"I'm more of a sunset admirer..."

Your Friday photo…

Bing Heckman, volunteer and Meher Mount founding board member, spent a week as a temporary caretaker this summer. Here are his musings and Friday photo…

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“Sunrise. I look out the window, but I’m not getting up yet. I’m more of a sunset admirer. That said, the sunrise exudes serenity and awakening.”

— Bing Heckman, Founding Board Member

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When I arrived, it struck me that Meher Mount is very well cared for and maintained. I also saw that it’s teeming with life. 

There are many bird species, no doubt attracted by the birdfeeders and birdbaths. All are busy scurrying about landing, feeding, gathering, and dispersing. Some of the hummingbirds chase others off, defending a given feeder.

The lizards, butterflies, bees, and squirrels are also flying or running about. 

One is drawn to take time to listen to the sounds of the birds and a wind chime and to feel the gentle breeze. Maybe just sit and watch a hummingbird leisurely feed at the feeder.  

Breaking away from my routines at home, a quiet, leisurely pace emerges. At first, not sure what to do, but the day unfolds.

Time to think and reflect without distraction.

A new rhythm of the day comes about.

After a few days, one sees that the colorful California Orioles, crows, and other animals have their daily rhythms and routines, too.

Birds begin stirring at sunrise. After being active and a bit ruckus all day, they settle in about a half hour before sunset. There is quiet, but for an occasional chirp. 

Sunrise, I look out the window, but I’m not getting up yet. I’m more of a sunset admirer. That said, the sunrise exudes serenity and awakening.

There is no neglecting practical matters, just allowing a bit more space in between, managing to sit, listen, and see what is around. 

Is this a spiritual place? Everywhere is. This place just helps one see that. 

~Bing Heckman, Founding Board Member & Temporary Caretaker

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"All day I think about it, then at night I say it." - Rumi

Your Friday photo…

As night fell, volunteer Stephanie Ervin took this photograph of the Visitor Center at Meher Mount and selected this poetic excerpt from Rumi.

“All day I think about it, then at night I say it.
Where did I come from, and what am I supposed to be doing?
I have no idea.
My soul is from elsewhere, I’m sure of that,
and I intend to end up there.”

— Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī

I've been visiting Meher Mount since I was very young. I’ve mainly spent time there during the day.

But on a sunny day in May when I visited with my mother Margaret Magnus, we stayed for a lively dinner. It was one of those evenings where the food was good, everyone was talkative and happy, and we all enjoyed each other's company. 

After dinner I stepped outside with Caretaker Ray Johnston. As we looked at the stars, I turned around. The sky was just turning a dark blue, and the outdoor lights on the Visitor Center glowed in a warm orange tint. 

The Visitor Center — which includes the living quarters for the Caretakers — is one of two buildings on Meher Mount’s 172 acres. The other is the Workshop with the adjoining Topa Topa Patio.

In this moment the Visitor Center, and Meher Mount itself, looked like a warm, safe haven against the darkness of night.

I've thought about this photo off and on since the night I took it because in a way, Meher Mount has been like an anchor in my life.

Even though I don't visit as often as I did in my childhood, Meher Mount is forever present for me.

It’s like a longtime friend I can always come back and see, like a port that can weather any storm. 

~Stephanie Ervin, Volunteer

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The quote is excerpted from “Who Says Words with My Mouth?” by Rumi and translated by Coleman Barks.

Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī, also known as Rumi, was a 13th century poet and Islamic scholar. Avatar Meher Baba enjoyed listening to Rumi's poetry and praised him as one of the greatest minds of all mystical and spiritual literature.

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"I stayed until the fog slowly crept up the hill..."

Your Friday photo…

Visitor Chris Barker captured the serenity of a late spring afternoon at Avatar’s Point when the clouds were rolling in and the sun was setting.

“Most sweet was the thought of Meher Baba striding across this airy hilltop...”

— Chris Barker

I was stunned with the beauty of Meher Mount — the majestic view all the way to the distant Pacific Ocean; the lovely green field leading down to Baba’s Tree; the clean lines of the adobe-inspired reception building.

But most sweet was the thought of Meher Baba striding across this airy hilltop with co-founder Agnes Baron and His other Baba lovers in tow.

It was easy to feel the sanctity of this unique place. I stayed and enjoyed it until the fog slowly crept up and swirled over the top of the hill at Avatar’s Point.

~Chris Barker, Visitor

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