Neem Karoli Baba: The Divine Guru Who Influenced the Best
Neem Karoli Baba was a Hindu saint who lived in northern India in the 20th century.
He was born in 1900 in the village of Akbarpur, near Firozabad in Uttar Pradesh, India.
His birth name was Lakshmi Narayan Sharma.
Neem Karoli Baba was also known by the names Maharaj-ji, Neeb Karori Baba, and Karori Baba.
He spent much of his life in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India.
Neem Karoli Baba was known for his simple, humble lifestyle and his deep devotion to God.
He was said to have had miraculous powers and was known for his ability to heal people.
Neem Karoli Baba was also known for his love and compassion for all people, regardless of their religion or social status.
His teachings emphasized the importance of selfless service, love, and devotion to God.
Neem Karoli Baba's teachings were not based on any particular religion, but were grounded in the principles of Sanatana Dharma (eternal truth).
Some of his teachings have been compiled in the book "Miracle of Love: Stories about Neem Karoli Baba" by Ram Dass.
Neem Karoli Baba's ashrams and temples are located in various parts of India, including Vrindavan, Kainchi, and Taos, New Mexico in the United States.
His ashram in Kainchi is located in a remote forest and is known for its peaceful, meditative environment.
Many of Neem Karoli Baba's followers are Westerners who were drawn to his teachings of love and devotion.
Some of his more famous Western disciples include spiritual teacher Ram Dass and Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.
Neem Karoli Baba's teachings have influenced many spiritual and religious movements, including the Bhakti movement and the Hare Krishna movement.
He was known for his unconventional approach to spiritual practice, which included the use of marijuana and other substances to help people achieve a higher state of consciousness.
Neem Karoli Baba was also known for his playful and mischievous personality, and his ability to use humor to teach spiritual truths.