Neem Karoli Baba on LSD and Drugs: A Spiritual Story

Famous Incident of Neem Karoli Baba on LSD and Drugs

Neem Karoli Baba, the beloved spiritual guru revered across the world, was known for his miracles, profound wisdom, and the ability to transcend the boundaries of human understanding. Among the countless stories that highlight his divinity, one of the most fascinating is his encounter with LSD, a powerful psychedelic drug.

This story, shared by his American devotee Ram Dass, reveals not only Neem Karoli Baba's extraordinary spiritual mastery but also his profound teachings on the limitations of drugs in achieving true enlightenment.

The Story of Neem Karoli Baba and LSD

"Where is the medicine?"

When Ram Dass first met Neem Karoli Baba in 1967, he carried with him the hope of finding someone who understood LSD better than the scientists in the West. One day, Baba surprised him by asking,
"Do you have a question?"

Caught off guard, Ram Dass hesitated and said,
"No, Maharaj."

But Baba persisted,
"Where is the medicine?"

Realising Baba was referring to LSD, Ram Dass fetched the pills from his car. Baba inspected each pill, inquiring if they gave powers (siddhis). Finally, he gestured for the LSD pills.

The First Test: 900 Micrograms of LSD

Baba held out his hand, and Ram Dass placed a pill of 300 micrograms of pure LSD, enough for a potent trip. But Baba gestured for more. Bewildered, Ram Dass added another, and then another—900 micrograms in total, far exceeding a typical dose.

Baba calmly threw the pills into his mouth, chewed them, and swallowed them with water. Ram Dass watched, waiting for something extraordinary to happen.

An hour passed. Baba sat there, laughing and joking as if nothing had happened. It seemed the potent psychedelic had no effect on him.

The Second Test: 1,200 Micrograms of LSD

Three years later, Ram Dass returned to India. This time, Neem Karoli Baba brought up the previous incident and asked,
"Did you give me medicine last time?"

Ram Dass confirmed, and Baba smiled,
"Did I take it?"

When Ram Dass hesitated, Baba decided to demonstrate once more. This time, he swallowed 1,200 micrograms of LSD in Ram Dass's presence. He drank water, asked how long it would take to act, and even pretended to go mad for a brief moment.

But soon after, Baba returned to his serene self and asked,
"Do you have anything stronger?"

Neem Karoli Baba’s Wisdom on LSD

"To take them with no effect, your mind must be firmly fixed on God."

After consuming the LSD, Neem Karoli Baba explained that the true key to withstanding such substances was to have unwavering focus on God. He revealed that ancient yogis in the Kulu Valley had once used similar substances in their practices but only in conjunction with deep fasting and meditation.

"LSD allows you to come into the room, but you must leave after two hours."

Baba’s insight into LSD was profound. He remarked:
"LSD is good for the world but not spiritual. It can bring you close to Christ, but after two hours, you must leave."

Through this, Baba highlighted the transient nature of drug-induced states. True spiritual transformation, he taught, comes from devotion, love, and consistent practice—not temporary chemical experiences.

Other Drug-Related Wisdom from Neem Karoli Baba

"Remember God all the time."

When a devotee sought advice for a friend struggling with drug addiction, Baba’s simple yet profound guidance was:
"Tell them to remember God all the time."

This advice encapsulates his teaching that the mind can find peace and purpose only through divine remembrance.

The Story of the Boy in the Cave

A young man in America, influenced by LSD, attempted extreme yogic practices and tragically passed away. His mother sought answers from Neem Karoli Baba, who reassured her:
"He is with Christ. He finished his work. Tell her not to worry."

Baba’s words emphasised that even in challenging circumstances, divine grace is ever-present.

The Power of Devotion Over Substances

"The best medicine is to love God."

Neem Karoli Baba consistently emphasised that devotion to God transcends all worldly aids. He once told a devotee:
"The best medicine is to love Christ."

This teaching underscores that spiritual growth requires love, surrender, and inner transformation, not external substances.

Neem Karoli Baba’s Divine Nature

Eating Arsenic

In another miraculous incident, Neem Karoli Baba shocked a pharmacist by consuming arsenic powder, a lethal substance. Despite the pharmacist’s fears, Baba remained unaffected, demonstrating his mastery over physical limitations.

A Lesson in Surrender

A devotee once asked Neem Karoli Baba for guidance on using LSD in spiritual practice. Baba responded:
"In a peaceful, cool place, if your mind is turned toward God, you may take it. But know that it is not true samadhi."

This answer reflected Baba’s wisdom in guiding seekers without condemning or endorsing their choices outright.

The famous incidents of Neem Karoli Baba with LSD are not just stories of wonder but profound lessons in spirituality. They teach us that true transformation lies not in external substances but in unwavering devotion, love, and surrender to the divine.

As Baba said:
"To take them with no effect, your mind must be firmly fixed on God."

Through these stories, we are reminded that Neem Karoli Baba’s grace and teachings continue to guide seekers on the path to God-realization, long after his physical form has left this world.

May his wisdom inspire us to deepen our love for the divine and seek the eternal truth within.