Windfall of Grace

While there have been many world class films made on Maharajji’s devotees in America, in relation to how their own life trajectories changed after they encountered Maharajji —films on Ram Dass and Krishna Das. There was nothing that brought out a portrayal of Maharajji’s life or whatever is known about it. Besides as an Indian I had the advantage of language and could interview many Indian as well as western devotees to attempt a fascinating blend of diverse socio-cultural voices experiencing the same essence through the grace of a common master.

For most of the western devotees who came to Maharajji, their spiritual quest was fuelled by psychedelic experiences. Ram Dass who came to be Maharajji’s main conduit in the west, a former a Harvard psychologist was well known for his experiments with LSD. Many of the others who followed had a similar history. While not being prudish about this, Maharajji made light of these substances and said it was not needed, and love was a better way to attain these higher states of consciousness. These narratives which are a part of the film will be relevant for many especially the youth.

Apart from mentions of Ram Dass, the film features anecdotes from other well-known western devotees including Krishna Das, Jai Uttal (who are both Grammy nominated American kirtan chant musicians); and Dr Larry Brilliant – epidemiologist, technologist, philanthropist. There is also a passing mention of Steve Jobs who is also regarded by many as Neem Karoli Baba’s follower. These anecdotes help to highlight how their individual encounters with Maharajji sparked dramatic shifts in their life paths.

The place that Maharajji occupies in the panorama of Indian saints and sidhhas is also indirectly brought out in conversation with the revered spiritual master Sri M, who had met Maharajji in his youth.

In an indirect way the film also reveals Maharajji’s legacy in India and the west. His legacy is far beyond all the temples and institutions established by him and his devotees, for Maharajji lives in the hearts of the people who have been touched by his sheer love. Yet the film sheds light on some of Maharajji’s devotees who were consequently regarded as masters in their own right. For instance, Maharajji’s chief devotee in India was a lady- Siddhi Maa, and after Maharajji’s passing, it was she who carried forth his legacy. Similarly, KK Sah in the film, was also Maharajji’s key instrument especially for many western devotees who came to India. In the west, it was mainly Ram Dass, who sparked multiple generations of spiritual seekers through his writings and teachings, and increasingly now Krishna Das through his kirtans (musical concerts) and talks.

I have been a spiritual traveller and seeker for many years and was an active member in two of the better known spiritual organisations in India, mostly focussed on meditation and yoga. When I first embarked on this documentary on Maharajji, the Bhakti aspects and practices were a revelation for me and I couldn’t fathom why Maharajji discouraged meditation. There were many such questions that arose as I met and spoke to people and it tremendously enriched my own understanding.
Yet at the same time not belonging to this particular fold allowed me to maintain my independence and objectivity in many ways. I took in all the stories with wonderment, they were as fresh and novel for me as the unintroduced spectator.

One of the aims for the film for me was that in a gentle way it may help people learn about what a true master is really like, so that more and more seekers don't fall for less genuine spiritual masters, and thus ending up in cults which is continues to be a danger in present times. That the truly great beings never advertise their greatness and are devoid of any selfish interests. Some of the anecdotes in the film bring out many aspects which reveal how he never liked to take credit for his miraculous deeds and he also was extremely averse to fame.

The love and concern that maharajji showered on his people minus any moral high-ground combined with his utter simplicity and immense capability may be extremely rare. But apart from invoking awe, it makes us understand better the characteristics which a truly exalted being would encompass. The idea is not for people to follow maharajji, but simply to open a window to the possibility of such beings existing and the possibility of accessing them if one sincerely chooses to.

Alongside, the film indirectly also brings to light the underlying spiritual ethos of India as lifestyles of devotion, service and simplicity which are still alive though increasingly at the fringe of urban contemporary Indian society. These inadvertently get reflected in many of the expressions and also visually through the mass gatherings at temples, rituals, kumbh mela and even homes.

Majority of the people who met Maharajji in person and spent a lot of time with him have passed away and the ones alive are now aging and mostly in their 70s or 80s. It was important also to record their testaments and offer their memories and impressions to a changing generation where such understanding may become rarer. Especially for the urban Indian youth, which has scarce and often flawed understanding of Indian spirituality, and generally turns to the west for inspiration, it is hoped that the surrender and ardour of the westerners in this film, may for them serve as a reminder of the higher aspects of their own spiritual heritage.

Maharajji left his body 47 years ago in Sept 1973, yet the absence of Maharajji’s physical presence has not diminished his grace upon his devotees’ lives; rather to the contrary—his following has been growing year after year. In fact, people who have never met him are able to connect to his presence, guidance and love and this forms a significant premise for the relevance of this film.

The film ultimately hopes to reveal how just by being receptive to higher possibilities we can all enable the sublime to shine bright from the mundane. Thus, the potential significance of this film is for anyone who is a seeker and lover of truth and is interested in going beyond form and uniting with the spirit.