An Integrated Darshana: Part 2
In Part Two of this series, Ward Parks focuses on Meher Baba’s signature concept: The Divine Theme. As Ward points out, this is Baba’s keynote idea that has never been given by the Avatar before. Ward uses Baba’s words and charts from various sources to pick our interest at what is essentially the biography of the soul and hence the narrative that applies to us all!
For Parts three to six, please click here.
Video, 1:29:00
Meeting Place, October 21, 2023
From the Meher Spiritual Center, Inc. Archives
Uploaded 11/16/2023
An Integrated Darshana: Part One
This is the introductory session to this six part series that relates God Speaks to Baba’s early discourses from the 1920s. Here, Ward Parks lays out the meaning and use of the word “Darshana,” which literally means “glimpse,” to be used for Meher Baba’s living philosophy. He ties the concept together with major world religions and the various advents of the Avatars. Finally, he discusses the very important subject of authenticity and editorializing of the Avatar’s words and its impact on Baba’s legacy.
Video, 1:26:50
Meher Center Virtual Event, October 20, 2023
From the Meher Spiritual Center, Inc. Archives
Uploaded 11/8/2023
“I saw waves of love”
Naosherwan Anzar first met Baba as a child. HIs parents were devoted lovers of Meher Baba and had intimate contact with Him. In this conversation with Keith Sheridan, Naosherwan narrates many stories from His childhood, Baba’s New Life, East-West Gathering where He experienced the awakening of Baba’s love. He then goes on to share the incredible story of his desire to serve Baba and how Baba rightfully directed him toward the rest of his life.
Video, 1:10:30
Meeting Place, October 21, 2023
From the Meher Spiritual Center, Inc. Archives
Uploaded 11/2/2023
“He’s right there”
Nathan Dabbs has been a Cabin Crew staff member since 2022. In this clip from a recent interview, he shares the times during his childhood when he was visited by the best Friend ever.
Video, 15:14
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 2023
Courtesy of Robin Vogel
Uploaded 10/27/2023
Reflections on the New Life
In this presentation, Jamie Newell examines the facts, meaning and stories of the New Life. In October of 1949, Baba relinquished nearly all of His physical possessions, cut off external contact with His lovers throughout the world, and set off across India with a small group of His mandali. Jamie quotes many of Baba’s direct words about this unfathomable period and weaves in stories recounted by the mandali. He leaves us with questions to dwell on and different avenues to explore within our limited understanding of the Master’s undertakings.
Video, 57:27
Meher Center Meeting Place, October 14, 2022
From the Meher Spiritual Center, Inc. Archives
Uploaded 10/20/2023
Creation and Its Causes, Part 2
In Part Two of the Creation and Its Causes series, Ward Parks explains the context and introduction of the book by narrating anecdotes in relation to the text. He presents rare slides and documents to enrich the feel of the book. Then, he dives into the interesting first few talks that Baba chose to give to the boys. Be ready to be surprised by the in-depth explanations that end with Baba’s instruction to do what matters most – create “prem” or love for the Master.
The rest of the talks in this series can be accessed here.
Video, 1:23:10
Meher Center Meeting Place, October 21, 2022
From the Meher Spiritual Center, Inc. Archives
Creation and Its Causes: Part 1
Ward Parks is a Meher Baba scholar and editor who travels around the world speaking about Baba literature. Last year, Ward gave a six-part seminar on Creation and Its Causes, the recently published book of lectures given by Meher Baba to the Meher Ashram boys in 1927. This is Part One of that presentation.
This introductory first part outlines the nature, context and contents of Baba’s discourses before He came to the west, leading into discussion of the lectures and illustrations that make up Creation and Its Causes.
We will be sharing Part Two of the series next week, along with the other parts. Ward returns to Meher Center from October 20-22, 2023 to present on “An Integrated Darshana: God Speaks in relation to Meher Baba’s Discourse Literature of the 1920s.”
Video, 1:14:04
Meher Center Meeting Place, October 21, 2022
From the Meher Spiritual Center, Inc. Archives
Uploaded 10/6/2023
“If you want to be free, free you are”
Davana Brown, a long-time resident of Meherazad, lived amongst the Mandali for many years. In this recording from Mandali Hall, Eruch prompts Davana to share the story of a priest who came to Baba in search of a vision of Christ.
Audio, 4:24
Mandali Hall, Meherazad, India, August 6, 1989
Courtesy of Mandali Hall Talks
Uploaded 10/6/2023
Panel Discussion on Following Meher Baba
During this recent panel discussion at the Meeting Place, three lovers of Meher Baba answer questions about following Meher Baba in their personal lives. Questions include how they describe Meher Baba to those who don’t know about Him, how Baba helps them through difficult times, and what they have learned from Baba’s close ones. Part of the “Meher Baba’s Life and Message” program, this panel will hopefully be the first of many.
Video, 1:01:56
Meher Center Meeting Place, September 8, 2023
From the Meher Spiritual Center, Inc. Archives
Uploaded on 9/22/2023
“But one thing was quite apparent, and that was Baba’s love”
Dara Irani is the son of Baba’s brother, Adi S. Irani, and had the great good fortune to have Baba at his bedside within half an hour of his birth. Although as a child he didn’t immediately consider Baba to be God, he felt the significance of his uncle’s presence, and enjoyed spending time with Him. In this audio recording, Dara shares a few memories from his childhood with Baba.
Video, 5:56
Location and Date Unknown
Courtesy of Mandali Hall Talks
For the full recording, click here
Uploaded 9/22/2023