published in the November Meher Message, he writes: "May my love ever increase to do your work ever more and more." Later, to one of the mandali: "Please assure our Beloved Baba when he returns from Persia that my house which is beautifully situated in the country and is very quiet, is entirely at his disposal and so are my services and those of the restless Margaret Starr and Esther (Margaret's sister). We only live to love and serve him."

Meredith, writing of his impressions of the six months he spent with Meher Baba in India in his ashram in 1929, states in the Meher Message of that date, that it had been an experience that he would not have missed for anything in the world — and continued: "The future of this planet depends to a great extent upon East and West finding a common basis of understanding and toleration. Instead of continually harping on differences, they should practice good will and try to understand one another — but that requires patience and humility on both sides." . . . "The fact that Shri Meher Baba is a living embodiment of ideals which others only worship from afar (or ignore), together with his profound wisdom and all-embracing compassion, explain the extraordinary devotion he inspires in all who come closely in contact with Him.

"Fortunate indeed are those who gain his company and still more fortunate those who follow his advice and receive his grace."

This was the sincere love and understanding of the one chosen by Baba to be the channel to bring together at a given time and place many of those destined in this year 1931, to meet Baba for the first time. I recall Baba saying that before the Avatar takes birth, both time and place are planned for these contacts and at the appointed time he or she will be at the right place.

My brother, having received a very welcoming letter from East Challacombe in answer to his inquiries, arranged to leave London on March 28th for the retreat, having been led by destiny — that is, according to Baba's explanation of destiny: "Destiny is the Divine law or will which guides one and all from the starting point of evolution to the ultimate goal, viz, God-Realization."

On arriving at the farmhouse at East Challacombe, Herbert entered a small sitting room lined with home-made book shelves and with chairs made from packing cases. Meredith came forward to welcome my brother who felt immediately drawn to him. Both spent many hours discussing existing spiritual movements, books, persons and meditation.