Meditations on the Ancient One is not really a book; it is a work of art. It consists of magnificent pictures that are the culmination of Charlie Mills's 30 years of painting the Divine Beloved. Think of it as a bound collection of 24 reproductions of selected paintings. Of these, 23 are of Meher Baba and one is an exquisite portrait of Mehera, Meher Baba's Beloved.


This is not a coffee table book. The pages are 8 by 10 inches, a size intimate enough to hold in the lap or place on a surface in front of you. The intention of the book is stated in the title: it is designed for meditation by the viewer. In his Discourses, Meher Baba describes "concentration on the form of the Master" as one of the most desirable forms of personal meditation. Gazing at the Master's form in these artistic portraits is a simple way to practice this meditation.

Many of the pictures will evoke loving thoughts of specific places and times in Baba's life: sitting regally on his gadi near his Tomb-Shrine; smiling in the setting of Meher Center, with the lake, boathouse, and tall pines behind him; saluting the God in you during a Darshan; gazing out at sea from the deck of an ocean liner; relaxing gracefully amid flowers in his garden. You really must see it and experience it. The first page is an image of Baba that appears veiled, as if translucent vellum paper were laid over it. Then you slowly turn the pages, and the veil is lifted. Let the meditations begin.


Meditations on The Ancient One is availbable for $45.00 by special order through this site or at your Baba book store.


Below are three thumbnails that link to full size images from the book.

Inner Work  (99-6)  1999
Original: Oil, Acrylic, and Charcoal Pencil on Canvas

Working with this image provided a sense of privilege, as if being allowed to observe a very private moment.

Hands-on  (99-2)    1999
Original: Acrylic on Canvas

The Perfect prasad is handed to a fortunate devotee.

Los Angeles, 1932  (09-3)    2009
Original: Oil on Canvas

Baba's first visit to California in 1932 included this relaxed setting in a Hollywood backyard. This image is also featured on the back cover of Meditations on The Ancient One.

HIGH QUALITY INKJET PRINTS NOW AVAILABLE

11" x 14" ink jet prints are now available for $35.00. Each image is printed is on heavy art paper with archival inks for highest quality and longevity. They can be mailed in a heavy tube ready for framing.

A small selection of ink jet prints are now available at the Sheriar Book Store. To see the full selection of images available for prints, visit the Giclée Gallery or call to schedule a studio visit with Charlie at 843 272-5613.

Come join me on my facebook page where I'll be posting my new work.

A small selection of museum quality prints on canvas, some framed, are now available at the Sheriar Book Store, in its spacious new location, across the street from the Meher Spiritual Center in Myrtle Beach, SC. To see the full selection of prints, call to schedule a studio visit with Charlie at 843 272-5613.

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