over for the bare necessities of life denied to the poor and the needy to provide for the luxuries and amenities of life to the mighty rich — talks of peace simultaneously with the preparations for wars and so on and so forth — all in their greed and ignorance trying to 'grasp at the shadow and losing the substance', the substance that is nothing but Love, the very essence of all life, destined for all but enjoyed by a few, a very few, who have earned the grace of a "Master" and are given that Love, rather "awakened", as Baba says. Those alone, being thus "awakened" and enjoying the blissful development and growth of Love, learn to realize the true secret and significance of life, and try, with the graceful helping hand of the Master always behind all their individual efforts, to rise above the turmoil of life 'as it is', towards a life "as it ought to be."

Those who have tasted that Love — as the very essence of life — are duly blessed! To those of you who read this, it is a personal experience of an invaluable gift of the Divine Grace given by Baba, who even from this distance sees and feels and knows how each loving heart craves for his Love and loving help and pours it out, as he alone can, incessantly to all who need! Besides during all this spell of a long silence that has been so telling to all who await so anxiously for even a word from him — he has been working, contemplating on a great plan for the future. We are all watching him work at "something" all the while that he has been in seclusion and refusing to see anyone — and the present move to this side towards the 'Nilgiris' seems to be significant of some 'plans' behind it — plans which we all await so eagerly to know. A hint, however, is thrown, and other signs too, show that it also includes his Western devotees, especially his dear 'gopies', to participate in same. And it is mainly due to this work that keeps him busy thinking and planning, about those of his Western loved ones whom he wishes to participate, that individual letters have been so long delayed. But they will now be sent out soon.

Baba's birthday — February 1936

This being the year of his seclusion he wished his birthday to be observed quietly, with no ceremonies or celebrations, either at Meherabad, at Nasik, or here. Everyone wondered! There must be "something" behind it! And how it proved to be too true! For his birthday this year was celebrated by Baba's own Master Shri Upasni Maharaj, One who included all, and in a way such as to include all the celebrations that could be observed the world over! An epoch-making event! Unique even in the history of Masters and a significant sign for something 'great and grand' to come in future! Even we in India couldn't dream of such an event and it was a shock too happy to bear when we heard of it! It brought us all to realize vividly all the force and significance of Baba's words in the past which, in our loving relations and familiarity with him, we were foolishly inclined to take so lightly! The following writing describes this event.

A Unique Event: Shri Upasni Maharaj's Visit                         To Khushru Quarters

It was the 16th day of February 1936 ― Shri Meher Baba's 43rd birthday. As Baba had left Meherabad about a fortnight ago, there was no celebration, nor any visitors expected that would keep me at Meherabad. Hence, I went as usual to Khushru Quarters in Ahmednagar to arrange for petty things concerning the Ashram at Meherabad, and also to see my mother Gulmai who, since Baba's departure from Meherabad, was instructed to stay at home after a very long interval of her stay with Baba. Padri of our Mandali

© 1976 by Adi K. Irani