16th July 2009. This evening, Maharaji has been invited to speak in the Clyde Auditorium in Glasgow. A state-of-the-art theatre, nicknamed the “Armadillo” because of its distinctive architectural design, the theatre is a cultural landmark on Clydeport’s newly regenerated waterfront. You can still see traces of Glasgow’s historic trading past here, where once ships laden with tobacco, cotton and sugar arrived from the Americas. A few tramlines, the quayside with its iron railings, old cranes and engine houses. Seagulls circle against swirling grey rain clouds, but the weather is still holding.

Tonight, nearly 1200 people are gathering here to listen to Maharaji present his message. Marian Reid, from nearby Edinburgh, is part of a local volunteer team preparing for Maharaji’s visit. Her role, as event manager, is to ensure the event is the best it can possibly be for all. Many have travelled to Glasgow from all over the UK, Ireland and Europe to attend this event.

“It’s a real privilege to have Maharaji come and speak in Glasgow. I always wished that he would come back here again to Scotland”, Marian says. “It can be a life-changing experience”.

The auditorium is full, the atmosphere calm. There is a feeling of quiet anticipation. Liz, the MC for the evening, warmly welcomes Maharaji to Glasgow in her lovely soft Scottish accent, “Ceud Mille Failte” (Gaelic for “a Hundred Thousand Welcomes”).

The event begins with a cartoon fable called The Farmer and the Buried Treasure. This is followed by a beautiful video of a question-and-answer session with Maharaji speaking with people preparing for Knowledge. His simple clarity and kindness are apparent; those with whom he speaks are so visibly touched.

Then Maharaji enters quietly onto the stage and takes his seat. The audience rises to its feet, cheering, clapping and waving joyfully. The hall falls silent once again.

Maharaji speaks for over an hour. He says that what each person is looking for is exactly the same as every human being, even that Neanderthal Man who once asked “Who am I?” Many books, websites and information exist which discuss this question, but none have the answers, only philosophy. “I am a believer in knowing”, he says.

He talks about the beauty of Planet Earth, a gift to all human beings, the most beautiful planet in the universe. It is time, he says, to start learning to live with each other.

Maharaji leaves the stage to warm and heartfelt applause. He waves once more from the wings. Our MC thanks him sincerely and bids him, “Haste ye back, Maharaji”.

Frank Fallows has travelled from Bradford to attend this event. I ask him what was his experience tonight. “Maharaji always amazes me. After 35 years of listening to him, his message is always fresh and continues to grow. He is a dear friend to me and has never let me down. I want to say thank you to him for his love and care. I am very grateful, very grateful”.

Sandy Damon, a fine artist and painter from London, sums up the importance of Maharaji’s message for her. “This life is so precious, and we have no time to lose. If you want to know those answers, this is the person to ask. The person who can show you what kindness is, who can really teach you”.

As we leave the auditorium, lights sparkle from the arched entrance of the building. Illuminated bridges and waterfront lights cast multi-coloured reflections on the dark waters of the Clyde.

Once again, I am left with the feeling that Maharaji has touched many hearts and lives.

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