Did you know, Steve Jobs, the famous founder of Apple, the world’s largest tech-company, was deeply influenced by Sanatan Dharma? Which was the Ashram he visited in India, and who was the Guru who influenced him? What was his last gift? Let us find out.
Steve was a follower of Neem Karoli baba whose Ashram, Kainchi Dham, he visited in 1974, before founding his company. Neem Karoli baba also known as Maharaj-ji is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Hanuman. His ashram receives a steady flow of spiritual seekers from around the world. Steve’s stay at the ashram had a deep impact on him.
Steve was also greatly influenced by the saint Paramahansa Yogananda, a copy of whose book “Autobiography of a Yogi ” was distributed to everyone as part of his memorial service, as per his last wishes. This book talked about Self-realisation and greatly impacted Steve. This was his “last message” to the world.
He was also touched by the Hare Krishna movement or ISKCON in his college days where he used to walk 7 miles across town to the temple to get one good meal per week. He was also an admirer of Mahatma Gandhi and in his later years, he also took up Zen Buddhism. Steve also visited Haridwar where he witnessed the great Indian festival of Kumbh Mela.
Steve Jobs’ contribution to the world is unparalleled and he owes a lot of that to his Indian influences.
This article is part of the series on Global Celebrities who have been touched by Sanatan Dharma. Read more about The Ashram which Mark Zuckerberg visited in India.