Sampson T. - Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

This Knowledge has brought me love, trust, understanding of myself, and contentment. It has changed my life in such a way that I know where to step and how. Through listening to Maharaji and practicing Knowledge, I have understood that every moment is very, very precious, and each moment we live is a seed that we sow.

What Knowledge continues to give to me is so wonderful and unbelievable. Now I can state that I live my life in peace, tranquility, and joy. How was my life without Knowledge? This is something I don’t even want to think of. It was such a mess that I wanted to get away from it. I was in need of inner contentment and happiness. What I had waited for so long had finally come.

It is so inspiring and even today it has become like a part of me, like my food. I can’t help listening to Maharaji talking. He has the way to win my heart. He has always been there to encourage me and to show me the way to myself and the importance of life.

— Sampson T.
Abidjan, Côte D'Ivoire

Eve B. - Adelaide, Australia

Life for me was moving along quite nicely. I was an executive of a large company; I filled up my weekends with friends and generally had a good time. I was at a dinner party one night where I met a happy looking couple, and we began talking. We got along well and they invited me to come to hear someone very inspiring. I went along and all I can say is that, while I did not understand everything that was said, I left feeling happy. It simply felt good to me. I came back to hear more and, in time, I was taught the techniques of Knowledge. Without a doubt, it was and is the greatest thing in my life. Twenty years on, I still love to hear what Maharaji has to say. After a busy, stressful day at work, listening to a video of Maharaji speaking puts life back into perspective for me. I love and treasure the times I am able to hear Maharaji speak live. Instead of moving forward in life inch by inch, he manages to move me mile by mile. I love the feeling I get when I sit in the boardroom at work and remember some little thing Maharaji has said or how it made me feel. It just puts a smile on me, inside. I still can't believe the great fortune I had when I found out about Maharaji by chance and then received Knowledge. Every day I feel such appreciation because nothing else has come near the joy that this gives me in this life.

— Eve B.
Adelaide, Australia

Michèle P. – France

Mon enfance heureuse et gaie s’est prolongée dans l’adolescence de façon plutôt droite et claire, avec les expériences qu’on peut avoir lorsqu’on est attiré par l’introspection. Je savais qu’il y avait quelque chose là. Après une expérience que je qualifiai d’ ‘‘idée à l’état pur’’ –avant les mots–, j’ai mis un nom sur ma recherche : la Connaissance par la perception directe. Ca correspondait. Un jour, j’ai trouvé un bouquin de yoga simple, adapté aux occidentaux. J’ai pratiqué et tout a grandi. Force, calme, équilibre, sentiment de sécurité…

Pourtant, bien des années plus tard, lorsque j’ai entendu parler de cette Connaissance, l’or s’était transformé en plomb, l’amour en haine, et intérieurement, j’étais dévastée. Mon pire ennemi, je le portais en moi et un simple incident de parcours avait donné à cette part sombre de moi-même, la place d’honneur. Bien téméraire est celui qui s’aventure seul dans cette recherche intérieure.

La première chose stupéfiante, quand j’ai reçu cette Connaissance, c’était de voir qu’une chose en moi était restée vivante, intacte comme au premier jour et que j’y avais accès, directement. C’était inimaginable. La pratique me donne une expérience qui me fait comprendre la valeur de la vie –sans besoin d’être confrontée à la mort–. J’ai appris à ne pas m’arrêter aux échecs, ni aux succès, et j’ai retrouvé mon autonomie. * Après trois décennies, je m’étonne de pouvoir retrouver et reconnaître cette sensation de paix incomparable en moi mais, plus encore, de pouvoir l’aimer ; je m’étonne que dans un tel désordre ait pu naître une harmonie.

Maharaji, que j’ai ignoré au début, est celui qui a été capable de me guider jusqu’ici sur la voie de la découverte et de l’appréciation avec une infinie patience, beaucoup d’inspiration, et tant de délicatesse. Son soutien m’a été extrêmement précieux dans les moments difficiles ; il est mon véritable ami.

Réconciliée avec moi-même, grâce à lui, je peux dire que c’est un Homme de Paix. Et je le remercie, du fond du cœur.

John M. - Miami Beach, FL, USA

Reflecting on the years I have worked closely with Maharaji, my overriding feeling is that he’s undoubtedly the most special person I’ve ever worked with. He brings a uniqueness and beauty to doing things. A lot of what he asks of me is not overly formulated and requires my own initiative and creativity, as well as great precision. Often with great kindness, he thanks me for doing something for him, and I just feel like saying with utmost sincerity, “Well, thank you.”

It’s beautiful to watch how sensitive and appreciative he is to each one. He’s a very hands on person and will often be right there doing the task along side of you. He’s not like a boss. He is sensitive to different cultures and to each individual. I’ve seen him be very directive at times and very receptive and sensitive at others. I’ve seen him get frustrated by things that would make me furious. He’s not judgmental of people’s capabilities. When a person doesn’t work out at a given task, if the sincerity is there, he finds another task that’s more suitable. I think he has more patience than anyone I know.

— John M. 
Miami Beach, FL, USA

Leonard S. - Capetown, South Africa

I first came across Maharaji's talks when I was twenty-one years old and completing my degree in social science at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. I was struck by the obviousness of what he was saying. Far from being boring, it was instead a refreshing reminder of a fundamental happiness. What really made a difference to me was that I actually felt good while listening to what he was saying. I later understood that listening to his talks would help me to become more familiar with this fundamental happiness that already existed within me.

At forty-two years old, I still enjoy listening and learning from Maharaji's talks and derive tremendous personal benefit from them. I can't really compare Maharaji's addresses to university lectures that engage my intellect, since what he speaks about doesn't appeal to my intellect. At the risk of sounding trite, his addresses appeal to my heart, the part of myself that feels rather than thinks. I have come to understand that there are two areas operating within me—an area of thinking and an area of feeling. I choose to explore and engage both. I have benefited from some very good lecturers and teachers who have stimulated my thinking. Maharaji has been invaluable to me in the area of feeling.

— Leonard S
Capetown, South Africa

JF - Spain

I was so inspired by reading the stories of so many people. So, I am giving it a try myself...

How can one begin to express so much? Whatever is in my heart only I know.

Almost 20 years have passed since that day when I heard from the mouth of a girl in front of a small audience about an experience that I had been looking for for so long. I had read so many books, looked everywhere for a love, a real love, and I was such a sceptic by then. Still, the recognition was instantaneous and yet I had to open up so much, had to let go of so much pain and disappointment so much pride and fear to be able to be free enough to accept Knowledge in my life.

For all my life until that day, I secretly knew that my life would be amazing. That something incredible was supposed to happen. I am sure that everybody will recognize that feeling: that you are special, one of a kind, and that somehow, sometime, something will reveal itself. And so it did...

That process that started so long ago is still unfolding. Through the ups and downs, successes and failures, joyful moments and terrifying ones, one thing has never changed: the thirst to know, to accept life, to be at peace, to be thankful.

Of all these feelings the one I cherish most is the recognition of the friend inside. So close, so real, so sincere, so much in my favor, so full of compassion and accepting me as I am. Always. For that feeling I am so grateful to Maharaji.

The seed that he planted has grown and the flowers and fruits of this small tree give me so much pleasure and fills me with thankfulness. What can I say?

I just pray to keep my self open enough to keep accepting, to keep going back to that feeling, and keep in touch with Maharaji so he can keep that feeling fresh, actual, real. He is such an inspiration.

In the last few years, the growth has been so beautiful. I know that I have still so much to accept and I look forward to the many opportunities that are opening up for me so I can get accept more. Accept more of this life, accept more from Maharaji.

At the end of the day, this is my journey and I am alone in it. Only what I know, I know. Only what I feel, I feel.

Thank you, Maharaji. You are the most wonderful friend and teacher.

Marie-Louise P. - Oman

I moved to a new area of England in 1986, and there a newly found friend invited me to hear a talk about an experience called Knowledge. A beautiful feeling of welcome and warmth greeted me as I learned for the first time about a man called Maharaji and the Knowledge that he offered. Ever since I received the techniques of Knowledge, practicing them has become a natural part of my day and also the source of my strength and my equilibrium.

I feel so much gratitude and love for Maharaji. He has given me the very thing I value most in my life. He is right when he says this Knowledge is priceless. I can take it with me wherever I go and know that I can practice whenever that space inside me is asking for the soft, peaceful, engulfing feeling of fulfillment.

I am now living in the Middle East. Thanks to modern technology, I am able to keep in contact with Maharaji (also known by his given name, Prem Rawat) via the internet and his satellite broadcasts. It is always special when I am able go to an event where he will speak. For me, Knowledge is my “satisfaction guaranteed.”

— Marie-Louise P.
Oman

Marian R. - Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Life is not for the faint-hearted and neither is the challenge of discovering the self. I sometimes think I might have bitten off more than I could chew when I came across Maharaji. Trouble was, there was something about what he said that, when coupled with the know-how that seemed to underpin it, made it hard to walk away. (Plus, he has a wicked sense of humor and razor sharp perception!)

I came to Maharaji looking for a little bit of peace in my life. What I got was a lot more than I bargained for, in the best and kindest possible way.

I have utmost respect for Maharaji as a person and a teacher. My life has had ups and downs, taken twists and turns. But the opportunity I have (and I wouldn’t change this for anything) is the possibility, through what Maharaji has shown me, of experiencing something indescribable—out of this world, yet totally familiar—whilst living the average twenty-first century life with its cares, concerns, and pressures. It is a challenge to have this juxtaposition, but no more perhaps than it has ever been for people on this path. And with a teacher as persistent and patient as Maharaji, faint-hearted or not, it can all be possible.

— Marian R.
Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

Ihanb, B. - Cairo, Egypt

When in the summer of 1978, I first heard about Knowledge and Prem Rawat, I felt something, but it did not quite register. A year later, when I met someone else who told me more about Knowledge, I again felt something, and this time it was much clearer. I did not understand what I was feeling, but I had such a clear desire to hear more that I went back to talk to this person. After that, I kept listening to Prem Rawat’s addresses on a regular basis.

At that time, Egypt seemed so cut off from the West, but I was able to travel to an event in the United States where I heard Prem Rawat in person for the first time. I felt free and extremely happy from all the inspiration that was being bestowed upon me. I asked for Knowledge, and when I was shown the techniques, the experience was wonderful and transforming.

It is not easy living in the Middle East today with all the conflicts going on. I must admit that the only thing that keeps me happy, sane, and feeling safe and sound is Knowledge. It is my oasis in the middle of the desert. I am grateful for being alive, for this resource, and for Prem Rawat’s help. Thanks to him, I realize that this life is most precious and that I can enjoy it instead of wasting the time that I have.

— Ihab B.
Cairo, Egypt

Anastasi P. - Cyprus

As a young child, I lived in a small village, and I clearly remember the days of watching airplanes flying by low on the horizon. Sometimes at sunset, they would meet the sun's path, and I was fascinated that they always flew in front of the sun and never behind it! The hope and excitement that one day a jet would be temporarily hidden behind this big, red circle made it a beautiful game—to sit, watch, and wait. Of course, that day never came.

As time went by, this, as well as many other childhood experiences, became irrelevant. Another kind of hope, just as strong, just as innocent, began to manifest within me—the hope to be fulfilled. That’s all. I had everything, but it meant little. Eventually, I allowed this feeling of hope to drive me.

I abandoned everything I had and left the island to search for something more in my life. In November 1994 in Athens, I saw a video of Maharaji, and I felt a slight change in me just from that first video. Soon, I started attending video presentations regularly. In July 1995, I received the gift of Knowledge. From that day, metaphorically, I've been riding in the aircraft that has finally flown behind the sun. There I was, experiencing something that I never thought was reachable—a simple feeling inside to be enjoyed every day and profound enough to make my life truly worth living. It has been, and continues to be, a beautiful journey, even through the bumpy bits, and I will always be grateful to Maharaji.

— Anastasi P.
Cyprus

Anna W. - The Netherlands

I first met Maharaji and heard about Knowledge when I was twenty years old. Now I am forty-eight, married, with a ten-year-old child and have a reasonably well-regulated life. Between then and now, both Knowledge and Prem Rawat, have formed a constant backdrop to my daily life, and it is my most sincere wish that my understanding and appreciation for both keep growing.

At twenty, I was a rebellious, angry, and frustrated young person, disillusioned with myself and the world around me. The offer of personal inner peace or happiness I found insulting. No one had a right to these things—not as long as there was hunger, war, and meanness around us and in us.

Yet, in all my frustration, I felt an attraction. To what? The people telling me about Knowledge obviously seemed sincere; they were certainly respectful and tactful. There was no pressure. In simple words, the message always was: "There is peace inside of you, and you can learn to get to it. And yes, anyone can get to it—you too!"

I remember clearly the day I came to the decision to give this a chance and began to listen and to prepare. Almost immediately, I started feeling better—different. Why? I truly do not know. What I felt was a surprise at waking up and looking forward to the day, knowing things would be well inside—regardless of the chores and the struggle to make ends meet.

The day I first saw Maharaji at an event, I felt I could trust this person with what was my most prized possession: hope. He has never failed me in that.

He made available to me the instrument to feel peace inside of me—and I added my effort. I continue to make an effort. It takes one hour a day of undisturbed privacy. It may seem a big price to pay in our hurried, fraught lives, but it isn't. Once you learn to make the time, it works.

— Anna W.
The Netherlands

Mitsuko S. - Japan

I heard about Maharaji’s message about ten years after I graduated from university. Up to that point, my whole life had been fine. I had graduated from university and started to pursue my career. I had a job I liked and had excellent superiors and friends.

Nevertheless, often when I was on the commuter train, I would wonder what I really wanted in my life. If I had one wish, what would I wish for? A husband who would give me a lot of happiness? A fortune so that I wouldn’t need to worry for the rest of my life? No. I decided that what I really wanted was the strength to stay calm, no matter what—for if I had that strength, everything would be fine.

When I heard Maharaji’s message, it had a big impact on me. After I received Knowledge, I began practicing and enjoying it. It soaks into me like water—water that comes to me one drop at a time. I feel I’m crossing a vast river alone, even when I am in the packed commuter train or in my busy office, and I’ll continue crossing this river forever. I don’t know where I am going, but I have no worries anymore.

When I remember the time I used to wish for Aladdin’s lamp, I chuckle. I definitely got my wish—and my highest dream came true.

— Mitsuko S.
Japan

A. T. - Casablanca, Morocco

For a long time, I wondered what Maharaji was like off stage. For a few years now, I have had the chance to provide a service to him that allows me to see him in many different situations, day in and day out, as he travels around the world. I have come to see him as an artist in everything he does, full of inspiration, feelings, and passion. The end result is a masterpiece that he constantly recreates; this is magic and it is challenging! To move forward, he has a unique vision of what needs to happen next, building the way one step at a time. Very conscious, bright, and calm, never rushing.

When I see him cooking, composing, recording, playing music, shopping, piloting a plane, interacting with many people in different circumstances, I see an extraordinary generosity of spirit and humor. He manifests exquisite consciousness, fearless creativity, and lives his life by the highest standards of integrity. He is focused on his work all the time and keeps his priorities very clear. His schedules are very tight, leaving very little time for personal activities or leisure.

Working for him is a great privilege. He has trusted me and cared for me. When I have needed it, he has corrected me kindly. Sometimes, I couldn’t understand and struggled over what he said he wanted or did not want. But time has always brought me to see that his vision and teachings work beautifully and to my own benefit. It has been the greatest learning experience for me, and I can say with all honesty that he is the most inspiring, precious, and delightful person I have met.

I am honored to have known Maharaji. He is an extraordinary man.

— A. T.
Casablanca, Morocco

Lauren Evers - Burbank, CA, US

As the CEO of Intellikey Labs, a DVD testing service based in Burbank, California, Lauren Evers is at the center of a firm experiencing hipergrowth. In 1996 Lauren and her future husband, Darrell, both worked in Time-Warner’s quality assurance program, creating quality standards for computer and DVD applications. Time-Warner had doubts about the future of its testing business and closed the quality assurance department. Darrell and Lauren thought otherwise and set up a testing service. They were able to turn their contacts with Sony, Paramount, Warner Bros., Disney, and Universal into permanent customers. Demand for DVD players and the disc-testing methodologies they employ have been recession proof, a boon to Intellikey, which tests thousands of master discs every month. Virtually no DVD reaches a consumer’s hands in the United States without its check disc having been vetted by Intellikey. Evers believes receiving self-knowledge has afforded a different kind of quality assurance—more like quality of life. In 2001 her husband, the love of her life as well as her business partner, died. Having received self-knowledge in 1997, she reckons, allowed her to cope and find strength.

When I first met Darrell, we both worked for Time-Warner. I knew there was something different about him. One day he returned from Miami beaming about an experience he had listening to Maharaji. I asked him to explain it to me, and that’s when he told me about self-knowledge and how much Maharaji had helped him in this pursuit. I remember thinking: “Darrell must be weak. Why does he need to depend on this person for guidance?” I was puzzled, but also curious. A month later, Darrell invited me to hear Maharaji speak in California. That evening, I became fascinated. I started listening to tapes of Maharaji’s addresses several times a week and discovered he was addressing some of the most profound questions I ever had. I began having new insights into my life, seeing it as a gift that I had never fully appreciated. I also realized that I had, in reality, expected Darrell, now my husband, to be the source of my entire happiness when, in fact, happiness was first to be found within myself.

When Darrell was diagnosed and soon died of cancer, I was devastated; but these last years have been a rich time as so much good has taken place. Through my practice of self-knowledge, I was able to see what happened as a gift and to remain at peace. I remember how differently I once saw things. At Time-Warner and earlier at Commodore Computer, I was a workaholic and judged myself on the approval of colleagues and superiors. I have come to realize that life isn’t about your success or failure in business, and yet success keeps manifesting for me.

Having self-knowledge has helped me discern what’s really important for me and how to work for it. For that, I am grateful.

Neil Evans, Belleveue, WA, USA

Self-knowledge has given me a more objective point of view about the people and events in my life, observes Neil Evans, executive director of the National Workforce Centerfor Emerging Technologies, an affiliation of Bellevue Community College, Bellevue, WA. Prior to his work in technology education, Evans was the CIO (1983 to 1994) of Microsoft, wbere be was recognized for tbree years by CIO magazine as one of the nation’s leading 100 IT officers. He believes it has made a difference in his career. I am constantly asked to take a leadersbip role because others can sense my objectivity and clarity, he says.

In 1974, when I was 26, I had been investigating a variety of different ways of learning more about myself. I had practiced martial arts for several years. This certainly helped, but I wanted to apply this understanding to all aspects of my life. Maharaji’s self-knowledge has enabled me to have this understanding. Like martial arts, it takes constant practice and the results are cumulative.

The biggest obstacles that I have had to overcome are ones that I have created. As much as I pursue my dreams wholeheartedly, there is always a voice within that tells me to stop, to go slower, or practice tomorrow. I try not to listen to that voice. Maharaji provides guidance and leadership on this path, reminding me of the value of my life and the importance of consistent practice of the techniques of self-knowledge.

Joana T. - São Paulo, Brazil

Knowledge for me is like air to the lungs. It brings me relief, clarity, and peace inside. I cannot imagine life without it. I would feel totally lost without being able to go inside and have this feeling of fulfillment. I was very young when I first heard about Maharaji. At that time, I was struggling to understand the meaning of life and Maharaji's words fitted like gloves inside. They were what I needed to hear. Maharaji is the one in my life whose help I need as I make my journey. He lights up the path so I can see where to go and shows me all the time where to find the clarity inside of me to live my life.

— Joana T.
São Paulo, Brazil

Ales D. - Litija, SLovenia

From my youngest age I have felt a deep longing in myself, but for what I didn’t know. My eyes were looking and they caught the magic of the glittering stars. I spent many nights watching, observing, and admiring their beauty. But my longing was still there.

My passion was for stars. I studied them and built large telescopes and sophisticated instruments to observe more details, but my longing remained.

One day I went to a hospital, where a very learned professor was lying, terminally ill. With only a few hours of his life left, all his learning seemed meaningless. During this visit I realized—I have to know what is really REAL in my life.

Ten days later, I was listening to Maharaji’s message. I didn’t understand much, but I knew I was in the right place. I listened more and started to enjoy immensely what Maharaji was saying. It felt right, and I was feeling so good. I had found something REAL.

Because of Maharaji’s generosity, he showed me where real home is—inside of me.

Now I can enjoy both universes—outside with starry nights and inside with incredible peace and tranquility.

My quest is over.

— Ales D.
 
Litija, Slovenia

Bryan K.Regina - Saskatchewan, Canada

Before I connected with Maharaji, I viewed hope as a rogue experience put inside me either by some malignant God or the stresses of evolution. I had it, but it frustrated me no end. I tended to view people, including myself, as inadequate and the whole human enterprise as a failure.

Despite this outlook, I would find myself, at the oddest times, lighting up for no reason with a childlike enthusiasm. How could I experience something so spectacularly hopeful? There was a terrible chasm running right down my middle.

I can’t say that Knowledge has healed the rift. I’m the same person I always was. But it has made it possible for me to bridge the chasm, to acknowledge what was at the source of that enthusiasm for life I had been so frustrated with. In Knowledge, evidence exists on the other side—that hope can be fulfilled.

— Bryan K.Regina
Saskatchewan, Canada

Martin W. - London, United Kingdom

Stillness. That’s what Maharaji has shown me. The stillness of the forest, the stillness of the mountain peak. But within myself. He took me on a journey beyond the snowdrifts of language, across the tundra of thought, through the oceans of imagination, across the moonscapes of emotion, to a place of eternal stillness on the other side, deep within my being, a place where I truly know who I am. A place where nothing else exists. Just me. It feels so good to have that quiet place away from everything else where, without words, without thoughts, I can communicate with myself and enjoy my real nature.

Without external aid, he gave me clues, hints, rationale and guidance, and his path of Knowledge turned out to be exactly that.

— Martin W.
London, England, UK

Charina P. - Tenerife (Canary Islands), Spain

Just after finishing college, I found myself facing the world alone. I felt a profound desolation and asked myself: If the sun, the moon, the flowers and even the most insignificant insects have a place in this world, what am I here for?

Then I remembered some friends who a few years before had talked to me about Maharaji. I got in touch with them because I wanted to know what Maharaji thought about "life." The answer was: There is something going on that you are not aware of.

From that point on, I started to listen to him. A few months later I asked for Knowledge. It was wonderful. I realized that what Maharaji says is real, can be felt, experienced. In this way, day-to-day life becomes more pleasant, like being on vacation.

— Charina P.
Tenerife (Canary Islands), Spain

Nicole J. - Switzerland

As far back as my memory goes, I have felt a need to love my life and to just love. As an independent young adult, hungry for life and thirsty for freedom, I sought fulfillment in a range of experiences—often with painful consequences. One day, a friend was telling me about Maharaji and Knowledge, and at a certain point—a moment I vividly remember—I felt that this was what I had been looking for. When I received Knowledge, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I had received everything I needed. That certainty has never abandoned me.

Many years have passed, and Maharaji has been teaching me what I like to call the "Inner Game of Living." This is my adventure, my chance, and it continues to unfold. I'm getting older now, but somehow I still feel so young inside—like the child I once was. Every day I can trust, rejoice, and feel grateful for this life.

— Nicole J.
Switzerland

Perla U. - Santiago de Chile, Chile

I could not have had better luck in life than to have gotten to know Maharaji. I could never have found anything more beautiful than what he has shown me, and I appreciate it even more because I realize that it isn't a common experience to have in life.

I'm married, with children, have a good career, and my being is fulfilled, free, and joyful. I can feel the beauty within that Maharaji has shown me at every moment of my life, giving me the happiness I always dreamed of and a profound feeling of what life itself is. I can see that each person is just like me, with a deep longing to feel love and to know the truth. Because of that, I find great satisfaction in telling others about the opportunity Maharaji offers.

— Perla U.
Santiago de Chile, Chile

Dalit F. - Thousand Oaks, CA, USA

I received Knowledge twenty-two years ago. Back then I would talk about it much more than I do now, not because there is less to it, but because I have learned to appreciate and savor it as it is, just mine.

I know some people spend their youth, or even their entire lives searching—I did not. I kind of stumbled upon it as one does with life’s opportunities. And I liked what I heard, but more than this—I liked what I felt. Here was something that I was entrusted with to check and validate, all by myself. This was something for me, and even if I did wish to show how cool it was—there was nothing out there to bear witness, but me, to having a very happy and satisfied heart. It has become over the years such a part of my life that I do sometimes forget how profound it is. This is the stuff that great poems are made of, that words like “yearning,” “longing,” and “bliss” are meant for. And it’s not in my behavior; you wouldn’t see anything glowing above my messy hairdo—I’m far too busy doing mom and kids and other very mundane things. But I also find time to be with my heart. And it does make a difference—for me. This sweet, simple, loving feeling that I feel inside of me—words like “grateful” come to mind.

And Maharaji—he has been the most absolutely amazing friend. Refreshing the enthusiasm, helping me keep such a delicate commitment in this blizzard of life. I simply feel very, very fortunate.

— Dalit F.
Thousand Oaks, CA, USA

Erica A. - Kingston, NY, USA

Almost thirty years ago, Maharaji showed me a simple, continuously available means of feeling joy within myself. Since then, he has consistently and lovingly reminded me that joy exists within me and has inspired me to take advantage of the opportunity to feel it.

There is another important reason that I am Maharaji’s student—one more subtle, yet equally powerful. Beyond the logic (I want to learn; he wants to teach; I trust him to do so), there is the relationship that has grown between us over the years. When someone really helps you, in any way, the natural impulse is to feel grateful. I feel enormously grateful to Maharaji; gratitude freely offered is a delight to both giver and receiver. Also, when two people relate as student and teacher, especially over a long period of time, a deep affection and trust tends to develop in each for the other. My relationship of affection and trust with Maharaji has become an intrinsic and lovely part of the process of Knowledge.

Because I cherish the gift he showed me and appreciate his support in taking advantage of it, I continue to accept his offer to be my teacher. From my point of view, my decision to be his student has paid tremendous dividends: I’ve found his gift, his help, and his presence in my life inexpressibly valuable.

— Erica A.
Kingston, NY, USA

Lottie D.Lethbridge - Alberta, Canada

As a child, I knew a feeling of joy and contentment deep within me, but this feeling did not match the words I was hearing around me. As an adult, I tried to live by what others expected of me and grew distant from the love I had known as a child. Everything I pursued left an ache inside.

Two years ago, I expressed that longing to a friend. She told me about someone who had shown her a way to quench her thirst over and over again. My heart recognized her story, but I felt fearful that this might be a religion or that I'd have to follow someone who would watch my every move and judge me.

In time, I was shown the techniques of Knowledge. So how is it today with the fears I felt when I first heard about Maharaji? Am I being judged? Absolutely not! Have I found it to be a religion with rules? Absolutely not! Is the feeling the most natural thing that I remember as a child? Absolutely!

— Lottie D.Lethbridge
Alberta, Canada

Arne J. - Norway

I have been shown a secret—a secret that is so close to me that I would never have found it on my own. Even less would I have been able to explore and enjoy the feeling of happiness and gratitude that has always been within me.

I was a young man when I had the incredible pleasure of being introduced to Prem Rawat (affectionately called Maharaji) and his Knowledge. Today I am not that young—I have for some years now been a grandfather—and still this is the most pleasant, profound, and refreshing feeling I've ever experienced. And I feel it every day.

It has also been a pleasure for me to introduce this possibility of enjoyment to my family, friends, and people that I meet. My mother, wife, daughter, sister, her daughter, her husband, and their daughter have all been introduced to Knowledge. The list of happy people is long, and I hope it will continue to grow.

As long as this breath flows in and out of my body, I have the opportunity of enjoying this gift given to me by my dear friend of many years—Maharaji. Even though he is younger than I am, he is my teacher and guide on this journey of life. He has taught me that even if I am alone, I don't have to be lonely. I am often alone, but never lonely.

— Arne J.
Norway

Bahia Z., Lebanon

I'm experiencing a feeling of fulfillment that is so beautiful I can't quite express it! I received Knowledge twenty-one years ago, but I still feel its impact as though it were yesterday. I have learned a lot in these years and am constantly learning more. I know that I will be learning as long as I am alive.

In these twenty-one years, many things have changed. Some have been good for me, and others have been hard on me. Maharaji's Knowledge has given me a shelter within—a shelter that is not affected by the outside world. This shelter allows me to feel peace, tenderness, and silence. It allows me to get a glimpse of heaven while the world is full of cruelty.

In my life, I have traveled from country to country, sometimes losing my sense of stability. I lost my husband, and recently, I even lost my only beloved son. Losing my son was the hardest trial to pass through, but even through this extreme sorrow, I have sensed fulfillment. I have been able to turn within and feel the peace and kindness I need. On the outside, some people see my tears, but on the inside, there is a powerful force that shelters me.

Before Knowledge, I had everything, and yet, I used to cry every day due to the emptiness in my heart. Now, when I have lost so much, Knowledge continues to fulfill me and allows me to attain the happiness, peace, and love I am so in need of. There are no words precious enough to describe the thanks I would like to express to Prem Rawat for giving me this wonderful and priceless gift of Knowledge. All I have to do is to remember every lovely breath and enjoy the amazing heaven inside of me.

— Bahia Z.
Lebanon

Atish R. - Vacoas, Mauritius

In November 2000, I received the gift of Knowledge from Maharaji. Since that day, my life has changed radically. Through his teachings and the techniques of Knowledge that he gifted me with, I have started to understand life—its simplicity, its importance, and how it should be put to use.

Before receiving Knowledge, I felt like I was a traveler who was wandering aimlessly with no destination. Now, I feel like I am walking on the path on which I was meant to be. My life has a real purpose, and I have embarked on the most beautiful journey ever. Maharaji is my guide for this journey, and he gives me clarity, confidence, joy, and inspiration. Listening to him often gets me back on track when I am going astray. The techniques of Knowledge have shown me that fulfillment in this life is a possibility and not a myth.

Maharaji has made me realize the potential that exists within me, and he constantly helps me to make the most of it. Pure joy, utmost satisfaction, and tranquility are what Knowledge bring to me.

— Atish R.
 
Vacoas, Mauritius

Mary W. - Los Angeles, CA, USA

For a number of years, I worked as a tutor for the Rawat children, particularly in the area of math. One day, I was working with the youngest son on formulas. The boy was a picture of someone whose politeness was at war with a strong desire to be almost anywhere else. I had seen this as a challenge and had brought out my best tricks to bring the relationship of rate, time, and distance alive. I thought it was just beginning to work when Maharaji came into the room to greet his son and asked what he was working on. The boy’s grimace as he pointed to “r x t = d” effectively shattered my illusions of success, but I was totally unprepared for the father’s response: “Well, that isn’t true.” What followed was a lively and humorous presentation of how the relationship of time and distance changed in space. One glance at my young student’s dancing eyes let me know that I was witnessing an uncommon art—one bored young boy felt the glee of his father’s support and the fascination with a story that was rich with questioning long held precepts and with venturing into the unknown. It seemed that he might even be following the lesson in Einstein’s physics better than I, though I am sure I was equally interested. Five minutes later, the dreaded moment arrived when I would have to go back to the now disgraced formula that still needed to be dutifully applied to the next six exercises. But before I could decide an approach to take, I noticed that one previously reluctant youngster was effortlessly plowing through his homework. He was the master of his rearranged world, resistance on recess. What a distance had been traveled in that ten minutes!

— Mary W.
Los Angeles, CA, USA

Prem D. - Kathmandu, Nepal

I was in school when I heard about Maharaji from my parents. At that time, everybody was telling me to work hard to make my life successful. But one question always hit me, “What is a successful life?” Getting the best results in school/colleges? Or earning a lot of money? Or getting the best friend/life partner? Or becoming the best doctor, engineer, lawyer, leader, performer, player, scientist, manager, etc.? I knew many big titleholders very well, and I asked myself, “Are their lives successful?” I was frustrated when I found them even more worried, still running after something and still badly thirsty. My colleagues thought I was ahead of them, but I was feeling a void inside me and was not finding the ultimate answer.

While I was wandering in the jungles of the questions inside me, I came to listen to Maharaji. At first, I did not understand what he said, but I liked it; I felt that it touched me somewhere inside. I continued to listen to him. I was excited to find that he was addressing the fundamental question that was troubling me so much. I started listening to him regularly.

When I received Knowledge, I was overwhelmed with endless joy and a world of answers within me. This was what I was looking for! The whole world changed for me. The more I practiced Knowledge, the more I enjoyed it. Now I feel that I have real equilibrium in my life. I understood why this human life is called the most precious gift. Whatever I do now, I feel that I have started doing it in a better way and with more enthusiasm since my heart is not empty now. It is full of contentment and gratitude.

— Prem D.
Kathmandu, Ne

Ole G. - Copenhagen - Denmark

Practicing the simple techniques of Knowledge takes me aback with a feeling of life that comes from within myself. I instantly knew this feeling to be true when I learned the techniques thirty years ago. I knew it was not a feeling of my own ego, not a feeling generated by anyone else or anything else, but simply the feeling of life.

It became the core of my existence. And Maharaji became a very dear friend who told me again and again that I am full of joy. The hardest thing to be convinced about: that I am full of joy! But the proof was in the practice of the techniques.

I sit down and use the techniques nearly every day. I know they work. I have witnessed it thousands of times. Yet, I am a busy person living in a busy world. I work as a writer for newspapers and sometimes I write books. To experience, I have to sometimes muster the effort to kiss the world goodbye and go within myself. When some of the days I neglect that possibility, I find myself frustrated and constantly thinking, probably like everyone else in this world.

But Maharaji has been there, through the years, sometimes ruthlessly—and always humorously—hammering away at every concept and idea in my head, so I can wake up and smell the reality. But most times just very sweetly reminding me of the possibility of enjoying my existence.

I know that without him I would never have been able to proceed with Knowledge. And without Knowledge I would not be able to learn so much from him about the art of living.

It has turned out to be a never-ending saga about a never-ending experience.

— Ole G.
Copenhagen, Denmark

Alfredo F. - Peru

I knew about Maharaji and Knowledge for a number of years, but was entrenched in my beliefs that personal realization should be difficult and even painful. I tried everything I knew to argue against the simplicity of Knowledge that Maharaji was offering, and every time, my challenges were answered in a simple yet powerful way that disarmed me.

I cannot say when, exactly, but the confusion I had was replaced by a clarity that allowed me to feel welcomed in my life, happy at what I was given every day, and excited about the possibility of experiencing something beautiful inside of me!

Now I have Knowledge, and I enjoy the opportunity to start my day feeling my own life. When I remember how I used to be, I can’t help but think, “If I could discover this, anyone can!”

— Alfredo F.
Peru

Bernard E. - Ghana

As a nineteen year-old boy in secondary school, my priorities centered on passing my exams and with good grades too. On the other hand, there seemed to be so many uncertainties in the future that it created a lot of stress for me. Then, one day, I came across a group of students discussing the purpose of existence. It sounded strange, but very interesting. The more I listened, the more I wanted to hear. It was different from anything I had ever heard. Later, I was told that I could be shown a place within me that would literally translate my idea of heaven from words into a practical feeling. I wanted to witness it, partly out of curiosity and partly also because of a need for fulfillment.

In March 1977, I learned the techniques of Knowledge, a practical way of focusing attention internally instead of externally. Life took on a more joyful, less stressful, and more purposeful turn. I am more than grateful to Maharaji for what he has shown me and for continuing to clarify any issues relating to the practice of this Knowledge through his visits to West Africa and through videos and satellite broadcasts of his message. Words alone cannot express the gratitude that I feel for what he has shown to me. I am glad that our paths crossed.

— Bernard E.
Ghana