THE GUTTA BREAKFAST is the first Meher Mount-sponsored event on the Topa Topa Patio, December 2012. (Byron Pinckert photo, 2012.)
THE GUTTA BREAKFAST IS AN OPEN-ENDED DISCUSSION OF MEHER BABA
The Gutta Breakfast is an opportunity to share insights, ask questions, and discuss Avatar Meher Baba and His life and words.
The event starts with breakfast hosted by Fred Stankus and Gigi Driessen, a former Meher Mount Board member. After breakfast, Fred leads a heartfelt discussion of selected passages from Lord Meher.
Each individual reads a suggested passage and all are welcome to comment, ask questions, and share personal insights. Lord Meher is the multi-volume account of Avatar Meher Baba's life by Bhau Kalchuri, one of Meher Baba's close disciples.
Gutta Breakfast Program — Saturday, September 10, 2016
- 11:30 a.m.: Breakfast on the Topa Topa Patio
- 1:00 p.m.: Gutta Discussion Hosted by Fred Stankus
The event is free, and all are welcome.
MANZIL-E-MEEM IS THE INSPIRATION FOR THE GUTTA BREAKFAST
From 1922 to 1923, Avatar Meher Baba gathered a group of His close disciples, known as mandali, together in Bombay (now Mumbai) for about 10 months.
THE MANZIL-E-MEEM disciples with Avatar Meher Baba (center with a white headscarf) in 1923. (Source: Meher Baba Travels website.)
This residence was called Manzil-e-Meem which is inferred to mean "House of the Master." (Literally, "House of M", in Arabic.)
During that time, Meher Baba suggested that the group spare an hour or two every evening to discuss domestic matters of the Manzil, and then to devote some time to recreation.
After a long discussion, this meeting was named the Gutta – meaning the Wineshop. All agreed to this, and a few rules were laid down for the nightly meeting.
Each of the men was allowed to voice his opinion and vote independently on matters. All were free to make suggestions irrespective of, and without fear of, others' opinions.
One speaker was to follow another, but only after getting the chairman's permission. No one was otherwise allowed to speak – lest it turn into a normal tavern where uproar and disorder usually prevail.
Fred Stankus Starts the Gutta Breakfast Tradition
FRED STANKUS reads a passage from Lord Meher with Marc Brutus. (Photo: Margaret Magnus, 2015.)
Using this Gutta as his inspiration Fred Stankus has for many years hosted a Gutta Breakfast in Southern California.
He sparks discussion by providing quotes or references to be read aloud and then encourages each to speak from the heart without interruption.
This event has many repeat visitors because it is inspiring and touches the heart.
It is also an opportunity to learn more about Avatar Meher Baba and His words and life.
HOW TO RSVP
For planning purposes it is important to know how many people will be attending. Just click on this email info@mehermount.org, put "Gutta" in the subject line, and indicate the number of people in your group for the Gutta Breakfast. Thank you.