The Combined Diary, is the title inscribed at the head of a 750-page, two-volume set of notebooks containing the reminiscences of five of Baba’s disciples — Padri, Pawar, Pandoba, Nadirshaw, and Chanji — over a period running from July 1924 through the end of August, 1927. The phase that the Diary covers was a wonderful and extremely dynamic period of Baba’s life. The Meherabad ashram had just been established the year before, in 1923; during the following years of the Diary period Baba created a thriving colony there, had built many of the early historic Meherabad structures, established the Meher Ashram and Hazrat Babajan school for children, opened a hospital and dharamshala, began His long Silence, wrote His Book, gave His darshan freely and extensively both to individual seekers and larger crowds, and trained his early disciples in His unique divine ways.
The authors of The Combined Diary write from the perspective of men who had the extraordinary good fortune of having recognized the Avatar of the Age and who wanted to leave a record of their experiences. The incidents of their daily life with Him, and what they were able to see of His workings from their angle of vision, give rise to many remarkable narrative moments which we hope many of Baba’s lovers today will find to be of great interest and value.
In time these web pages will be remounted in the form of a more user-friendly interface, which will allow easy location of just the particular diary pages that you might be interested in along with transcriptions and more extensive helpful search tools. Currently, we are able to provide this basic archival presentation, just the diaries as they were kept all these many years in the very same trunks and cupboards that Baba was referring to in the opening page of the Archive Section.
| 1924 Search For 5000 Sadhus |
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| July – August, 1924 In the Nilgiri Hills! |
August 6 – 8, 1924 In the Nilgiri Hills! (continued) |
August 9 -14, 1924 Calcuta and Hardwar |
| August 15-18, 1924 Tramping On |
August 18-30, 1924 Central India |
September 1924 – January 1925 “Drifting” |
| 1925 The Stay At Meherabad |
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| January 25 – April 2, 1925 Meherabad Begins to Expand |
April 3-22, 1925 Daily Life at Meherabad |
April 23 – May 6, 1925 Master-Manager |
| May 8-10, 1925 Jalali Moods, then Celebration! |
May 11-19, 1925 Sanity Regained, A Spiritual Analogy, Villagers Rebuked! |
May 20-23, 1925 Surrender, Reappearance of Jesus, Obedience |
| May 24-29, 1925 Managing the Ashram |
May 30 – June 5, 1925 First announcement of his coming silence |
June 12-18, 1925 Baba returns from Bombay |
| June 20-25, 1925 The First Western Disciple Comes |
June 26 – July 4, 1925 A Crowd Gathers for Darshan on the Last Day Baba Will See Outside Visitors Before His Silence Begins |
| The Vow of Silence |
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| July 5-13, 1925 Baba Delivers His Last Oral Lecture to the Mandali |
July 14-16, 1925 Using Chalk and Slate Baba Conducts Interviews, Reveals Information and Gives Explanations on Divine Subjects |
July 17-22, 1925 Settling An Arangaon Property Dispute |
| July 23-27, 1925 Lewis C. Nelhams Dies Suddenly of Septic Fever |
| Writing the Book |
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| July 28-31, 1925 The beginning of Hazrat Babajan Girls School |
August 1-6, 1925 The mandali are allowed the rare luxury of an afternoon nap |
August 7-12, 1925 Construction begins on a new building for the combined boys school |
| Building Programme |
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| August 13-20, 1925 Baba dedicates more time to writinghis Book |
August 22-31, 1925 All Meherabad observes a 24-hour fast in honor of Tajuddin Baba’s passing |
September 1-14, 1925 Opening ceremonies for the new mandali quarters called ‘Makan-e-khas’ |
| September 17-27, 1925 Baba and the mandali partake in a vegetarian feast with Arangaon villagers |
| Criticism of School Management |
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| September 28-October 4, 1925 Baba takes his ‘new seat’ in the Table House under the neem tree |
October 5-11, 1925 Baba works with Arangaon Harijans who feasted on a dead bullock |
October 12-18, 1925 Despite total fast, Baba retains ‘the characteristic thoroughness of His super-nature’ |
| October 19-27, 1925 After nine months Baba finally has a shave |
October 28 – November 5, 1925 Baba tolerates another ceremonial bath by hundreds of people |
| The Dhuni Brings Rain |
| November 8-16, 1925 Meherabad Dhuni is lit for the first time |
November 17-26, 1925 Baba assumes a new seat under the open shaded part of the Table house near the Dhuni |
November 27-29, 1925 Baba is ‘greatly pleased’ with the singing of Piaroo Qawal of Ajmer |
| November 30-December 9, 1925 Opening ceremony for the new kitchen; Baba kindles the hearths |
December 10-13, 1925 Baba has Naja caned |
| A bazaar Opens at Meherabad |
| December 14-18, 1925 The importance of honesty, moral integrity and controlling anger |
December 19-22, 1925 Settling disputes; caring for residents, schoolboys and visitors |
December 23-26, 1925 Celebrating Christmas at Meherabad |
| December 30-31, 1925 The Circle Committee is formed |
| 1926 — Visitors Greatly Increase in Number |
| January 1-8, 1926 Celebrating Zoroaster’s birthday and New Year’s Day |
January 9-21, 1926 Baba gives instructions to build a separate Dharamshala for women |
January 23-30, 1926 Rumor circulates that Baba has dropped his body |
| Birthday Celebration Underway |
| February 1-17, 1926 Birthday preparations begin “on grand scale”; |
February 18, 1926 The volume of birthday flowers is so great the wooden cabin is buried in them |
February 19-25, 1926 The long awaited play on the life of Shivaji is presented |
| Discourse on Death |
| February 26-27, 1926 News of the sudden death of Baba’s brother, Jamshed |
March 21-24, 1926 Celebration of the Zoroastrian New Year |
March 25-28, 1926 Schoolboys begin sleeping in the newly expanded school premises |
| March 29 – April 4, 1926 Baba secludes himself daily doing writing work in the cabin on Sai Darbar platform |
| Conditions Improve for the Boys |
| April 5-20, 1926 Baba discourses on ‘the mysteries of death’ |
April 21 – May 11, 1926 Meherabad becomes festive to celebrate Ram’s birthday |
May 12-18, 1926 Baba gives a superb explanation of real suffering |
| Discourses on the God-Realized, Sadgurus and Majzoobs |
| May 19-22, 1926 Baba explains about the 3 types of God-realized beings |
May 23-30, 1926 A separate wing in the hospital is dedicated to eye care |
June 6-11, 1926 ‘The whole of existence is a circus show…’ |
| June 12-16, 1926 Baba takes some of the mandali to the circus. . .for 15 minutes |
June 17-22, 1926 How the circles of the perfect masters correspond to the different parts of the physical form |
| Celebrating Baba’s Silence |
| June 24-July 1, 1926 Baba declares he will prolong his silence up to February |
July 5-10, 1926 The mandali insist upon observing the first anniversary of Baba’s silence |
July 11-18, 1926 Baba moves his daily seat back to the Table House |
| July 19-20, 1926 Baba pardons a frightened man |
| Holiday Celebrations |
| July 21-23, 1926 Baba celebrates Dwadashi in Arangaon |
July 24-27, 1926 Baba explains what real Guru Purnima means |
July 28 – August 5, 1926 A quick trip to Happy Valley |
| August 7-13, 1926 The mandali’s plain diet becomes even more austere |
August 14-18, 1926 Another holiday for the celebration of Zoroaster’s birthday |
August 19-25, 1926 A novel punishment for the school staff |
| August 26-29, 1926 Mr. Moorlidhar receives a lesson in obedience |
August 30-31, 1926 Shri Krishna’s birthday is celebrated |
September 1-9, 1926 Baba begins a 5 or 6 month fast on liquids only |
| September 10-20, 1926 Col. Irani and Prof. Kapadia visit Meherabad |
| Mahar Boys Break Baba’s Order |
| September 21, 1926 “Hardships and pleasures” on tour with Meher Baba |
September 22-23, 1926 The Mahars of Arangaon test Baba |
September 24-25, 1926 A piece of flesh is found in Meherabad |
| September 26-29, 1926 The mandali discuss doing away with separate drinking water arrangements |
| Preparations for Leaving Meherabad |
| September 30 – October 4, 1926 Serious discussion about “winding up the Meherabad activities” |
October 5-9, 1926 Baba begins a new fast |
October 11-13, 1926 Baba says he will soon commence a 100-day fast |
| October 14-16, 1926 Dussera begins with a tense meeting |
October 17-19, 1926 “It is humility and regard that appeals to me most” |
| Departure from Meherabad |
| October 20-21, 1926 Baba decides to close all Meherabad institutions except the Makan |
October 22-25, 1926 The Dharmshala and Hospital are vacated |
October 26-31, 1926 The school shifts to the hospital building |
| November 1-4, 1926 See what life is! |
November 5-8, 1926 The boys are supplied with plenty of Diwali fireworks |
November 9-11, 1926 The best possible thing is to depend on one who does not DEPEND ON ANYONE OR ANYTHING. |
| November 12-16, 1926 Baba gives himself the name Samunder, meaning Ocean |
| Arrival in Lonavla |
| November 17-25, 1926 The real state of God is the state of very very sound sleep |
November 26-27, 1926 Awakening in Lonavla to a beautiful golden sunrise |
November 28-29, 1926 The mandali strive to remain calm in confrontation |
| November 30 – December 4, 1926 The holiday atmosphere continues |
December 5, 1926 All depart by train for Bombay |
December 6-13, 1926 What to do about the idleness of the mandali |
| Deaths of Arjoon and Dr. Karkal |
| December 14-22, 1926 The death of Arjoon |
December 23-31, 1926 Return to Meherabad! |
| 1927 — Back in Meherabad |
| January 1, 1927 “These old men are very sticky.” |
January 2-4, 1927 Baba stops writing |
| Intense Work with the Mandali |
| January 5-11, 1927 You will see me in my true form |
January 12-15, 1927 How to keep the mandali occupied |
January 16-19, 1927 Baba’s umbrella cannot be found |
| January 20-22, 1927 The Sacred Oath! |
| Planning for the School |
| January 23-24, 1927 The majority favor establishing a permanent school |
January 25-26, 1927 Discussion of the war in China |
January 27-28, 1927 Hazrat Babajan’s birthday is celebrated |
| January 29 – February 1, 1927 Look before you leap! |
| Modification of the School Plans |
| February 2-3, 1927 “Hypocrisy and False Pretentions” |
February 4-5, 1927 The purpose of the school program |
February 6-7, 1927 The mandali is freed from all agreements, promises and oaths |
| February 8-10, 1927 New Agreement |
| Chhagan’s Family Drama |
| February 11, 1927 The Chhagan Day (Part 1) |
February 11, 1927 The Chhagan Day (Part 2) |
| Baba’s 33rd Birthday |
| February 12-16, 1927 Preparations for Baba’s birthday celebration |
February 17-18, 1927 The 33rd Birthday Celebration (Part One) |
February 18-19, 1927 The 33rd Birthday Celebration (Part Two) |
| February 20-26, 1927 The largest jail in India |
| Hazrat Babajan High School |
| March 1-9, 1927 Hazrat Babajan High School declared “established” |
March 10-12, 1927 Mental repetition of God’s names program |
March 13-17, 1927 Krishnamurti, the supposed “New World Teacher” |
| March 18-19, 1927 Disappointment in Meher Ashram management |
| Sorabji Desai |
| March 20, 1927 Mr. Sorabji Desai, famous Gujerati writer, visits Baba |
March 21, 1927 Jamshedi Navroz (New Year) |
March 22-24, 1927 Sorabji Desai pays respects to Narayan Maharaj |
| March 25-26, 1927 The mandali respond to a robbery |
| Renewed Commitment to Meher Ashram |
| March 27, 1927 The Ashram takes a big swing |
March 28-30, 1927 Anna relates “supernatural” experiences |
March 30-31, 1927 A discourse on “Life After Death” |
| Hazrat Babajan |
| April 1-3, 1927 Hazrat Babajan’s Early Life! |
April 3-5, 1927 Arrangements for a school for village girls |
| Sheriarji |
| April 6-7, 1927 Sheriarji’s 18 years of spiritual wandering |
April 8, 1927 Preparations for Meher Ashram at Meherabad |
April 9, 1927 Celebration of Ram’s Birthday is cancelled |
| April 10, 1927 This boy of mine will shake half the world |
April 11, 1927 The State between the Mind and the Nirvikalpa |
| A Strange Illness Attacks Baba |
| April 12-13, 1927 Baba’s Queer Illness |
April 14-15, 1927 More than a mere coincidence |
April 17, 1927 That’s why I warn you |
| April 17, 1927 The Ways and Workings of a Sadguru |
| Meher Ashram Opens |
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| April 19-28, 1927 The Ashram is the order of the day |
May 1, 1927 Meher-Ashram Opening Day |
May 4-5, 1927 Visit to Sherri |
| Violence in the Village |
| May 7-9, 1927 Shireenbanoo and Mani arrive from Poona |
May 10-11, 1927 Intentionally breaking an order is very harmful |
May 12-13, 1927 Sir, the boiler will burst! |
| May 14-16, 1927 The Parsi High-Priest of Navsari |
May 17, 1927 English established as the common medium of instruction |
| A Young Boy in Trouble |
| May, 1927 Shri Upasni Maharaj’s Birthday |
May 19-21, 1927 Late in obeying the call |
May 21, 1927 The Steady Rock in the Dashing Sea! |
| May 22, 1927 More about a miracle |
| Baba Promises Rain |
| May 23-24, 1927 The Ashram Library |
May 26-27, 1927 A Holiday for Baba |
May 27 – June 1, 1927 The Future Avatar |
| June 2-5, 1927 Come rain, come! |
June 6-10, 1927 Uncontrolled outbursts of feelings |
June 10-13, 1927 A poor little visitor |
| The Seven Names of God Prayer |
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| June 14-17, 1927 Disappointments are good |
| Opening the Tank Building |
| June 18-25, 1927 Tank Transformation |
June 26 – July 1, 1927 Meher Ashram moves to the tank building |
July 2-4, 1927 The Persian boys arrive |
| July 5-8, 1927 The near approach of the spiritual outburst |
| Persian Division Opens in the School |
| July 9-13, 1927 No religion allows speaking ill of others |
July 14-18, 1927 Keep quiet and talk as little as possible |
| Baba’s Siblings Mani, Adi and Behram Arrive |
| July 18-25, 1927 A little plain water pickle |
July 26 – August 1, 1927 I greatly dislike anyone to break his word |
August 2-7, 1927 Everything will be well in every way |
| August 8-12, 1927 Shivaji is now born of Persian blood! |
| First Game of Tennis at Meherabad |
| August 13-21, 1927 Avatar Zarathustra’s Birthday |
August 24-28, 1927 An Important Hint |
| Baba Warns the Watchmen to be Especially Vigilant |
| August 28-30, 1927 The Future Book |
August 30-31, 1927 Sadguru and Majzoob vs. Ordinary Men |
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