For this Code of Conduct for Residents (“the Code”), Avatar Meher Baba Perpetual Public Charitable Trust, Avatar
Meher Baba Trust (“Firstly”), Meher Free Dispensary (Meherazad) and Meherazad Public Charitable Trust are collectively
referred to as “the Trust”. In the original Avatar Meher Baba Trust deed approved by Meher Baba, He stated a number of
objectives. One of these objectives is to provide “Facilities for training Baba-lovers in living a life towards spiritual
enlightenment …”. There are Baba-lovers commonly referred to as Residents who reside on and around the Trust estate
to avail of this and other service opportunities.
For most of its history since 1969, the Trust has been led first, by Baba’s sister and intimate disciple, Mani, and then
by Bhau Kalchuri, also a member of Meher Baba’s mandali. As the Trust has now moved into a time when its leadership
is no longer vested in a mandali member, the Trustees consider that it is time to articulate, in a formal code, the principles
that should guide the actions of all current and future Residents.
1. Who is a Resident: For the purpose of this Code a Resident is defined as anyone who resides on the Trust estate,
Residents sponsored by the Trust and other regular volunteers who reside off the Trust estate. This definition
includes any Trustees, where they qualify as residents.
2. A Broad Principle: Since the principles described in this Code are general in nature, the Code does not cover
every situation that may arise. Common sense and good judgement rooted in the spiritual values expressed by Avatar
Meher Baba should be exercised by Residents.
3. Conduct and Integrity:
a) In the eyes of Baba lovers and the general public, every Resident is a representative of the Trust,
irrespective of whether or not staying on the Trust Estate or sponsored by the Trust. Accordingly, Residents
should adhere to the moral and ethical standards in accordance with the highest spiritual values and conduct
as expressed by Avatar Meher Baba. Their conduct should be such that it sets an example for others and should
reflect selflessness.
b) Residents should act with honesty and prudence in the best interest of the Trust. They should not act in
order to gain financial or other benefits for themselves, their family, their friends, or the organisation
they come from.
c) Residents must conduct themselves in a manner that does not damage or undermine the reputation of the Trust.
They need to be transparent and honest in all dealings with or on behalf of the Trust to avoid any public
perception of improper conduct. To behave otherwise, belittles Beloved Baba’s image and, consequently, risks
bringing into disrepute the Trust created by Him.
d) Residents should interact in harmony with all persons in a respectful and considerate manner that does not
cause harm or bear ill will by any word or action in order to uphold the spiritual atmosphere on the Trust Estate.
4. Honorary Service on the Trust Estate:
a) A major responsibility of Residents is to strive to serve selflessly. Meher Baba was very particular that
such service should be rendered with courtesy, care and compassion.Baba’s words encapsulates beautifully, “Love
delights and glorifies in giving, not receiving. So learn to love and give, and not to expect anything from others.”
b) Residents should understand that serving Baba on the Trust Estate includes accepting service given to them by
the Trust.
c) Residents sponsored by the Trust and those living on the Trust estate are here to dedicate their lives to
Beloved Baba and there is a general expectation that, they will spend a substantial portion of their time serving
Him through the Trust.
5. No Favouritism, Discrimination and Harassment: All Residents should provide and foster a service environment on the
Trust Estate free of favouritism, discrimination and harassment. In carrying out their duties, decisions should be made
solely on merit and carried out in the spirit of harmony.
6. Comply with the Laws of the Land: All Residents must comply, fully and diligently, with the applicable laws, rules
and regulations of the land. Residents, sponsored by the Trust, must fully appreciate and understand their responsibility
not to break the law, as it will damage the reputation and good relations of the Trust with government authorities.
7. No Politics: A Resident shall not be affiliated with or indulge in any political activity.
8. No Drugs: In accordance with Meher Baba’s instructions to His Lovers, Residents must abstain from the use of all
illegal or non-prescription drugs including hashish, bhang, opium etc. Any person using or possessing such drugs will
be asked to leave the Trust estate immediately and will be removed from their volunteer duties.
9. No Occult Practices: Over the years, Meher Baba would point out certain occult practices as a distraction or even
harmful to His Lovers. As such, residents should not be involved with occult practices.
10. Sanctity of Marriage: Residents have come here to focus their lives on Beloved Baba and therefore they are expected
to uphold Baba’s wishes on married life, celibacy and promiscuity. Married residents should honour Meher Baba’s directive
and not get involved in extramarital relationships. Unmarried residents should honour Baba’s wish and remain celibate as
long as they are resident and/or serving under the Trust.
11. Conflict of Interest: Residents must act honestly in the best interests of the Trust, avoiding any conflict of interest.
A conflict of interest arises when you are in a situation in which competing loyalties could cause you to pursue a personal
benefit for you, your friends, or your family at the expense of the Trust. Where a Resident is not sure whether he/she has
a conflict of interest the Chairman should be consulted. Where a conflict of interest the Resident should declare the nature
of their interest and abstain from making or influencing decisions related thereto.
12. Confidentiality: confidential information about the Trust must not be divulged to unauthorized persons.
13. Trust Property: Trust property, tangible and intangible should be treated with respect and care. There should be no
unauthorized use of Trust property.
14. Land Purchases: Residents and their immediate family members, i.e. grandparents, parents, spouse, children, aunts,
uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, who want to purchase land should approach the Chairman to ensure that there is
no conflict with Trust development.
15. Commercial Activity: Sponsored residents and residents living on the Trust estate, their immediate family members
i.e. grandparents, parents, spouse, children, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws cannot conduct any commercial
activity, with the exception of maintaining the status quo on pre-existing businesses.
16. No Gratuities: A Resident, in his/her capacity as a Resident, should not solicit gifts, fees, discounts or favours, for
personal benefit. Residents who are invited to speak at various Baba gatherings may only accept reasonable travel and
accommodation costs.
17. Media Contact: Residents should never act or represent themselves as a spokesperson for the Trust. The Chairman is the
public face of the Trust and contact with public media – press, radio, TV, internet or social media networks – is the
responsibility of the Chairman or his authorised representative.
18. Support of Other causes and Organisations: No Resident shall solicit or promote any cause or organisation which is
inconsistent with the Trust Deed and Trust Policies, including this Code.
19. Reporting and Handling Violations of the Code of Conduct: Violations of the Code of Conduct should be reported to the
Chairman. Major violations and/or repeated violations will be considered grounds for removing a Resident from Sponsorship
and, where applicable, from staff quarters on the Trust estate. They will also not be permitted voluntary service for the Trust.
Action to be taken will be decided by a disciplinary panel comprising of two Trustees and two residents, with one Trustee and
one resident rotated every two years.
20. Trustees: As this Code also applies to Trustees who are Residents, in the event that there is a conflict between the
Code and the Code of Ethics for Trustees, the latter shall prevail.
21. Distribution of the Code: Every two years Residents will receive a copy of the Code, through email or other means, as a
reminder of the guidelines.
22. Version of the Code: This Code of Conduct is an evolving document and can be amended by the Board.