Lecturer in Religious Studies, Dr Ron Geaves travelled to India in search of a real experience of truth. He met Maharaji, then just 11 years old, who said he could show him what he was searching for. But Maharaji advised him to continue searching throughout India and if he could not find any satisfaction elsewhere then to return to him for assistance
Nearly 30 years ago I began a journey for adventure that turned into a journey of discovery that has never ceased to the present day. Like many of my contemporaries of the 1960's I was attracted to India because of its long history of spirituality. In 1968 I travelled overland with a friend, hitching rides through Europe, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and finally arriving in India in the Spring of 1969.
I had been searching in my own way for something that I called truth. I had come to the conclusion that my needs were 'spiritual' after exploring all the other avenues. I passed hours of my life searching through hundreds of books, including most of the world's scriptures hoping that one day I would open a page and my longed-for truth would leap out at me. It never did but I certainly set off for India with a head full of ideas of what I would find there and how I would go about finding it.
I was tired of theories and wanted some kind of real experience. All the books that I had read seemed to spring out of someone's direct experience and I wanted to know that for myself. I had reached the point that whenever I met someone belonging to any religious tradition claiming to know something, I asked: "Can you show me? No more theories, no more words. Can you show me that experience?" I asked this question of a few people on my journey and later in India but it always elicited even more words.
STRANGE IMPACT Anyone who has visited India will understand the strange impact that country can have on your life. I was amazed that India actually allowed people to just wander off and live a life in pursuit of whatever religious path they wanted to follow. I decided to do likewise and donned the saffron robe of a Hindu renunciate and headed off for Varanasi where I lived under a tree dedicated to Shiva, the god of renunciates, under the guidance of an old priestess.
However, before leaving for Varanasi, I had met with an English traveller who had told me about his young master Maharaji and the Knowledge that he had received from him. I was struck by his enthusiasm and obvious sincerity, but I have always been a stubborn and self-willed person so I decided to continue with my own plans. After a number of priceless experiences in Varanasi I decided to return to Delhi and find out what Maharaji taught.
I first met him in a house in Ghaziabad after listening to him speak in Hindi to a crowd of around 10,000. I had been amazed at his authority in addressing such a large audience. At the time, Maharaji was only 11 years old. I had been used to the holy men of Varanasi or the Sufis I had met when travelling to India. They were usually venerable greybeards. However, Maharaji had an authority and presence that belied his years. Thousands of people obviously felt that he had something that qualified him to be their teacher and guide. So I asked him my question that I had posed to others on my journey across the world: "Can you show me?"
SIMPLE AND DIRECT REPLIES The reply was an assertive: "Yes, it is inside of you and I can show you where to look within." Maharaji also impressed me in that he did not attempt to convince me that I needed to become his student. On the contrary, he advised me to continue searching throughout India and if I could not find any satisfaction elsewhere then to return to him for assistance. I did not want to go anywhere else. His simple and direct replies were the ones that I had wanted to hear from someone for a long time.
This was good enough for me and in July 1969 I received the four techniques which Maharaji calls 'Knowledge' and which provide the means to go within. At the time I had no idea that Maharaji intended to make Knowledge available throughout the world. All that is history now. Maharaji came to England in June 1971 after a few of us had spent two years preparing a small platform from which he could begin to spread his message.
Since then my life has changed dramatically. I am now a lecturer in religious studies in a British university where I teach Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism to undergraduates. My area of expertise is in contemporary forms of religious traditions and I spend a lot of time visiting religious communities and sacred sites around the world. I enjoy my work as it utilises the analytical and discriminating brain that academic training has developed. I am free to be even more independent, self-willed and individual in my beliefs and thoughts than at any other period of my life. However, the gift of Knowledge that was given to me nearly 30 years ago remains the mainstay of my existence. The experience has grown and deepened over the years and it has brought with it wisdom. The essence of that wisdom lies in the discrimination that practising Knowledge has brought with it: the ability to differentiate between the things of the mind and the heart. I like using my intellect and I enjoy the fruits of this world but I know that real and lasting satisfaction can only come from feeding the inner longing that comes from a thirsty heart. Knowledge has provided that inner source to fulfil the heart's longing.
UNCHANGEABLE Maharaji continues to amaze me. From the day that I received Knowledge he has remained a continuous source of inspiration and delight. I do not have any spiritual or religious ideas concerning who he is. For me it is enough that he performs his role of guide with inspiration, kindness, humour and consistent dedication. I feel that he does it perfectly but he always pushes himself to perform it better. Maharaji is always prepared to change or adapt in order to make Knowledge more available to people, uncluttered by our preconceptions and false expectations. He knows that real 'sacred things' are, by definition, unchangeable by any human activities. Whatever can be changed, will eventually change. The Changeless will always be the Changeless.
Although Maharaji now tours the world, flying from place to place, attending events for audiences that range from a handful of people to thousands, maintaining a schedule that leaves me in awe, the essence of the message has never changed. Maharaji succeeds in finding countless entertaining and inspiring ways of saying: "That which you are looking for is inside of you." He supports his words by revealing Knowledge to people all around the world.
Last year alone Maharaji taught the techniques of Knowledge to more than 17, 000 people. Knowledge has always been free of charge and remains a gift given to whoever wants it regardless of religion, gender, race or status. It is a way to go within that puts a human being in touch with the source of their life. Maharaji continues to tell people that there is no obligation to continue practising Knowledge other than that they like it and want to enjoy the fruits that practice brings with it. He is consistent on this point. In 1971 on his first visit to England he spoke in Westminster Central Hall. He said: "If this Knowledge gives you peace, well and good, go ahead. If not, leave it and try to find another way."
In June of this year, he spoke in Wembley where he stated: "If you like Knowledge, fine. If you don't like it, fine. Walk."
Just as he did with me nearly 30 years ago, he explains simply and directly the obvious truths of our human existence and offers Knowledge as a possibility. If people respond to that message, he ensures that the techniques of Knowledge are available, if not, he sincerely requests them to enjoy their lives.
