Formerly located in Berkeley, The Meher Baba Center of Northern California is now housed on Stockton Avenue in El Cerrito. It holds meetings and discussion groups for those who follow or are simply interested in the teachings and life of Meher Baba, a spiritual master born in India. The two-story facility includes a meeting room, small office, bookstore, lending library, reading room and meditation room.
Meher Baba's image was widely distributed on posters and small cards in the United States during the late '60s and '70s. His message, stressing love, truth and awakening of consciousness, inspired many followers around the globe. He died at age 74 in 1969 and his influence continues to be felt. Those who adopt him as a spiritual leader regard him as an avatar, a Sanskrit word usually taken to mean the incarnation of the divine descended to Earth in human form. He referred to himself as "the Ancient One." One of his better-known sayings is "Don't worry, be happy."