Meher Mount, Ojai, CA. - 1956 visit

2nd August 1956 - DAY 3

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The Roosevelt Hotel, Los Angeles, CA.

From four o'clock in the morning on Thursday, 2 August 1956, preparations were being made to drive 85 miles to Ojai, California, where Agnes Baron had established a lovely hilltop center for Baba called Meher Mount. Filis ( Frederick ) came to the hotel early and saw Baba. The following is her account:

At four in the morning we finished ironing Baba's sadra and trousers and a few handkerchiefs. Luckily we got a lift to the hotel [there was a taxi strike in Los Angeles at this time]. Baba called for me at once and straightened out the knot of separation in my heart for having missed him the day before. I am sure every one on the trip had a similar experience of Baba's unfailing knowledge of our innermost moods and needs. At the end, he crossed his two forefingers in the characteristic gesture, meaning "I am the Christ." I hope someone paints Baba thus someday.

Agnes drove Baba and the mandali ahead in her station wagon, and the rest of the group followed by bus. Baba was to have visited Meher Mount in June 1952, but because of the automobile accident at Prague, Oklahoma, his trip had been canceled. Along the way, Baba admired the rich agricultural land and asked innumerable questions about it, such as what was being grown, how was the land irrigated, are there orchards ... "Baba was talking as if he were a real estate agent!"

Lord Meher - 1st Edition Vol.14, page 5061

Lord Meher Online Edition Page 4064

Alexander Markey with Jean Adriel were Co–founders of Meher Mount in Ojai, California on

9th August 1946.

Just as the sun was setting over the scenic hills of Ojai, Baba patted Kali's head and got into the station wagon, saying the dog would incarnate as a human being for having met him. He asked Agnes to drive him back the longer coastal route and often mentioned on the way that he thoroughly enjoyed the sparkling blue Pacific Ocean.

Baba had spoken of "sparks flying," and one incident occurred during the visit to Meher Mount. Agnes was about to leave her guests and go to Baba, when Ivy Duce asked for something. Agnes was in such a hurry to leave she did not fulfill Ivy's request, causing her to make some disparaging comment about Agnes. Fuming, Agnes came to Baba and said, "I don't love everybody — what am I going to do about it?"

Baba looked at her, and Adi interjected, "Agnes you love everybody you just don't like everyone!"

In the car while returning to Los Angeles, Baba sat next to Agnes in the front seat. She said, "Baba, you know what Ivy Duce said about me ... I don't believe it, but if it is true what am I going to do about it?"

Baba slapped her on the shoulder and chuckled, "I like you the way you are. I like your spirit!"

Agnes was so happy to have Baba come to Meher Mount after all these years, she felt silly and joked, "What kind of spirit do you like — the hard [alcoholic] kind or just the mild?"

Baba would call Agnes the "Beloved's Watchdog." Years later, she concluded that the reason she found herself surrounded by so many hypocrites was that Baba wanted her to "bark" — but not bite — and snap at their heels!

The bus arrived back at the hotel before Agnes' car, and Baba waved to his lovers before stepping into the elevator and retiring for the night.

Lord Meher - 1st Edition - Vol.14 pages 5067-8Lord Meher Online Edition Page 4069-4070

3rd August 1956 - DAY 4  ( Visit to Los Angeles )

Baba departed Los Angeles for San Francisco at 9:00 A.M., on Friday, 3 August 1956, aboard United Airlines Flight 465. The welcoming committee of Hilda Fuchs, Gladys Carr and Marguerite Poley were there to see him off, along with some of the others. Hilda had brought a tiny bouquet of red roses as a farewell offering for Baba.

Lord Meher - 1st Edition - Vol.14 pages 5069Lord Meher Online Edition Page 4070