Levels of Godliness
As we see in the world people are labeled according to the degrees obtained, similarly spiritual seekers are classified in 4 categories:
Sadhak (Beginner) - one who is getting or trying to get realisation.
Siddha (Empowered) - A siddha has also been defined to refer to one who has attained a Siddhi (physic powers).
-Paranormal abilities - bhagavad-gita 7.3
Mahatma (Enlightened) - A person venerated for spirituality and high-mindedness. - MAHATATVA (beyond the nature of 5 elements)
- bhagavad-gita 8.15
Sant (Saint) -The word “sant” or ‘BABA’ depicts an august personality such vast and unfathomable, that it is beyond the comprehension of an ordinary mortal. Only the spiritual seekers get a glimpse of this entity as they advance on the spiritual path. Saint is a Satpurush, which means one who does not suffer any imperfections or limitations that all other creations of God are subject to. God is the only perfect and everything else is imperfect, therefore a “Saint” – a God realised soul is perfect like God himself.
Who is BABA ?
Education is superficial and worldly if it’s only used, to gain material possessions. For real education, which uplifts the soul spiritually, one must seek a true guru (teacher). Although books imparting this knowledge are available in plenty, one must take refuge of a true guru (the enlightened one).
To tread on the path to Moksha (Liberation), one needs the guidance and grace of an Enlightened Soul. But at the same time, all knowledge is easily available in books and on the internet and can be understood well by anyone with average intelligence. It is a natural question to ask "having acquired all knowledge, why is there a need of going to a human being (guru) and do total and complete surrender ?"
It is vital to understand that only an already lit candle can alight another candle. The same way when we rub two pieces of wood together, the friction produces fire. Sun shines everywhere, but its reflections are possible only on surfaces with high reflective capacity, GURU is that reflective platform.
"To learn the truth concerning the great spiritual questions of life and the Hereafter there is only one way; direct communication with God's spirit messengers, who are the source of all spiritual truths."
Neem Karoli Baba, born as Lakshmi Narayan Sharma in Akbarpur (a village in Uttar Pradesh), is also known as Maharajji, and has a large number of followers in India and the West, including guru Ram Dass (author of Be Here Now), yogi Bhagwan Das, musicians Jai Uttal and Krishna Das, spiritual activist Lama Surya Das, humanitarian Dr Larry Brilliant, etc.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs reportedly travelled to India to meet him but the Baba died on September 11, 1973, before he could reach.
Establishments/temples/ashrams related to his mission are spread all around the World. Be it India, Germany, USA, Canada, Taos, etc. Some of the quotes attributed to him include: 'Love everyone, Serve everyone, Remember God and Speak the truth', 'Whenever you'll think about me, I will come to you'.