Gutta Breakfast & Discussion - Saturday, October 11, 2014
Program
11:30 a.m.: Breakfast on the Topa Topa Patio
1:00 p.m.: Gutta Discussion Hosted by Fred Stankus
Contact
Meher Mount mehermount@wildblue.net 805-640-0000
Ojai, CA 93023
805-640-0000
www.mehermount.org
OPEN TO VISITORS
General Guidelines for Your Visit
Sun Protection: A hat, sunglasses, and suncreen are highly recommended.
Weather: The weather can be variable. Please come prepared with a jacket.
Walking: Close-toed walking shoes are suggested. Please pay attention to where you walk as there are rattlesnakes, uneven terrain, and gopher holes.
Flowers: You are welcome to bring flowers to place under Baba's Tree.
Fire Danger: The fire danger is very, very high. Outdoor fires including candles, incenses and cigarettes are prohiitied. Smoking is only in your automobile in the parking area.
Pets: Please do not bring your pets to Meher Mount.
Children: Children are welcome. There is no child care. Parents are responsible for the safety of their children. Adults should be with children under 12 at all times. Children are not allowed on the historic farm equipment.
The Gutta Breakfast is an opportunity to share insights, ask questions, and discuss Avatar Meher Baba and His life and words. The event starts with breakfast hosted by Fred Stankus and Gigi Driessen (a former Meher Mount Board member).
After breakfast, Fred leads a heartfelt discussion of selected passages from Lord Meher, the multi-volume account of Avatar Meher Baba's life by Bhau Kalchuri, one of Meher Baba's close disciples.
The event is free and open to all. The Gutta Breakfast & Discusion is on Saturday, October 11, 2104, at Meher Mount from 11:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Photo: The Gutta Breakfast is the first Meher Mount-sponsored event on the Topa Topa Patio, December 2012. (Byron Pinckert photo.)The Gutta Meeting at Meher Baba's Manzil-e-Meem Is the Inspiration for the Gutta Breakfast
From 1922 to 1923, Avatar Meher Baba gathered a group of His close disciples, known as mandali, together in Bombay (now Mumbai) for about 10 months.
This residence was called Manzil-e-Meem which generally implies "House of the Master."
During that time, Meher Baba suggested that the group spare an hour or two every evening to discuss domestic matters of the Manzil, and then to devote some time to recreation.
Gutta Means Wineshop
After a long discussion, this meeting was named the Gutta – meaning the Wineshop.
All agreed to this, and a few rules were laid down for the nightly meeting.
Each of the men was allowed to voice his opinion and vote independently on matters. All were free to make suggestions irrespective of, and without fear of, others' opinions.
One speaker was to follow another, but only after getting the chairman's permission. No one was otherwise allowed to speak – lest it turn into a normal tavern where uproar and disorder usually prevail.
Fred Stankus Starts the Gutta Breakfast Tradition
Using this Gutta as his inspiration Fred Stankus has for many years hosted a Gutta Breakfast in Southern California. He sparks discussion by providing quotes or references to be read aloud and then encourages each to speak from the heart without interruption.
This event has many repeat visitors because it is inspiring and touches the heart. It is also an opportunity to learn more about Avatar Meher Baba and His words and life.
Photo: Avatar Meher Baba and His Manzil-e-Meem disciples, 1922-1923.