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.
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.”
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“On the 25th of December we were all assembled at Nasik with Baba for one of the most blessed of all Christmases. We were thrilled to be with Baba again and on Christmas Day re-created the true festive spirit.
“Baba sat toward the middle of one side of the long narrow table, His plate encircled with many gifts brought for Him from the West. With child-like curiosity He carefully and methodically untied the parcels; then with a smile and often a twinkle, selected and presented to each a treasured gift. A few had been earmarked for special persons. We noted Baba preferred to make His own choices.
“After Baba distributed the Christmas surprises amongst us, He said…
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Meher Baba repeatedly stressed how fortunate His followers were to be with Him that day at Meher Mount - August 2, 1956. It was a time of relaxation and laughter in the presence of the Avatar of the Age. The following is from first-hand accounts of the day by Filis Frederick, Darwin Shaw and Jeanne Shaw with photographs from Darwin Shaw.
“Thursday, August 2 [1956], was a day we had all been looking forward to, a day when Baba would be free of interviews, when we could all be more closely with him in the beautiful setting of Meher Mount,” wrote Darwin Shaw in his book, As Only God Can Love.
“Everyone was in a happy mood for the day’s outing,” Darwin continued.
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"…the personal disaster, for some years foretold by me, took place in the form of an automobile accident while crossing the American continent… It was necessary that it should happen in America. God willed it so." - Avatar Meher Baba
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