"The bell worn by the leading camel of a caravan is symbolic progress."
Meher Mount
Your Friday photo is in honor of the newly arrived bell at Meher Mount…
During Avatar Meher Baba’s lifetime, He would often summon His followers by ringing a bell. It would signal a start, an end or a change.
In a more metaphorical sense, the ringing of a bell serves as a wake-up call to the seeker. The bell signifies mortality, time passing, and God the Beloved gently calling the soul to stop lingering on earthly desires and resume the journey back toward the Divine.
This photo of the new bell at Meher Mount was taken by caretaker Ray Johnston at sunrise.
The quote is from Mani S. Irani, Meher Baba’s sister and close disciple, describing the symbolism of a bell worn by a camel that was with them during the New Life.
“Our camel of the New Life had a Persian silver bell round its neck ... The bell of the camel is mentioned in the verses of Hafiz, the perfect Master whose poetry Baba loved so much.
The bell worn by the leading camel of a caravan is symbolic of progress. It tolls to remind a caravan which has halted at an oasis and is unwilling to move on in the desert again, ‘Move on. This is not your destination. Forward, forward!’”
About Meher Baba’s New Life (October 1949-February 1952)
In the New Life, Meher Baba and His companions gave up all property and financial responsibilities. They traveled throughout India without money, begging for food, and living in strict accordance with Meher Baba’s conditions of the New Life.
These conditions included absolute acceptance of the circumstances of their lives and consistent good cheer in the face of any difficulty.
It was a time of complete helplessness and hopelessness, relying only upon God.
Meher Baba and the companions traveled with animals at various times during the New Life including a white horse, an English bull, cows, calves, dogs, donkeys, and a camel.
About the Bell at Meher Mount
The 62-pound “dinner bell” at Meher Mount was donated by Communications Director Margaret Magnus and her family – her cousin Kristie Grigg and sisters Elizabeth Hartzell and Catherine Hartzell. The bell had been in the family for decades, mostly recently at the family homestead in Riverton, Wyoming. In early 2026, the Riverton property was sold, and everyone agreed that Meher Mount would be a good home for the bell.
Caretaker Ray Johnston installed the newly arrived bell near the entrance to the Topa Topa Patio. It not only summons visitors, but it is also a reminder not to linger at the oasis, but to continue on one’s spiritual journey.
Source
Tales from the New Life with Meher Baba, edited by D.E. Stevens, Rick M. Chapman, James J. Hastings, Gary and Patty Freeman, pg. 179, An Avatar Meher Baba Trust eBook, Updated. June 2013. ©Avatar Meher Baba Perpetual Public Charitable Trust, Ahilyanagar, India.
Books available from:
Meher Baba Books (Los Angeles, California)
Sheriar Books (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina)
Meher Book House (India)
