I have only one message to give, and I repeat it age after age to one and all: Love God. ~ Meher Baba
Connection, Participation, Donation, Celebration
With the help of your work, your generosity, and most especially your love, we have had an extraordinary year at Meherabode. As a long-time Baba Lover recently pointed out, we are most fortunate to be one of the only centers in the U.S. to have a permanent home of our own. And what a beautiful home for the Beloved it is!
Meherabode, an oasis dedicated to Meher Baba in the middle of Los Angeles, is truly a gathering of Beads on One String in real life. Our community ranges in age from 9 months to 93 years. We are from Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Zoroastrian and agnostic backgrounds. We are all races and orientations. In the spirit of Meher Baba’s “Not We but One” we share love for the Avatar and we welcome those who are newly curious. It is a rare place in these times where such a diverse group gathers in love.
Special Guests
Irwin Luck spoke of his fortunate contact with Meher Baba and of how to love Him.
Kebi and Ralph Brown visited from Meherana, sharing wonderful stories of the years they spent in close contact with Meher Baba’s Mandali–His close ones.
Ward Parks gave in-depth workshops on the New Life, as only Ward can do.
Jeff Wolverton joined us for food, songs and stories. We loved having him at the Center.
Adrienne Shamszad enchanted us with her beautiful voice, music, and poetry.
Sahavas
Alan Wagner was a most inspiring guest, telling stories that not only brought the Mandali to life, but sharing intimate stories from Alan’s own path with his Beloved.
Robert Een joined by fellow musician Ross Levenson, played music unlike any other that allowed us to experience love for the Beloved that is beyond words.
Alan Wagner at the Dhuni
Many happy faces at this year’s Sahavas.
Ross Levenson & Robert Een
Unique Programs
We are deeply grateful to our volunteers who open the Center, keep it clean, and provide refreshments for our dynamic weekly programs. We present a wide variety of programs throughout the year.
Recipes from Katie Irani’s cookbook
Meher Baba’s birthday
Farsi Meetings - our Farsi language group meets twice a month. Once at Meherabode and then again on Zoom. An English translation is provided during the readings.
Young Adults
Our Young Adults are engaged in our community in a variety of ways. From serving on the Board of Directors, helping out at larger events, and offering inspiring and creative suggestions about improving the Center. We love the energy they bring to Meherabode.
Center Improvements
Due to a very generous donation earmarked for Fixed Assets, this has been a banner year for improvements to our already beautiful Meherabode:
New roofs on the Main Building, Tea House and office
Rebuilt Dome Pergola
Fresh paint for the Main Building, Greenhouse and front gate
60 metric yards of mulch spread throughout the gardens
Upgraded lawn and garden watering systems
Lawn pathways re-surfaced
Outreach
Los Angeles Festival of Books - for the fourth year our volunteers have given out photos and information about Meher Baba and Meherabode, and most of all, having wonderful conversations with hundreds of those curious about Meher Baba.
Spanish Translations - through the devoted work of two Spanish speaking members a tri-fold pamphlet about Meher Baba and a booklet with His prayers and artis have been translated into Spanish. (Artwork by Tessa Pickering and Roger Stephens.)
The Mystery of You - an original movement and sound piece created specifically for the grounds of Meherabode by Sara Pearson and Patrik Widrig with 6 members of their company and original music by Robert Een with Hafiz poetry recited by Roxy Naragi premiered in April. Three thousand beautiful postcards that included Meher Baba’s words and name were mailed to families in the surrounding neighborhoods. All aspects of the performance were supported by a strategically coordinated volunteer effort of many (mostly young adult) hard-working members of our community. View the video:
Service
The Service Committee organized two drives donating personal care items to the LA Women’s Shelter. Pio Pico Middle School was grateful for the sports equipment and musical instruments our membership donated. And every month it provides a cake to celebrate birthdays.
Fundraising
It’s an annual win/win/win when it’s time for Meherabode’s Fly to India and Myrtle Beach Sweepstakes. You help raise needed funds for the Center and just might find yourself on a plane to one of Meher Baba’s sites of pilgrimage.
Silent Auction items are lovingly given by members of our community: from original art, to mementos gathered at Meherabad and Meherazad, to local services donated. It’s another wonderful opportunity to support Meherabode while gaining treasures connected to the Beloved.
Archives
Archive’s mission is to preserve the historical record of Meher Baba’s Advent. To support this, we actively collect, curate, manage, repair, and disseminate an extensive collection of film, audio, video, print, and digital photographic materials. We also preserve and display many precious items and artwork in the Dome and Meeting Hall related to Meher Baba and His Mandali. Recently we added a display case to the Meeting Hall, Mani’s shoes to the Dome, and many never before seen interviews recorded by Irwin Luck in the 1970s. Work is ongoing to restore and repair these precious films that have sustained damage due to age, so they can be shared with all seekers.
Communications
Our weekly newsletter with program announcements is sent to over 1200 in the metro area and beyond.
We’ve worked with Meher Mount in Ojai, Meherana in Mariposa, and the Heartland Center in Prague, Oklahoma to share information about their programming and the work that they do to spread Baba’s message of love and are looking forward to connecting with more of Meher Baba’s centers worldwide.
This year we once again welcomed the Hyderabad Group to Meherabode and shared prayers in a wonderful coming together of His Lovers.
Visitors from the Avatar Meher Baba Andhra Center, Hyderabad
Connection, Participation, Donation, Celebration
Everything at Meherabode happens thanks to the generosity of dedicated volunteers–we hope you will join us in this truly gratifying work. We need you. We hope you are inspired to help support Meherabode’s programs, community outreach, archives, and so much more with your continuing financial donations. They are needed.
If you’re able to do so you can donate through the PayPal button below or through Meherabode.org.
And please, if you haven’t been to Meherabode in a while, come by. The programs are exciting, the energy is high, His love embracing all.