How Neem Karoli Baba’s Timeless Wisdom Inspired Tech Icons Like Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jack Dorsey

Neem Karoli Baba, affectionately known as Maharaj-ji, was a humble mystic whose teachings of love, selflessness, and mindfulness have touched lives across the globe. Though he passed away in 1973, his influence continues to inspire individuals from all walks of life, including some of the world’s most renowned tech leaders—Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jack Dorsey. Their encounters with Neem Karoli Baba’s wisdom reveal a deeply human story of seeking clarity, purpose, and balance in the whirlwind of modern life.

Steve Jobs: Finding simplicity in complexity

In the mid-1970s, a young Steve Jobs, restless and searching for meaning, traveled to India. His journey brought him to Neem Karoli Baba’s ashram in Kainchi, Uttarakhand. Although Maharaj-ji had passed away, the serenity of the ashram and the devotion of his followers left an indelible mark on Jobs.

This experience influenced Jobs’ appreciation for simplicity—a value that became the cornerstone of Apple’s iconic design ethos. His time in India taught him the beauty of focus, stripping away the unnecessary to reveal the essence. Years later, Jobs encouraged his friend Mark Zuckerberg to visit the ashram during a critical juncture in Facebook’s development.

Mark Zuckerberg: Seeking clarity in chaos

When Facebook was still finding its footing, Mark Zuckerberg faced moments of doubt. On Steve Jobs’ advice, he traveled to Kainchi Dham. In the quiet hills of Uttarakhand, away from Silicon Valley’s relentless pace, Zuckerberg found clarity and a renewed sense of purpose. The trip helped him reconnect with Facebook’s mission to connect people globally—a goal deeply aligned with Neem Karoli Baba’s teachings of unity and compassion.

Jack Dorsey: A life of mindfulness

While Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter and Square, has not publicly confirmed visiting the ashram, his lifestyle reflects the core principles of Neem Karoli Baba’s philosophy. A strong advocate for meditation and mindfulness, Dorsey often credits these practices with helping him navigate the immense pressures of leading global companies. His emphasis on self-awareness and balance mirrors Maharaj-ji’s message of inner peace as a foundation for meaningful action.

Teachings that transcend time and industries

Neem Karoli Baba’s teachings, though simple, carry profound wisdom: love unconditionally, serve selflessly, and live in the moment. These principles resonate deeply in the high-stress world of technology, offering leaders a roadmap to navigate challenges with grace and empathy. Maharaj-ji’s legacy has helped leaders like Jobs, Zuckerberg, and Dorsey not only innovate but also lead with humanity.

A growing global legacy

The appeal of Neem Karoli Baba’s philosophy continues to grow. His ashram in Kainchi remains a sanctuary for seekers worldwide, including celebrities like Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma, who visited with their daughter Vamika earlier this year. Books like Miracle of Love by Ram Dass, a devoted disciple, have further amplified Maharaj-ji’s teachings, reaching audiences across continents.

In a world driven by technology and speed, Neem Karoli Baba’s message serves as a gentle reminder to slow down, connect with others, and lead with love. His timeless wisdom bridges the gap between ancient spirituality and modern innovation, inspiring leaders to build not just successful companies, but meaningful lives.