Baba's Tree
In 1956, when Avatar Meher Baba visited Meher Mount, caretaker Agnes Baron led Him on a tour of the property. As they crested the hill overlooking a corner of the property, a magnificent large oak came into view. Agnes turned to Meher Baba and said, “I’ve always thought of this as Your Tree.”
AVATAR MEHER BABA at Meher Mount on August 2, 1956 with co-founder Agnes Baron. (Photo: Darwin Shaw, Meher Nazar Publications)
When they reached the tree – now known as Baba’s Tree – Agnes said, “Here’s your tree, Baba. I’ve let the limbs come down so they would enclose it. I think it’s a very loving little temple.”
As they arrived at the tree, Meher Baba walked directly to the center of the natural enclosure and sat down. His companions rushed forward to join Him, but He gestured for them to stop, waving the group back.
For about five minutes, Meher Baba sat in profound silence beneath the oak. Agnes later recalled the powerful atmosphere of that moment: “You just felt worlds moving, worlds moving.” His expression revealed His deep love, and when He rose, His eyes shone with happiness.
The space where Meher Baba sat, approximately eight feet from the main trunk under a large horizontal limb, is now marked with a natural heart-shaped stone that visitors often adorn with flowers.
A HEART STONE adorned with flowers marking the spot where Avatar Meher Baba sat under Baba’s Tree at Meher Mount in 1956. (Photo: Sandy Thurlow)
For years after this visit, Baba’s Tree became a special place of pilgrimage and special interest for visitors to Meher Mount.
Meher Baba’s followers visited Baba’s Tree as a special place enhanced by Meher Baba’s visit. For those who chose to travel to places Meher Baba blessed with His presence, Baba’s Tree became a special destination.
For casual visitors to Meher Mount, Baba’s Tree also held a special place in their hearts. One visitor called it “the cathedral tree” and brought back friends to see it firsthand.
UNDER THE CANOPY of Baba’s Tree at Meher Mount before the 2017 Thomas Fire. (Photo: Wayne Myers)
On special days, Aarti, special songs and prayers dedicated to Avatar Meher Baba, was held beneath the limbs of Baba’s Tree.
Wooden benches were placed beneath the canopy of the tree. Some people sat there during gatherings, while others sat in silence and solitude.
Baba’s Tree became a place of special and unique connection for each individual who encountered it.
BABA’S TREE at Meher Mount sitting at Avatar’s Point before the 2017 Thomas Fire. (Photo: Brad Spurr)
Baba’s Tree has demonstrated remarkable resilience, surviving devastating fires in both 1985 and 2017. Its resilience has only deepened its significance, embodying the strength and enduring presence of the Avatar.
Since the 2017 Thomas Fire, the area around Baba’s Tree has become Baba’s Tree Grove, where seedlings and saplings rise beside the ancient oak.
The tree serves as both a memorial to Meher Baba’s presence and what followers believe to be a living repository of His spiritual influence.
BABA’s TREE after the 2017 Thomas Fire. (Photo: Juan Mendez?)
Visitors find the space conducive to quiet contemplation, drawing inspiration, solace, and joy from spending time beneath the oak’s branches.
For devotees, Baba’s Tree represents a tangible connection to the Divine through Meher Baba’s enduring presence.
Learn more about Tree of Fire: A story of love and resilience
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