Jeanne Shaw in 1934 looks at a portrait of Meher Baba. She and her husband Darwin met the Master that year in New York.
When we heard that Jeanne Shaw died on June 26, those who knew her relived the early thirties when she and her husband Darwin first met Meher Baba in New York City and decided to dedicate their lives to His service. Prior to her slipping into a coma, she saw "Baba in the hospital and her Beloved awaiting her at her house when she returned from the hospital." Darwin and her daughters Rene and Leatrice were with her when she died.
Jeanne and Darwin were stalwarts of the Schenectady New York Baba Group for a number of years. Soon after the Shaws relocated to Myrtle Beach they became an integral part of the community. Jeanne will be rembered for her love and devotion to her Beloved.
The 21st Annual Silence Day Sahavas, sponsored by the Los Angeles group, was a smashing success. HARRY THOMAS reports.
David McNeely, the co-chair of the event, was concerned about the success of the Sahavas due to a low registration count, when he received an uplifting letter from Bal Natu that said, "I am sure with Baba's grace this will be a very successful Sahavas, awakening the hearts of Baba's dear ones to His glorious and unconditional love."
And a success it was. The guests were Merwan Mehta, Ella Marks and Buz Connor who each brought a unique and refreshing gift to the event. Ella delivered the first talk entitled, "The Power of Meher Baba's Love." Ella related her first meeting Meher Baba in Myrtle Beach in 1952. "My coming to Baba didn't involve a great emotional experience." Perhaps so, but later she recalled that after physically meeting Him, "I was in a daze." She related how she wandered around the grounds, often leaving the paths.
Later she had the privilege of meeting Mehera, Mani, Meheru and Goher. She remarked, "I had never seen such beauty."
Her next meeting with Meher Baba was at the Hotel Delmonico in New York City in 1956. Her husband Peter, an Episcopal Minister, also met Baba at this gathering.
Throughout her talk, Ella made continuous references to Margaret Craske. Ms. Craske, as Ella called her, not only brought Ella to Baba, but continued to maintain a positive influence throughout her life. Curiously, it was Margaret who was instrumental in Peter's eventually developing an interest in Meher Baba. Ella also told us the incident where Margaret Craske and Baba danced together. Margaret said she had never danced with anyone who moved with such style and grace. Margaret said that Baba was Dance Itself.
Merwan Mehta delivered his morning talk the next day on his recollection of meeting Baba. This talk was done in interview fashion as he recounted how his most vivid remembrance of Meher Baba was at Dara and Amrit's wedding in December of 1968, where at age ten. He also relayed how weary Baba looked.
His uncles came to Baba in the early days at the the Manzil-E-Meem ashram. They told him that often Baba would stop by their house to take food and rest when He was coming in from Pimpalgoan. His mother also had endearing memories of Baba.
Buz Connor, our musical guest, provided the sweetness and spark that elevated the gathering to exciting heights. He was musically accompanied by Mike Hanson. Once on the porch, Mehera told him that he must always sing songs for Baba. She likened his beautiful singing voice to Baba's, however she added, "But Baba's voice was more beautiful."
Ella Marks with Adele Wolkin at the Silence Day Sahavas
Buz sang a host of Baba songs, but the highlight was the singing of Mani's song, "Open up the Door, Lord" which by spontaneous participation (or rather by Buz's invitation) drew nearly everyone onto the stage to accompany him with great enthusiasm, in singing the chorus.
Besides Merwan, Buz and Ella, we heard from Peter Marks and Adele Wolkin. Peter related an incredible story that happened on Seclusion Hill in 1987. He and a party of about twelve ascended the hill. After some time, everyone except Peter descended. Earlier, a little girl's hat had blown off her head and lodged itself on the side of the hill. Peter, when all alone, decided to retrieve it. Within moments, he began sliding down and while experiencing palpable fear, entertained thoughts of finality. At this moment he vividly recalled a previous conversation with a Baba lover, "If you're ever in trouble, call out Baba's name." He did exactly that. (Coincidentally, the theme of the Sahavas was calling out Baba's name for an awakening response.) As he described it, "A peace unlike anything I'd ever experienced before or since enveloped me. I had perfect control of every fibre and muscle of my body. And within that state of grace, I returned to Meherazad." Later, when the little girl thanked him for the return of her hat he replied, "Thank Baba."
And Adele charmed us by recounting many of her experiences with the Meher Baba. For example how in 1962 she had the privilege of staying in Meherazad, where in the capacity of being a nurse, could share the company of Baba and His close mandali.
But as always, a Sahavas is more than the combined content of the speakers and performers. It's the camaraderie; the current, personal stories that gain additional relevancy when shared. It's the diversity of ages and backgrounds and the overall ambiance of so many people gathering about a common focus, Meher Baba. It's where every morning devotional songs are sung and arti is recited.
Oh, and let us not forget – after a three year hiatus, Bobby Mononash and Ed McMaya returned to the stage to deliver a rousing and hilarious performance.
The Sahavas this year was magical. Even the Dhuni was enveloped in somewhat of a mystic shroud that was briefly punctuated by a soft rain. We come to Sahavas to be energized, to recreate community out of our distant parts and to reestablish and foster closer ties to the Avatar. Combining the sparks of the guests with those from ourselves, within Baba's embrace, a Sahavas happens.
The Gathering took place for the second consecutive summer at the Dryden Farm in upstate New York near Albany, where a group of Baba lovers are actively pursuing the possibility of purchasing this land of 120 acres for a Northeast Meher Baba Center. KENNETH LUX was there and shares his observations:
The main events of the Gathering took place under a large festival type yellow and white striped tent which is reminiscent of the pandals that were so much a part of many of Meher Baba's darshan programmes. Tents were very much the order of the day as many of those at the gathering slept in their own tents which were arrayed in a large oval on a field that served as the tentground.
The total number of those registered for the Gathering was about 120. In the early part of the Gathering, there were a fairly large number of children playing around this large and beautiful land. Once things got under way, the children were involved in several programmes organized by Margaret Bernstein. One of the striking aspects of this Gathering, and also I believe of many other Baba gatherings, is the response and the feelings of children that seem to be brought out in these environments. Baba works His magic in His own special, unique, and natural way with the children that are there.
The special invited guests for this Gathering were Jane Haynes, Judge Henry Kashouty, and Jane Brown. In her opening remarks Jane Haynes apologized for not being a public speaker, but, in fact, she was positively radiant and sparkling with energy and wit throughout all her talks to and with the Gathering. Among topics covered in Jane's talks was the history and central place of Meher Baba's work in America, her stories of being with Baba and His revealing Himself to her as the Christ.
In terms of energy and intensity, Henry Kashouty was a powerhouse. Of all the mountain of Baba wisdom and experience he conveyed to the Gathering, I will single out one statement. From the Judge: Whenever we are not thinking about Baba, we are vulnerable.
Jane Brown sung a cappella as well as accompanied, and included many of her and Bob's classics. If you can imagine such a thing, her voice seems to get better all the time. Notes floated out into space like an exquisite ribbon of fine coloured silk. It was superlative. But then Baba is superlative.
Other quick notes and highlights: Richard Casey's reading of a chapter from Susan Paul's book manuscript, "The Five Elements." This part was about the life and death of her dear Baba friend, Richard Bollig; the marvelous work of Maxine and the kitchen crew and volunteers; singing at the Dhuni under the stars; camping out in the rain; Mark Trichka and Lisa Brande playing their totally infectious and swinging mandolin and fiddle music that would not allow the Saturday night programme to finally come to a close until 3 AM. Did any of the revelers make it to morning Arti?
Finally, as one of the gatherers put it, " The Gathering was an opportunity to meet old friends and new people and share our love for stories about Beloved Baba. This is something I've come to value more and more over the years."
Jane Haynes reads letters at the Northeast Gathering. Jane Brown and John Poag listen intently
On July 22nd this year, more than 100 young Baba lovers from around the globe arrived at the Meher Spiritual Center in Myrtle Beach for the 5th annual Youth Sahavas. Many did not know quite what to expect of the staff, their peers, or of Meher Baba. What they found is hard to describe – words work from the outside in, while Baba's Sahavas works from the inside out. The week was a wonderful kaleidoscope of friendship, activity, devotion, celebration, relaxation and creation:
An art tent full of hanging Baba murals. Prayer, love songs and chai (tea) at morning arti. Sun, sand, sports and swimming on the beach. Sweet silence in Baba's room. Late night laughter drifting over long lake. Dish washing to reggae music. Square dancing in a room so hot and packed with people that everyone would have left if it wasn't so much fun. Intimate discussion groups where Baba's love and teachings intertwined with the threads of everyday life to weave new tapestries of greater understanding. A wall covered with decorated mailbags full of notes, jokes, gifts, poems and confetti. "Victory Unto Thee" sung during evening arti in Baba's House. Improvisational drama that jumped from whimsicality to hilarity to profundity and back again. Talking late at night when everyone's too-tired-to-be-anything-but-themselves. Listening to those who met Baba as they trace His love through their lives. Guitars, pianos, violas, flutes, drums and voices praising God. Love dancing from heart to heart in a Barn full of lovers and their Beloved. . .
The Youth Sahavas is an amazing experience – a unique celebration of love and, perhaps, a window on the New Humanity. No one values the Sahavas more than the teenagers that attend. Like other pilgrims drawn to the Myrtle Beach Center, they come for Baba's love. For many, it seems like the only chance they have all year to be themselves – to be free to give and receive love, to share their inner lives and their love for God without fear of rebuke or disdain. Their appreciation is easy to see in their care for the Center, their determination to swiftly diffuse any disharmony and their concern that no one be left out.
Despite all the work that goes into the Sahavas (many dedicated adults silently assume the burden of providing food, lodging, organization, supervision, travel assistance, medical expertise, linen, workshops, discussion groups, guest speakers, schedules. . .), the week always seems a gift from Beloved Baba to His lovers. And while many gifts from God are ignored and forgotten, this one is received in love, treasured in gratitude and anticipated with joy.
A young Baba lover plays the bongoes at the Sahavas
MAX REIF reviews two music cassettes recently produced by Tony Paterniti under the name of Kalyan.
For over two decades, Tony Paterniti has been regaling Baba-lovers with music, but when I heard him sing a few songs recently, I awakened to the fact that this was a new Tony. He sang with the force and conviction of someone who had been through a rebirth.
Tony tells the story of his rebirth with a rare degree of openness on two audio cassettes Thank You Beloved Baba and Don't Have A Broken Heart, which together are a symphony of the jubilant and painful emotions of human and divine love.
Meher Baba once said heartbreak opens the heart. Tony's heart has been broken open. The triumph is that he has harnessed his desperation into a quest for God. His relationship with Baba emerges not only unscathed, but greatly intensified.
When Tony sings to Baba: When I say I trust You/It means just another day,/ It doesn't mean things/ Have to go in a way I understand/ Tony is waving his flaming Arti tray before the Beloved, figuratively, proclaiming that he has emerged from his own crucible of fire.
There are many powerful and tender moments on these two tapes. Broken Heart was compiled for a more 'general audience' than Thank You. Several songs, like "You Are My Radha", "Rabia" and "Mercy", are on both tapes, but with variations. Many of Tony's melodies are haunting, his voice expresses a new range of emotion, his rapid guitar chording can be powerful.
We can all share in the odyssey of Tony's intense transformation rendered with feeling on these two cassettes.
$10 plus $1 handling per tape. Order from 83-80 118th Street, #1N, Kew Gardens, NY 11415
Craig's TRAVELLING MUSIC, published in 1992, created a poetic atmosphere of intimacy of love for God as the Beloved. At that time Eruch Jessawala characterized Craig's poems as "the desire to express and share his heart's contents and longing, through poetry." Eruch terms the present publication "unique." It is.
Both books are available for $10.50 (including postage and handling) from Meher Prasad, 2793A Clairmont Road, Ste. 206A, Atlanta, GA 30329
Meher Baba's Manifestation has always been a subject of conjecture, and, often, debate. Meher Pukar Editor Shaligram Sharma analyses the subject in the context of world events. Mastery in Servitude simply translates into love and service for humanity. This was Meher Baba's motto. Hamir Singh in his essay on the subject focuses on the need and necessity of selfless service as the most tangible way of serving the Avatar. Madhukar Khandale, Dr. Ramakrishna Srivastava and Y. L. Muniraj contribute articles on aspects of Meher Baba's ministry.
While K. K. Ramakrishnan and Dr. Hoshang Bharucha write about Meher Baba's life, work and journeys, Dr. G. S. N. Moorty discusses the technology and practice of Transcendental Silence. A. R. Abdulla and M. B. G. Shastri write about Meher Baba's work and the importance of remembering Him each day. Abdulla writes, "My father Ramjoo (one of Meher Baba's earliest disciples) disclosed to me that Hazrat Meher Baba once told him that He knew what thought was going to come in his mind after twenty years and my father confirmed that he felt what Baba told him many years ago was correct."
An intelligent and cogent collection of essays, available from Avatar Meher Baba Bhopal Centre, 40/1 South T. T. Nagar, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462003
This summer in Myrtle Beach, Bhau Kalchuri provided the impetus for the Cleveland Baba meeting. One day, while walking with a group to the Barn, he questioned me about my recent move. Everything I had to report was positive – except that I missed having a Baba group. Bhau was surprised; he halted a moment and said, "You must start one." I share my excitement with friends in Myrtle Beach, who offered helpful suggestions. Even the process of arranging the meeting presented unique opportunities, for I spoke Baba's name to many who had never heard it. When I telephoned Randy Wasserstrom in Columbus, Ohio, Randy volunteered to post the meeting time on the Internet and he came, 140 miles each way.
The meeting took place at the First Unitarian Church of Cleveland early this month. We opened with the Master's Prayer followed by the Universal Message. Other readings included poetry by Bhau, stories from Eruch, and Baba's words from Meher Baba Calling; the meeting closed with silence. Though the group was small, I felt Beloved Baba's presence.
. The annual subscription is $26 for a year and $50 for two years (a $2 saving). Of course, your old rate will remain in effect until your subscription expires.
We regret the need for this increase and assure you that we are committed to offering you more for your money. Even in the face of this price increase, Glow International continues to be the only resource for rare, unpublished material, both text and photographs, on the life, work and awakenings of Avatar Meher Baba. We look forward to serving you well in the months and years ahead.
I just got my latest issue of the Glow today and it looks wonderful as usual. The cover photo is incredibly beautiful and yet somewhat whimsical. Anyway, what I want to say is just that it is such a blessing to get your magazine. I know that it is a labor of love for you, but it still requires the labor and the faith and the sweat and tears and everything else that goes into an undertaking of this nature. Plus the fact that I am sure that Baba sees to it that things never go as easy as one plans when doing work for Him. But I just want you to know that what you are doing is absolutely an irreplaceable gem for me and I would like to give you a THANK YOU and GOD BLESS YOU from the bottom of my heart.
Just received Volume Seven & Eight (1940-45) of the Biography of Avatar of the Age Meher Baba by Bhau Kalchuri, published by MANifestation Inc. Over brimming with beautiful photographs of the Beloved and filled with details of the Avatar's life, work and teachings, this combined volume is a compendium of spiritual wisdom. It covers a period of Meher Baba's travels with His Eastern & Western disciples and His work with the masts.
It is available from the publisher for $75 plus $5 postage & handling, from PO Box 7335, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577