Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Real Name of Baba Neem Karoli
- His Early Spiritual Journey
- Why He Deserted the Village of Neem Karoli
- Personalities Who Met Baba Neem Karoli
- Conclusion
Introduction
Baba Neem Karoli, also known as Maharaj-ji, was a Hindu guru who lived from 1900 to 1973. He was born into a wealthy Brahmin family in the village of Akbarpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, under the name Lakshmi Narayan Sharma.
The Real Name of Baba Neem Karoli
Lakshmi Narayan was a bright and gifted child. He excelled in his studies and was known for his piety and devotion. When Lakshmi Narayan was 11 years old, his parents arranged his marriage. However, Lakshmi Narayan was not interested in marriage. He wanted to devote his life to spiritual practice.
After his marriage, Lakshmi Narayan left his home and began to wander as a sadhu (holy man). He traveled all over India, visiting temples and ashrams. He met many different spiritual teachers, and he learned from all of them.
One day, Lakshmi Narayan met a sadhu who told him that he would find his true guru in the village of Neem Karoli. Lakshmi Narayan traveled to Neem Karoli, and he found his guru there. His guru was a highly realized saint who was known for his wisdom and compassion.
Under his guru’s guidance, Lakshmi Narayan made rapid spiritual progress. He eventually reached a state of enlightenment.
His Early Spiritual Journey
After his guru passed away, Lakshmi Narayan became known as Baba Neem Karoli. He began to teach and guide others on the spiritual path. He attracted a large following of devotees, both from India and abroad.
Baba Neem Karoli was a very humble and compassionate person. He was always willing to help others, and he never charged any money for his teachings. He was also known for his sense of humor and his love of music.
Why He Deserted the Village of Neem Karoli
One day, Baba Neem Karoli suddenly left the village of Neem Karoli. He did not tell anyone where he was going or when he would be back. Some of his followers believed that he had gone into samadhi (a state of deep meditation). Others believed that he had ascended to a higher plane of existence.
Baba Neem Karoli eventually returned to the village of Neem Karoli, but he never stayed there for long. He continued to travel all over India, teaching and guiding his devotees.
Personalities Who Met Baba Neem Karoli
Many famous people met Baba Neem Karoli, including:
- Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc.
- Ram Dass, a spiritual teacher and author
- Richard Alpert, a professor of psychology at Harvard University
- Larry Brilliant, an epidemiologist and philanthropist
- George Harrison, the lead guitarist of The Beatles
- Jack Kornfield, a meditation teacher and author
- Daniel Goleman, a psychologist and author
These people were all deeply influenced by Baba Neem Karoli’s teachings. They credited him with helping them to find their spiritual path and to live more meaningful lives.
Conclusion
Baba Neem Karoli was a highly realized saint who had a profound impact on the lives of many people. He was a true spiritual master who taught the path of love, compassion, and surrender. His teachings are still relevant today, and they continue to inspire people all over the world.
Additional Thoughts
Baba Neem Karoli was a very mysterious figure. He did not reveal much about his personal life or his spiritual journey. He was simply present in the moment, and he shared his wisdom and compassion with all who came to him.
Baba Neem Karoli’s teachings are simple, but they are profound. He taught us to love and respect all beings, to live in the present moment, and to surrender to the divine. His teachings are a guide to living a happy and fulfilling life.
If you are interested in learning more about Baba Neem Karoli, I recommend reading the following books:
- “Miracle of Love: Encounters with Neem Karoli Baba” by Ram Dass
- “Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramahansa Yogananda
- “Be Here Now” by Ram Dass
- “Grateful Dead: The Oral History” by Peter
