Final Seclusion and Amartithi. Last Darshan

Final Seclusion and Amartithi

From the East-West Gathering onward, Meher Baba's health deteriorated steadily. Despite the physical toll it took on his body, Meher Baba continued to undertake long periods in seclusion, fasting and meditating. His physical condition grew steadily worse.

In 1968, Meher Baba completed a particularly taxing period of seclusion and emerged saying that his work "was completed 100% to my satisfaction." By this point he was confined to a wheelchair. Within a few months his condition worsened and he was bed-ridden. His body was wracked by intense muscular spasms that had no clear origin. Despite the care of several doctors, the spasms grew progressively worse. During these last days, Baba emphatically told his close disciple and night-watchman, Bhau Kalchuri "Remember this! I am not this body!"

On January 31, 1969, Meher Baba took his final breaths, conveying by his final gesture, "Do not forget that I am God." This day became known as Amartithi ("deathless day"). Meher Baba's body was laid in his samadhi at Meherabad, amongst ice and sawdust, and covered with roses. His body was kept available to the public for one week before its final burial.

Last Darshan

Before his passing, Meher Baba had made extensive preparations for a public darshan program to be held in Pune, India. His mandali decided to proceed with the arrangements despite the physical absence of the host, saying that "God had invited them, and they were free to keep their appointment". Several thousands attended this "Last Darshan", including many hundred young people from the US, England, and Australia, who had been affected by Meher Baba's anti-drug message, and by his other teachings.