This week we received a very sweet package of Baba stuff being donated to the Center Library. This box came from a Baba Lover in Massachusetts. The box was very lovingly secured with twine from India and each and every item had a note attached describing the book or pamphlet. One of the nice things was a bunch of Baba photo cards that had been laminated that we can give to people that come to the Center. Baba’s rich bounty of Love coming to His Center in paper form!
The plants and garden are recuperating from the heat we had early in the month. Plants that I thought were not going to make it are showing signs of new life. We even have so plants flowering again! The broccoli plants that I planted in early July are growing better and the every present Oklahoma grass is green and perking up and spreading from every crack and crevice of the driveway.
We are ready for more visitors. During the hot spell (and maybe the fuel price “crisis”) we have not had any new pilgrims come to stay. If you would like to venture into the center of the country and experience this wonderful Baba spot, please give us a call and plan a trip. We look forward to meeting more and more people who are attracted to Baba’s Love.
Jai Baba to you all,
Ron & Miriam,
Heartland Center Caretakers
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Baba’s Accident Site in August
Saturday morning our local Baba posse (Jean, Lynn, Miriam and Ron) made a trip into town to the Shawnee Farmer’s market. Lots of tomatoes, cantaloupe and okra plus “homemade” fried pies, cinnamon rolls and other Oklahoma delicacies were for sale. We all had a good time and as we headed back to Prague we stopped at the ubiquitous Wally’s (WalMart) and found some beautiful pink roses to take to Baba’s accident site.
For those of you who have been to the site, you know that it is 3 miles east of Meeker next to two-laned US 62 on the way to Prague. This time of year, particularly after the last weeks triple digit temperatures, the grass along the road’s shoulder is dying back to brown. For a country highway which parallels the Interstate to the south, there is a surprising amount of traffic speeding by the site where Meher Baba lay bleeding in the grass in 1952.
As we pulled over and walked up to the little culvert and driveway pipe next to the site, we see that the yellow daisies from a week ago are still hanging onto their color. These valiant flowers are still marking the spot even after the intensity of the days. Lynn Wilhite, who has attended the site for so many years, lovingly cuts and arranges the roses in a vase and all four of us stand, bow, pray and take in Baba’s presence in the mid day heat.
Baba’s site never fails to move me.
In His Love,
Ron
For those of you who have been to the site, you know that it is 3 miles east of Meeker next to two-laned US 62 on the way to Prague. This time of year, particularly after the last weeks triple digit temperatures, the grass along the road’s shoulder is dying back to brown. For a country highway which parallels the Interstate to the south, there is a surprising amount of traffic speeding by the site where Meher Baba lay bleeding in the grass in 1952.
As we pulled over and walked up to the little culvert and driveway pipe next to the site, we see that the yellow daisies from a week ago are still hanging onto their color. These valiant flowers are still marking the spot even after the intensity of the days. Lynn Wilhite, who has attended the site for so many years, lovingly cuts and arranges the roses in a vase and all four of us stand, bow, pray and take in Baba’s presence in the mid day heat.
Baba’s site never fails to move me.
In His Love,
Ron
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Presentation on Meher Baba at Sancta Sophia Seminary
Dear AMBHC blog readers. I wrote this article for the upcoming Heartbeat. But, with so much news about the Morrision House, there's not room for this in the newsletter. I'm posting this on the Blog. Blessings and Jai Baba! Marilyn Buehler
In November 2007 several board members gave a presentation about Avatar Meher Baba at the Annual Homecoming conference held at Sancta Sophia Seminary in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Tahlequah is about two hours east of Prague. Here's the story of how that came to be.
I’ve been giving public presentations about Meher Baba for over 20 years. It all started when I lived in Redding, California. I had this idea to give an introductory talk about Baba. In the mid-70’s, I’d been a teacher of Transcendental Meditation (TM), so I was experienced in advertising and speaking about spiritual topics to the general public. By the mid-80’s, I was no longer involved with TM, and Baba had given me skills that he could put to use.
I wasn’t sure how to approach this Baba presentation. I mailed Filis Frederick for insight. My idea was to rent a space, advertise, then show up and introduce Baba and show a video. Filis mailed back and noted, “Keep cooking!” So, that was it. I set about my task, and showed up at the motel in Redding where I’d rented a small conference room. A gentleman, his wife, mother, and children came into the room. He mentioned that he was staying in the motel, and that he saw the kiosk with “Meher Baba Lecture” He said that he had met Meher Baba in Persia in 1932. Well, that sort of thing makes all the moments in your life stop, as you stand in silent amazement how things will work out when you follow your intuition.
Over the years, I’ve continued to give presentations. Usually, I arrange the entire event by myself. A few people attend. Seems when others offer to assist, they don’t show up, or offer a litany of excuses of why they can’t help after all. So, I usually just go ahead everything myself; “rely wholly and solely on God”, works best.
Since May of 2002, I've been a student of the Sancta Sophia Seminary. The event at the Homecoming Conference at Sancta Sophia Seminary was actually prompted by John Poag. He previously visited the seminary and had a long visit with Carol Parrish, the academic dean and founder. We communicated about that visit, and he mentioned it would be great to give a presentation at the seminary. I had already given two talks on Baba, and a sermon based on “How to Love God.” I talked to Carol about a presentation on Baba during the Annual Conference. Originally, she offered a time slot on Wednesday, November 7th. That date didn’t work for John. We could have kept that date, and it was likely more would have attended on Wednesday, but this was an opportunity to work together with two other Heartland Center board members. I asked to have the event scheduled on Monday, November 5th. That worked for John. Michael Ivey was available any time. So, the date, time, and team had come together.
Whenever a Baba presentation is scheduled, I feel this call going out in the inner world, connecting those people who are to show up. I have to keep my intention pure and focused on Baba. It’s the only way this sort of things works. I can’t have my own agenda.
Emails flew back and forth; decisions were made. Ed Flannigan sent some newly designed Universal Messages. Baba connections were being made with the seminary. Then, some Baba lovers expressed interest in being there. That was pretty amazing.
The day of the event, Baba was filling me with his presence. Michael, John, and I spent a few moments at the Prague hospital room, where Baba spent 14 days. Soon after, John and I drove on to Prague. I could feel Baba’s Silence being carried from Prague to Sancta Sophia Seminary.
We arrived at Sancta Sophia Seminary; many of my seminary friends where there. We were greeted with so much love. People were telling me they’d be at my talk, and they were excited to hear about Baba. Most folks knew me as the "Baba lady", and this was their chance to learn about him. We set up the room with Baba photos on all the walls. My new and old Baba friends showed up, and we were having fun.
Around 3:00, people started filing in to the room. I honestly expected only five to ten people. Over 20 seminary students showed up. We had to pull out a few more chairs. Carol sat in the front row. Here was a group primarily made up of Esoteric Christian ministers. The concept of an avatar means something else that what Baba explains The Avatar to be. I don’t know how it works, that there are some many explanations and paths to God. I do honor everyone’s path, and the furthest thing from my heart is to ever convince anyone who Meher Baba is. I just figure this “the story” I bought, when I was 19; it works for me, and it is an amazing thing to share with others.
I generally have an idea of what I’m going to say and some quotes on hand to read. It seems important to share Baba’s message of love, and to read his saying on “How to Love God.” What will happen is driven by this unseen force. I generally sit down, because it is easier to talk to a group informally when I’m sitting. I’ve heard stories that Jesus taught sitting, so I like that idea. There were so many people in the room; I had to stand up to see them all. I could feel this column of energy guiding my words.
I read the quote on Baba sowing the seed of love in our hearts in spite of superficial diversity. That’s what all these varied explanations of creation are to me, “superficial diversity”. Then, I read Baba’s explanation of the Avatar. That’s when the silence started coming down. This vibrating quality was somehow stilling people’s minds. I just kept going and trusted what was happening. We showed the DVD, "The Eternal Beloved."
After the DVD there was discussion. It was fun to let go, and watch others answer questions, and add their comments to mine. A thought was floating before me, and it seemed one I needed to verbalize. I shared my experience of Baba being the Awakener, that his word awakens truth within me. He didn’t “come to teach, but to awaken.” That is when Carol added her esoteric take on avatars; how some avatars do have the task to awaken, some to teach. Her explanation was a bridge for those in the room; it gave everyone a context of how Baba could fit into Esoteric thought.
At the end of the presentation, I mentioned to Carol, “I always wonder what people think when I say, Meher Baba was Jesus. But, they’ll get over it”. I’m terribly detached from this process and often wonder why Baba has me doing this. I’ve had dreams of telling people about Baba. One dream was about talking to a huge stadium full of people about Baba. Everyone in that stadium wanted to hear about Baba and was hanging on every word. When ever I share Baba’s message with a group in person, or in a dream, it is like a portal opens and the world stops for a while. Then, people go on with their lives, somehow changed.
In November 2007 several board members gave a presentation about Avatar Meher Baba at the Annual Homecoming conference held at Sancta Sophia Seminary in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Tahlequah is about two hours east of Prague. Here's the story of how that came to be.
I’ve been giving public presentations about Meher Baba for over 20 years. It all started when I lived in Redding, California. I had this idea to give an introductory talk about Baba. In the mid-70’s, I’d been a teacher of Transcendental Meditation (TM), so I was experienced in advertising and speaking about spiritual topics to the general public. By the mid-80’s, I was no longer involved with TM, and Baba had given me skills that he could put to use.
I wasn’t sure how to approach this Baba presentation. I mailed Filis Frederick for insight. My idea was to rent a space, advertise, then show up and introduce Baba and show a video. Filis mailed back and noted, “Keep cooking!” So, that was it. I set about my task, and showed up at the motel in Redding where I’d rented a small conference room. A gentleman, his wife, mother, and children came into the room. He mentioned that he was staying in the motel, and that he saw the kiosk with “Meher Baba Lecture” He said that he had met Meher Baba in Persia in 1932. Well, that sort of thing makes all the moments in your life stop, as you stand in silent amazement how things will work out when you follow your intuition.
Over the years, I’ve continued to give presentations. Usually, I arrange the entire event by myself. A few people attend. Seems when others offer to assist, they don’t show up, or offer a litany of excuses of why they can’t help after all. So, I usually just go ahead everything myself; “rely wholly and solely on God”, works best.
Since May of 2002, I've been a student of the Sancta Sophia Seminary. The event at the Homecoming Conference at Sancta Sophia Seminary was actually prompted by John Poag. He previously visited the seminary and had a long visit with Carol Parrish, the academic dean and founder. We communicated about that visit, and he mentioned it would be great to give a presentation at the seminary. I had already given two talks on Baba, and a sermon based on “How to Love God.” I talked to Carol about a presentation on Baba during the Annual Conference. Originally, she offered a time slot on Wednesday, November 7th. That date didn’t work for John. We could have kept that date, and it was likely more would have attended on Wednesday, but this was an opportunity to work together with two other Heartland Center board members. I asked to have the event scheduled on Monday, November 5th. That worked for John. Michael Ivey was available any time. So, the date, time, and team had come together.
Whenever a Baba presentation is scheduled, I feel this call going out in the inner world, connecting those people who are to show up. I have to keep my intention pure and focused on Baba. It’s the only way this sort of things works. I can’t have my own agenda.
Emails flew back and forth; decisions were made. Ed Flannigan sent some newly designed Universal Messages. Baba connections were being made with the seminary. Then, some Baba lovers expressed interest in being there. That was pretty amazing.
The day of the event, Baba was filling me with his presence. Michael, John, and I spent a few moments at the Prague hospital room, where Baba spent 14 days. Soon after, John and I drove on to Prague. I could feel Baba’s Silence being carried from Prague to Sancta Sophia Seminary.
We arrived at Sancta Sophia Seminary; many of my seminary friends where there. We were greeted with so much love. People were telling me they’d be at my talk, and they were excited to hear about Baba. Most folks knew me as the "Baba lady", and this was their chance to learn about him. We set up the room with Baba photos on all the walls. My new and old Baba friends showed up, and we were having fun.
Around 3:00, people started filing in to the room. I honestly expected only five to ten people. Over 20 seminary students showed up. We had to pull out a few more chairs. Carol sat in the front row. Here was a group primarily made up of Esoteric Christian ministers. The concept of an avatar means something else that what Baba explains The Avatar to be. I don’t know how it works, that there are some many explanations and paths to God. I do honor everyone’s path, and the furthest thing from my heart is to ever convince anyone who Meher Baba is. I just figure this “the story” I bought, when I was 19; it works for me, and it is an amazing thing to share with others.
I generally have an idea of what I’m going to say and some quotes on hand to read. It seems important to share Baba’s message of love, and to read his saying on “How to Love God.” What will happen is driven by this unseen force. I generally sit down, because it is easier to talk to a group informally when I’m sitting. I’ve heard stories that Jesus taught sitting, so I like that idea. There were so many people in the room; I had to stand up to see them all. I could feel this column of energy guiding my words.
I read the quote on Baba sowing the seed of love in our hearts in spite of superficial diversity. That’s what all these varied explanations of creation are to me, “superficial diversity”. Then, I read Baba’s explanation of the Avatar. That’s when the silence started coming down. This vibrating quality was somehow stilling people’s minds. I just kept going and trusted what was happening. We showed the DVD, "The Eternal Beloved."
After the DVD there was discussion. It was fun to let go, and watch others answer questions, and add their comments to mine. A thought was floating before me, and it seemed one I needed to verbalize. I shared my experience of Baba being the Awakener, that his word awakens truth within me. He didn’t “come to teach, but to awaken.” That is when Carol added her esoteric take on avatars; how some avatars do have the task to awaken, some to teach. Her explanation was a bridge for those in the room; it gave everyone a context of how Baba could fit into Esoteric thought.
At the end of the presentation, I mentioned to Carol, “I always wonder what people think when I say, Meher Baba was Jesus. But, they’ll get over it”. I’m terribly detached from this process and often wonder why Baba has me doing this. I’ve had dreams of telling people about Baba. One dream was about talking to a huge stadium full of people about Baba. Everyone in that stadium wanted to hear about Baba and was hanging on every word. When ever I share Baba’s message with a group in person, or in a dream, it is like a portal opens and the world stops for a while. Then, people go on with their lives, somehow changed.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
yahoooooramazda!
a wonderful happening.
thanks to everyone who has made possible the expansion of Heartland Center. Welcome to the new caretakers. thanks for letting us in on the process step by step. And thanks to You, Baba Dear, for allowing us to swim in Your wonderous Love.
Jai BAba to All,
Winnie Barrett
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Baba Turns Up the Heat!!
Hello from the Heartland Center!
Miriam Rose and I (Ron Lansing) have taken over caretaker duties here at AMBHC as of last month. We like the vibe that Meher Baba left behind in 1952 and the slow pace of life in Prague, OK? Yes it is OK!
Now that it is August and the temperature is hitting triple digits for the third day in a row we ex-Oregonians are either melting outside or trapped indoors. What to do? We have been going through the library cataloguing the many wonderful books that people have donated by and about Avatar Meher Baba. One real spectacular find was "Tales of the New Life" signed by Eruch, Mani, Mehera and Meheru! When she was here last month Marie Concannon (Librarian Extraordinaire) suggested the we catalogue the items in the library and decide which ones can be loaned. We persuaded her to become a member of the Library committee! We are running out of shelf space in the Library room and are trying to get the duplicates stored and another book shelf in place. (Please don't take this as a "don't send any more" message!)
Also new as of last month, Meher Baba meetings are being held in the Library each week (we have just shifted to Friday nights). So if you are planning a visit we would love to include you in the meetings. We have had up to five people, care to make it six? Lynn Wilhite, Miriam and I are being joined by a local woman, Jean and her husband Randy who live north of Prague on property next to the Sac and Fox Nation. (Jean and Randy have a meteorite hit on their land and Randy says that the ancestors of the Sac and Fox come there.) In the meetings we are reading the Discourses and talking about living in Baba's Love .
Oh, hey, the really big thing is the Morrison House next door is now part of the Center property! Yesterday we braved the heat going over to the house to test the AC and change the locks, etc. Lynn donated two beautifully framed photographs of Meher Baba and we put them up in the Living Room and over the Study fireplace to dedicate the place to Baba. The house is old and hasn't been occupied for a few months so it is stale. The upstairs has hideous blue shag carpet and water damaged wall paper. The kitchen is all built-in Fifties stuff with a stainless steel counter next to the sink. The wide open LR, FR and Study on the main floor all have nice wood trim and built-ins with a serviceable beige carpet. This lower floor is big and open just begging for a group to gather!
Hope that this note finds you all well!
In His Love,
Ron Lansing
Miriam Rose and I (Ron Lansing) have taken over caretaker duties here at AMBHC as of last month. We like the vibe that Meher Baba left behind in 1952 and the slow pace of life in Prague, OK? Yes it is OK!
Now that it is August and the temperature is hitting triple digits for the third day in a row we ex-Oregonians are either melting outside or trapped indoors. What to do? We have been going through the library cataloguing the many wonderful books that people have donated by and about Avatar Meher Baba. One real spectacular find was "Tales of the New Life" signed by Eruch, Mani, Mehera and Meheru! When she was here last month Marie Concannon (Librarian Extraordinaire) suggested the we catalogue the items in the library and decide which ones can be loaned. We persuaded her to become a member of the Library committee! We are running out of shelf space in the Library room and are trying to get the duplicates stored and another book shelf in place. (Please don't take this as a "don't send any more" message!)
Also new as of last month, Meher Baba meetings are being held in the Library each week (we have just shifted to Friday nights). So if you are planning a visit we would love to include you in the meetings. We have had up to five people, care to make it six? Lynn Wilhite, Miriam and I are being joined by a local woman, Jean and her husband Randy who live north of Prague on property next to the Sac and Fox Nation. (Jean and Randy have a meteorite hit on their land and Randy says that the ancestors of the Sac and Fox come there.) In the meetings we are reading the Discourses and talking about living in Baba's Love .
Oh, hey, the really big thing is the Morrison House next door is now part of the Center property! Yesterday we braved the heat going over to the house to test the AC and change the locks, etc. Lynn donated two beautifully framed photographs of Meher Baba and we put them up in the Living Room and over the Study fireplace to dedicate the place to Baba. The house is old and hasn't been occupied for a few months so it is stale. The upstairs has hideous blue shag carpet and water damaged wall paper. The kitchen is all built-in Fifties stuff with a stainless steel counter next to the sink. The wide open LR, FR and Study on the main floor all have nice wood trim and built-ins with a serviceable beige carpet. This lower floor is big and open just begging for a group to gather!
Hope that this note finds you all well!
In His Love,
Ron Lansing
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