God, Guru, and Self are all one

Our Lineage

Explore our rich heritage, where the timeless wisdom of Neem Karoli Baba and the transformative legacy of Ram Dass guide our journey of unconditional love, devoted service, and spiritual connection.

Hanuman: The Living Manifestation of Devotion and Service

Hanuman, the revered monkey deity of the Ramayana, stands as the quintessential example of selfless devotion (bhakti) and dedicated service (seva). His profound love for Lord Rama dissolves the boundaries of individual identity, inviting us to let go of the ego and embrace a total surrender to the Divine. Through his strength, humility, and deep wisdom, Hanuman inspires us to serve others with open hearts and courageous love.

In the spirit of Neem Karoli Baba’s Satsang, Hanuman is not regarded as a distant legend but experienced as a vibrant, guiding presence. Devotees immerse themselves in the Hanuman Chalisa and meditate on his image, drawing inner strength and solace from his limitless grace.

“When I do not know who I am, I serve You. When I know who I am, I am You.” – Hanuman

Neem Karoli Baba: Embodying Divine Grace and Unconditional Love

Neem Karoli Baba—affectionately known as Maharajji—radiated boundless love, transforming lives with his simple, profound message: Love Everyone. Serve Everyone. Remember God. His very presence dissolved the ego, inspiring seekers from every walk of life—from householders and renunciates to Western disciples—to embrace a life of simplicity, truth, and heartfelt devotion. Today, his ashram at Kainchi Dham remains a living sanctuary where his blessings and enigmatic grace continue to guide us closer to the Divine.

“Where there is faith, there is love; where there is love, there is peace; where there is peace, there is truth; where there is truth, there is God.” – Neem Karoli Baba

Siddhi Ma: Personifying Strength of Love and Devotion

Siddhi Ma was a revered disciple of Neem Karoli Baba (Maharajji) and a radiant embodiment of his teachings. After Maharajji’s passing in 1973, she became the quiet yet powerful spiritual presence who continued to guide and care for his devotees, offering wisdom, love, and unwavering support. Though she never sought recognition, those who came to her felt the depth of her devotion and the grace of her presence, experiencing firsthand the boundless love Maharajji had infused within her.

For the AVL Satsang and beyond, Siddhi Ma stands as a beacon of grace, reflecting the path of unconditional love and divine service. Through her quiet strength, she showed that Maharajji’s presence never left—that it lives on in those who love, serve, and remember.
“Maharajji is love. Just love.” – Sri Siddhi Ma

Ram Dass: A Journey of Love, Service, and Awakening

Ram Dass, born Richard Alpert, was a devoted disciple of Neem Karoli Baba (Maharajji) and a key figure in bringing Eastern spiritual wisdom to the West. A Harvard professor turned seeker, his life was transformed when he met Maharajji in India in 1967. Under his guru’s grace, he discovered the path of bhakti (devotion), seva (selfless service), and the remembrance of God, which became the foundation of his teachings.

Returning to the West, Ram Dass shared Maharajji’s message through his groundbreaking book, Be Here Now, which became a spiritual touchstone for generations. He guided seekers toward living in the present, opening their hearts, and serving others as a path to awakening. Through his work with hospice care, social action, and the creation of satsangs, he embodied the teachings of love and devotion in everyday life.

In his later years, Ram Dass lived in Maui, where he continued to teach about aging, dying, and surrendering into love. His presence remains woven into the satsang, inspiring all who walk the path of the heart.

“We’re all just walking each other home.” – Ram Dass