By Michael Draper, UK
My journey to the Balkans
Following the brilliant experience with Mohanji and the Mohanji Family at Kumbh Mela, the opportunity to be with Mohanji physically in the UK or Europe during 2025 was highly unlikely. Mohanji has many commitments across nearly all continents (the penguins of Antarctica are yet to form an Igloo of benevolence), so his physical time was likely to be devoted elsewhere.
However, soon after my return from India, the Mohanji grapevine started buzzing that Mila was keen to see her father, and Mohanji may be coming to Europe after all. It was then confirmed that, as part of a private visit to Mila and Devi, he would be delivering a satsang at the MCP in Croatia. This coincided with Jenny’s birthday weekend – what better way to celebrate than with a satsang with Mohanji. The news soon spread through some of the UK WhatsApp groups, and Alua mentioned that she was also keen to go. Flights and accommodation were booked – we had no idea how we would get to the Croatian MCP, but that detail could be worked out later.
Six days before the flight to Croatia, I received an invitation from the Slovenian MCP to the inauguration of their Ahimsa Vegan Café, recently developed at their Centre. This was going to take place the day before the satsang in Croatia on the actual date of Jenny’s birthday, and Mohanji would be performing the inauguration. Our flight to Croatia was on the same day as the inauguration, so it was time for Michael to work the problem. Within a couple of hours, our outbound flight was changed to the previous day, with car hire the only way to get to the Slovenian MCP, given its location, which also meant crossing the border between Croatia and Slovenia. Last year, at the Bosnian Kriya Intensive, Mohanji suggested that I visit the Slovenian MCP to meet Raja, but hadn’t specified a date or time for when I should go. I recognised the opportunity that now presented itself through Paula. We were all set to go.
Friday 11th April: unexpected travel companions
We arrived in good time at the airport and ‘coincidentally’ met Shene, who was booked on the same flight and who was also on her way to the Croatian satsang, meeting up with Sivanuja from the Netherlands, who was already in Zagreb. On arriving at Zagreb, I had pre-arranged a taxi transfer, and Shene was going to join us for the ride. Shene had arranged for Sivanuja to meet us at our hotel, and we congregated in the hotel café to forward plan, the most pressing matter being to find Shene and Sivanuja a place to sleep that evening. Shene had abandoned her usually highly organised pattern in taking the opportunity to be in Croatia at very short notice, trusting in Mohanji that all would be well.
An internet search and a walk led us to one possibility. I took one look at the front door, which was covered in graffiti, and said, ‘You can’t stay here.’ I am not sure what the translation was, but I was pretty sure it was not ‘welcome and have a nice day’. Jenny and I had to confirm car hire for the next day, so we left the bed search with the promise from Shene and Sivanuja that they would find somewhere suitable. They did, but I later learnt through a WhatsApp chat that in one hotel, they had received unwanted attention from a Latino male. Shene eventually got rid of him, but I recommended that, in the future, they refer any unwelcome admirer to their special forces brother, Mohanji, who would like to speak with that individual.
Saturday 12th April: Slovenia MCP, Hanuman Jayanti and Jenny’s Birthday
We arranged to pick up Shene and Sivanuja bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at 8:30 am the next morning. The drive to the Slovenian MCP was around 2 hours, and the event was due to start at 3.00 pm, but I felt we should arrive early, hence arranging the early start. The journey was very smooth. When Sivanuja and Shene learnt it was Jenny’s birthday, a scheduled stop for petrol was extended so they could surprise Jenny, and they emerged from the service station with birthday gifts that included a rather large bear. Jenny was Very Happy. On another stop, Sivanuja acquired balloons, cake and numerical candles to celebrate. So very kind, generous, and thoughtful. The actual numbers of the numerical candles are withheld from this story for editorial and personal reasons, as I would like Jenny to continue talking to me.
When we arrived at MCP Slovenia, it was exactly midday, and to our surprise, we saw Mohanji walking into the newly constructed Ahimsa Café. We had arrived three hours early, but as it turned out, at exactly the right time. We quickly left the car and entered the Café just as the inauguration ceremony was about to begin. A traditional lamp was to be lit with chants and prayers facing an auspicious direction to invoke blessings with gratitude – it had six wicks, and Mohanji lit the first and then called out the name of an individual to light the next wick. Mohanji called out ‘Michael’ – I was not certain that he had seen us arrive or enter the Café, but he knew we were there. I moved forward to light the fifth wick. After prayers and a chant led by Aarthi to Hanuman, Mohanji was the first to be served at the newly inaugurated café, and then each of us in turn ordered from the Café bar.
Mohanji was sitting at a table and gestured that I should join him. He explained that he was fasting. Mohanji has previously advised that food is important for the body, and so is fasting. Fasting should be learned from the beings of nature; they do not eat for sensory pleasure, they eat for survival and remain healthy and agile because of that, and if we only eat for survival, we will also remain healthy and agile. I recalled that he also told me he was fasting at the Macedonian retreat in the previous year. I mentioned to Mohanji that it was Jenny’s birthday. Mohanji immediately called for a cake, blessed it and gave it to Jenny. He hugged Jenny and then held her face, looking into her eyes to wish her every happiness and success for the coming year. Jenny was Very Happy.
Mohanji left the Centre shortly after, planning to return at 3.00 pm. We entered the temple for aarathi to Lord Ganesha, Sai Baba, Lord Dattatreya and other important deities installed in the temple. We were also blessed by vibhuti and Mohani Energy Transfer through Murali and Paula. I noticed that Sister Ally from Skanda Vale had arrived to join us in the temple, and after the puja, we sourced refreshments (from the Café) and then went to explore the Centre and search for Raja. Lucky and Purity (in dog form but not simply dogs) joined us for puja, but there is no sign yet of Raja.
Murali explained that Raja was now a teenager and beginning to assert his independence and determination with some newly formed antlers, which had caused significant discomfort to Raja’s head when forming and emerging. In some traditions, antlers represent strength, determination, spiritual growth, a connection to the divine, and protection. Eventually, Raja appeared – it may have been the strawberries that Natalija had produced that encouraged his appearance, and he certainly looked impressive. I was able to say hello and respectfully touch him without incident, fulfilling Mohanji’s suggestion that I should meet Raja. In the Buddhist Tradition, deer represent the final stages of the path to enlightenment, with the male deer symbolising the experience of great bliss and the female deer the realisation of ultimate truth, with the dharma wheel acting as the union of these two realisations.
Even more Mohanji followers arrived in time for 3:00 pm and then Mohanji returned. Cue hugs and greetings. Mohanji stood at Ahmisa’s door, and Mohanji’s assistant called out, ‘Michael. ‘ I had learnt from Shene at Kumbh Mela that this means an approach at speed. I walked quickly to Mohanji, joined by some others whose names were also subsequently called out. Mohanji led prayers, and we entered Ahimsa Vegan Café in turn. There was food, drink, and music, music being the food of love. Paula led the inauguration event by sharing stories before Mohanji distributed gifts and deserved recognition to those who had been closely involved with developing the Centre and the Café.
Paula revealed some fascinating information about Lucky. Lucky is not an ordinary dog, and according to Mohanji, is a true son of the Tradition brought to the Centre to keep adverse forces away. After some time, Mohanji prepared to leave the Centre, and this led to more hugs and farewells. Mohanji shook my hand and asked if I would be at the Croatian MPC the next day – ‘Yes Mohanji’ I replied, and with that exchange, Mohanji walked through the MPC gate and towards his car. I wondered why Mohanji had chosen to shake my hand realising that the act of a Master is never random.
Sunday 13th April, Croatia: Palm Sunday
Jenny and I had returned to our hotel in Zagreb and had managed to secure a lift through the Croatian satsang organisers with a wonderful individual who kindly offered this service. Vedrana had not met Mohanji before but had met Devi and had been walking the spiritual path for a number of years, most recently with Mooji Baba. I mentioned that I had seen a picture of an event when Mohanji and Mooji had met each other. What was that like? Vedrana asked. ‘Like brothers meeting each other’ was my response. The journey to the Croatian MPC passed quickly as we chatted away about matters spiritual as if we were old friends.
At the Centre, we met Alua, who shared her adventures. Arriving late, her booked hotel had nobody on reception to check her in, so she spent the night at the Croatian Centre under the watchful gaze of a picture of Mahavtar Babaji. I advised that she was fortunate, as I learnt on my daily check-in with Shene and Sivanuja that they had spent a restless night at the same hotel listening to Mohanji chant the Siva Kavacham because of the energies they experienced there. Why this happened subsequently became clear from Subhasree when I shared this story on my return home with those attending the UK group reading ‘Baba: Mohanji and Masters’ together. Alua will reveal all in her testimonial, but suffice it to say that with Mohanji, nothing happens by chance or accident; everything has a perfect reason.
The Croatian MPC is situated about a 75-minute drive from downtown Zagreb in a lovely natural setting with lakes. The building at the Centre is apparently a former restaurant and, because of its size, is able to hold around 250 people. The Centre was full to capacity. When Mohanji arrived and took his place, the question was asked how many were seeing Mohanji for the first time, and a significant number of hands were raised. Such was the demand for the satsang that there was a waitlist and an accompanying Zoom connection. To make effective use of the short time available, Mohanji moved to immediately answer questions on a number of topics concerning the Raja yoga path, the path of liberation and dissolution through self-acceptance and awareness.
This requires a consistent connection with conviction to the path. Love means total acceptance, total acceptance as you are, along with all your weaknesses and strengths, as it is only through self-acceptance that you can evolve. Be alert with your mind ready for action, as destiny will keep bringing situations to you; resistance and procrastination are futile, as everything has to be experienced through acceptance, which means you are flowing inside. Awareness is inside. Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Jnana Yoga are all included in Raja Yoga. Everything is there; every path is good, provided it suits you. Ultimately, Raja Yoga is an internal path, and that path and destination is YOU.
Following satsang, Mohanji offered to bless items purchased, and a very long queue formed. I moved to stand close to where Mohanji was sitting, taking up position next to Sister Ally. He turned to ask ‘Michael, have you eaten?’ ‘Yes, Mohanji, ‘ I replied. This question I have learned does not necessarily refer to physical food. Mohanji indicated that Sister Ally should join the group, which sang beautifully and with devotion. Sister Ally also has a beautiful voice rich with devotion, and Mohanji ensures that this is shared and experienced, also giving Sister Ally an opportunity to serve.
An announcement was made for a group photograph with Mohanji. I joined the group, spotted Natalija, and knelt next to her. Soon after, Sister Ally joined me. Note to Skanda Vale: We were very well behaved.
The group photograph successfully taken, Mohanji organised for individual photographs, often a precious highlight of satsang. When the timing was right, Mohanji turned to me and said, ‘Michael. ‘ I called for Jenny to join us, and Mohanji remarked ‘Ahh, Birthday girl. This reminded me of the style of expression and acknowledgement often used by Sathya Sai Baba. No words of a Master are wasted and have significant deeper meanings when ruminated upon.
We met Vedrana to return to Zagreb, and she shared that she had received and experienced exactly what she had needed. Vedrana had expressed an interest in UK group meditations, particularly the Shirdi Sai miracle meditation on a Thursday morning, and a connection to Rashila was organised, who leads this meditation.
Our unexpected journey to the Balkans was an absolute blessing and a joy to share with Shene and Sivanuja. Not only could we spend time with Mohanji and our Balkan family but the aspiration to meet Raja was fulfilled as per Mohanji’s suggestion with the opportunity of spending time in the Slovenian and Croatia MCPs and meet Baba in beautiful Balkan natural surroundings. Looking forward to the opening of the MCP in Antarctica!
With Gratitude to Mohanji, the Masters of the Tradition and the wider Mohanji Family (Raja, Lucky and Purity)
|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI ||
Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 11th May 2025
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