The Guru Tradition
Neem Karoli Baba
Paramaguru
Neem Karoli Baba, lovingly known as Maharaj-ji, was a revered Hindu saint whose teachings centered on unconditional love, devotion to God, and selfless service, or seva. He encouraged seekers to recognize the Divine in all beings and bring kindness and humility into everyday life.
Closely associated with Hanuman, the beloved embodiment of devotion and selfless service to Lord Ram, Maharaj-ji inspired a path of bhakti—loving devotion to the Divine. Through chanting, remembrance of God, and caring for others, he encouraged seekers to let love become a living practice.
Ma Jaya’s beloved Guru and Kashi’s Paramaguru, he inspired a spiritual path in which love is expressed through service. At Kashi, that inspiration lives on through spiritual practice, feeding others, and caring for the community.
His presence and teachings touched seekers in India and around the world. They continue to inspire people of many traditions to live with compassion and an open heart.
Guru and Founder
Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati was an American-born spiritual teacher who founded Kashi in 1976, carrying forward the inspiration of her beloved Guru, Neem Karoli Baba. Her teachings invited people to open their hearts, deepen their spiritual practice, and express compassion through service.
Ma Jaya championed interfaith harmony, social justice, and care for people who were marginalized or overlooked. During the HIV/AIDS epidemic, she offered care and dignity to people facing illness and exclusion. Kashi continues to honor her example through service and a commitment to welcoming people of all backgrounds.
A teacher, author, humanitarian, and painter, Ma Jaya brought her spiritual vision into many forms of expression. Her paintings remain part of Kashi’s living legacy, alongside her written and recorded teachings.
In 2012, Ma Jaya left her physical body through Mahasamadhi. Her teachings continue to guide Kashi’s spiritual practices, community life, and service to others.