Many of the world’s great spiritual traditions explore what could be characterized as a mystical science of “subtle physiology,” which concerns itself with analogical and mystical relations between the human body and the cosmos. Meher Baba never treated this topic systematically; yet He touches upon it in so many places as to leave no doubt that subtle physiology does indeed comprise one important part of His darshana. In this session we will explore some of Baba’s treatments of this topic and try to see if we can make some progress in integrating these disparate comments and illuminations of His intoa coherent whole.
At the commencement of his talk, Ward gives the Arabic name for this topic, which he explained in an email to me on 6/6/2019: It is insan-e-kamil (or strictly speaking, insān-e-kāmil, but you can skip the macrons). This is actually Persian and urdu. It is derived from the Arabic, which would be al-insan al-kamil.
This talk was held on Friday, May 31st at the Book Store in Baba’s House and is the fourth in the 2019 Friday Morning talks held from 10-12 am. The speaker is Dr Ward Parks, the principal editor of Avatar Meher Baba's (1894-1969) recorded talks, communications and diaries. He is an American citizen who lives in India at Meherabad. He travels the world for half the year giving lectures and musical presentations, and at the same time carrying out his responsibility of bringing Meher Baba's words to print. Formerly he was a University Professor specialising in Medieval literature and oral traditions.
Filming was undertaken by John Issacs-Young. A list of all the videos made and posted by me on RU-vid can be found at anthonyrfoley.blogspot.com.au. The majority of these are talks by Dr Ward Parks during his visits to Avatar’s Abode which is located on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.
Avatar's Abode was established in early 1958 by Francis Brabazon (1907-84) and many helpers, in response to Avatar Meher Baba's request that, if practical, the gathering of his followers during his second visit to Australia be held in Queensland.
Meher Baba gave this large ridge top property the name "Avatar's Abode". A statement of its purpose is displayed at the front gate: "This property is held in perpetuity for Avatar Meher Baba and is for those dedicated to Meher Baba and all who seek to know more about him".
Information about Avatar’s Abode can be found at avatarsabode.com.au or by writing to PO Box 184, Woombye 4559 QLD, Australia. An extensive collection of books by and about Meher Baba and spirituality is housed in the library and archival collection. It is kept up to date with regular acquisitions. Many books which can be read online or downloaded free of charge at ambppct.org. Researchers will soon be able search free online the Avatar’s Abode Archive which houses an important collection of locally and internationally significant writings and correspondence. Free access to the global network of Meher Baba Archives is also available.
Dr Ward Parks does not restrict the recording, transcription or circulation of his spoken or written material. However, his scholarship should be properly recognised and any published material he uses should be referenced as required by copyright.
The Management of Avatar’s Abode requests those making video or audio recordings on the property protect the privacy and identity of those present by all practical means, and that a one-off permission to record be obtained from Management, and from the speaker in question, in advance of any recording.
This recording is a personal undertaking by Anthony Rohan Foley, and in the event that it fails to comply with the Management’s directives and causes injury and upset to others, he sincerely apologises and will immediately remove the offending images or audio. Please contact me on 0477282479 and/or anthonyrfoley@gmail.com.
12 окт 2024
