The real voyage of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. ~ Aeschylus
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A Spiritual Retreat in Myrtle Beach
March 29th, 2009For many South Carolinians, the initials M.B. bring to mind Myrtle Beach. But for a dedicated few, they mean Meher Baba, the Indian spiritual teacher who, as it happens, developed a spiritual retreat in Myrtle Beach.
This is not a tourist spot. Although open to visitors, it is a private retreat intended for those sincerely interested in Meher Baba, his teaching, and their own inner quest.
Located between South and North Myrtle Beach, the Meher Center comprises 500 beachfront acres that have remain unspoiled by commercial development. It is a serene complex of virgin forest, fresh water lakes, and simple cabins within walking distance to the beach. An idyllic setting for meditation, quiet, and seclusion from daily life.
Baba devotees from around the world, especially along the eastern seaboard, visit here frequently to volunteer their time and labor, to spend time with each other, and, above all, to renew themselves in silence.
Visitors stay in small cabins and share two communal kitchens. Time is typically spent walking trails on the property, reading in the center library, attending talks and videos about Meher Baba, enjoying the beach, and meeting other guests. The atmosphere is contemplative, friendly, and supportive.
Meher Baba was born in India in 1894. He established a colony called Meherabad intended for spiritual training, where there was also a free hospital and dispensary and shelters for the poor. He taught his disciples—who were of different castes and creeds—moral discipline, love for God, spiritual understanding, and selfless service.
In 1925, Meher Baba went into silence which he maintained until his death in 1969. For 44 years, he dictated his spiritual discourses and messages on an alphabet board, and eventually communicated with just hand gestures. He traveled to America six times, beginning in 1931. His last visit was in 1958.
Meher Baba
One of his most pragmatic sayings is, “Don’t worry, be happy, make efforts” (the last two words of which are often not quoted).
Learn more about the Meher Center.
Learn more about the history of Meher Baba’s life.
Learn more about Meher Baba’s teaching.
5 responses to “A Spiritual Retreat in Myrtle Beach”
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Russell Kelly March 30th, 2009 at 09:17
I would love to thank Dee Dee and Bob Eaton for the love they shared with me and my wife while we were at Myrtle Beach. We had many spiritual moments with them. Along with Virginia Sadowsky and Elizabeth Sacalis…that family has a strong hold on my life spiritually and morally—all with love and understanding that I have needed so very much. Thank the retreat for allowing me the experience of a lifetime.
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Jerry Ulmer March 30th, 2009 at 15:58
I visited the Myrtle Beach center for the first time in 1970 and was introduced to my wife Katie by Jane Haynes. We returned to the center to share the experience with our daughter. The energy there is delightful.
Jerry Ulmer -
Charmaine Foley March 30th, 2009 at 17:24
My family and I love Myrtle Beach. The love energy and joy given to myself, my husband and our children at Myrtle Beach make each and every visit so very special. The whole space oozes spirituality and one cannot but feel closer to God whilst at the Meher Spiritual Retreat. The youth sahavas gathering is the highlight of my childrens year and of course their growth into adulthood is assisted by the work completed at the sahavas. So from one very happy Aussie Family thank you so much for your love and understanding.
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My first visit to Meher Spiritual Center in Myrtle Beach in the early 70s was a joy, and my most recent visit in Feb 2005 was very special as I arose before 5am on Baba’sBirthday 25 Feb 1894 and I walked in the dark to Baba’s House for early morning prayers and Arti. It was magical, no flashlight, just following the road and paths and noticing the tail-lights of arriving autos from the Baba-Lovers coming onto the Center from Myrtle Beach City, and entering Baba’s Room where His Love was felt!
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Dennis Wolterding April 8th, 2009 at 08:53
This is a lovely article on the hidden gem of Myrtle Beach, the Meher Spiritual Center—what Baba called his “home in the west.” I moved to the Grand Strand from Albany, New York simply to be near this intensely beautiful panorama of nature with its ever-present, enveloping serenity. And there is a metaphor in the Center’s existence apart from, but amid, a bustling tourist mecca: Baba teaches that God is everywhere and in everything and beyond everywhere and everything, but the we do not see Him because our own distractions clamor too loudly for our attention. When one turns from Route 17 and enters the Center, it is almost instantly to go from the cacophonous world into the Great Quiet, an almost geographic meditation. It is to do physically what we are exhorted to do spiritually—to turn inward, away from our normal enchantments and seek the One behind the many. You have to try it to know what I mean, but, fortunately, that is not hard. The Meher Spiritual Center is open to day visitors interested in knowing more about Meher Baba. Details can be found at http://www.mehercenter.org. Dennis Wolterding, President • Avatar Meher Baba’s Circle of Friends, Inc. • dennisjanwolterding@hotmail.com
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