Haidakhan Babaji

About Haidakhan Babaji

Babaji taught people to follow a spiritual practice that was practical for their lives in the modern world, one which involved living with the principles of Truth, Simplicity and Love, practicing selfless service to humanity through karma yoga and repetition of the Divine Name, such as Om Namaha Shivaya. His teachings are not affiliated with any specific religious tradition, but rather encourage people to follow the path that is in their hearts. Haidakhan Babaji, helped others through his simple ashram in the Kumoan foothills of the Himalayas in the village of Haidakhan, District Almora, India, during the years 1970-1984. This great Master, who many believe to be the Immortal Babaji of Yogananda's book, Autobiography of a Yogi, taught others by example, working with them individually whether they were present in India with him or not,  and by establishing a daily structure in his Ashrams. Although Sri Babaji called many Westerners to him, by dreams, visions, pamphlets or simply through one friend telling another about him, he did not seek to establish a great personal following. His small ashram, four miles up a winding riverbed from the end of the nearest country road, could not accommodate the thousands who have flocked to other saints and gurus. But, though he made no general call for people to come to see him, he did want the entire world to hear his message.

Follow the Religion That Is In Your Heart
Although Shri Babaji lived in a Hindu culture and was worshipped through Hindu rituals daily, he was not attached to any particular religion. He stated that all religions can lead the sincere devotee to God. At Haidakhan, Shri Babaji was worshipped by Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, Jews, Sikhs, Muslims—even atheists found themselves bowing to him. He often reminded his followers that all mankind is one family—the Family of God. For those who asked about religion, he answered, "Follow the religion that is in your heart". He however, said at many times that he had come to re-establish the principles of the Sanatan Dharma—the Eternal Religion, which was ageless and from which all other religions have taken their roots.

BabajiTruth, Simplicity, Love and Service to Humanity
Even before his re-appearance in 1970, Babaji taught Mahendra Maharaj to preach that all lovers of God should lead lives based on Truth, Simplicity and Love. This, he said, is the essence of all religions. It is very difficult to nurture hatred, greed, anger, lust, jealousy and selfishness and the violence they breed when a person tries hard to live in truth, simply and lovingly with all.

Babaji’s teachings focus heavily on taking action in this world. Karma Yoga, or selfless service to humanity, is a very powerful form of yoga. It can manifest in many different ways from small things you do everyday to devoting your life to service.
“Service to humanity is the first duty. During these times, inhumanity and laziness have increased, so it is important that you work hard and not lose heart. Be brave, be industrious: work hard and have courage."

Repetition of the Divine Name
We spend so much of our time worrying and thinking about a number of meaningless things. Repetition of the Divine Name is intended to clear the mind. This practice is found in many spiritual traditions and can take the form of mantra, prayer, chant and others. When your mind is focused in this manner, it is less likely to wander to less productive thoughts.

In order to focus people's minds on God, Babaji taught people to repeat the ancient mantra OM NAMAHA SHIVAYA. It is a Sanskrit phrase which means something like 'I surrender to/take refuge in God'. Repetition of Om Namaha Shivaya is a pathway to unity with the Supreme God. (The name of God used in this mantra is Lord Shiva Who is a Hindu conception of the one Supreme God. This mantra has been used for millennia and taught by saints and gurus in India and the West.) Any mantra or Holy Name can be used in this manner. Constant repetition of a mantra (the repetition is called japa) focuses the mind on God, opens one's heart and mind to God, and stops or reduces the inherent tendency of one's mind to constantly plan, worry, day-dream or otherwise prattle away in really useless activity.

Our Philosophy
These teachings are not unique, nor are they associated with just one religion or spiritual teacher. Babaji was merely one of many teachers who came to remind us how to treat ourselves and others around us. There are many great teachers and gurus (which simply is Sanskrit for “teacher” or “guide”) that are on the planet right now and in our vast history (and some corrupt ones as well). We feel it is important to focus on the teachings rather than the teacher; and most importantly, to listen to yourself. After all, only then will you truly find the religion that is in your heart.

Kalama Sutra
"Rely not on the teacher/person, but on the teaching. Rely not on the words of the teaching, but on the spirit of the words. Rely not on theory, but on experience. Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. Do not believe anything because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything because it is written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and the benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it." - the Buddha

Some of the above information was taken from the American Haidakhan Samaj website. More information can be found at www.babajisamaj.org. Other resources:



Babaji with sandlewood paste blessing on his forehead
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