Korshed

Judy Robertson, Korshed, Sharon Lia Robinson, Meherabad, India.

I was fortunate to meet Korshed, one of Meher Baba’s inner circle of disciples, (Mandali) on my first and so far only visit to India in the fall of 1995.  Judy Robertson, an American friend who was then residing part of each year at Meherabad, introduced me to her.

On several occasions during my two week stay as a pilgrim at Meherabad, I was invited by Judy to visit with Korshed.

I am a poet and I often feel that poetry may be helpful to people who have challenges in their lives.

On one of my visits I began to read poetry to Korshed. Her health was fragile and my reading seemed to benefit her.  I was happy to see her enjoying the poems.

The poems I read for Korshed were from my devotional poem, Embracing You, and from the book Substance and Shadow by John Mijac.  I had purchased several copies of his book during my visit as a pilgrim.

I am grateful that I had the opportunity to read poems to Korshed. This experience, important in my life, gives me insights for sharing poems in many different and diverse settings.

Also, I feel that the experience of reading aloud to Korshed gives me the endurance to continue to write poetry.  I feel that I am also influenced on other levels by meeting her, which may be revealed to me in the future.

Thanks to Judy Robertson, I was able to meet Korshed and spend time with her.  I felt it was important to bring Korshed’s story to light for pilgrims and lovers of Meher Baba.  Judy cared for Korshed and helped initiate this vision. There is a wonderful book that Judy helped to develop. The book is compiled from video and audio recordings of Khorshed telling her life stories during the 70s, 80s and 90s. Additional sources include notes from interviews with Khorshed as well as her personal diary.
The book is Fortunate To Love Him, Stories of My Life with Meher Baba, by Khorshed K. Irani, published by Sheriar Foundation, 2017.

Korshed is not as well known as other Mandali.  Because of my own background, I have a place in my heart when I feel someone is on the margins.

From time to time during my stay in 1995, Judy introduced me to other residents, so I didn’t feel lost in a crowd.  Being able to meet Bal Natu and some of the other Mandali, such as Arnavaz, Katie Irani, Eruch Jessawalla and Aloba also holds significant meaning and purpose for my life now and always.   Jai Meher Baba.
(Written during September, 2012, updated December 1, 2022).