Meher Baba
Biography of Meher Baba
Full Name and Common Aliases
Meher Baba, born Merwan Sheriar Irani, is often referred to simply as "Baba" by his followers. He is also known as "The Silent Master" due to his long period of silence.
Birth and Death Dates
Meher Baba was born on February 25, 1894, and passed away on January 31, 1969.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Meher Baba was an Indian spiritual master and mystic. He is renowned for his teachings on love, truth, and the spiritual path, and is considered by many to be an Avatar, or a divine incarnation.
Early Life and Background
Meher Baba was born in Pune, India, into a Zoroastrian family of Persian descent. His father, Sheriar Mundegar Irani, was a devout seeker of spiritual truth, which influenced Baba's early life. As a child, Merwan was known for his intelligence and charisma, traits that would later define his spiritual leadership. He attended St. Vincent's High School and later Deccan College in Pune, where he was an average student but showed a keen interest in poetry and literature.
A pivotal moment in his life occurred in 1913 when he met Hazrat Babajan, a revered Muslim saint. This encounter triggered a profound spiritual transformation in Merwan, leading him to meet other spiritual figures such as Upasni Maharaj, Sai Baba of Shirdi, and Narayan Maharaj. These interactions deepened his spiritual understanding and set him on the path to becoming Meher Baba.
Major Accomplishments
Meher Baba's major accomplishments are deeply rooted in his spiritual teachings and the establishment of a global following. In 1925, he began a period of silence that lasted until his death in 1969, communicating only through gestures and an alphabet board. This silence was a significant aspect of his spiritual practice and teachings, emphasizing the power of inner silence and the limitations of spoken words in conveying truth.
He founded several spiritual centers, including the Meher Spiritual Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Meherabad in India, which became a pilgrimage site for his followers. Meher Baba also undertook extensive travels across the world, spreading his message of love and truth, and meeting with people from all walks of life.
Notable Works or Actions
One of Meher Baba's most notable actions was his declaration of being the Avatar of the age, a claim that attracted both followers and skeptics. His teachings, compiled in works such as "God Speaks" and "Discourses," offer profound insights into the nature of God, the universe, and the human soul. These writings are considered essential reading for those interested in spiritual philosophy and mysticism.
Meher Baba's compassionate work with the marginalized, including lepers and the poor, demonstrated his commitment to service and love in action. His "New Life" phase, a period of renunciation and wandering with a small group of disciples, exemplified his teachings on detachment and surrender to the divine will.
Impact and Legacy
Meher Baba's impact extends beyond his immediate followers, influencing various spiritual movements and individuals worldwide. His emphasis on love as the highest form of spiritual practice resonates with people across different cultures and religions. The annual Amartithi, commemorating his death anniversary, draws thousands of devotees to Meherabad, reflecting his enduring legacy.
His teachings have inspired numerous artists, musicians, and writers, including Pete Townshend of The Who, who dedicated the song "Baba O'Riley" to him. Meher Baba's message of universal love and the unity of all religions continues to inspire new generations seeking spiritual truth.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Meher Baba is widely quoted and remembered for his profound spiritual insights and his unique approach to teaching. His aphorism, "Don't worry, be happy," encapsulates his philosophy of living with love and trust in the divine. His teachings on the importance of love, compassion, and self-realization offer timeless wisdom that transcends cultural and religious boundaries.
His life of silence and service exemplifies the power of living one's truth, making his words and actions a source of inspiration for those on the spiritual path. Meher Baba's legacy as a spiritual master who lived his teachings continues to resonate, making him a revered figure in the world of spirituality.
Quotes by Meher Baba
Meher Baba's insights on:
When a person tells others ‘Be good,’ he conveys to his hearers the feeling that he is good and they are not.
Joke I read somewhere: They say that God is the innermost dweller of all. Well I hope He likes enchiladas – cause that’s what He’s getting! Love delights and glorifies in giving, not receiving.
Through endless time God’s greatest gift is continuously given in silence. But whenmankind becomes completely deaf to the thunder of His Silence God incarnates as Man.
If you are convinced of God’s existence then it rests with you to seek Him, to see Him and to realize Him. Do not search for God outside of you. God can only be found within you, for His only abode is the heart.
Pure love is matchless in majesty; it has no parallel in power and there is no darkness it cannot dispel...
The entire life of the personal ego is continually in the grip of wanting, i. e., an attempt to seek fulfilment of desires through things that change and vanish. But there can be no real fulfilment through the transient things.
The book that I shall make people read is the book of the heart, which holds the key to the mystery of life.
Love is the reflection of God’s unity in the world of duality. It constitutes the entire significance of creation.
The easiest and shortest way to God -realization is through the contact of a Sadguru, which means keeping the company or sahavas of such a Master, obeying him and serving him. This remedy is like a special express train which carries you straight to your destination.