Transformation Tales

It is said that when Lord Buddha was dying his followers lamented. He consoled them and said, the next teacher will be another Bhodisvana. He will be greater than me and  he will be called the “Maitreya.” Metta/ Maitri or true friendship is what Dadashreeji embodies and teaches.  

He shared that he doesn’t feel higher or lower than anyone but is in that state of being “One with All.”  Dadashreeji was known as a “Divine Friend.”  He does not identify with the name of guru or master. He teaches us we are equal and friends; there is no separation between us. He is a true friend and embodies what he teaches: compassion, transformation, love, and selfless service. 

Dadashreeji taught us to do three things with the people we know: (1. )Accept them as they are, (2.), give them complete freedom, and (3.) convey our love to them. He does not force or give strict rules, but only compassionate guidance. 

 

“The Maitreya”

In 2019, there was a youtube stream of  Dadashreeji’s birthday. He has declared his birthday a day for seva, or “selfless service.” On his birthday each year he gives his time and love to others, thousands of people, and brings people together by sharing wisdom and grace. He leads this by the example of giving his time, love, and energy to all. The talk encouraged doing service, seeing all as friends, and expressing compassion through selflessness service. 

His birthday in 2019 was a special day because in the auditorium one of Dadshreeji’s direct disciples was accompanied by Buddhist monks in red and orange robes. I was very excited and exclaimed, “the Buddhists are here!”( I have always felt a kindship to this tradition but have no formal learning or training in it.)

Earlier that year, some of the mitras and Maitreyis ( a Mitra or Maitreyi is someone who has made a vow to spread Love, peace, and friendship) in Delhi were looking for a place to perform scared fire rituals or “havan” to promote peace. They had approached a Buddhist organization to ask if they could use their space.  

When they gave the name “Maitri Bodh” to the monks, they started crying.  The Buddhists asked about the programs and Dadashreeji.   Their hearts were touched and they felt internally Dadasheeji was about Love and friendship.  

The monks asked why these programs were closed/ not available to all. The Mitras and Maitreyis said that they were open to anyone.  The monks were then overcome with emotion and expressed interest in attending some of the “Bodh” series programs with Maitri Bodh Parivaar.  

The Buddhist organization shared this experience with the president and head of the organization.  Some of the monks attended spiritual sessions and felt deep Love and friendship.  The president was invited to Dadashreeji’s birthday celebration. 

Although he was often invited to many events worldwide, he rarely attended.  The monk was in a very high spiritual state of “maitri” or true friendship in which he experienced “Oneness” with other humans and Mother Nature. He often stayed secluded and had performed years of intense practices.  

However, he had heard of Divine Friend Dadashreeji and Maitri Bodh Parivaar from monks in his order and it sparked his interest. Then he attended Dadashreeji’s Birthday talk. 

He experienced “true friendship”  with those helping Dadashreeji or the sevaks.  He was deeply moved by that experience of Oneness, service, and peace that emminated from the smiling sevaks and Dadashreeji.  After the celebration,  the president had an audience with Dadashreeji and he said, “you are finally here.”  He recognized Dadashreeji as the “Maitreya.” It was only then that Dadashreeji accepted this name. 

Since then the Buddhist monks come every year for Dadashreejis birthday celebration and have even performed during the celebrations. 

“The Cause of Suffering is the Lack of Love”

Maitreya Dadashreeji