MEHER BABA: A BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

Meher Baba (Merwan Sheriar Irani) was born in Poona, India, February 25, 1894. After a normal childhood, at the age of 19 he was awakened by a kiss from Hazrat Babajan, a Perfect Master, and afterwards embarked on a seven year process of spiritual transformation and training with Upasni Maharaj, another Perfect Master, before beginning his public work in 1922. The name Meher Baba, "Compassionate Father," was given to him by his followers.

 From July 10, 1925, to the end of his life, Meher Baba maintained silence and communicated through an alphabet board and later through unique hand gestures. With his mandali (“circle” of disciples), he spent long periods in seclusion at Meherabad, Maharashtra State, interspersing these periods with wide-ranging travels through India to minister to the poor and the God-intoxicated, who are called masts (pronounced musts). In 1931, he made the first of many trips to the West.

Meher Baba said he came not to teach but to awaken, not to establish another religion but to bring humanity to God realization. He dictated several books, gave public darshan on occasion, and touched many with his love. In 1954, Meher Baba publically declared that he was the Avatar of the Age. He dropped his body January 31, 1969.