A~dltation by Max Reif To learn to live in a conununity of human beings -- can't this be a "yoga"-- the most ego-deflating experience, in this age of "individuality"? Real individuality can't be just a sense of eccentricity, ownership, or "opinion," nul wild. It has to have something to do with living in relative harmony with others, who are also individuals. It is so easy to delude myself in isolation. It is easy to imagine the importance of what I am doing (and there's a lot to be said for having faith when popularity, etc. are not immediate). In a conununity, my mind constantly goes out to others, whether I am "personally" involved with them, or not. (In a sense, we are all "personally" involved). If the things I do do not seem to be appreciated, it is easy for my mind to grumble, criticize the others for their lack of discrimination and taste, even want to pack up and leave. The fact remains that my mind, and its perceptions, remain ego-bound. Though I may operate by what feels like inspired intuition, it remains for God to judge, to use, as God sees fit. And other people, in a spiritual conununity, surely are in some sense the instruments of God's Wish. The artist, the person who aspires to love God, is not a dictator. No, the artist's and the lover's work is done and surrendered. This vulnerability, this "helplessness," has much to do with true spirituality, it seems. To really surrender the work of our hands, our hearts, our minds, and to receive, like manna from heaven, whatever God deigns to give us -- and to truly be grateful -- is this not a beautiful state to aspire to?
Bookstore continued by Katie Irani, one ofBaba's intimate circle of women mandali; Mani, Baba's sister; and Rhoda Mistry. The Ghazals are read in English and then sung in Farsi, Urdu, and Hindi. $10.. In 1956 Baba directed His resident artist Rano Gayley to paint what has come to be known as The Evolution Chart. Actually it is a pictorial version of God Speaks, the Creation, Evolution, Reincarnation, Involution, and Realization, according to Meher Baba. Rano painted it under His supervision. Apart from the deep and profound spiritual meaning, it is a beautiful painting in and of itself. Very colorful, it has been beautifully printed in two sizes. A 19" x 25" version is $12, and the smaller 12" x 9" one goes for just $6. We get many requests for audio tapes of speakers: anything new and different. We do
have a very extensive library of talks given by visiting luminaries. These are particularly good for you folks who like to hold meetings in your home for a few interested friends. For information on how to get these tapes, and for a complete catalogue, send to AMBC-CL P.O. Box 3233, Redondo Beach, CA 90277. If you would like a complete price list of all the books and various other goodies we sell at our Bookstore, write to me at the Center, or call me at home, evenings, at (310) 837-6419. See you, at the Bookstore ~~
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Art is an act of love in likeness of itself -- Spirit moulding matter into lovely form: God's compassion as Avatar unto men; and men's devotion to Avatar as God, by God -- for devotion is by grace alone. FRANCIS BRABAZON