Don't Worry, Be Happy
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The Source of “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”
Avatar Meher Baba (1894–1969) often used the expression "don't worry, be happy" when sending messages to His followers in the West.
And particularly in the 1960s, the phrase was often printed on inspirational cards and posters. In 1988, Bobby McFerrin noticed a Meher Baba “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” poster and was inspired by the charm and simplicity of Meher Baba’s statement.
At the 1989 Grammy Awards, "Don't Worry, Be Happy" won the awards for Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
THE VIEW from Meher Mount of the setting sun. (Photo: Kristina Somma)
Does Happiness Matter?
There’s a story shared in Lord Meher (about Meher Baba’s life) in which a nurse named Mrs. Schreiber told Meher Baba, “I am so tired of life and very unhappy. I don’t see how I can improve.”
Meher Baba responded:
“Everyone is unconsciously tired of this life, because everyone seeks happiness, but knows not how to get it.
But life is so beautiful! It is meant to be happy.
I will help you. Then things will appear changed. You will see it.
It is always the outlook that counts, and not the object.
Today, you feel tired, upset, seeing nothing beautiful in things around you in life.
If tomorrow, you do not feel bored but cheerful in the same things that appeared so black to you yesterday — it is all due to changed mentality and outlook.
The easy way is not to make so much of things. Take them lightly.
Say to yourself, 'I am meant to be happy, to make others happy,' and gradually you do become happy yourself and make others happy, too.
Don't suggest to your mind, 'I am tired, haggard, depressed,' et cetera. That will make it worse.
Always say, 'All is well and beautiful. I will be happy.’”
Who Is Avatar Meher Baba?
AVATAR MEHER BABA in Ahmednagar, India in 1926.
Avatar Meher Baba declared that God incarnates in human form every 700 to 1,400 years.
Each incarnation is referred to as the Avatar. Incarnations of the Avatar include Meher Baba, Muhammad, Jesus, Buddha, Krishna, Rama, and Zoroaster.
Meher Baba was born February 25, 1894 in Pune, India, into a Persian Zoroastrian family.
He pursued his spiritual path in his late teenage years and later developed a close following of disciples from around the world and dictated a number of books.
In the book God Speaks, Meher Baba wrote:
“I have not come to establish any cult, society or organization; nor even to establish a new religion. I shall revitalize all religions and cults, and bring them together like beads on one string.”
AVATAR MEHER BABA in 1949 in Meherazad, India, communicating using hand gestures that were translated by His followers. (Photo: Faredoon (Padri) Driver, MSI Collection. Used with permission.)
Starting on July 10, 1925, Meher Baba began to keep silence and never spoke again. He communicated with His close disciples through a combination of alphabet boards, writing, and His own style of hand gestures.
Meher Baba passed away on January 31, 1969 in Ahmednagar, India. Today that area (known as Meherabad) is the location of His Samadhi, or tomb-shrine, and is a place of pilgrimage for His followers all over the world.
You are Invited to Visit Meher Mount
Meher Mount is a 172-acre universal spiritual center dedicated to Avatar Meher Baba. It sits at the 2,500-foot summit of Sulphur Mountain in Ojai, California.
THE VIEW from Avatar’s Point at Meher Mount in the afternoon overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands. (Photo: Stephanie Ervin)
You are invited to visit Meher Mount anytime on Thursdays through Sundays from noon to 5 pm.
On your visit, you are encouraged to take time to listen to the silence… to revel in the beauty of nature… to find a sense of Divine calm… and have a moment for your personal reflection.
Founded in 1946, Meher Mount is a universal spiritual center because Meher Baba is universal. He welcomed people of all faiths — or no faith at all.
AVATAR MEHER BABA and Meher Mount co-founder Agnes Baron (right) at Meher Mount on August 2, 1956. (Photo: Darwin Shaw, Meher Nazar Publications. Used with permission.)
When Avatar Meher Baba visited Meher Mount on August 2, 1956, He said, “Here today, we feel relaxed, happy.”
When showing Meher Baba around Meher Mount, co-founder Agnes Baron pointed to a Coast Live Oak tree. “Baba, I’ve always thought of this as your tree,” she said.
Meher Baba spent time alone under the tree which has become known as Baba’s Tree. It is a touchstone for many who visit.
When you visit, you just might find yourself moving from feeling uninspired, harried, and distracted to finding feelings of peace, relaxation, and happiness.
You could even find yourself saying, “It was meant for me to come here.”
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