Based on the provided sources, Meher Baba frequently referenced the number 7 to explain the structure of the universe, the evolution of consciousness, the anatomy of the human form, and the timing of the Avatar’s advent. Additionally, he often utilized the number 7 in his spiritual work, rituals, and instructions to disciples.
Here is a report on Meher Baba's references to the number 7.
1. Cosmology and the Structure of the Universe
Meher Baba described the number 7 as significant to the fundamental structure of creation, originating from the initial clash between Energy (Pran) and Matter (Akash).
- Origins: In the beginning, the clash between Matter and Energy divided Energy’s powers into seven forces.
- Structure: There are seven worlds, seven skies, seven suns, seven moons, seven planes, and seven heavens,.
- Shadows of God: The gross universe is described as the seventh shadow of the original Light of God. The "Original Sound" (Om Point) manifests as seven sounds; the music of the subtle plane is a shadow of this Original Sound.
- The Seven-Fold Veil: The spiritual path involves removing the "sevenfold veil" of illusion. Entering the path involves a "seven-in-one achievement," which includes unfastening the first knot, the disappearance of the first fold, and wiping out the first of the seven deep, dark colors.
2. Evolution and Involution of Consciousness
The number 7 is central to Meher Baba’s explanation of how consciousness develops from the most finite state to the infinite state.
- Evolutionary Leaps: To achieve full consciousness in human form, the soul must pass through seven major leaps of evolution: stone, metal, vegetable, worm, fish, bird, and animal,,.
- Twists and Shakes: In the process of evolution, there are seven twists of sanskaras. After every seventh stage or form, there is a twist. The soul goes through 84 lakhs (8.4 million) of shakes (births and deaths) during this process,,.
- The Seven Planes (Involution): After attaining human form, the soul eventually enters the process of involution, ascending through seven planes of consciousness,,. The seventh plane is the final goal where the soul realizes its identity as God,,.
- Involutionary Stages: There are seven stages of "descent" (winding of sanskaras) and seven stages of "ascent" (unwinding/involution),.
3. The Human Form
Meher Baba explained that the human body reflects the structure of the universe, specifically regarding the number 7.
- Openings in the Head: There are seven openings in the human head: two eyes, two ears, two nostrils, and one mouth.
- Parts of the Body: The body consists of seven parts: two arms, two legs, two openings (front and back), and the trunk.
- Correspondence to Planes: The seven parts of the physical body (front) correspond to the seven planes, while parts on the back of the body correspond to the seven heavens.
4. The Avataric Cycle and Spiritual Hierarchy
- 700-Year Cycle: Meher Baba stated that the Avatar (the Ancient One) returns to earth every 700 years,. At the end of a cycle, he returns to bestow his "Ancient State".
- 7th Plane Beings: While there are always five Perfect Masters (Sadgurus/Qutubs), the sources note there are generally three beings on the seventh plane in India (two Majzoobs and one Jivanmukta),.
- Seven Realities: Meher Baba gave a specific teaching titled "The Seven Realities," which are: Real Existence, Real Love, Real Sacrifice, Real Renunciation, Real Knowledge, Real Control, and Real Surrender,,.
5. Symbolism and Rituals in Baba’s Work
Meher Baba frequently employed the number 7 in his external work, instructions to mandali, and symbolic gestures.
- The Seven-Colored Flag: In 1924, Baba designed a flag with seven colors to represent the seven planes of consciousness and the sanskaras. He specified that red should be at the bottom (representing the grossest impressions) and sky blue at the top,,.
- Masts and the Poor: Baba often worked with groups of seven poor people (washing their feet and giving money),, or seven masts (God-intoxicated souls),.
- Repetition of Names: Baba often instructed disciples to repeat a name of God or a specific prayer seven times,,,.
- Fasting and Seclusion: He frequently set periods of fasting or seclusion for seven days,.
- Other Symbolic Uses:
- Baba utilized a seven-metal spade for the ground-breaking of his center.
- He planted seven mango saplings.
- He referenced seven types of masts (plus a rare eighth type).
- During a drive in 1956, he stood at four compass points and worked, wearing a garland of seven sea shells representing the seven stages of man.
6. Numerological Significance
According to an astrological analysis in the sources, Meher Baba's birth date (25-2-1894) reduces to the number 7 (2+5=7). In numerology, the number 7 is described as symbolizing "unifying Good and Evil," the power of spirit over matter, and is governed by the planet Neptune.
