Neem Karoli Baba: Sacred Teachings
When Tish Malhotra suggested writing about Neem Karoli Baba, we were instantly reminded of one of his most profound teachings: "All religions are essentially the same and lead to God. All human beings are equal." In that single line, Baba gracefully dismantled both religious intolerance and caste-based discrimination. This article, drawing insights from several notable books, seeks to shed light on the sacred wisdom and timeless teachings of Baba Neem Karoli.
Neem Karoli Baba: Sacred Teachings
Tish Malhotra
India is a land of mystics and Godmen, who keep coming amidst us to make us realise that whatever we see, whatever we do and whatever is happening around us or in the world, is part of the passing show, a grand play enacted on the screen of existence. We have been sent here to discover the path that leads us to the Source of that Eternal Existence. Thus, in this journey, the company of holy beings is of paramount importance.
In this context, it is also a strange phenomenon that these holy men appear to be ordinary human beings like us, but in fact they belong to the realm of extraordinary divinity. That is why one gets deeply surprised when one gazes at the image of Neeb Karoli Baba who looks like a rustic, barefoot ordinary man, wearing a simple white cotton dhoti and having a rough blanket over the upper part of his body. He appears to be an affectionate grandfatherlyfigure. But we must be mindful: hidden behind the form of this humble old man is Divine Reality personified, present among us for the well-being of all humanity.
The divine presence of Neeb Karoli Baba, also lovingly called Neem Karoli Baba, and venerated as an incarnation of Lord Hanuman by his devtees, is always there to guide and uplift. Though he may not be present in physical form, he constantly reminds us: "When you have started on the path to God, proceed; do not stop. He will take care of you." How does one continue on this path? Baba answered in his own mysterious yet instructive ways—described both overtly and subtly in many valuable books written about his life and teachings.
Before we delve deeper, it is important to mention some of these books for the benefit of those who wish to learn more about Baba Neem Karoli. These works offer profound insight into not just our worldly concerns but also provide guidance for spiritual growth. These books can definitely help in finding the much-desired answers for the questions that are related to our day to day mundane issues as well as the concise and precise advice on our spiritual growth. Prominent books include Be Here Now and Miracle of Love by Ram Dass; By His Grace and The Near and the Dear by Dada Mukherjee; The Divine Reality by Ravi Prakash Pande ("Rajida"); Love All and Whisper of the Heart by Parvati Markus; Chants of a Lifetime by Krishna Das; I and My Father Are One by Rabboo Joshi; Journey: Maharaj to Ma by Manjul Joshi; Sri Siddhi Ma by Jaya Pradada; and Neem Karoli Baba by Vishnu Ratna, among others.
Swami Chidanandaji (The Divine Life Society, India) has referred to Baba as a 'Siddha Purush' and Trikal Gyani (knower of past, present and future). According to Swami Chidanandaji, Neem Karoli Baba taught his devotees that all human beings have inherent powers and can be activated through meditation. He also mentioned "Prapti Siddhi", which can be achieved through meditation.
Neem Karoli Baba's earthly journey is believed to have spanned from around 1900 to 11 September 1973. He was born around 1900 in Akbarpur village, Firozabad district, Uttar Pradesh. While his physical body is no longer with us, his divine spirit continues to guide and bless all who seek refuge in him even today. He was known as Lakshman Narayan Sharma in his early years and was married at age 11. He left his home to become a wandering sadhu, later returning to his family before eventually leaving again to pursue his spiritual path.
He attained Mahasamadhi at the age of 73 on 11 September 1973 in Vrindavan. He is revered as a Sadguru and devotee of Lord Hanuman. He is well known for his simple but profound teachings of love, serve, feed, and respect all and always remember God. Lord Hanuman temples built by him, like in Kainchi Dham, Hanumangarh, Bhumiadhar, Kalighat, Pithoragarh, Luknow, Shimla, Vrindavan, Delhi, Dharchula, Jipti, Veerapuram, Kotmanya, Rishikesh, Badrinath, Taos, USA, etc. continue to attract millions of devotees from all over the world. The prominent foreign devotees that have visited Baba during his lifetime and afterwards included Ram Dass (Richard Alpert), Larry Brilliant, Larry Page, Jeffrey Skoll, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, among several other important persons.
To enable us to understand the divine nature of Neem Karoli Baba "Rajida” stated in his book: "Baba's mystical Leela inspires us to discover the essence of truth and often brings about a spontaneous change in our perception of this world."
"Sri Baba Neem Karoli Maharaj was the very embodiment of grace and compassion. He showered affection, fed people, and made them laugh. He loved every one without discrimination and could not bear to see anyone in distress. He was so affable that each of his devotees felt that Baba had special affection for them and believed him to be their own. Even simple words spoken by him always brought good, just as seeds, in whatever way they are sown, always sprout upright. He was like a kalpataru (a celestial wish-fulfilling tree) in satisfying the beneficial wishes of people."
In order to understand the process of continuity of the strong spiritual legacy of Baba, it is imperative to study in depth the book, mentioned above, by Jaya Pradada that records in detail how the revered Sri Sidhi Ma, "the beacon of light" took forward with faith dedication and devotion the spiritual legacy of Baba, with the consistence support of Sri Jivanti Mata ji. The books by Rabboo Joshi and Manju Joshi, also referred above, can help us in further understanding the important details in this regard. The ardent devotees, who wish to feel the constant bliss of being in the omnipresence of Neem Karoli, must try to study the books mentioned above. Meanwhile, an attempt is made here to benefit from glimpses of a few of the scared teachings of Baba from the highly acclaimed book, "The Divine Reality" by "Rajida". It quotes:
• "It is not necessary to seek God so long as one’s parents are alive. Worshipping one’s parents is difficult—but it is the best sadhana (spiritual discipline)."
• "All religions are essentially the same and lead to God. All human beings are equal. The blood that circulates through the body is the same in everyone."
• "God resides within every heart."
• "God exists in all aspects of nature. He is everywhere and never hidden from our view. The fault lies in us—we fail to see Him because we do not try earnestly. Our limited vision and impure thoughts prevent us from experiencing divine peace and love."
• "A pious life, devotional singing (bhajan), and spiritual practice are essential. Keep chanting the name of Ram; one day, it will arise from your soul, and you will be redeemed."
• "Worship God in thought, word, and deed. Only then can you attain nishkama karma—action without attachment—something granted only through divine grace."
• "O Lord of the Helpless! The strings of my destiny are in Your hand."
• "Like a fish in deep waters, we are all safe and joyful under Divine protection."
• "Have faith in God, and the most difficult tasks will become easy. Hard work alone is not enough; God’s grace is essential."
Baba always urged his followers to recite the Hanuman Chalisa and Sundar Kand from Sri Ramcharitmanas. He also encouraged chanting with love and devotion:
"Jai Sita Ram Sita Ram Sita Ram Jai Sita Ram."
As ‘Rajia’ underlined, the Baba's "divine ways are so exceedingly impressive and attractive that contemplation of them encourages us to seek improvement of the inner self. As a consequence of this inner cleaning, people start experiencing Baba's grace and sometimes see him in dreams as well as in waking reality. Thus, by thoroughly contemplating and reflecting on his character and divine Lila. It is natural that there will be changes in the thoughts and tendencies of aspirants." This is the true aim of all the literature on the sacred life of Neem Karoli Baba, including the present article, to facilitate this process of contemplation on his divine teachings and learn the necessary lesson for our good, both here and hereafter.
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Tish Malhotra is a Delhi-based freelancer.
