Meher Baba's Close Companions or "Mandali"
Meher Baba explicitly stated that he has no spiritual successor. Those who were devoted to him did not stay expecting an elevated position or reward.
Meher Baba did not appoint anyone to succeed him.
Those who were close to him throughout their lives were called "Mandali." Until the end of their lives, they pointed towards his work. They emphasized only their love for him in the most natural way, living simple lives and continuing whatever life they led when he was with them, even after his death.
Organizationally, Avatar Meher Baba Public Charitable Trust was established in India to preserve his tomb (Samadhi), and message, rather than to lead a religious hierarchy. He emphasized that his relationship with others is entirely personal and internal rather than mediated through a successor of any sort. His wish was not to create a new religion or have successors claiming sainthood. The Mandali carried a sense of genuine humility and naturalness that was a defining characteristic of the atmosphere Meher Baba created.
Meher Baba had close followers from East and West, and from diverse backgrounds. Meher Baba never asked anyone to change their religion or abandon their family, or responsibilities. Instead, he emphasized a life led with other's considered. Some Mandali were married, others were not. There was no stipulation to be monastic. Those who remained unmarried did so by choice.
He expressed warnings to spiritual seekers about the role of a real guru and reminded them that the wearing of spiritual dress, quoting spiritual texts and decorating one's life with spiritual paraphernalia does not make someone truly spiritual. He placed gravity on living spiritual principles while maintaining a natural, simple life.
Eruch Jessawala sitting and chatting with visitors in Meherazad, India
