AVATAR MEHER BABA at Meher Mount on August 2, 1956. Walking next to Meher Baba is co-founder and lifetime caretaker of Meher Mount, Agnes Baron. (Photo: Meher Archive Collective)
On the first Saturday in August, there is always a celebration of the anniversary of Avatar Meher Baba's 1956 visit to Meher Mount.
This year's special guest speakers are Charles Haynes - who as a young boy met Meher Baba - and his husband Christopher Wilson. They will share stories and insights related to following Meher Baba.
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION PROGRAM
The schedule for the Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, August 4, 2018:
10:00 a.m.: Arrival, Sign-in, Fellowship
10:30 a.m.: "Every moment I respond to the whole of creation" - This quote from Avatar Meher Baba is the theme of a talk by Charles Haynes
12:00 p.m.: Potluck Lunch on the Topa Topa Patio
2:00 p.m.: "Make Me your constant companion" - Charles Haynes & Christopher Wilson discuss the meaning of this request from Meher Baba
4:00 p.m.: Arti (prayers, songs, poems, quotes) by Baba's Fireplace
4:45 p.m.: Group Walk to Baba's Tree
5:30 p.m.: Dinner on the Topa Topa Patio, catered by Boccali's Italian restaurant
All are welcome. There is a suggested donation of $20 to help cover expenses. If you are staying for dinner, there is a dinner fee of $20.
ABOUT CHARLES HAYNES & CHRISTOPHER WILSON
CHARLES HAYNES & CHRISTOPHER WILSON (left to right) are the special guest speakers for the 2018 Anniversary Celebration of Avatar Meher Baba's 1956 visit to Meher Mount. Here they are at home with their dogs Jefferson and Jimmy.
Charles Haynes and his family first met Meher Baba in 1958 during the Sahavas at the Meher Spiritual Center, Myrtle Beach, SC. Charles attended the East-West Gathering in India, 1962, and the Great Darshan in India, 1969. He served on the Meher Spiritual Center board for many years and currently serves on the board of Meher Fund.
In his professional life, Charles has served as vice president of the Newseum Institute and founding director of the Religious Freedom Center. He is the author or co-author of eleven books including Meher Baba, The Awakener.
Christopher Wilson grew up in Columbia, SC, and first learned about Meher Baba through a teacher at his high school. Christopher earned his doctorate in Art History and has published widely on depictions of St. Teresa of Avila and other Carmelites in European and Latin American art. He teaches Upper School history and art history at Holton-Arms School and serves on the board of Sheriar Foundation.
Christopher and Charles have been married for 29 years. Together they published Norina’s Gift: Messages of Meher Baba Received Through Princess Norina Matchabelli and continue to work with Norina’s and Nadine Tolstoy’s archival materials. Christopher and Charles live in Alexandria, VA, with their two dogs, Jefferson and Jimmy, and their parrot named José.
WHAT TO BRING FOR THE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
The weather will be warm and beautiful. The Anniversary is a wonderful time to remember and celebrate the presence of the Avatar of the Age at Meher Mount.
Please bring:
A dish or beverages to contribute to the potluck lunch. Your food should be ready to eat and not require additional prep or cooking. The group will be eating on the patio which has limited prep and cooking facilities. Plates, cups, and eating utensils will be provided.
A hat, sunscreen and water are recommended.
There is a suggested donation of $20 to help cover the costs of the event. The optional no-host dinner is a $20 fee.
Please do not bring:
Please do not bring your pets.
There are no fires, incense or candles. The fire danger is extremely high.
For more information, see the Visitor Guidelines.
OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS
If you are traveling to Ojai from out of the area, there are a number of places to stay in nearby Ojai, Santa Paula and Ventura. See more information about the area. Make your reservations very early, as this is busy time in Ojai.
RELATED ARTICLES
CHARLES HAYNES telling at story at Avatar's Point at the 2010 BBQ Picnic at Meher Mount. (Photo: Wayne Myers)