Rabi Maharaj (born August 8, 1947) is Trinidadian-born bestselling Indian author. He is descendant of a long line of Brahmin priests and gurus from the holy city of Varanasi (Banaras) in Uttar Pradesh, India. During his adult life, he converted to Christianity, and authored the book Death of a Guru.[1] The book has been translated into over 60 languages.[2] Including Spanish and Italian.
Contents |
Maharaj grew up in a Hindu community in Trinidad and Tobago. Trained as a holy Yogi, he went on a search for truth and eventually found Jesus Christ. Still embracing his Indian roots, Maharaj kept his great respect for the Indian culture and the rich heritage from which he came.[3] After pre-medical studies in London, he received theological training at London School of Theology (formerly London Bible College),[4] and then began charity work.[5]
Maharaj trained his children to embrace what he believed to be the positive aspects of their Indian heritage, including arts, dance, food, and familial values. Leading by example, he also taught them the importance of compassion and justice as he worked for positive changes on issues such as the plight of the Dalits (untouchables; outcasts), and the equal value of all people regardless of caste, gender, or religion.[6] Maharaj has since spoken at thousands of colleges, universities, seminars and churches worldwide. He goes back to India on a regular basis to do developmental charity work.
Maharaj wrote the story of his search for truth in his book Death of a Guru.
Death of a Guru was first published by A. J. Holman Co. in 1977.[7] Later it was published by Harvest House. The book has been translated into over sixty languages worldwide. One reader summarizes the book-content as follows:
"Rabi was born into a wealthy Brahmin family in Trinidad. His father was a great yogi who never said a word to anyone, not even to his wife, during his penance for 8 years. Upon his untimely death, his young son resolves to become just like him - an Ascended Master. Rabi soon loses his mother to meditation in the temples of India... The flavor of life as an Indian boy growing up in the Caribbean comes across well. The major portion of the book details Rabi's intensely focused journey as Brahmacharya to attain Mukti (Self-realization, union with Brahman). Some of the occult details he experienced, I have also read of by other yogis. The more deeply he meditates and travels into Hinduism, the more dissatisfied he becomes. His gods Shiva and Kali seem to be threatening and unloving.
After years of struggling with his thoughts, he realizes that he is not Brahman - he cannot be the Creator of the Universe.
As a Brahman, he despises the lower castes, especially Christians who eat the cow (a god) and do not lead good lives. Then two life-threatening incidents happen; a snake attacks him and in danger of his life, Rabi calls on the name of Jesus; the snake flees. Some time later his appendix ruptures and he collapses. Rabi again calls upon Jesus for help and his life is saved.
After a lot of struggle, he goes to a hated Christian meeting where he asks Jesus to come into his life and become his God. He meets the Creator of the Universe who loves him so much, that He sent His Son to die for him on the cross. Contrary to what you might expect, Rabi is very respectful towards Hinduism. However he is also frank and honest."[8]
Maharaj has worked with Billy Graham, preached in thousands of churches, university campuses, and auditoriums all over the world. He also worked to rehabilitate drug addicts in Europe in the 1970s.[9] He is founder of East-West Ministries.[10]
Maharaj's most popular lecture topics have included "Encounters with the Supernatural" and "Krishna, Buddha, Mohammad, or Christ?". His other speaking topics have included, "Sexual Mysticism", "Yoga and Meditation in the West", and "Death of a Guru: A Search for Truth". Maharaj has appeared in several documentaries including the Mystics and Gods of the New Age.[11]
More on Rabi Maharaj's story: [1]
"Death of a Guru" from Barnes and Noble: [2]