Wherever he goes, Maharaji receives an enthusiastic reception. However, he is welcomed by people in Africa with a unique enthusiasm and unbridled spontaneity. This time he is greeted in a traditional manner with "talking drums" and touching lyrics. He then addressed the audience, speaking of a voice within each person that, with every breath, calls to be fulfilled.
In addition to the one million people who attended the tour, 635,000 people attended each day of a two-day, interactive, satellite video follow-up event. The participants, gathered in more than 2,100 centers, phoned in more than 2,000 questions and watched Maharaji answer questions live over the TV feed.
Nearly three quarters of a million people have come to seek inspiration and guidance from Maharaji in the last two months. Each event brings renewed enthusiasm and opens up new possibilities. What seemed unimaginable just weeks ago is now materializing. In this address, Maharaji shares a simple, delightful story, as well as profound insights into life, illusion, reality, love, and where to turn to find richness in life.
Maharaji expressed he is here to remind people of what they have rather than what they are missing, and he painted a beautiful picture of what can be found within: answers, joy, and fulfillment.
On a vast, arid piece of land, more than 275,000 people were assembled, waiting quietly for Maharaji to arrive. When the helicopter carrying him appeared on the horizon as a small dot in the sky, they all stood up as one and waved. The helicopter landed in a cloud of dust, and a few moments later, Maharaji was on stage.
The faculty at the Peace Studies Department of the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Nova Southeastern University in Florida invited Maharaji to address a distinguished audience of students, faculty, and guests. Maharaji was introduced by the head of doctoral programs to a standing room-only audience.
Holi is a joyful time when, people in India say, "the past is washed away in the colors of the creator." In the morning, during an event with more than 50,000 people, many stood up and wished Maharaji a happy Holi, to which he replied, "Tumko Bhi Holi Mubaarak Ho" ("Happy Holi to You"). Later that day, participants jumped and yelled in joy, as wave after wave of colored water came down upon them while festive music was playing.
Maharaji addressed a standing-room-only audience of faculty, students, and guests. The University was founded in the 19th century to "advance and impart knowledge across a comprehensive range of disciplines to benefit people by educating them in the accumulated knowledge of humankind."
Luminous lyrics by Maharaji, mesmerizing background vocals, and punchy, pulsating drums.
Maharaji addressed students, faculty, and guests at the University of California at Berkeley. The University was once described by Oxford scholars as the "Home of science and seat of the muses." Eighteen members of the faculty have received Nobel Prizes.
Speaking at the National Performing Arts Center in Mumbai to an audience of 1,100 local leaders, Maharaji was welcomed by the President of the Indian Merchants Chamber, the oldest Chamber of Commerce in India. Mahatma Gandhi was an honorary member of this Chamber. After his address, Maharaji was thanked by the Sheriff of Mumbai.
Maharaji delivered the keynote address at "Peace Is Possible," the first conference on peace at this 13th century university near Madrid, Spain. Christopher Columbus consulted with the Salamanca faculty before embarking on his famed voyage. Maharaji spoke in the "Paraninfo," the great hall; he was introduced by the Vice-Rector, who hailed his message as "noble." The audience included public officials from the region, as well as faculty and guests.
Read about Maharaji addressing audiences in Europe, then Africa, India, Malaysia, Thailand, and then back to India.
The Young Leaders Forum of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry invited Maharaji to address a distinguished audience of 1,850 business and government leaders.
Maharaji had barely arrived in India when he responded to an invitation to address a gathering of distinguished business and government leaders and members of the international media and diplomatic corps. After presenting his message, he entertained questions from many in the audience. The event was followed by a reception which lasted well into the evening.
2003 saw Maharaji traveling to four continents to bring his message to more people than ever before in a single year. From crowded amphitheaters in India to universities in the United States and many events where people could interact with him, the first half of 2003 was both rich and fast-paced as Maharaji continued to bring people inspiration, perspective, and hope.
