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by: Naoshweran Anzar
Publisher: Zeno, Inc., 1995
Reviewed by: Noreen O´Brien Naosherwan Anzar has given us a truly delicious little book in "Presence." The paper cover is of a lovely texture and design in deep purple with a deep green decorative border and text; but in a trifold, acting as an envelope surrounding the pages of the book. The third fold has imprinted on it a quote by Avatar Meher Baba, the subject of the book, “Listen. Feel my silence. If you cannot hear and feel my silence, you cannot hear my word. For my word is embodied in my silence. Feel it with your hearts.” In lovely poetic prose, we are brought into the morning of the birth of Meher Baba, through his development into young adulthood, and the emergence and unveiling of a new consciousness as Baba is told, “You will be guided by Presence, for when Presence walks with you, human frailties will vanish and goodness will shine forth.” We are brought from the moment Baba recognizes he has reached a still deeper level of consciousness as he felt a “tremendous surge of love” toward one who had hit him and that he was totally without fear of this individual. “Though my body felt weak, my soul strengthened and I felt the sensation of patience, understanding, and good will spring forth instantly from within me.” It is at this point that Baba learns that we must learn compassion for all, and that when we do, we can “live free” because “love is awakened, shining and glowing without the fear of fear itself.” Later, Baba hears a voice speak to him, “I am your awakener. My will commands the waves, and my whim helps seekers realize me.” Baba’s veil is lifted as knowledge filled him and he experienced the unlocking of the “treasure chest of infinity” having been touched by the “finger of Presence.” We learn of Baba’s mother letting go of her son, whom she had been struggling to keep within her control. Baba’s good mother is told by Presence, “You have given him birth, yet cannot claim him as your own, for when a child takes birth it comes with its own destiny and not with the destiny of its mother or father.” Finally, we are shown the path to the New Life. “Do not wonder, for in this child you behold Presence. He will give realization to those who are spiritually aware, liberation to those who are ready to surrender, conviction to those who are prepared to believe. … Be ready to receive his grace, and he will give it to you in keeping with the depth of your receptacle of love.” Anzar records the birth and life of Meher Baba in a soft and gentle way befitting Baba and in a language that might be enjoyed by anyone of any age; a lovely story to read to children and to be enjoyed by the reader, as well. |
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