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Rating: 
Summary: A Classic in spiritual literature- Get it!
Review: I read this book about 20 years ago, and the stories still re-occur to me. Let me mention that (as a practicing meditator) I generally have little patience with guru-gee-whiz stories. The author Ram Dass had little idea of the extensiveness of miracles that occurred around his guru, until he returned to India after the latter's death. Maharajji had no sect, but the descriptions of the siddhis (supernatural powers) fit exactly those described by the Buddha. The invariable element in each of the miraculous stories is not the miracle itself, but the circumstances of how these events fit into people's lives, according to their needs. My favorite story is the one about one of Maharajji's oldest disciples having a heart attack, and people run to the guru to beg him to save the old man's life. After ignoring their pleas for a long time, he finally hands over a banana ('prasad'-a gift that is holy because it was previously offerred to the guru). "Here, have him eat this, and he will be fine." Now you are truly hooked. Read the book and find out the surprising (and deeply instructive) ending.
Rating:
Summary: A Classic in spiritual literature- Get it!
Review: I read this book about 20 years ago, and the stories still re-occur to me. Let me mention that (as a practicing meditator) I generally have little patience with guru-gee-whiz stories. The author Ram Dass had little idea of the extensiveness of miracles that occurred around his guru, until he returned to India after the latter's death. Maharajji had no sect, but the descriptions of the siddhis (supernatural powers) fit exactly those described by the Buddha. The invariable element in each of the miraculous stories is not the miracle itself, but the circumstances of how these events fit into people's lives, according to their needs. My favorite story is the one about one of Maharajji's oldest disciples having a heart attack, and people run to the guru to beg him to save the old man's life. After ignoring their pleas for a long time, he finally hands over a banana ('prasad'-a gift that is holy because it was previously offerred to the guru). "Here, have him eat this, and he will be fine." Now you are truly hooked. Read the book and find out the surprising (and deeply instructive) ending.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely enchanting remembrance of Neem Karoli Baba
Review: Powerfully told from the perspective of numerous students and devotees. Shows the many sides of this amazing teacher.
Rating:
Summary: Beautifully captures the essence of a great Sage.
Review: This book is a marvelous collection of anecdotes and teaching stories from the devotees of Neem Karoli Baba, a true "Avadhoot" (one who has "shaken off" the world, to exist as a wandering vessel of God) of the Hindu tradition, but who transcended all traditional spiritual paths. He was impossible to classify or pin down. Maharaji, as he was lovingly called, would simply wander into a village and stay awhile, while people offered fruits and sat at his feet, then he would abruptly disappear into the jungle. He would laugh, scold, hug, talk briefly, or just sit. Miracles occurred often in his presence. Maharaji's only teachings seemed to be love, serve and see God in everything. No one could keep him in one place, not even police or jail cells. When the time came to leave a place, he just left. He was simply an old man in a plaid blanket, full of humor and love, who shone the Light of Eternal Consciousness.
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