The Near and the Dear

"When you read these stories about Maharaj-ji and his devotees you step into a place and a time that is outside the boundaries of your own memories. You meet people whose lives were forever changed by a word or a look from the great Indian saint Neem Karoli Baba." -Krishna Das In The Near and The Dear, Dada Mukerjee tells his own story of time spent with Maharaj-ji, and relates stories about other sadhus and devotees who came to be with Neem Karoli Baba. For a little while you spend time in another culture unlike the United States but not unfamiliar, because to be on a spiritual path is a journey of opening the heart wherever you live.[split] Mukerjee helps you discover commonalities with others despite cultural differences. Along with the stories of devotees who came to see Maharaj-ji, you read about how Maharaj-ji gave to each what he needed for his own spiritual journey. Mukerjee shows you the endlessly adaptable Guru working with his followers, not through coercion, intimidation, o