The Ancient One

Meher Baba’s own words about His identity as the Ancient One:

I am the Ancient One. I was Zoroaster, then Ram, then Krishna, then Buddha, then Jesus, then Mohammed. I am now Meher Baba. I will not come again for 700 years.

I am the same Ancient One whose past is worshipped and remembered, whose present is ignored and forgotten, and whose future (Advent) is anticipated with great fervour and longing.

I am the one whose name is on the tongue of every true lover — the object of every sincere longing and every heartfelt prayer. In every age and every clime I am the one who is called by different names. I am the Ancient One.

When the Ancient One comes in human form, he appears as a man among men. He plays the role of an ordinary human being — subject to hunger, thirst, pain, and the limitations of the body. Yet behind this human veil, he is God — the Infinite, the Omniscient, the Omnipotent.

Do not try to understand me through your intellect. Love me — and through your love, you will come to know me. I am beyond understanding but not beyond love.

My love is the most potent instrument for your transformation. It can raise you from the depths of darkness to the heights of eternal Light.

I have not come to establish a religion or a new order. I have come to awaken humanity to the love of God, which is the foundation of all religions, all paths, all spiritual endeavours.

I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Come to me with love — with open heart — and I will give you that which no man can give: I will give you God.

— Avatar Meher Baba