A Brief History
Please note: The essays on this page are my own composition, they are my personal understandings given in good faith. Jim F.
Meher Baba and Australia
At present there are pockets of individuals who are commonly referred to as "Baba people" scattered around Australia and New Zealand, just as there are throughout the world, from Sydney to Sunny Coast, Brisbane to Beijing, Melbourne to Manhattan. The Australian Meher Baba story begins in the 1940s with a small contingent of followers of the Sufi master Inayat Khan. In the late 1940's this group heard of Meher Baba through their Sufi contacts in the United States. Could Meher Baba be the one?
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Francis Brabazon was sent to the US with the intention of finding out more about Meher Baba. In 1952, Meher Baba visited the US and the newly established Meher Spiritual Center, here Francis met Meher Baba for the first time, and immediately recognised and accepted Meher Baba as his Spiritual Master. Baba instructed Francis to return immediately to Australia, where Francis proceeded to inform the group of his conviction that truly, Meher Baba was the one.
Meher Baba's First Visit to Australia
In 1956 Meher Baba was again traveling around the world to meet with those who had come to know of Him in the West. For the first time the Avatar set foot on Australian soil, an event of the highest significance. In His usual understated way, He was loving and natural, making everyone comfortable in His presence, often joking, while still maintaining His self imposed Silence. He endeared those who had the good fortune to have this rare opportunity of His company. He stayed first in at Meher House in Sydney, named by Him as one of His Places, which today continues as a place of pilgrimage. Then flew on to Melbourne, where He visited the homes of His close ones, played marbles with the children, winning hearts wherever He went.
Photo by Aubrey Rouse
Meher Baba's Second Visit
January 1958 word arrived that Meher Baba wished to visit Australia again, barely able to walk due to a serious car accident in 1956; this time He expressed a preference for Queensland. Immediately Francis Brabazon drove north and upon discovering a property on the top of Kiel Mountain sent a telegram to India. Meher Baba confirmed the location saying it was "...excellently suitable". With only 4 months to prepare, families from Melbourne and Sydney drove down to assist Francis. The men camped in tents, no power or running water, lots of rain; together they built two structures for Baba's visit, one only half finished in hessian. They were blessed with four glorious days of the Avatar's Sahavas (shared company). Baba named the property Avatar's Abode, saying it would be a place of world pilgrimage. Today it continues to welcome all who come seeking His gift of Love.
Australia and New Zealand Today
As there is no formal institution or hierarchy established in Australia by those connected to Meher Baba, individuals follow their own inner guidance as to how best to center Meher Baba in their lives. They trust Baba to continue to guide them by remembering Him and seeing Him as part of every moment of their lives. Some keep their Baba very close and personal. Others enjoy and feel enriched by sharing together in their celebration of His Love. Meher House in Sydney and Avatar's Abode in QLD have on going gatherings and regular meetings where they focus on Baba's love, His life and His messages. These can be serious or playful, silent or musical, impromptu or formal. Melbourne, Perth, and Christchurch all have their own forms of regular group gatherings.