A Letter to Neem Karoli Baba Devotees – The Art of Being Present
Finding Presence in Everyday Moments
Dear Devotees of Neem Karoli Baba, life’s beauty lies not in grand achievements or bold ambitions but in the subtle, everyday moments that pass unnoticed. From the profound lyrics of Pink Floyd to the timeless melodies of The Beatles, from Queen’s Freddie Mercury to Guns N’ Roses, and even the wisdom of Elton John, inspiration surrounds us to live, feel, and love in the present.
Life is a fleeting masterpiece, painted with the delicate details of the now—a delicious meal, the comfort of a favorite dress, or the laugh-out-loud hilarity of a TV show that momentarily makes us forget our stresses. These are the threads that weave life’s true tapestry.
Living in the Present: Wisdom from Music and Beyond
Breaking Free from the Past and Future
How often do we pause to admire this quiet beauty? Too often, we are prisoners of our minds, caught in the regrets of the past or the anxieties of an uncertain future. The timeless wisdom of a Hindi lyric gently reminds us:
“Aanewala Pal Jaanewala Hai, Ho Sake To Iss Mein Zindagi Bitaado Pal Jo Yeh Jaanewala Hai.”
(The coming moment will pass; if you can, live your life in this fleeting instant.)
Pink Floyd’s hauntingly brilliant song “Time” echoes a similar sentiment:
“You are young and life is long, and there is time to kill today. And then one day you find, ten years have got behind you.”
Why burden yourself with rewriting a chapter that has already been written or obsessing over a blank page? Life exists only in the present, waiting to be embraced.
The Beatles: The Love Story with Yourself
The Beatles famously sang, “All you need is love.” Yet, the greatest love story begins with yourself. No one will love you as deeply or unconditionally as you can. Celebrate your quirks, forgive your flaws, and smile more. As Queen’s Freddie Mercury boldly declared:
“I want to break free!”
Break free from the chains of self-doubt, the weight of what-ifs, and the tyranny of overthinking. Every triumph, no matter how small, and every irritation, no matter how trivial, contributes to the unique tapestry of your life. Even the person who annoyed you today may have made you laugh in a way only they could. Life’s soundtrack—whether it’s a favorite tune or a song hummed while washing dishes—creates moments that will someday bring a nostalgic smile.
Releasing Burdens: Wisdom from Elton John and Guns N’ Roses
Send Worries into Orbit
Elton John’s “Rocket Man” offers a metaphor for releasing anxieties:
“And I’m gonna be high as a kite by then.”
Imagine sending your worries on a one-way trip to Mars aboard the next SpaceX rocket. The burdens we carry often serve no purpose but to weigh us down. Instead, let us travel light, with hearts open to the joy of the present moment.
Smiling Through the Journey
Guns N’ Roses, in their classic “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” remind us of the power of a smile:
“She’s got a smile that it seems to me, reminds me of childhood memories.”
Smile for the person you once were—a child who found joy in puddles and painted skies. Smile for the person you are today, navigating life’s messy, marvelous journey. Smile for the person you will become, knowing that your future self will thank you for embracing this moment.
The Power of Breathing and Being Present
Breathe In, Breathe Out
If you’re still reading this, I see your smiling face. Hold onto that smile—it is your superpower. Life is not meant to be endured but celebrated. Love your present moment with the same fervor as a child savoring their favorite treat or a musician lost in the notes of their favorite song.
Pink Floyd’s lyrics remind us to return to the basics:
“Breathe, breathe in the air. Don’t be afraid to care.”
Inhale deeply, exhale fully. Live unapologetically. The imperfections of life are what make it the most beautiful gift you will ever receive.
Ram Ram and the Art of Presence
Neem Karoli Baba’s teachings emphasize living in the now, finding beauty in simplicity, and embracing love in all forms. Whether inspired by the wisdom of music or the sacred mantra “Ram Ram,” the art of being present transforms life into a celebration.
Let us honor Baba’s message by cherishing each fleeting moment, breaking free from the weight of the past, and loving ourselves deeply. Life, with all its imperfections, is still the masterpiece it was always meant to be.
Ram Ram.
