Neem Karoli Baba, often called Maharaji by his devotees, was a saint of India in the 20th century whose life and teachings continue to touch people around the world. He lived simply, often wrapped in a plaid blanket, and spent much of his life traveling and serving quietly in villages and temples.

Though he never wrote a book or gave formal lectures, his presence and love transformed the lives of thousands. His teaching was not complicated: Love everyone. Serve everyone. Remember God. Those three simple truths expressed the heart of his life and guidance.

Many Western seekers in the 1960s and 70s, including teachers like Ram Dass, Krishna Das, and others, met Maharaji in India and carried his message of love and service back to the West. Because of them, his spirit and teachings have touched countless lives far beyond India.

To this day, Maharaji is remembered not as a figure of philosophy but as a living example of divine love that is direct, unconditional, and overflowing.

Bhakti Yoga is known as the yoga of love and devotion. Unlike the physical postures of yoga that many people are familiar with, Bhakti is about the heart, turning our attention toward the divine with love, service, and surrender.

The essence of Bhakti is simple: whatever you do, do it with love. Singing, praying, cooking, walking in the forest, or caring for others can all become acts of devotion when offered with a sincere heart.

Traditionally, Bhakti is expressed through:

Chanting and singing (kirtan) — repeating the names of God as prayer.

Puja and aarti — daily rituals of offering and light.

Seva — selfless service to others and to the world.

Satsang — gathering in community to share practice and support.

Bhakti does not require belonging to one religion or believing in one form of God. It is open to everyone, everywhere. At its core, Bhakti is simply the practice of remembering that love is sacred, and that everything we do can be an offering.

At Just Love Forest Ashram, the spirit of Neem Karoli Baba and the path of Bhakti Yoga are lived out in simple, everyday ways.

Daily Puja & Aarti – Each day we offer prayer, light, and devotion in honor of the elements, the directions, and the divine presence in all things. Guests may join these practices by request.

Kirtan & Chanting – Through singing the names of God together, we open our hearts and remember the joy of devotion.

Seva (Selfless Service) – From cooking meals to tending the forest, we treat each act of service as a form of worship.

Community Gatherings – Once a month, we open the ashram for a public evening and overnight, weaving together meditation, ceremony, song, and shared meals.

Forest as Temple – The 716 acres of forest are our sacred ground. Walking in silence, sitting by the creek, or climbing Bhakti Mountain are all ways of practicing presence and devotion.

In each of these, the teaching is the same: love everyone, serve everyone, and remember God.