Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple and a visionary entrepreneur, is widely recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to technology and design. However, a lesser-known yet profoundly intriguing aspect of his life is his deep connection with spirituality, influenced by his travels to India and his engagement with Eastern philosophy. Among the various anecdotes that highlight this aspect of his personality, one of the most captivating is his letter in which he expressed a desire to attend the Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest spiritual gathering.
Steve Jobs’ fascination with India and its spiritual traditions began in the 1970s when, as a young man, he traveled to the country seeking answers to life’s deeper questions. Disillusioned by the materialism of the West, Jobs spent time exploring Indian villages, visiting temples, and learning about meditation and yoga. His experiences during this period had a profound impact on his worldview, shaping the minimalist design philosophy and holistic approach that later defined Apple products.
On his 19th birthday, February 23, 1974, Jobs wrote a letter to his childhood friend Tim Brown in which he reflects on Zen Buddhism and his desire to attend the Kumbh Mela, a major Hindu pilgrimage and festival. Jobs wrote, “I wish to go to India for the Kumbh Mela, which starts in April. I will be leaving sometime in March, not really certain yet.”
The letter provides a rare glimpse into Jobs’ spiritual side, heavily influenced by Hinduism, as he signs off with “Shanti, Steve Jobs.” He also mentions having “cried many times.”
According to the letter, Jobs planned to visit Neem Karoli Baba’s ashram in Uttarakhand. However, when he arrived in Nainital, he discovered that Neem Karoli Baba had died the year before. Despite this, Jobs remained at the ashram in Kainchi Dham, seeking solace in the Baba’s teachings.
Jobs often credited his time in India for helping him develop a sense of intuition and clarity, which became crucial in his professional life. The spiritual depth he gained from these experiences stayed with him throughout his life, and his admiration for India’s culture and traditions remained strong.
The Kumbh Mela, a Hindu pilgrimage and festival, is held every 12 years at the confluence of the sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati in India. Attracting millions of devotees, saints, and seekers from around the globe, it is a celebration of faith, spirituality, and the quest for higher knowledge.
In a letter that surfaced years after his passing, Jobs revealed his desire to attend the Kumbh Mela. The letter, written in his characteristic reflective tone, highlights his yearning to witness the grandeur of this spiritual event and immerse himself in its transformative energy. For Jobs, the Kumbh Mela was more than just a festival; it represented a unique opportunity to connect with humanity’s collective spiritual essence and explore deeper truths about existence.