H. W. L. Poonja

The name "Poonja" is a surname of Punjabi origin. "Papaji" is a Hindi honorific, meaning "respected father," a term of endearment and reverence bestowed upon him by his followers, signifying his role as a spiritual father figure.

Hariwansh Lal Poonja (; born 13 October 1910 (or later) in Punjab, British India – 6 September 1997 in Lucknow, India) was an Indian sage. Poonja was called "Poonjaji" or "Papaji" by devotees.

H. W. L. Poonja, or Papaji, as he was affectionately known, represented a powerful resurgence of Advaita Vedanta in the modern era. His presence and teachings, often characterized by a disarming simplicity and an unwavering insistence on the direct recognition of the Self, drew seekers from across the globe. Unlike teachers who might offer elaborate philosophical systems or complex meditative techniques, Papaji's method was one of radical pointing, often through silence or direct inquiry. He would frequently ask, "Who am I?" not as a philosophical puzzle, but as a means to dismantle the illusion of the separate self, the ego. This practice, echoing the inquiries of Ramana Maharshi, aimed to bypass intellectual understanding and lead directly to the experiential realization of one's true nature.

Mircea Eliade might have seen in Papaji a contemporary manifestation of the shamanic or prophetic figure who, through direct experience of the sacred, becomes a conduit for spiritual transmission. Carl Jung's concept of archetypes could also offer a lens, viewing Papaji as embodying the archetype of the Wise Old Man, whose pronouncements, though seemingly simple, carry the weight of profound, timeless wisdom. His emphasis on "freedom" and "presence" speaks to a universal human longing for liberation from suffering and a return to an authentic state of being. The directness of his approach, a stark contrast to the often convoluted spiritual paths available, served as a potent antidote to spiritual materialism, urging individuals to discover the boundless reality that already resides within them, unconditioned and eternally free. His legacy lies in his unwavering commitment to this direct path, a beacon for those seeking to transcend the limitations of the mind and rest in the pure awareness of existence. He reminds us that the most profound truths are often the most immediate.