Mehera Irani was one of the most influential people in my life. My mother started going to India in the early 70s where she met Mehera Irani. My mother loved Mehera with all her heart. Both my mom and I could not wait until I was old enough to come to meet Mehera. And Mehera too, would inquire often about when I would be coming. And so, finally, with much anticipation, three days after I turned seven, my mom and I boarded a plane for India.
After a few days in Europe to break up the trip, we arrived in Bombay. That was a trip, no pun intended, but I will save that tale for another day.
After an evening in Bombay, we arrived in Meherabad and then Meherazad, and I had arrived in paradise. I still remember the ethereal dream-like feeling I had as I sipped the glory and beauty that surrounded me. The sunlight, the magenta bougainvillea flowers (yes, they are the inspiration for the Blumera pink, you all know and love), the people, the love.. it felt like I had stepped into heaven.
I couldn't wait to meet Mehera. I had dreamt of her (quite literally - my first dream of her (that I remember, at least) was when I was 5) and now I was going to her home. My mother said she liked pigtails, so we braided my hair into them. I wore one of my favorite shirts and a sweet skirt, and shyly walked to Mehera's porch, my mom leading the way.
The moment of meeting Mehera left such an indelible mark on me, that I never wanted to leave her side. And lucky me, I didn't have to. I spent the next month of my life by my dearest Mehera's side. I would have tea with her daily (and other women, who I barely remember because I was so focused on Mehera), I sat with her daily as she shared stories of Beloved Meher Baba.
She taught me so many things: how to chew the bones of pomfret fish, how to wash my hands properly, how to pluck flowers from her garden and then how to take these flowers to make garlands, how to wear my scarf, and most important of all: how to love and cherish the Beloved, Highest Divine Self, within us all. I will share this in future stories. There is much to share.. but for today, join me in honoring the Beloved Goddess. The Divine Feminine. Mehera Irani, Happy Birthday. Today you would have been 113.
