Neem Karoli Baba: Mystic who left footprints on the hearts and minds of Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg

Neem Karoli Baba’s life was strewn with the miraculous at every step. The accepted laws of physics, and of time and space, did not seem to apply to him. He never employed these extraordinary powers for aggrandisement or gain. He was an emanation of many presences and personages whose spiritual seeking had come before him. I am personally both mystic and sceptic, reluctant to yield my rationality.

Yet, there are mysteries that are best left alone, and so it is with my faith and belief in Maharajji.

Neem Karoli Baba, Maharajji to his bhaktas, was a puzzle and a paradox. He left no teachings, no formal legacy, and yet devotees around the world are constantly forging intense connections with him. The barriers of language, culture and religion break down before the compassion, love and sense of fellowship his followers continue to share.

I had the great privilege of meeting Neem Karoli Baba when I was a child of six. He appeared strange, as did the other grown-ups he was sitting and chatting with – except for my grandfather, Dr CD Pande, who was, as ever, comforting and loving. This was probably around the year 1962. The Baba had established himself as a...

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