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​Let me take you back to my very first visit to the Haidakhan Ashram, the abode of Babaji.

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We started our journey from Delhi by car, heading towards Haldwani. Before going up the mountains, you have to stop and meet Mahamuni Raj Ji, his real name is Trilok Singh Ji, a very senior devotee who guides everyone. He directed us, and then came the adventure. We took a jeep and had to cross about 18 to 20 streams flowing down the mountain. It was rugged, usually impossible in the monsoons, but we made it through.

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I must admit, I was quite apprehensive. My Guru had invited me for a big 12-day fire ceremony (Havan), but I was worried about the lifestyle. I had never been a vegetarian here I had to survive without onions and garlic. I didn't know if I could survive that! So, I quietly prepared a "survival kit" for myself. I packed soups, tinned fish, and yes, even my whiskey because I was a drinking man back then.

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I went with my wife Neila Devi, my son Aditya, and my daughter Kanchan. Just four of us, but would you believe we had 10 pieces of luggage? When we finally arrived, Babaji looked at our mountain of bags and laughed. He asked, "Baraat mein aaye hain kya?" (Have you come for a wedding?). He told us to jump straight into the river, take a bath in that cold water, and freshen up.

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The ashram required climbing 108 steps to reach the temple. I remember that first climb clearly, I had to stop four times just to catch my breath! But Babaji changed me. Soon, I was waking up at 4:00 AM, bathing in the river, and climbing those steps up and down with ease. Despite my initial fears and my secret stash of food and drink, I felt completely at home. He made me feel so comfortable; it was a truly wonderful experience.