven legendary 'Baha van' [Toyota God. the most productive wells have been Hiace]. Jasmine Fricker poignandy reduced in their ontputfrom a gush to He had participated on a huge and declared at Le's service that he was a trickle; each morning the percolation much publicized 'Peace Drive Tour' like a 'guardian angel'... both her's of tire nighttime hours is pumped out around Australia during the '88 Bi and so many others, no doubt! in a half-houi" or so. And at tlie same centenary. On that trip he His musician son Tony, sent many time the mimicipal supply has become befriended a couple of women hearts soaring with a moving and erratic. For even though the Trust has [from Perth] who offered to paint beguiling rendition of'Begin the supposedly been allotted 100,000 Baha's image on the side of his van. Beguine' on saxophone. liters evei7 two days, heaxy demand He gave them a Baha card and It was a 'send off so full of light from the drought-stricken district has suggested they use it as model, and and love, and was certainly not resulted in our being able to draw only to 'paint it over two panels'. lacking in tears ofjoy and tenderness a fraction of tfiis total. Unfortunately, they misheard him either. In view of the emergency, and thought that he had said to paint Happy Trails Le. Nobody sang the Meherabad residents have adopted Baha's image with two camels! Gujarati Arti quite like you! austerity measmes. All non-essential So hence the 'accidental' [nay Love ya bigtime dear friend. water uses have been cut out Batliing whimsical!) image of Baha with two is infrequent, and Spai tan in style; camels, a pyramid and the 'Don't "grey water" is being saved and used worry, be happy' motto was Continued on page 18 completed. Meher Baba Australia

Tadaaki limura

Suzie limura

I would like to begin by death as Tadaaki was, and saying thankyou. I cannot tell M|H| you are undergoing great you the number of times I suffering; when you can't have cried with gratitude, my move, can't play the guitar, heart not able to cope with can't sing, can't even talk or all the love and support lijRj laugh, or read or watch TV pouring in over the past or skate or swim or hang out seven months. Especially I with your friends or keep would like to thank Avatar's Bq||| your food down or get to the Abode Trust and community 1 toilet or bath yourself; when for allowing us to use The you are on high doses of Shed to gather together as drugs, as Tadaaki was, that one heart in remembrance of have hundreds of side effects Tadaaki. ^ worse than the tumour; when From the age of eight to j|| slowly one by one your thirteen Tadaaki made four normal functions are ceasing trips to India to Meher to function, as Tadaaki's Baba's tomb-shrine and were; when you are a boy centre which he particularly ■ who faces his trials with an Tadaaki with Euch, Meherazad, Jan 2000 loved. I remember the very indomitable and undaunted first time Tadaaki was in India. We loss of our clrild. Our son had a spirit, with immense courage, arrived in the dark and as we were brain tumour and on a scale of 1-10, silently suffering and all the time driving from Bombay to our 10 being the worst, Tadaaki had an giving beautiful love, a boy who has destination at Meherabad the light 11. It was too big, too bizarre, too his own faith and deep love for was beginning to dawn and Tadaaki aggressive and unreachable. Meher Baba, something is bound to had his head, almost but not quite, Nothing could be done. Tadaaki happen. out the window of the car cheering was going to die, he knew he was And what happened was a boy at the unfolding scenery. He going to die. Confronted with this he became a man. Those of us who obviously was not only at ease, but embarked on his fmal adventure were fortunate to be around Tadaaki also feeling joy at being in India. without any hesitation. When you these past seven months and Tadaaki was taken so loxangly by are, fifteen, and facing your own particularly the past two since we Meher Baba's close disciples particularly Meher Baba's right hand Eruch. How much Tadaaki responded to their love and how much they responded to his zest for life. I feel the experiences he had in India formed tire basis of his incredible acceptance of his illness. Acceptance of the pain and restrictions he endured for seven months. Tadaaki lived quite an i'J extraordinary life, a full life, but it is * f the last seven months that are the most remarkable. On the 2.5th July last year-1 received a phone call right out of the blue from his father, Tadashi. That phone call was the one every parent dreads. Tadashi aird I shared in that moment tire Tadaaki'sfuneral at Avatar's Abode June — August 2002

have been living here at Avatar's Abode, could perceive that in him and many have commented The challenge for accordingly. Unbelievable as it may seem Tadaaki has left me wdtli such a human services workers feeling ofjoy. He died easily, he Delia Oakhill, Wendy Lauman, David Bowling and died peacefully. His sisters and I Gusi Carpenter were singing songs of love for Meher Baba, songs Tadaaki loved to hear, and right after he died, when we A group of people met at the 43rd were saying the prayers, the prayers "If the aspirant renders outward anniversary last year to talk about that Tadaaki loved to say even when how we can bring Baba into our he had great difficulty talking, right service without a spirit of love, work as paid and impaid human after he died — he made Angela and service workers. From this, a small he is acting from a sense of duty, Elesia and I laugh. You had to be group was formed and has been there to believe it. Because we were as in worldly institutions where meeting in Brisbane, using the surprised to say the least Tadaaki's Discourses as the basis for joy, his sense of liberation, his there are paid workers. In the discussion about issues that arise in jubilation was palpable. And ever institutions of the world people our work and how to increase our since then, it has been so hard to sense of Baba's presence and love in feel sad because all I can remember work for pay. At best it is a cold our daily lives. is his jubilation. My eternal We wiU again be convening a gratitude is to Meber Baba who gave sense of duty that prompts them group discussion at the anniversary — see the program for details — and so much to my son even in the short to be efficient Their work cannot fifteen years of his life. hope to give people the opportunity have the inward beauty of work to share in a spiritually based {The above is an extract ofa talk given by "reflective practice" session. We Suzie at Tadaaki's memorial ceremony spontaneously done out of love." celebrated at Avatar's Abode, a night of have found the Discourses to be a music and memories and much rain on the — Discourses, Meher Baba great starting point and it would be roof Jai Baba! Ed.) helpful if you can bring your copy with you.

Selfless Service Quiz Instructions Answer the questions giving no thought to how well you will do. The results don't matter. If you want to do well, you will definitely fall. If you don't want to do well, you'll also fall. Time to complete this exam; one hour as long as finishing does not motivate you. If It does, see the above Instructions.

Question 1: When selfless service Is rendered the benefits accrue mostly to - □ The taxman □ The recipient □ The giver □ The whole world Question 2; True selfless service can only really be provided If you don't have a self - Ul True Q False □ Explain Question 3: When politicians are motivated purely and completely by the desire to remove suffering, this service Is □ Selfless and Illusory G Very suspicious □ Good but not selfless G Likely to get them re-elected indeed

The prize for the first correct entry Is... well you wouldn't be Interested would you? Quiz compiled by Eric Klernan Meher Baba Australia

Continued from page 15 for flower pots and toilet cleaning. Youth Sahavas Meanwhile, Bhau and his team of "water workers" are trying to find some new source of water from the municipality. Much hinges on the writers workshop success of their efforts! For indeed, Stuart Rigg with the second Young Adults Sahavas and the annual Silence Day gathering only two months off, the up-coming The creative expression of love for trig point endless view, pilgrim season wiU bring with it some Meher Baba is the blood which my mind soars real challenges, should the 2002 flows through the veins of sahavas followed by my heart monsoon fail to arrive on time. and gives it life. To encourage this Yet while dogs loll about on the process we tried to create a verandas with their tongues hanging supportive environment in which grass out, while thirsty fields hake and the young people could express their blade upon blade Meherabad volleyball court inner thoughts and feelings through expanding forever transforms itself into a dust howl, writing. Communicating in this way ironically, the trees of the district, is an act of love and bravery as each hold on veterans of many harsh summers, are person searches for, and hopefully tight as tight celebrating in a riot of color. This finds, their Inner Voice. "I myself baba's daaman effect is particularly dazzling at do nothing, the holy spirit Armey Craft Meherazad, where you would almost accomplishes all through me" - think that the trees and bushes these mosquito days are competing with each other in William Blake a beauty pageant Mandarin orange The following short poems are searches for sustenance based on haiku poetry, which finds me blossoms on the high branches of celebrates simplicity, imagery and Miriam Rose Ash gulmor trees flame against an azure emotion. They were written in a few sky; brilliant yellow flowers of minutes and simply represent what on a green leaf laburnum hang like grapes in large was happening in a particular place, a single drop clusters; Indian frangipanis shoot out at a particular moment, during from the ocean white and pink blossoms from the sahavas Stuart Rigg ends of their odd, stunted stems; vines of bougainvillaea wrap fences and water rolls heavily a powerful mountain lattices with their petals of fuchsia or tumbling under it's own weight, luscious grass white or raspberry; and the few ocean of love baha is within lingering whitish-yellow jasmine Francis Thompson Jai Matara flowers suffuse tlie morning air with their exquisite fragrance. And when long grasses wind blows on the lookout the afternoon or early-evening heavy with dusk it whispers one name simooms blow in across adjoining if you listen hard enough a white sadra fields, their rushing sound in the Shirin Borthwick you can hear it leaves of the tall pipal trees is like the Xavier Milne roaring of the sea. sitting at the trig point autumn light To one like myself not born and in a circle of stones, looking out bred to diis environment, it is strange silent and still to witness such a garden of paradise Camilla Middelton peace prevails showing off its fmery in the middle of Elisha lY such infemal heat! Perhaps the good different religions example of these trees sporting different prayers flowers will help inspire some of us but they are all the same humans to keep smiles on our faces, Morgan McUan yet god as we gasp our way through a torrid Ben Hopkins and bone-dry Maharashtrian high summer in tlie direction of a new pilgrim season and tlie hope of rain. June — August 2002

AUSTRALIAN YOUTH SAHAVAS

Sahavas: \..the give and take oflove...' '...companionship with God...' Meher Baba

The Australian Youth Sahavas is an event for young people who love and follow Meher Baba and for any that know of Him and want to know more. It is a unique opportunity for young people to experience Meher Baba's Love and to forge their own relationship with Him by spending time in a community of supportive and loving peers.

Avatar's Abode is a 99 acre property of great natural beauty, on the summit of Kiel Moun tain near Woombye on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. Meher Baba blessed this place with His Presence in June 1958, named it Avatar's Abode and said that it would become a place of world pilgrimage.

During the Youth Sahavas Avatar's Abode is reserved for the Sahavas participants and the staff working with them. They stay in the accommodation available on Avatar's Abode along with other young participants and counselors from around the country and the world. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals and snacks are served. Each day is filled with a variety of activities, including workshops, discussion groups, sporting activities, music, drama and special evening programs. It is important that each participant is free to experi ence the Sahavas in their own way and therefore no activity is compulsory.

Participants must be 13-18yrs in age and have their parents consent. A separate invitation and registration form can be sent out to anyone interested in attending. Anyone between 19-30yrs in age can apply to be a staff member helping in different aspects of the event. Details of duties as well as application forms are available on request.

Forfurther information please contact:

QLD:Mehera Moroney:Ph:07 5492 9058 Email:[email protected]

NSW:Meherose Borthwick Ph:02 9557 3921 Email:[email protected] AUSTRALIA Meher Baba MBA subscriptions JUNE-AUGUST 2002

PO Box 5325 West End,Queensland 4101 Australia are now due

Editor — Gusi Carpenter Design and layout — Liz Gaskin Australia and New Zealand AUD $20, Production — David Bowling other overseas US $20. Front cover — 'The Stealer of Hearts' Karl Gallagher Payment to be sent to Meher Baba Australia, Deadline next issue — 4 AUGUST 2002 If possible, please send submission on IBM compatible disk, or email PO Box 110, Annandale, NSW 2038. to gusic@ optxishome.com.au

Sydney calendar of meetings Baby for Temmina and Luke Monthly meetings are at Meher House, 12 Kalianna Temmina delivered a hahy hoy two months prematurely Crescent, Beacon Hill. Come at 7 pm for a 7.30 pm yesterday morning [Sunday 28 April 2002] at 8.06 am. start Please call Ross and Jenny Keating on Both she and the hahy are in perfect health. He weighed (02) 9938 3737 for directions and other information. 41hs 4ozs so as prem babies go, he is not tiny.... May 25 "Mehera — a Divine Life" The hahy will he in the hospital for the next four to six promises to he a really beautiful evening orchestrated by weeks hut that is only a precautionary measure. Kathy Jenny Keating and 1 were at the hospital and the father, Luke, was hooked to arrive at 5.30 that same morning, returning June 29 from a job in Western Australia, so Temmina managed Stuart Rigg will lead us into the world of Rumi and other to hold on until he arrived for the birth. Everything went poignant poetry from a fresh perspective as always he like clockwork in spite of the initial shock of contractions does! starting in earnest so unexpectedly on Saturday at 31 July 10 Silence Day weeks and 4 days.... all welcome lOaml! (Bring your notepads!!Just kidding!) Someone told me that Baha said that there were three July 27 Videos on Meheru times when he took special interest in his lovers — birth, with John Grant death and marriage — He certainly had a hand in this, of August 9 - ll August Meher Baba that there is no doubt Oh yes... the hahy is "Wylie Anniversary Eruch Carrington" Details to he given later JAI MEHER BABA August 31 Peter Milne Sage will he leading an interesting discussion group (topic will not he revealed till the night so all responses are natural and from the heart!)

EMAIL ADDRESSES SYDNEY & ACT Ross Keating is compiling a list of email addresses of Baha lovers in the Sydney and ACT area so special Baha announcements can he relayed to people quickly. If you wish to he included on the list please send an email to

Chantahn and Garry Garry Keyes and Chantahn Smith were married on 23 February tlxis year. Jai Meher Baha from Chantahn.

Celebration

We would like to invite all Baha lovers to join us in the celebration of our 25th wedding anniversary on Friday 5tli July, 7 - 9.30 pm in The Shed at Avatar's Abode for an evening of music, dance and song. For more details ring us on (07) 3392 8311 or email [email protected]. — David Bowling and Gusi Cai penter Temmina and baby Wylie Eruch MEHER BABA FILM & VIDEO PROJECT PRESENTS

Eruch Jessawalla ''Becominq His"

Witness Series is a labour of love orchestrated by Wendell Brustman and Gateway Media Works. The two new videos of Eruch are part of a six video series to be eventually released. Upcoming Releases: Katie and Meheru

"Falline for Meher Baba" "Caught m Meher Baba's Net" Eruch tells the story of his Eruch relates how he was drawn to childhood and his first meeting Baba and at 21 was called to be with with Baba Him VIDEO ONE $40 ea VIDEO TWO $40 ea

TO ORDER SEND Credit Card or cheque details, or money order.(no cash) Payable to "Meher Baba Film & Video Project" PO BOX 991 BYRON BAY NSW AUSTRALIA 2481 For interstate and countiy orders add: $6.00 for 1 video, $10 for 2 videos, $15 for 4 videos,to cover postage, packing+insurance Allow 14 days for delivery Name; Address: City/ State / Postcode: I would like @ $40 ea plus postage: $ Total: $ MEHER BABA AUSTRALIA NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTIONS - June 2002

Newsletter subscriptions for the year 2002/2003 are now due. For Australia and New Zealand the rate is $20 for 4 issues. Overseas subscribers are requested to send US$20 to cover postage. If payment is a problem please advise. If you have paid recently please disregard this notice.

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