Mooji, born Anthony Paul Moo-Young, encountered his guru, Sri H.W.L. Poonja—affectionately known as Papaji—in Lucknow, India in 1993. This meeting proved to be a pivotal moment in Mooji’s spiritual journey, initiating a profound transformation that led to the recognition of his true nature as pure awareness. Papaji, himself a direct disciple of the revered sage Ramana Maharshi, introduced Mooji to the practice of self-inquiry, centering on the essential question, “Who am I?” Under Papaji’s guidance, Mooji experienced a dissolution of the sense of separate selfhood, awakening to what he describes as his essential being.

The relationship between Mooji and Papaji was rooted in the traditional guru-disciple dynamic characteristic of the Advaita Vedanta lineage. Papaji served not merely as a teacher, but as a spiritual guide who pointed Mooji toward the direct realization of non-dual awareness. This connection was marked by deep reverence and devotion; Mooji has often referred to Papaji as his spiritual father and the embodiment of Truth. The transmission of wisdom from Papaji to Mooji was not solely intellectual, but an experiential unfolding that shaped Mooji’s understanding and approach to the path of self-inquiry.

Following Papaji’s passing in 1997, Mooji began to share the teachings and methods he had received, carrying forward the non-dual understanding imparted to him. He frequently references Papaji in his discourses, acknowledging the profound impact his guru had on his spiritual realization and teaching ministry. Mooji’s ongoing reverence for Papaji is evident in the way he honors his guru’s memory and continues to transmit the essence of Advaita Vedanta as it was revealed to him. Through this lineage, Mooji’s work remains deeply intertwined with the grace and guidance of his beloved teacher.