Ask Guru Bhai: How Did Maharajji Teach Us to Handle Fear and Uncertainty?

Fear and uncertainty are natural parts of life—especially when we’re trying to walk a spiritual path. But Maharajji Neem Karoli Baba, in his quiet, loving way, showed us that these experiences don’t have to overwhelm us. Instead, he taught that they can lead us deeper into faith and surrender.

Faith Over Fear

Maharajji didn’t lecture or give formal teachings. He guided hearts, not just minds. One devotee shared,

“We felt Maharajji to be the shepherd and ourselves to be a part of the flock. Through this unspoken process we developed faith where previously there had been fear. Our faith was that in the midst of the changing uncertainties of the universe, if we kept Maharajji in our hearts, if we just stayed under his blanket in trust, then it would be all right”
(Miracle of Love, Ch. 2).

He often reassured his devotees with the simple words,

“You may forget me, but I never forget you”
(Love Everyone, Ch. 13).

This wasn’t just comfort—it was a reminder that divine love never abandons us, even when everything else feels uncertain.

Truth as a Shield

To Ram Dass and others, Maharajji would say:

“If you live in truth, God will always stand with you. No fear.”
And again, he repeated:
“God is one. No fear”
(Love Everyone, Ch. 13).

In these few words, Maharajji pointed to something timeless: fear dissolves when we align with truth and remember our connection to the divine.

Grace in the Midst of Suffering

In Sometimes Brilliant, Dr. Larry Brilliant shared how Maharajji guided him through a painful crisis. At a moment when Larry had been rejected by the World Health Organization and didn’t know what to do next, Maharajji simply said:

“Go back to WHO.”

This instruction didn’t come with explanations or guarantees—but Larry obeyed. That single moment became a turning point that led him back into the work of eradicating smallpox. Even when Maharajji didn’t remove the uncertainty, he gave the strength to move forward.

Stay Under the Blanket

Fear is not something we need to fight. Maharajji’s way was gentler, more rooted in the heart. He showed us that faith isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about resting in the unknown with love, and trusting that we are held.

So when fear rises, we remember:
Stay close to the heart. Keep repeating the Name. And trust that, even in the dark, Maharajji’s grace is already carrying us.

Jai Maharajji.