Haidakhan Babaji
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| Haidakhan Babaji | |
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 Haidakhan Babaji |
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| Died | January 14, 1984 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hindu |
Haidakhan Babaji, simply called "Babaji" or Bhole Baba (an epithet for Shiva) by his students and devotees, was a teacher who appeared in northern India (Uttarakhand) and taught publicly from 1970 to 1984. The spiritual teacher Leonard Orr wrote about his encounters with Haidakhan Babaji, and together with Sondra Ray, promoted him as being Mahavatar Babaji.[1]
Haidakhan Babaji suffered several illnesses in his last years and died in 1984.[1]
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[edit] Teachings
Babaji taught that the Sanatana Dharma or "Eternal Religion" was to lead a life based on truth, simplicity and love. Although he taught from a Hindu perspective, he claimed that all religions were good and helpful. He also taught that karma yoga and japa, the repetition of a mantra, was the best path for most people to follow. He particularly stressed the mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" claiming it was "more powerful than a nuclear bomb."
One of his more radical teachings was that some type of great disaster was coming, though he did not say what it was or when it would come. He did say that it would be a worldwide catastrophe. In some countries he predicted a survival rate of 5% or lower, saying that the highest survival rate in any country would be 25%, while some countries would be completely destroyed. The only way to survive this was to pray to one's chosen deity or chant Om Namah Shivaya.[2]
Nama Japa, the repetition of God's Name, was a fundamental part of Haidakhan Babaji's teachings:
Have faith! Reciting the Name of the Lord is not the first, but the last stage of spiritual practice! When lions enter the forest, the other animals run away. Likewise, all evil thoughts will vanish with the recitation of the Lord's name. Reciting the Name of the Lord will bring you the company of a good people and you will be near saints. Blessed are the few who will discard the kingdom of the world for the Lord's name. Such a devotee always resides in My heart. In the womb, you take a vow not to get attached; but as soon as you come out, you get entangled. Abandon attachment! Your mind plays tricks on you! That is why you are after pleasures! All worldly things - including the desire for liberation - are obstacles to which you are attached. If you want divine peace, leave behind ignorant karma.[1]
[edit] See also
- Mahavatar Babaji - an Indian saint who appeared between 1861 and 1935 and described firstly by Lahiri Mahasaya
- Hariakhan Baba - a teacher who appeared in many places in northern India near the Himalayas between 1861 and 1924
[edit] Notes
- ^ a b c Shyam, Radhe, I Am Harmony. Spanish Creek Press, 1991. ISBN 978-0962642104
- ^ Teachings of Babaji July 26-28 1979
[edit] References
- Orr, Leonard (1995). Babaji: The Angel of the Lord. ISBN 0-945793-18-9
[edit] Further reading
- Reichel, Gertraud (1990). Babaji - Gateway to the Light. ISBN 3-926388-07-2
- Shyam, Radhe (1991). I am Harmony, book about Babaji. ISBN 0-9626421-0-X
