AVATAR MEHER BABA (center, blue coat) at Meher Mount on August 2, 1956. Co-founder and lifetime caretaker Agnes Baron is taking Him on a tour of the property. (Photo: Darwin Shaw (c) Meher Nazar Publications)
Anniversary Sahavas — Saturday, August 2, 2025
You are invited to be part of the delightful celebration on Saturday, August 2, 2025 of Avatar Meher Baba’s 1956 visit to Meher Mount.
You will love seeing a special screening of the feature documentary — Tree of Fire: A Story of Love and Resilience.
Tree of Fire is the moving true story of a majestic oak at Meher Mount in California, sanctified by the presence of Avatar Meher Baba in 1956. For decades, this special tree has offered shelter, solace, and inspiration to seekers from around the world — until it was nearly destroyed, twice, by wildfire.
Yet, like the human spirit, Baba’s Tree has endured.
This documentary traces this tree’s journey from blessing to near-death to miraculous rebirth, becoming a profound symbol of survival, surrender, and divine connection.
Through personal testimonies and stunning visuals, Tree of Fire invites us to rediscover our own capacity for resilience and spiritual awakening.
Anniversary Sahavas Program — Saturday, August 2, 2025
Sahavas means close companionship of, or in the company of, a spiritual master. It also refers to a spiritual retreat or gathering where Meher Baba’s followers meet to remember Him.
10:30 a.m.: Arrival, Sign-in, Fellowship
11:30 a.m.: Potluck Lunch: Bring your own or something to share for a potluck lunch
1:00 p.m.: Tree of Fire: A Story of Love and Resilience (A Special Screening of the Documentary about Baba’s Tree)
2:30 p.m.: Panel Discussion and Q&A with the Filmmakers
2:45 p.m.: Showcase of Items Made from Baba’s Tree Wood
3:00 p.m.: Tea & Snacks
3:30 p.m.: Arti (prayers, songs, poems, quotes) at Baba’s Tree
5:00 p.m.: Meher Mount Closes
6:00 p.m.: No-Host Dinner at Boccali’s restaurant (optional)
DECORATIVE BOWL made from Baba’s Tree wood by Darrel Wilson.
Special Kids’ Craft Table: For the young at heart, there will be special crafts table related to trees.
All Day: Spend time at Meher Baba’s touchstones, including Baba’s Tree, enjoy the mountain top views, and experience the silence and beauty of nature. Your visit to Meher Mount is an opportunity to walk in His footsteps in this place filled with Meher Baba’s essence.
All are welcome. There is a suggested donation of $20 per person for the program to help cover expenses.
Click here for Directions.
About Baba’s Tree
BABA’S TREE at Meher Mount before the 2017 Thomas Fire. The film Tree of Fire traces the journey of Baba’s Tree through two fires. It is a heartfelt story of loss, survival, and spiritual connection. Come for the special preview on August 2, 2025. (Photo: Wayne Myers)
In 1956, when Avatar Meher Baba visited Meher Mount, caretaker Agnes Baron took Him on a tour of the property.
As they crested the hill overlooking a corner of the property, a large oak came into view. Agnes turned to Meher Baba and said, “Baba, I’ve always thought of this as Your Tree.”
This was a large Coast Live Oak forming a natural canopy over the area.
When they reached the tree — now known as Baba’s Tree — Agnes said, “Here’s your tree, Baba. I’ve let the limbs come down so they would enclose it. I think it’s a very loving little temple.”
Meher Baba walked over to a spot in the center of the canopy and sat down alone. He gestured for His followers to remain outside the natural sanctuary.
Meher Baba sat in silence for about five minutes. Agnes recalled feeling ‘worlds moving’ during this profound moment.
After rising with shining eyes and expressing His happiness, Meher Baba led the group back down the trail, and the tree has remained forever blessed by His presence.
No-Host Dinner At Boccali’s After The Celebration
There is a no-host dinner after the event at 6:00 p.m. at Boccali's restaurant for all who are interested. Boccali's is located at 3277 Ojai Santa Paula Road, Ojai, CA. If attending the dinner:
Please arrive at the restaurant by 5:45 p.m. Seating is limited. Later, you might not get served.
Please bring cash or your checkbook.
With such a large group, there are no separate checks. The total bill - including tax and a 20% tip - is divided by all participants. Each person pays that portion of the bill.
The dinner is a delightful time of fellowship and relaxation after a Meher Baba-filled day at Meher Mount.
Guidelines & What to Bring for the Anniversary Celebration
The weather will be warm and beautiful. The Anniversary is a wonderful time to remember and celebrate the presence of the Avatar of the Age at Meher Mount.
Please bring:
Your lunch or something to share in the potluck - whichever is most comfortable for you. Your food should be ready to eat and not require additional prep or cooking. The group will be eating on the patio which has no prep and cooking facilities. Plates, cups, and eating utensils will be provided.
A hat, sunscreen and water are recommended. Suggest close-toed shoes for walking.
Optional — flowers for Baba’s Fireplace, Baba’s Walkway or Baba’s Tree are always welcome.
There is a suggested donation of $20 per person to help cover the costs of the event.
Please do not bring:
Please do not bring your pets.
There are no fires, incense or candles. The fire danger is extremely high.
There are no drugs or alcohol.
Guidelines:
For general visitor information, see the Visitor Guidelines.
Children — Parents are responsible for maintaining their children’s safety. Children under nine years must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
For children nine through 14 years, there should be a responsible adult at Meher Mount who is actively engaged in the supervision of their activities and whereabouts at all times.
Please note there is no climbing on any equipment or in the trees.