THE DARSHAN COURTYARD — next to Baba’s Fireplace — is to be an intimate space that evokes the Baba Room where Avatar Meher Baba gave darshan (the grace of seeing the Divine) in 1956. The benches made from the fallen wood of Baba’s Tree are part of this special touchstone. (Photo: Chris Barker, 2023)
Darshan Courtyard Groundbreaking — Saturday, October 12, 2024
You are invited to kick off the construction of the Darshan Courtyard at Meher Mount on Saturday, October 12, 2024.
The courtyard is to be an intimate space evoking the atmosphere of the Baba Room where Avatar Meher Baba gave darshan (the grace of seeing the Divine) to His followers in 1956.
The Baba Room was reduced to rubble and ashes by wildfire. Coincidently, that fire was almost 40 years ago to the day.
At this special groundbreaking, you will see a short history of the evolution of the Darshan Courtyard — from the Baba Room to its destruction to the creation of the courtyard.
You will have the opportunity to help bury the ashes from the special 2021 Darshan Dhuni. These ashes will be placed under the spot where Avatar Meher Baba sat during the day.
For this dhuni, more than 185 personally meaningful Meher Baba quotes were sent from all over the world. Each quote was placed in a special dhuni (sacred fire). The ashes from this dhuni — quotes from Meher Baba — will symbolically help form the foundation for the courtyard.
There will be prayers, songs and tea.
During the day, you will also have the opportunity to walk in Meher Baba’s footsteps, visit Baba’s Tree, and spend time at Avatar’s Point enjoying the views.
This free event is made possible by generous donors like you.
Program—Saturday, October 12, 2024
Noon: Meher Mount Opens
1:30 p.m.: Presentation: “The Baba Room Becomes the Darshan Courtyard” (Visitor Center)
2:00 p.m.: Groundbreaking: Dhuni Ashes Buried in the Courtyard Area
2:15 p.m.: Arti (prayers, songs, poems, quotes)
5:00 p.m.: Meher Mount Closes
THE BABA ROOM at Meher Mount was reduced to ashes and ruble after the October 14, 1985, New Life Fire. This is where Avatar Meher Baba gave darshan (the grace of seeing the Divine) to His followers on August 2, 1956. The stone fireplace — Baba’s Fireplace — remains as a touchstone of His visit and His Presence in our lives. (Photo: Sam Ervin, October 1985)
Guidelines & What to Bring for the Groundbreaking
The weather is forecast to be sunny with a high of 84 degrees and a low of 49 degrees Fahrenheit.
Please bring:
A hat, sunscreen and water are recommended. Suggest close-toed shoes for walking. A light jacket is suggested.
Optional — flowers for Baba’s Fireplace, Baba’s Walkway or Baba’s Tree are always welcome.
Please do not bring:
Please do not bring your pets.
There are no fires, incense or candles. The fire danger is extremely high.
There are no drugs or alcohol.
Guidelines:
For general visitor information, see the Visitor Guidelines.
Children — Parents are responsible for maintaining their children’s safety. Children under nine years must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
For children nine through 14 years, there should be a responsible adult at Meher Mount who is actively engaged in the supervision of their activities and whereabouts at all time.
Please note there is no climbing on any equipment or in the trees.
AGNES BARON sitting next to Avatar Meher Baba in the Baba Room at Meher Mount in 1956. The ashes from the special Darshan Dhuni containing personally favorite Meher Baba quotes from 185 people around the world will be buried under this spot. They will symbolically become part of the foundation for the Darshan Courtyard.
RSVP - Darshan Courtyard Groundbreaking
Please use this form to RSVP for the Darshan Courtyard Groundbreaking on Saturday, October 12, 2024, celebrating the creation of the Darshan Courtyard at Meher Mount.
Meher Mount Telephone: 805-640-0000
Email: info@mehermount.org