"Just Being in His Presence" - The 1962 East-West Gathering of Avatar Meher Baba
Wayne Myers
“The best is to just remember me and forget everything else, leaving everything to me. This is a complicated matter for those who are very interested in spirituality, but not for those who love me. Try to remember me, try to please me, try to do as I wish. That is how you should live in the world; otherwise, it is too complicated.” [1]
— Avatar Meher Baba, East-West Gathering, 1962
Avatar Meher Baba giving darshan, East-West Gathering, 1962. (Photo: Beloved Archives)
By Wayne Myers
Sixty years ago, from November 1 - 4, 1962, Avatar Meher Baba’s momentous East-West Gathering was held at Guru Prasad in Pune (formerly Poona) India.
At Meher Baba’s invitation, several thousand Easterners and about 160 Westerners answered the call to receive Meher Baba’s darshan and be in His company. [2]
Preparing for The East-West Gathering - “Just Being in His Presence”
On September 20, 1962, “a circular was sent to all in India, Pakistan, Europe, America and Australia who would be attending the November East-West Gathering, informing them of certain last-minute instructions for their visit.
“The lovers were told that: ...they should come with the sole idea of enjoying Baba's presence collectively, and NOT hope or want to ask for any individual personal attention or guidance from him regarding any matter concerning themselves, or their families and friends, or in connection with Baba work or group and center activities. No question should be asked, spiritual or otherwise.
“Baba says that this November gathering will be uniquely different from any of the past sahavases or darshans, and he therefore stresses that any expectations other than just being in his presence would be an intrusion into the atmosphere that Baba desires, and would cause the person thus intruding to lose the real benefit of being in Baba's presence.” [3]
“Great Indeed Is Our Privilege and Great Indeed Is Our Responsibility”
Among the accounts and stories from those who attended the East-West Gathering, posterity is fortunate to have a personal narrative from Kitty Davy. Kitty was a very close and long-serving disciple of Avatar Meher Baba. [4]
Avatar Meher Baba and Kitty Davy, St. Mark’s Square, Venice, Italy, 1932. (Photo: Mandali Hall.org)
“Kitty Davy also noted the uniqueness of this gathering in a letter to Vivian Agostini (dated 15 September 1962):
“You are to be one of the group flying East so soon now to Baba. This is a decision which I know you will never regret — an opportunity whose magnitude our finite minds cannot grasp.
“Do you realize that this is the first time in the 30 years since I came to Baba that ‘all’ have been called who love Baba. Baba has from the very beginning said his mission was to bring East and West together, and for this reason a handful [of us] went East in 1933.
“So I do feel most strongly that this ‘call’ so near to the completion of Baba's mission on this earth at this cycle of time has great importance to Baba in this work, and by going when ‘called’ we are helping in this work. Of greatest significance perhaps is that only those who love Baba, it would seem, can help, for others have not been called at this moment in time.
“Great indeed is our privilege and great indeed is our responsibility.” [5]
“Your Love Will Help to Support Me During the Days of the East-West Gathering”
On October 21st, “Baba dictated this telegram to be sent to his Western lovers in Europe, America, and Australia:
‘My health is very bad but your love will help to support me during the days of the East-West Gathering. Pass on this information to all concerned traveling with you.’” [6]
Kitty traveled to India accompanying Elizabeth Patterson, 92-year-old Ruth White, Jane Haynes, and Jane’s three children: John, age 15; Charles, age 13; and Wendy, age 11.
Kitty writes, “Finally, the Great Day arrived, and what a joy it was to be once again in India!...
“Baba, the great actor, in spite of His weakened health became all alert and full of humor when it came to our first meeting with Him, which in my case and a few others’, was the day before the opening day. Baba heard we had arrived in Poona from the U.S. and one of the men mandali was sent to bring us to Him.” [7]
Meher Baba outside Guru Prasad, Poona, India (1963) (Photo: Meher Baba Travels)
“It Would Take a Great Poet to Describe the Interplay of Love in that Room that Day”
Indeed, on the morning of October 31st, Meher Baba called the Western women who had already arrived to come to Guru Prasad and greet Him in small groups. In the afternoon, Meher Baba called the Western men. Bal Natu, one of Baba’s close disciples, and a volunteer worker at the East-West Gathering, describes what he witnessed that day.
“One small group that had been invited to be with Baba consisted of Elizabeth Patterson, Kitty Davy, and Ivy Duce, and I think Jane Haynes. I had been with Baba and Eruch when Eruch left the room to attend to some work. My nature is such that once my work with Baba was over, my instinct was to leave the room. But it would never occur to me to simply walk out on Baba, so I continued to sit there. I tried to make myself small in the corner.
“As it so happened, some of Baba’s longtime Western women were due to arrive. I felt it was not my place to be in that room when they came, but Baba did not ask me to leave. So I was still sitting there when they arrived.
“I remember them going individually to Baba and embracing Him. The feeling as Baba returned their embraces and stroked their cheeks was too sublime for me to put into words. It would take a great poet to describe the interplay of love in that room that day and I won’t even make the attempt. I am sure, although I felt awkward and out of place there, that the women didn’t even notice me, so absorbed were they with greeting their Beloved again.” [8]
Meher Baba, East-West Gathering, 1962. (Source: Meher Baba Travels, colorized by Anthony Zois)
“It Is Really Baba’s Love that Has Drawn You Here”
Meher Baba opened the East-West Gathering on November 1st “by having Eruch read out a prepared message: ‘Baba wants me to convey to you that He is very happy that you are here. Your love has brought you here but it is really Baba’s love that has drawn you here for this gathering.’” [9]
Event Badge: East-West Gathering, 1962 (Photo: Meher Baba Travels)
Kitty continues, “This was followed by the Master’s Prayer in English and a short message from Baba, including the statement, ‘May My love make you feel one day that God is in everyone.’ Here was a new challenge. I felt Baba was outwardly pushing us away from Him.” [10]
“During the next few days, several important discourses were given by Baba and of course His favorite music from the East and West, including spirituals, ghazals, bhajans and qawali programs were plentiful throughout, as well as prayers and the giving of prasad. There were intimate moments when for the first time in twenty-two years, the mandali were permitted to bow down to their Beloved one by one. On a more public occasion, Baba gave mass darshan to over 7,000 Easterners.” [11]
“The Sky Darkened and a Torrent of Rain Descended”
During the afternoon of the first day, Kitty recounts, “In the midst of the program, I recall, an unexpected event occurred! All of a sudden, although it had been a bright, sunny day (and not monsoon season), the sky darkened and a torrent of rain descended, drenching all. Baba called all the Western women to the canopied platform, and then directed us into the Guruprasad premises where the Eastern women mandali were quickly rummaging through their belongings so they could replace our dripping wet clothing with their lovely saris or dresses.
“Later I found out that Baba insisted that the women mandali pack all of the clothing they could possibly carry with them — without explaining why—even though, at the time, the women had protested that they had no possible use for so many items of clothing for the few days of the gathering!
“The rain ended as quickly as it began. Soon the program continued, and in the lovely saris and dresses borrowed from our Eastern ‘sisters,’ we took Baba’s darshan.” [12]
“I remember that when it was my turn to come to Baba’s chair… I knew then, and I think others too felt, that we were not going to see Baba again. In fact, Baba did say to one that we would not see Him again.” [13]
Meher Baba being escorted by the Westerners at Guru Prasad. (Photo: Courtesy of Charles Haynes. Meher Baba Travels)
“This Was to Be My Last Glimpse of Baba”
“After the darshan program ended, all were invited to visit Meherabad and Meherazad and then return to Poona before returning to the West. Not everyone stayed on, but how well-rewarded were those who did. Before leaving Poona, Baba, looking radiant, went unexpectedly to the Bund Gardens and sat under Babajan’s banyan tree. After Arti was sung, just as He was leaving, with the crowds all around, I climbed up on a tonga and got a perfect view. This was to be my last glimpse of Baba. He then went to Meherazad to continue His seclusion, and I along with Elizabeth, Ruth White, and others flew back to the West.” [14]
“When I Break My Silence I Shall Open My Heart Completely and Keep It Open”
After the East-West Gathering, Meher Baba’s sister, Mani S. Irani, wrote in the next Family Letter to the Western Baba Lovers “On 10th November, when leaving Poona, Baba very compassionately spoke of His lovers’ tears that flowed on that farewell morning at the Bund Gardens. Although there can be no ‘parting’ from Baba, He felt the sadness of each heart that sorrowed at this separation.” [15]
“Baba was lessening our dependence on Him outwardly and increasing our connection inwardly,” wrote Kitty. [16]
Kitty concludes her narrative, “About the East-West Gathering, Baba said later: ‘At Poona in November I opened a small window in My heart and doled out a little Love. When I break My Silence I shall open My heart completely and keep it open.’”
“As the year ended, Baba knowing my heart’s longing to be with Him in India, sent me the following cable dated December 22, 1962:
KITTY
BE HAPPY. YOU ARE VERY DEAR AND CLOSE TO ME WHEREVER YOU ARE. MY LOVE TO YOU NOW AND ALWAYS.
BABA” [17]
“No Words Can Express What One Witnessed of Divine Love”
Meher Baba had instructed all who attended the East-West Gathering to write one letter directly to Him upon their return home. Kitty wrote to Baba:
Dilruba
November 22, 1962
Dear Baba,
And so back to where one belongs after the memorable short interlude, the reality and significance of which is the lasting spiritual experience it holds of our being with You physically that will remain with us forever and ever.
You, the “Changeless One,” but still with the same outward changing expressions of gaiety and joy, of strain and pain but more intensified, which those living with You day after day must share in and suffer with, especially Mehera.
Kitty Davy in the 1970s at the Meher Spiritual Center, Myrtle Beach, SC. (Photo: Goodwin Harding. Image rendered by Anthony Zois. Meher Baba Travels)
No words can express what one witnessed of Divine Love in its outward aspect during the Sahavas. The time and thought given for months in advance to making the whole week’s activities go through as they did without a hitch. We all know it was your loving planning and overseeing that made it so, relying in Your Love upon all Your loving Eastern followers, men and women, to carry out 100 per cent Your instructions individually and collectively.
The comfortable accommodations and arrangements for travel; the beautiful inspiring music and its variety, remembering especially the first singer of TV fame, the interesting visits to those hallowed places near and far planned by Jal. Last, but first, the many expected and unexpected occasions, not forgetting the last good-bye under the tree when we were with You. And then with Mehera and the girls—and yes, the opportunity given to meet again with many of the Eastern groups—old and new.
The miracle, as Ruth called it, was to be present on those two afternoons under the awning and see the crowds of Your lovers pass by You. This touched her so deeply. She had tears in her eyes—and the little group of villagers who had walked ten miles but first left food to last two days for the animals left behind.
Ten years’ absence, but so little change. Where one was then, one still seems to be—a kind of standstill or statue.
However, You brought to one’s realization the truth of your words, never fully understood before, that “Feelings and emotion are the energy of the mind and love the energy of the soul.” In this deeper understanding, one grasps the truth of what You said to us all, that those present at the Sahavas belonged to You and that was why they were there. It follows then that is why they are where they are at this moment…
And now, Beloved Baba, we hope the strain of the gathering has not been too much strain on Your physical health and that after the quiet of Meherazad You will feel rested a bit.
All my love,
Kitty [18]
Quotes from Meher Baba’s Messages
Given at the 1962 East-West Gathering
Darwin Shaw (right) reading Avatar Meher Baba’s message, East-West Gathering, 1962. (Photo: Meher Baba Travels)
“There is nothing beyond sitting near me, loving me, remembering me.” [19]
“Do not seek my blessing, which is always with you, but long for the day when my grace will descend on all who love me. Most blessed are they who do not even long for my grace, but simply seek to do my will.” [20]
“The way of my work is the way of effacement which is the way of strength, not of weakness; and through it you become mature in my love.” [21]
— Avatar Meher Baba, East-West Gathering, 1962
Footnotes & Notes
[1] Bhau Kalchuri, Lord Meher: The Biography of the Avatar of the Age Meher Baba, Online Edition, pg. 4843, accessed October 27, 2022. ©Avatar Meher Baba Perpetual Public Charitable Trust.
[2] Darshan is “the opportunity or occasion to see a holy person. In Baba’s darshan programs, this usually also included the chance to bow before Baba or embrace Him.” Source: Bal Natu, Intimate Times with Meher Baba: Glimpses of the God-Man at Guru Prasad. (North Myrtle Beach, SC: Sheriar Foundation) p. 757. ©2018 by Avatar Meher Baba Perpetual Public Charitable Trust, Ahmednagar, India.
[3] Kalchuri, op. cit., pg. 4817-4818, accessed online October 27, 2022.
[4] Kitty Davy: In 1931, Meher Baba declared “Love is calling me to the West.” He embarked on the first of a number of major world journeys for His work. Kitty Davy was among the early ones contacted by Meher Baba in her native London, England on that first journey.
Source: Kalchuri, ibid., pg. 1231, accessed online October 27, 2022.
Kitty was also among the small group of Western disciples called by Meher Baba to India in 1937 to live in His ashram, serve Him, and be trained in the Master’s ways. Meher Baba gave Kitty the Persian nickname Saroja, meaning Lotus Flower. Her stay with Baba in India was for 15 years. In 1952, Meher Baba asked Kitty to stay in America to assist Elizabeth Patterson at the Meher Spiritual Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. By Meher Baba’s wish and instruction, Kitty spent the rest of her life in His service at Meher Center, dearly beloved by all those who knew her. She passed away at age 100 in 1991. In Kitty Davy’s book, Love Alone Prevails: A Story of Life with Meher Baba (1981), the publisher’s preface aptly expresses that Kitty’s writing “instinctively directs one’s attention to Meher Baba while the details of her own deeply felt story come through.”
Source: Davy, Kitty, Love Alone Prevails: A Story of Life with Meher Baba, (North Myrtle Beach, SC: Sheriar Press) from the dust jacket, back flap. ©1981 by Meher Spiritual Center, Inc. Used with permission.
[5] Kalchuri, ibid., pg. 4818, accessed online October 27, 2022.
[6] Kalchuri, ibid., pg. 4822, accessed online October 27, 2022.
[7] Davy, op. cit., pg. 593.
[8] Natu, op. cit., pg. 349.
[9] Natu, ibid., pg. 367.
[10] Davy, op. cit., pg. 594.
[11] Davy, ibid., pg. 593.
[12] Davy, ibid., pg. 594-595.
[13] Davy, ibid., pg. 595-596.
[14] Davy, ibid., pg. 596.
[15] Mani Irani, 82 Family Letters to the Western Family of Lovers and Followers of Meher Baba. (North Myrtle Beach, SC: Sheriar Press) pg. 148. ©1976 by Avatar Meher Baba Perpetual Public Charitable Trust, Ahmednagar, India.
[16] Davy, op. cit., pg. 597.
[17] Davy, ibid., pg. 600.
[18] Jane Barry Haynes, ed., Letters of Love for Meher Baba: The Ancient One (Myrtle Beach, SC: EliNor Publications) pg. 227-228. © 1997 by EliNor Publications. Used with permission.
[19] Kalchuri, op.cit., pg. 4849, accessed online November 2, 2022.
[20] Kalchuri, ibid. cit., pg. 4864, accessed online October 27, 2022., from the message “My Dear Children.”
[21] Kalchuri, ibid., pg. 4871, accessed online October 27, 2022., from the message “My Dear Workers.”