The anniversary of Mehera’s Reunion day, May 20, 1989, has just passed and in remembering her, her purity and lightness of spirit even in her grief, her bravery, her beauty, her grace, her infectious laughter and sparkling eyes, especially when reminiscing about her life with her ‘darling Baba’, I’ve been remembering all the ways in which she shared with us the beauty of Baba’s love and the charm of His personality.

There was a richness and fullness to the portrait she ‘painted’ for us of her life with Him, and the stories she told reflected so poignantly His perfect humanity, humility, sweetness, kindness, generosity, consideration, patience. How He was so much fun to be around, full of energy and enthusiasm for life. How He loved to be active, to work, to play games, to communicate; how He enjoyed humour and all innocent pleasures.

Through Mehera we saw Baba’s appreciation of the small things in life: His favourite flower was a simple wildflower from the open fields; the music He enjoyed was often just a simple ‘folk’ song rather than some clever and grand piece. So many stories highlight His enjoyment and participation in simple but witty humour which He found in everyday situations. In the early days of the Meherabad Ashram when Baba was still talking, Mehera recalls how the women would sometimes hear Baba laughing and joking outside with the men: “Baba had a rippling sort of laugh. He had a way of teasing and interjecting a funny remark into the conversation. His nature was playful and cheerful. He never liked a dull moment.”

One time in the New Life when the women wanted to entertain Baba, they persuaded Goher to learn and perform a song for Baba despite her shyness and reticence. Baba was so pleased and had fun teasing Goher and wittily changing the meaning of the song, which made them all laugh. And Mehera highlighted in the telling of this story how Baba would entertain them and “in His beautiful way would make the atmosphere light and cheerful, and instead of us entertaining Him, He Himself would make us laugh.”

And accounts of the New Life also reveal the King of Kings and Lord of the Universe participating humbly in the most mundane chores of the household: “Since Baba was now their ‘companion,’ He too participated in what the men thought were ‘tedious chores,’ sweeping His hut, washing His clothes, cleaning His utensils, plate and commode. . . . He also helped in the kitchen, even cleaning pots, and once the women saw Him drawing water from the well near their house. . . . Baba gave a helping hand to all, even carrying things on His head back and forth between the men’s and women’s side.”

When Mehera spoke of Baba’s ways you felt that Baba was not just setting an example in how to be but that He was that – His nature was that. He wasn’t one to sit idly by while others worked, He loved people and being with people, helping and sharing the chores, as well as being the Beloved they must obey and always try to please. And Baba liked to please them also, especially Mehera. Mehera and Baba together showed how the give and take of love is so beautiful, each wanting to please the other above all else, willing to make sacrifices to ensure the happiness of the other.

Mehera also spoke often of Baba’s concern with every detail of their lives, nothing was too small for His loving attention: “Baba’s love is very beautiful, ” Mehera would tell us, “His love and concern for every little detail, in health matters, in eating, drinking, doing my exercises every day. . . .” And this concern was seen in His attention to every detail of a Sahavas program when His lovers would come to stay. His concern for their health, their comfort and their well-being.

When Baba was not ‘working,’ He loved to be entertained or to play games: “Baba was very sweet, but naughty also,” Mehera would say with a smile. “When we played games, He loved to cheat. He loved games and He loved cheating also. He wanted to win every time. Baba never cheated at cricket, as He wanted a serious game. But at other times, especially cards and gilli-danda, He cheated left and right. We would shout, ‘No Baba, no! You’re cheating!’ Baba would say, ‘We’ll count again,’ but He would count incorrectly, and we would have to give in. This provided a lot of excitement, otherwise the game would have been too dull.” And Mani added: “The simplest things, simple games with Baba became so full, because of Baba’s interest, and the childlike joy with which He participated. Life with Baba was not easy, but it was fun. You wouldn’t want anything more.”

Published June 2015.