By His Grace: A Devotee's Story

by Dada Mukerjee, Ram Dass (Introduction)

By His Grace is a true story based on the belief that advanced souls, actual Divine Beings, come into our lives, unbeknownst to us at first, to help us advance "We are not following the guru; the guru actually is following us. I say this because I have found it in my own life, my own personal experience, and I have seen it in the case of others, too. Babaji came to me himself, unsought, unknown."So begins the story of Dada Mukerjee, economics professor at respected Allahabad University and responsible family man, as he describes his struggle to come to terms with his faith when a wandering sadhu, a barefoot holy man dressed in a plaid blanket, walks into his life. Read Dada's honest and sensitive sharing of his transformation from a skeptical professor to a close devotee, and the Divine Being who inspired such devotion, Neem Karoli Baba.How do you describe Neem Karoli Baba? It is said his very name was associated with miracles and mystery. He was often seen in more than one place at one time. He existed only to serve others. He helped alleviate the suffering of so very many people... and reportedly still does, though he left his body in 1973. He had the power to open people's hearts. He was kindness itself. Dada wrote, "His great power, the miracles and such, no doubt were there, but the very soft, delicate, sweet and innocent impressions left by him provided a perennial source of joy- the human aspect."

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction

206 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Countp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book ties in beautifully with Ram Dass’ collection of stories about Neem Karoli Baba “Miracle of Love”. This time, it is from the writer’s own experience of more than 30 years of loving service and living with the extraordinary being that is Maharajji. I really enjoyed the more authentic Indian perspective in these wonderful stories. A lot of the English books available on this subject are mainly from Westerners close to Babaji helping to translate these teachings and practices for a Western audience. The unique experience and closeness of Dada Mukerjee (and his family) with Neem Karoli Baba is the focal center of most of the stories that never fail to capture the beautiful spirit and transcendental nature of Maharajji. It was already mentioned here in a comment that most books about Maharajji deserve more than 5 stars, and I fully agree :-)

[Bina Bhakta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Food for the soul.

[Edison G.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A testament of love

What called me to this book is the significance that Maharajji played in Ram Dass path. This book was recommended after I finished a book by Ram Dass, and I decided to give it a try.
Its hard to be open minded enough after we have been conditioned so much in the west, so i found myself reading while subconsciously also seeking clues that discredit the whole book. Dada’s devotion and love for Maharajji was so moving. Now if you are westernized, you will probably think that Dada was disrespected and taken for granted while he served his guru without restraint. Heck you may even think the guru is just using him. Then there are countless people also feeling that devotion and love. Dada talks about all the miracles that Maharajji did.
So while reading i was on the look for anything that proved Maharajji wasn’t the real deal. At the same time i was evaluating Maharajji changing traits, how he behaved in some contradictory ways at times.
I basically was reading with the mind and based in preconceived notions.
However slowly I started surrendering into this love that Baba experienced. Near the end of the book I couldn’t even look at the photos of Maharajji because i felt shame I thought wrong. I felt so moved at the end and I could feel the love behind this book not just from the devotees, but also from Maharajji. I don’t think i can understand these words with the mind but when i open to the love, it all makes sense without making sense

[Venkatesan Natarajan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book detailing the experiences of Shri Dada Mukherjee, a close confidant of Neem Karoli Baba. The Grace of the Guru fell on Dada unknown to him and later spent a large part of his years in the shelter of the Guru.
The book traces several incidents and events in the life of Neem Karoli Baba in the company of Dada. The last chapter (which is actually a talk by Dada) is just beautiful.
A must read for those interested in spirituality and bhakti.

[DropOfOcean · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Neem Karoli Baba has touched your heart, you simply need to read this book. I would guess that the writer, ”Dada”, was the person who spent more time with him than anyone else and therefore his stories about the Baba are really special.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read that is a must for any devotee or person fascinated by Neem Karoli Baba. Dada becomes a devotee, not without a bit of skepticism, and this story is about his journey into love and finding a purpose. Very interesting.

[SAT CHIT ANANDA · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Warm, light-hearted tales of Neem Karoli Baba told be one of his devotees: Dada Mukerjee. It's a light enjoyable read about the great grace-giving Indian guru. However, there wasn't a whole lot of spiritual wisdoms and the stories aren't overly thrilling.

[Gayatri Kini · Rating 5 out of 5]

The MOST important book that captures the essence of Baba and his life on earth. I was brought to tears when I read this book. So glad this was the book I chose to read on Thanksgiving Day. Incredibly grateful !

[Sridhar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Equal to Satsang

Reading this wonderful book was a definite Satsang ( being in the presence of Sat ie., Truth ie., Guru) for me and if approached with a similar attitude can indeed cook / prepare the mind of a devotee / sadhaka for further Grace🙏🏼

[Sandhya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soulful reading

Brought me closer to Baba. The closeness between Dada and Baba is so touching . Will read the book many more times for that peace of mind.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pure delight

Truly beautiful book . A deep and meaningful understanding of the disciple and Guru relationship . I would highly recommend this to anyone.

[Srivats · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about this book ?

This is a recollection of a guru, saint, god or whatever you call him by a fortunate devotee. This is the purest of India...The land of Saints

[Armstrongs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

[Bryce Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

This book was inspiring and a fast read. Dada has some great insights. I would highly recommended reading this book!

[Amrita Chattopadhyay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dada's stories about his "Baba" are full of love. Written in simple language it does touches your heart. The devotion & faith of dada is impeccable.

[Deepak Yadav · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is am amazing book of devotion and Grace. Have faith on your guru and you will receive the grace of god.

[Keaton Jaramillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dada’s great story telling has changed how I think about saints. Teared up a couple times.

[Abhinav Jain · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s so beautiful

I am very thankful for Maharaj ji for his grace on me. Secondly, I would like to express my gratitude for Dada for this book.

[Michael Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and wonderful stories.

[Susan J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very beautiful and inspiring book.

A wonderful addition to Miracle of Love. I particularly appreciated the final chapter where Dada speaks of Maharajji’s life to the Americans.

[H. Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chronicles of Han Storm Book Club Read (esoteric love humanity spirituality)

Dada faithfully relates some of his and other devotees adventures with Neem Karoli Baba.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ram Ram

I enjoyed reading Dada's stories. It was good to read the stories of Neeb Karori Baba as told by someone other than Baba Ram Dass.
Love. Serve. Remember.