AVATAR MEHER BABA (center, blue coat) at Meher Mount on August 2, 1956. Co-founder and lifetime caretaker Agnes Baron is taking Him on a tour of the property. (Photo: Darwin Shaw (c) Meher Nazar Publications)
Anniversary Sahavas — Saturday, August 2, 2025
You are invited to delight in the celebration on Saturday, August 2, 2025 of Avatar Meher Baba’s 1956 visit to Meher Mount.
You will love hearing special guest Charles Haynes shares stories and talk about “Meher Baba — The Master Storyteller.”
“As the Center of everything,” Meher Baba says, “one nod-of-my-head gives rise to a wave of innumerable actions and reactions simultaneously on all planes of consciousness.”
That helps explain why we often experience the stories of Meher Baba’s life when He was in the body — and the stories of His life with us now — as revelations of His love.
For the morning program, Charles will share stories of Meher Baba’s compassion, humor, and grace — past and present. These stories speak to our hearts, awakening Him there. In the afternoon, Charles will take questions, share a few more stories, and invite others to share stories.
There will be will also be a book signing, arti, (songs and prayers), and a potluck lunch.
It’s a good day to walk in the footsteps of the Avatar of the Age, Meher Baba, and remember His visit at Meher Mount.
Click here for Directions.
Anniversary Sahavas Program — Saturday, August 2, 2025
Sahavas means close companionship of, or in the company of, a spiritual master. It also refers to a spiritual retreat or gathering where Meher Baba’s followers meet to remember Him.
9:00 a.m.: Arrival, Sign-in, Fellowship
10:00 a.m.: “Meher Baba — The Master Storyteller” (Part 1) — A Talk from Charles Haynes
Noon: Potluck Lunch: Bring your own or something to share for a potluck lunch
1:15 p.m.: “Meher Baba — The Master Storyteller” (Part 2) — More Stories and Discussion with Charles Haynes
2:45 p.m. – Book Signing
3:30 p.m. – Group walk to Baba’s Tree
4:00 p.m.: Arti (prayers, songs, poems, quotes) at Baba’s Tree
5:00 p.m.: Meher Mount Closes
6:30 p.m.: No-Host Dinner at Boccali’s restaurant (optional)
All Day: Spend time at Meher Baba’s touchstones, including Baba’s Tree, enjoy the views, and experience the silence and beauty of nature. Your visit to Meher Mount is an opportunity to walk in His footsteps in this place filled with Meher Baba’s essence.
All are welcome. There is a suggested donation of $20 per person for the program to help cover expenses.
About Charles Haynes
CHARLES HAYNES, guest speaker for the 2025 Anniversary Sahavas, showing how Meher Baba would embrace you.
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 more than 20 years.
In his professional life, Charles has served as vice president of the Newseum Institute and founding director of the Religious Freedom Center.
His engaging talks are filled with humor, insight and love inspired by a lifetime of living in Meher Baba’s orbit.
Books by Charles Haynes:
Kissed by God: My Childhood with Meher Baba “The stories collected in this pages are memories from my childhood with Meher Baba. For me, however, they are far more than recollections of the past; they are living experiences in the present. What Baba did then, He does now. Every time the stories are re-told they are new.” - From the preface
Meher Baba, The Awakener Drawing primarily on Meher Baba’s own explanations of the Avatar’s life and work, this book explores the dynamics of the universal awakening of love.
The Day Becomes the Answer: Wit and wisdom of Elizabeth, disciple of Meher Baba In his recollections of life with Elizabeth Chapin Patterson (1896-1980), Charles provides an intimate portrait of one of Meher Baba's foremost Western disciples. Charles’ memories of Elizabeth are filled with precious gems of her wit and wisdom that can be readily applied to one’s daily life.
No-Host Dinner At Boccali’s After The Celebration
There is a no-host dinner after the event at 6:00 p.m. at Boccali's restaurant for all who are interested. Boccali's is located at 3277 Ojai Santa Paula Road, Ojai, CA. If attending the dinner:
Please arrive at the restaurant by 6:00 p.m. Seating is limited. Later, you might not get served.
Please bring cash or your checkbook.
With such a large group, there are no separate checks. The total bill - including tax and a 20% tip - is divided by all participants. Each person pays that portion of the bill.
The dinner is a delightful time of fellowship and relaxation after a Meher Baba-filled day at Meher Mount.
Guidelines & 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:
Your lunch or something to share in the potluck - whichever is most comfortable for you. Your food should be ready to eat and not require additional prep or cooking. The group will be eating on the patio which has no prep and cooking facilities. Plates, cups, and eating utensils will be provided.
A hat, sunscreen and water are recommended. Suggest close-toed shoes for walking.
Optional — flowers for Baba’s Fireplace, Baba’s Walkway or Baba’s Tree are always welcome.
There is a suggested donation of $20 per person to help cover the costs of the event.
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.