According to Mulder, Burks conducted "some of the pioneering work in Kirlian photography in the US." (TXF: "Leonard Betts") In the late 1970s including 1979, Burks traveled through India, an experience that Mulder would later term "a tour of duty on the old hippie trail." (TXF: "Badlaa", "The Căluşari") Burks shot a video of his travels and had remarkably long hair at the time. (TXF: "Badlaa") In 1979, he witnessed a guru named Sai Baba create an entire feast out of thin air, using holy ash known as "vibuti." (TXF: "The Căluşari")