Nicola Masciandaro, a Professor of English at Brooklyn College and expert in medieval literature, dives into the life and teachings of Meher Baba, a pivotal 20th-century spiritual figure. The discussion touches on Baba's unique authority and his concepts of unity and silence. They explore existential questions surrounding identity, the role of the ego, and the nature of morality. Additionally, they examine post-mortem states, the essence of love in spirituality, and how Baba's teachings remain relevant today.
Nicola Masciandaro emphasizes Meher Baba's rejection of formalized religion, advocating for personal spiritual journeys to understanding the divine beyond organizational confines.
The podcast explores Meher Baba's claim of being the avatar, challenging listeners to reflect on the intricate relationship between humanity and the divine.
Meher Baba's 40 years of silence highlights the transformative power of non-verbal communication, urging followers to seek deeper spiritual truths beyond spoken words.
Deep dives
The Life and Significance of Meher Baba
Meher Baba is recognized as a pivotal Indian spiritual master of the 20th century who proclaimed himself the avatar of God in human form. Influential texts such as 'God Speaks' and his discourses are seen as scripture by his followers, offering insights into spiritual concepts like love, consciousness, karma, heaven, and hell. His unique blend of mysticism and philosophy raises essential questions about the nature of the divine and humanity's relationship with God. An important aspect of Baba's teaching is his rejection of formalized religion, advocating instead for a personal journey towards understanding the divine that transcends organizational structures.
Personal Encounter with Meher Baba
Nicola Mashendaro shares a personal account of discovering Meher Baba at a young age, prompted by a card with Baba's image given to his mother. This moment ignited a lifelong interest in Baba's teachings, leading him to engage deeply with his writings and participate in a community exploring Baba's philosophy. The account reflects how a casual introduction to spirituality can evolve into a significant influence throughout one's life, fostering ongoing dialogue on the nuances of faith and understanding. As Mashendaro's scholarship matured, he found intersections between Baba's teachings and broader mysticism, indicating the relevance of Baba's insights across different intellectual realms.
The Nature of the Avatar
Meher Baba's assertion of being the avatar presents a complex understanding of divinity that blurs the distinction between God and humans. He emphasizes that all beings embody divinity, urging that realization of this truth dismantles dualistic perceptions prevalent in human consciousness. Baba's training under various perfected masters during his early years played a crucial role in his spiritual awakening, shaping how he interpreted his role and authority. His claim to be both an ordinary man and the highest divine reality invites a challenging discourse on the nature of individuality and the divine, pushing followers to explore deeper philosophical questions.
Baba's Silence and Spiritual Practice
For over 40 years, Meher Baba maintained silence, which he viewed as integral to his spiritual mission and communication of profound truths. His silence was not an absence but rather a dynamic presence that engaged his followers in a deeper understanding of spirituality beyond words. Baba's utilization of an alphabet board and later gestures illustrates how he engaged with the world, promoting a form of communication that transcended conventional speech. The silence serves as a metaphor for the spiritual challenge of moving beyond mere words to live experiential truths, highlighting the importance of honesty and authenticity in one's spiritual journey.
The Cosmic Dance of Creation
Meher Baba offers a unique cosmology where the interplay of love and separation illustrates the divine journey of creation. He posits that everything emanates from a whim of God to know itself, leading to the formation of individual souls and the expansive universe as expressions of this divine love. This non-dual perspective entails that all experiences, even those deemed negative, contribute to the greater understanding of existence and the evolution of consciousness. Baba emphasizes the significance of love as the driving force behind creation, suggesting that realizing this connection fosters deeper compassion and understanding among all beings.
Nicola Masciandaro is Professor of English at Brooklyn College (CUNY) and a specialist in medieval literature. In this episode we discuss the life and work of Meher Baba.Masciandaro's page: https://www.brooklyn.edu/faculty-staff/nicola-masciandaro/Meher Baba info: https://www.mehercenter.org/meher-baba/life-and-work/---Become part of the Hermitix community:Hermitix Twitter - / hermitixpodcast Support Hermitix:Patreon - / hermitix Donations: - https://www.paypal.me/hermitixpodHermitix Merchandise - http://teespring.com/stores/hermitix-2Bitcoin Donation Address: 3LAGEKBXEuE2pgc4oubExGTWtrKPuXDDLKEthereum Donation Address: 0x31e2a4a31B8563B8d238eC086daE9B75a00D9E74
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