Bhaustock is named after Bhau Kalchuri combined with the spirit of “Woodstock.” Bhau Kalchuri was the last disciple of Meher Baba to drop his body. It all started with the first gathering with Bhau at Chris and Christie’s home in 1989 – Bhau felt badly that people missed seeing him at the L.A. Sahavas that year, so he asked the Pearsons if they would allow him to invite the people who couldn’t go to the Sahavas to spend time with him at their place. It. was a marvelous weekend. According to Pris Haffenden, “The second gathering, which happened in 1990, was equally lovely.” At the third gathering, in 1991, Jeff Maguire coined the term “Bhaustock.” At the fourth gathering, in 1992, someone made T-Shirts and Sweatshirts, with “Talk and Talk and Talk” on one side, and “Bhaustock,” and underneath (in bad English), “A Avatar Meher Baba Gathering” underneath.
In the summer of 2012 we had our first Bhaustock for the children at Meher Haven(an 80 acre family permaculture farm), and have been continuing the tradition ever since. For our first Bhaustock, “The Man”, Bhauji himself was able to attend via Skype and blessed us with his love. Bhauji told us that the focus of Bhaustock should be the Children. That day he reiterated to us that the children should be free.
The idea behind Bhaustock is that there are no rules. Every person is a Sovereign Being. As Sovereigns, they cannot be bound by man made arbitrary rules. Thus there is not even a rule that says “there are no rules” at Meher Haven.
The driving force is that children, as well as adults, are all trusted to be who they really are–which is their awesome selves. We believe that trusted children grow up to be trustworthy. That profound trust in the child makes for a profound child. Thus, it is our directive to treat each child with maximum respect, as if the child were Baba himself.
In his last speech in the US, Bhau Kalchuri said “Even Mani has three more lives, and she is a very close disciple of Baba. Right now, they are being reborn in your families. You don’t know who your children are. So be respectful, just in case.” This was Bhau Kalchuri’s last statement, in what turned out to be his last speech ever, here in the US.
What to Bring:
Bring a tent, sleeping bag, towel, bathing suit, comfortable shoes, hat, sunblock, slippers!!
Don’t bring water (Meher Haven water is awesome!!) but feel free to bring a refillable water bottle.
You can bring drinks, beer, and wine that we trust all to partake in moderation. But remember Baba doesn’t like drugs that much.
Agenda
There are no programs for Bhaustock. We, adults, are at the whim of the children. They may schedule events, suddenly cancel, change their mind and take off. Thus, we adapt to the situation and stay on our toes at all times. Sometimes though, agendas may form, such as this year as we incorporate Khayla’s Memorial.
Khayla’s Memorial
Khayla’s Memorial will be on Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm. Korean BBQ Extravaganza with all of Khayla’s favorite foods will be served.
chai’s take on Bhaustock
Bhaustock can be unpredictable and for some might seem risky. Most of us feel much safer when we have an agenda and a pre-set schedule. Leaving the schedule to the kids may seem unwise. If you are skeptical, know that you probably aren’t the only one. However, let me take this opportunity, while I have your undivided attention, to share some of my thoughts on safety, security and freedom.
“The deeper secrets of the spiritual life are unveiled to those who take risks and make bold experiments with life. They are not intended for the weak-kneed who seek guarantees for every step.” – Meher Baba
Benjamin Franklin says, “Those who would sacrifice Freedom for Security will have neither and deserve neither.” We do not sacrifice our Freedom for Security. Freedom is always riskier than Security. We believe in a Free life – if you’re not living freely, are you really living? A principled man is a man to whom his principles are more important to him than life. He would sacrifice his life for his principles. Because his principles mean more to him than his own life, that is why we call such a man a ‘principled man.’ A person who values life more than principles, is called an ‘unprincipled man.’ He is an ‘unprincipled man’ because to him, life which is physically real is surely more important than a bunch of intangible principles in the mind. This is an unprincipled man.
The world is a wonderful place. All we have to do is rely on God and drink of His peace. We are safe in Him, not our military or police. We are safe in Him, and Him Alone.
But don’t worry the older kids keep a hawkish eye on all the little ones. They are expert at it. You’ll see.
Peni’s Take on Bhaustock
Upon reading my take on Bhaustock, Peni’s first comments were “You’ve defined Bhaustock! I don’t think it’s possible or necessary to define Bhaustock.” She reminded me that even Khayla said that we shouldn’t define Bhaustock. My wife reminded me that we don’t need alcohol to enjoy ourselves. She also reminded me that some parents do get nervous when the kids go on the quad, and that perhaps we should tone it down for Bhaustock.
Your take on Bhaustock
Everyone’s take on Bhaustock is a little different. I’m curious what Aaron or Khayla’s take on Bhaustock is as well as Payam & Ellie. There is something indescribable about Bhaustock for everyone. You can submit your take on Bhaustock to mark@mehergutta.com and we will post it if we like it. 🙂
Food Preparation
Normally we just feed everyone. But our star player is injured and we may need some help on the food preparation this year.
If you want to get involved in the food preparation, please contact me separately. We all eat together always. We do not separate our meals. We cook together, we eat together, and then we clean it up together, and it all starts over again & again….until we become delirious. So Jamshid will do Jamshid’s Kabob dinner on Friday night, for example. For sure, I will do Korean BBQ Extravaganza for Saturday Dinner. Someone can take Friday lunch, for example. The inspired cooks among you can contact me at mark@mehergutta.com to snag up a meal. Our aim is to feed good, love-cooked, home-cooked meals. And, if a kid wants macaroni and cheese–usually he’s gonna get it. Not always, but usually.
Click here to goto Schedule Page: Bhaustock 2015 Schedule Page