As an Avatar, Meher Baba's circle differs from ordinary spiritual masters. Instead of twelve disciples typical of other Perfect Masters, the Avatar maintains a circle of 120 members.

Baba described his Circle and mandali in several ways:

• Inner Circle: Important core members

• Shadows: Each core member has one "shadow" of their own

• Classification by relationship quality: Compared to "milk mixed with salt," "dirt," or "sugar"

Service to the Master:

• Providing personal care for Meher Baba

• Managing daily affairs of the ashram

• Supporting Baba's spiritual work

Messengers of the Message:

• Preserving and spreading Baba's teachings

• Safeguarding his message of love and truth for future generations

• Providing spiritual guidance to pilgrims

Explaining the circle of a Perfect Master, in which each member has a shadow, Meher Baba said: "The fourteen shadows will see God. To see God, however, is not a trifling matter." (Lord Meher, p. 262)

• Promise of God-realization: Of a Perfect Master's circle, Baba said that the original fourteen members will inevitably become one in God, like the Sadguru (Lord Meher, p. 262).

• Connection Across Lifetimes: One's connection with a Perfect Master in past lives makes one eligible for the Master's Circle.

• Inheritors of Spiritual Treasures: The 120 members of the Avatar's Circle are heirs to his spiritual treasure and work for the liberation of others.

For pilgrims, the Mandali represent:

1. Deep Faith: Unwavering trust in the Master

2. Surrender: Complete surrender beyond the ego

3. Selfless Service: An example of devotion to the divine

These Mandali members became pillars of Meher Baba's legacy, sharing his teachings and safeguarding his message of love and truth for future generations.