It was a delightful surprise to discover a review of Meher Mount on Yelp. Brandon C. of Orange County started Meher Mount's Yelp page by writing the following review in August 2012.

I LOVE THIS PLACE!

"I love this place! I was here for a weekend and got to hang out with the groundskeepers (who are British) [Samantha & Leslie Bridger].  They were SUPER hospitable and even helped me find local eateries to try for dinner!

This place is a mecca for followers for Meher Baba, who invented the saying "Don't worry, be happy" made famous by Bob Marley.  I don't really believe any of that but I still love [the] surrounding nature and wildlife.  There is a tree that was struck by lightning that looks REALLY COOL! It has this mini cave inside it as well as a huge bed of flowers dedicated to Meher Baba himself.

Lots of people from all around the world come here and treat this like a place of worship.  A couple from India came all the way just to visit the site!

If you are a Meher Baba fan, this is a must!" - Brandon C. of Orange County.   See Meher Mount's Yelp page.

EDITOR'S NOTE ON BABA'S TREE

The tree Brandon C. is talking about is Baba's Tree which burned during Meher Mount calls "The New Life Fire."  The fire on October 14, 1985 was part of the larger Ferndale Fire which burned 46,809 acres in the Ojai area, including all the buildings and vehicles at Meher Mount.

The tree burned for days, and it wasn't clear whether or not it would survive.  Fortunately, Baba's Tree is a Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) which is adapted to areas prone to fire.  Within a year or two, Baba's Tree was green and full again in spite of some hollow areas in the trunk that were permanently burned.

Photo: Wayne Myers, 2010

Like me, the California Grey Fox is a shy and mischievous creature. This one was recently spotted around the newly constructed barn. He waited patiently while I retrieved my camera to capture him posing in the dappled shade just outside the barn door.

The animal life on Meher Mount is diverse.  Although not guaranteed, visitors are often treated to a glimpse of something wild and wonderful.

Personally, as I become more familiar and comfortable with the environment that I find myself in, it becomes more comfortable and familiar with me.

The Masters say that it is of great benefit to the soul of an animal to come into contact with a human being, but I feel equally blessed when I am treated to such a spectacle.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Leslie and Samantha Bridger are the current Manager/Caretakers at Meher Mount, starting in July 2010. 

By Leslie Bridger, June 2011

With the changing of the seasons
The summer sun is high
The spring bouquet has wilted
The mountain streams run dry.

Beyond the heat hazed vista
The arid land lays bare
The red-tailed hawk flies freely
Upon the warming air.

The ancient oak is thirsty
He's seen it all before
His roots have found their sanctuary
Beneath the hardened floor.

Oh summer song sing freely
Let us dance within your day
For when autumn clouds are gathered
We'll be thankful for your play.

NOTE:  Leslie Bridger is the current Manager/Caretaker with his wife Samantha Bridger, starting in July 2010.

AGNES BARON sitting in front of the main house on a summer day, somtime in the late 1970s. (Sam Ervin photo.)

By Ray Johnston

Nice photo! I am struck most by Agnes' legs!  Battered and torn from the tough living and working environment at Meher Mount all those years.

I still have the scars on my legs from nine years of cuts, bites, scrapes and stickers received there.  I was always in awe of how she did it for so many years!

I know how the privilege of a deep relationship with Meher Mount often comes with the demand for blood, sweat and tears!

Happy Birthday to Agnes in recognition of her authentic love and extraordinary commitment to the essence and place that is Meher Mount!

EDITOR'S NOTE: Agnes Baron was a founder of Meher Mount and lived there from 1946 until her death in 1994.  Most of the time she lived alone, keeping Meher Mount for Avatar Meher Baba through "hellfire and damnation," as she put it.

Ray Johnston was a volunteer Manager/Caretaker at Meher Mount from 2002 through 2010 (with a one-year sabbatical), spending the last year alone.

Ray's remarks are on the occasion of Agnes' 105th birthday - January 17, 2012.

Meher Mount was officially closed that day but the gate was open, and the visitors came in anyway.

In August 2009, my husband Sam Ervin and I were acting as temporary Manager/Caretakers for a few days. 

It was a Monday or Tuesday when Meher Mount is officially closed.  However, we were going to run some errands down the hill, and we had earlier opened the front gate for our departure.

Meanwhile, back at the Visitor Center/Caretaker Quarters, we were busy and not expecting visitors, so we weren’t watching for them.  Somehow a couple of visitors slipped by.

SURPRISED TO SEE VISITORS ON A “CLOSED” DAY

As we were leaving, we were surprised to see a Mercedes Benz in the parking lot.  I jumped out of the car to go find the visitors and tell them that they had to leave.

Coming toward me on the pathway to Baba’s Tree was a woman carrying a young child.  My heart melted.  I wasn’t going to shoo her away. 

As she approached, she said, “I know you’re closed, but the gate was open, and my husband needed to spend time under the tree.”

TIMEOUT AT MEHER MOUNT

As she told the story, her husband was Consul General for a Central Asian country and stationed in Los Angeles.  Several years earlier, a friend had taken him to Meher Mount.  He had remembered how peaceful it was, especially the atmosphere under that special oak tree.

They were on their way to a conference in Santa Barbara, and even though the timing was tight, they had decided to take a “detour” (about an hour each way) to visit Meher Mount. 

Her husband’s job recently had been so stressful, he just had to have a half hour of respite and rejuvenation under “that tree” (Baba’s Tree).

By then, he had joined the conversation and was vowing to return when he had more time.  We talked briefly, and then we wished them well and sent them off to their conference.

UNDER BABA'S TREE where Avatar Meher Baba sat alone during His August 2, 1956 visit to Meher Mount. (Laurent Weichberger photo.)

By Billy Goodrum

As Manager/Caretakers at Meher Mount from 2000-2002, my wife Pamela and I encountered a number of people who happened to visit seemingly for “no reason” at all. 

Maybe they were inexplicably drawn up Sulphur Mountain Road or were just out for a drive in the mountains.  Regardless, they were unknowingly led to Meher Mount, and ultimately, Baba's Tree.

These unintentional visitors came in all shapes and sizes, from students to seekers to tourists to long-time Ojai residents who seemed baffled that they “never knew this place was here.”

A BIKER FROM CENTRAL CASTING

One Sunday afternoon, a biker pulled up on his Harley Davidson.  He had long hair, long beard, black leather motorcycle jacket and boots and plenty of tattoos.  It was as if I had called central casting and requested they send over a Hell's Angel.  He got off his bike, looked around and asked, “What is this place?”

Instead of doing an explanation, I decided to let Meher Mount speak for itself.  I suggested he park his bike and go down to visit Baba’s Tree – the Coast Live Oak at the brow of the property that overlooks the Pacific Ocean and the valleys below. 

Avatar Meher Baba sat alone under that tree, which then caretaker Agnes Baron called Baba’s Tree, during His visit in 1956.  Many people comment on the great feelings of energy and peace they feel when under the tree.

The biker went out to the tree and spent a little time there, came back to say goodbye, cranked up his Harley, and thundered off.  That was that.  Or at least at the time I thought that was that.

A RETURN VISIT

To my surprise he returned the next Sunday.  This time he had his girlfriend on the back of his bike and there was a second Harley with another biker that looked just like the first one – hair, leather, tattoos and all. 

Although it was obvious, he announced “I'm back.”  Then in an almost reverential tone he asked if he could take his friends down to “that Cathedral Tree.”  I said of course.  He seemed very happy and proud that he was going to treat his friends to something very special.  We never saw him again after that.

For years I have traveled to Santa Fe, New Mexico, as part of my work.  And for many years I have also searched for and enjoyed high quality honey and bee pollen from all around the world.

Several years ago I experienced how Meher Mount was the common denominator for both and for so much more in its capacity to draw people and things together into its Divinely orchestrated orbit!

HIGH QUALITY HONEY AT THE SANTA FE MARKET

During one of my visits to Santa Fe during my time as a Manager/Caretaker of Meher Mount, I visited the weekly outdoor market.  I happened to see a vendor with various types of unique, local honey and bags of pollen whose color and energy was extraordinary.   I immediately bought quite a bit and carried it back on the long drive back to Meher Mount.  

Each year I returned to buy more and eventually met the beekeeper, Gary, who gathered the honey and pollen.  He was beelike himself with large clear eyes, transparent skin, and full of movement and energy.

On one trip he informed me he was moving to Australia to continue his work with bees there.  In a panic I asked him if he knew where I would be able to find anything similar to the kind of honey he produced.  Sadly, he did not.

WHERE IN CALIFORNIA DO YOU LIVE?

But Gary asked me where I lived in California so that he could refer someone there perhaps.  I replied “Oh, it’s a small town. You probably don’t know it, Ojai.” 

He replied “I know Ojai!”  “Where in Ojai?”

I said “Oh, a place I am sure you’ve never heard of on Sulphur Mountain”

“Hey, I know Sulphur Mountain!  Where on Sulphur Mountain?  I used to spend time on the property of Agnes Baron!”

“On Meher Mount? That is where I live now!”

INSPIRED UNDER BABA’S TREE

Then he told his story:  He had been at a crossroad in his life in the 1970s and not sure what to do.  During a visit to Ojai, he inexplicably ended up going to Meher Mount (as many do), meeting Agnes and spending some time alone under Baba’s Tree.

As he was sitting under Baba’s Tree – the Coastal Live Oak on the brow of the hill that Avatar Meher Baba sat under during His 1956 visit – he looked up.  In the tree, bees were swarming about a beehive that was imbedded in a hole in the tree.

Gary said it was a powerful image and voice within that spoke to him that said beekeeping was his direction!  He dedicated the remainder of his life to beekeeping in the Santa Fe area and became famous there for his high quality bee products.

I often thought of Gary in my years at Meher Mount.  Each year when in Santa Fe I returned to see him and buy honey.  I always took news and photos of Meher Mount to share with him.

THE BEES RETURN TO MEHER MOUNT

One spring I returned and his wife informed me that he had passed recently.  I missed Gary and his Meher Mount inspired products!  That same spring I remembered his story and Meher Mount’s influence when I saw the bees return to the hive high up in Baba’s Tree for the first time during my long tenure.

I had been traveling to Santa Fe from Meher Mount for years because of the connection and powerful link and influence Meher Mount emanates in so many hidden ways. Visitors to Meher Mount today are still inspired and transformed by their time there.

EDITOR’S NOTE:  Ray Johnston was a Manager/Caretaker at Meher Mount from 2002-2010, with a one-year sabbatical to manage an eco-lodge in Kenya.

LESLIE & SAMANTHA BRIDGER under Baba's Tree. (Photo: Wayne Myers 2010.)

By Leslie Bridger

A PERSONAL TALE  

Each person has his own personal tale to tell of how he came to Avatar Meher Baba or in truth how Meher Baba came to him.  Mine is simple.

In 2002, on browsing through the small ads in Caduceus, a British metaphysical journal, I came across a somewhat familiar face.  

The ad was placed by the U.K. Meher Baba Association, and the face was Meher Baba’s.  The quote beneath said more to me than all the literature that I had read to date on a 10-year spiritual quest.

AN ANSWER TO MY INNER SEARCHING

This was an answer to my inner searching that spoke directly to the heart. What it said is long forgotten but what it contained embedded in me a spark that changed my life beyond recognition.

It was as if I were inverted, held aloft by my ankles and shaken vigorously from a life that although once secure, held no meaning.  Ill health had triggered my search and desperation had cracked my shell to the point of being ready to surrender my all to the Avatar. 

The way forward continues to this day as the latest leap of faith, under the Master’s guidance, has opened the doors for my family to leave behind our heritage and to embark on our own personal new life.

SCOUTING OUR NEW LIFE

Our U.S. adventure that would link our destiny to Meher Mount began with a California road trip in August 2009.  Our intent was to find a suitable place in which to relocate and set up home. 

U.K. born and bred, this island no longer held our soul’s ambition.  With karmic constraints addressed, our thirsty roots craved the fertile soil of pastures new. 

We had made this decision one year earlier on an intuitive directive to emigrate with an intention of finding and creating “a space of love” in which to grow and serve.

THE FIRST VISIT TO MEHER MOUNT

On Sunday the 23rd of August, we took a welcome break from our quest and headed to Meher Mount as day pilgrims and picnickers.  

A sweltering summer was taking its toll on the Southern California foothills with parched tinder dry land laid bare to the scorching 100-degree mid-day sun.

As we ascended Sulphur Mountain and drove through Meher Mount’s open gateway to an empty car park, we felt at last we could let down the guard that had protected us from the deluded impression that we were an alien species in an alien land.

"WELCOME HOME"

Here was somewhere that we knew instantly was very special: an oasis rising above the chaotic turmoil of twenty-first first century America, a sacred space that spoke in silence those immortal words, “welcome home.”  This was Baba’s turf and this familiarity was heaven sent.

On foot, we continued through the second gateway with yet more reassurance, individual and personal to each. 

For my wife Samantha, it was the smell of roses at the Samadhi [Meher Baba's Tomb Shrine in India] after morning arti [prayers and music at the Samadhi]. 

For me, it was Meherabad Hill’s essence [where Meher Baba's Samadhi is located]  beyond expression.

For our daughters, Rebecca and Georgina, this was a great spot to picnic and catch some sun.

SO WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO AMERICA?

We met Ray Johnston, the then Manager/Caretaker. He was comfortable and casual in his meet-and-greet role with seven years karma yoga experience on the mountain.

To us, a question: “So what brought you to America?”  From me an instant heartfelt reply: “Meher Mount!”

This was news to me, but as so often is the case, the mind is oblivious to that which the heart has acted upon.

BABA'S TREE - AN IDEAL SPOT

Ray directed us towards Baba’s Tree as the ideal spot to picnic, a commanding and ancient Coast Live Oak under which Meher Baba had sat on a bed of leaves and consecrated this sacred land on his visit on August 2, 1956.

Meher Baba had remarked “This land is very old, I have been here before.”  For us, the shaded branches of its majestic canopy were most welcome and a pilgrim’s feast prepared at Jersey Mike’s Subs in Ojai was enjoyed.

TAKING IN WHAT MEHER MOUNT OFFERS

After taking in the heat-hazed vistas and exploring as much as the body was willing to allow, we retreated to the cooling fans of the Meher Mount Visitor’s Center full of Meher Baba memorabilia, books, mission statements, and a 3-D slide projector that worked somewhat sporadically.  

We browsed respectfully while waiting for Ray to reemerge before departing.  When he did, we thanked him for allowing us access and asked if we could return on the last day of our vacation, with guitar, and play a devotional song or two under the tree.  This would be fine, but Ray would be absent.

A SECOND VISIT AND A NEW REVELATION

The following Wednesday, we phoned Meher Mount and put in our request, speaking briefly to a lady who was covering for Ray.  Her name was Margaret Magnus and having asked if we had been before, she said that we were most welcome.

We made the now familiar ascent on Sulphur Mountain Road followed all the way by a large white sedan.  It stuck to our tail like glue and if there had been a suitable place to pull in and allow it to pass I would have willingly conceded.

On entering Meher Mount the sedan followed, and on parking our vehicle it pulled alongside.  A window came down and we were greeted by a smiling, rather familiar face with a warm expression which appeared to be of expectation. 

Unknown to us, it was Sam Ervin, chairman of the board and Margaret’s husband.  He welcomed us and directed us to the center.

AN UNSEEN HAND DIRECTS THE CONVERSATION

Once in, we spoke of our journey, our connection to Meher Baba, and our intention now to relocate to Ojai, a sanctuary nestled securely in the motherland that seemed to align with all of our new life’s needs.

Then, in conversation, as if orchestrated by the unseen hand of destiny, Sam mentioned that Ray would be standing down as caretaker in June 2010 and that they were just about to start the process of recruiting a suitable replacement.

With Margaret focused on preparing the recruitment notice and Sam cheerfully engaging us in conversation, I acted: “I’ll do it!” Sam stepped back and his face dropped. ”No” was his reply. “We’re looking for a couple.”

I quickly glanced towards Samantha’s somewhat stunned face and declared “We’ll do it!”

AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE

Following Baba’s guidance, we had experienced two weeks of busy roads, forest fires and fruitless searches only to be presented on the last day with this – a chance to truly serve in His name. 

Sam gave us an impromptu tour of Meher Mount which became an interview of sorts, and returned to the center to tell a somewhat skeptical Margaret that they may have found the right couple.

We returned to Baba’s Tree and played some rather excitable devotional songs and laid our fears at His feet.

The process had begun and many initiations followed, but finally and with His Grace, we are here.  For me, the Caretaker/Manager’s role for Meher Mount is one of guardianship, surrendering to Meher Baba’s will in service, and to spare no effort to hold secure this sacred site in His divine name.

CONTINUTING WITH AGNES BARON'S LEGACY

The solid foundation laid by Agnes Baron’s legacy of nearly 50 years of devoted work and service are to be built upon by each successive caretaker with great care and respect for all that has gone before.

When Agnes met Meher Baba in 1952 at Myrtle Beach, Meher Baba said: “I want Agni to know that only Agni, God and Baba know what she has gone through in these six years to hold Meher Mount for me.”

Situated atop of Sulphur Mountain at 2600 foot level, Meher Mount is 173 acres overlooking the beautiful Ojai Valley on the north. To the southwest is the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands.  Topa Topa Mountain in the Los Padres National Forest is to the northeast.

Who wouldn’t be humbled by the opportunity to visit such a sight, long held sacred by the early Chumash inhabitants, and walk in the footsteps of the Ancient One? 

NATURE'S DIVINE BEAUTY PERVADES MEHER MOUNT

Today, nature’s divine beauty that pervades Meher Mount is offered to day pilgrims.  The veil is thin here and one can replenish a soul’s thirst from its sacred well.

On His visit, Meher Baba gave no discourse but told His followers they should laugh, feel relaxed, and be happy here. He bade them: “Now go out and see the view and try to love Baba through nature. This is all due to my love. This whole creation, this nature, all the beauty you see, all came out of me.” 

OUR NEW LIFE IN AMERICA BEGINS

With a new era unfolding under Meher Baba’s advent, responsibilities and opportunities for all who choose to serve are immense.  With the Meher Mount master plan in place, exciting times lay ahead.  We are eager to play our roles in achieving its fruition.

My background in engineering, forestry and spiritual healing will hopefully give me many of the necessary tools to accomplish the mission (duty) that Meher Baba has laid before me.

The contemplative, quiet times will provide me with the opportunity to pursue my passion as a writer of poetry and song.  Samantha’s experience in complementary therapies and her innate ability to assess and respond to the needs of others will, no doubt, assist her in the role that she has taken on.

Our own awakening process has been intimate and profound. A s we commit to God, we commit to each other, and as we commit to each other, we commit to Meher Mount.  To echo the words of Meher Baba: “I love Meher Mount very much and feel happy here.”

EDITOR’S NOTE:  Leslie and Samantha and their daughter, Georgie, officially began their Manager/Caretaker duties in October 2010 with a number of temporary stints before that time. 

Reprinted with permission from Love Street Breezes, May 2011 issue.

A RATTLESNAKE at Meher Mount is not uncommon in this semi-wilderness area. (Ray Johnston Photo, May 2009)

In May 2009, I spent my birthday alone sitting with this rattlesnake.  I had recently experienced a time of profound personal challenge and change.  As I looked at its nine to 10 buttons [rattles], I thought of the years I had lived at Meher Mount – essentially the same period of time as the snake. 

My cat Yogi had found this snake earlier that morning, and I had spent several hours filming and recording the rattling sounds for a CD and potential video of animals at Meher Mount.  

SITTING WITH THE SNAKE

Afterwards, I spent several hours sitting with the snake in my lap (with snake-proof gloves and taking other appropriate care safety-wise).  As I held it, I reflected on change, rebirth, and “shedding our skins.”  The annual shedding of a snake’s skin was a profound metaphor for me, as I felt I was also shedding my skin.   

This snake which is often thought of as a dangerous predator was to me a gift.  Both of us were in harmony with the land at Meher Mount and protected, with no threat to or from either of us.  I do not know whether it is alive now.

When Avatar Meher Baba visited Meher Mount, He told those present to “…try to love Baba through nature.”

WILD CREATURES ARE THE ESSENCE OF MEHER MOUNT

These wild creatures will always reflect the essence of Meher Mount for me.

Meher Mount is and was for me a place of transformation, safety, and order.  It also provided a daily opportunity to remember Meher Baba through nature.  The wild creatures living and depending on the nature of Meher Mount and my relationship with them will always remain one of my fondest memories.

EDITOR’S NOTE:  Ray Johnston was a Manager/Caretaker at Meher Mount from 2002 to 2010 with a one-year sabbatical during which he managed a remote eco-lodge in Kenya.

The poppies on the mountain

Have surrendered to my gaze

Each flower holds a halo

A subtle golden haze.

Each stem knows of its purpose

To hold its crown aloft

Each leaf will gather sunlight

Both delicate and soft.

How many seeds will scatter

When your evening song is nigh?

Your spring becomes a summer

In the twinkling of an eye.

The beauty that surrounds you

I will keep to such a time

When all that’s left are memories

Of an April that’s sublime.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Leslie Bridger and his wife, Samantha, are currently Manager/Caretakers at Meher Mount. Photo by Leslie Bridger, April 2011.