- A Kriya Yoga Master and World teacher
The beauty of the Master manifests in the disciple. A sincere disciple with surrender and love becomes one with the master. The experience of that oneness is beyond all attachment.
O beloved Gurudev you are the burning lamp who lit the lamp of spiritual seekers. Let your love, your wisdom, your teaching, dedication and determination shine in the life of others. O Beloved Gurudev, Let the light of your life of affection and illumination bring illumination into the lives of many.
Sitting in your room, I see emptiness. But still, I feel completeness. I realize the pain of separation, yet I experience the joy of oneness. I miss you but I find you in my love, in my experience. I see you vividly present not only in me but also in the lives of many. You are a river flowing continuously.
Until early November 2002 you continued with the daily delight of the garden tour. It was wonderful experience to see you shower your guests with love feeding them with fruits freshly plucked from the garden. Every one returned richer basking in your radiant presence of divine love and compassion. Even during your last days, you would consider the welfare of others first and foremost. Little did we know that you were preparing to bring your earthly sojourn to a conclusion.
When I came to Miami from London hearing about your poor health and went to your room you silently touched my head and blessed me. You did not utter a single word but your love, compassion and calmness were evident. As per the advice of the doctors, when you were taken to the hospital at first no one knew what to expect. As events unfolded the harsh reality began to dawn. That first night in the hospital you asked me, "Have you finished your work?" When I said yes, you said, "I have also finished everything, let us go." Until that moment I did not know that you were preparing to leave your body.
I stayed with you continuously. All night long I would sit by your bed holding your hand looking at you. During those times we had nice play like a father and child. Most of your talk during that time was about India. Physically you were here but mentally you were in India.
On Dec 1, you asked me again for a second time, "Are you ready" and I said yes. Again you said, "I am also ready, let us go."
On the afternoon of December 2, you were immersed in bhava Samadhi. You were in an ecstasy. Looking at me and Shuddhanandaji seated on either side of your bed you started speaking in Bengali. The language was similar to that used in the writing of Bijoy Krishna, your first guru. You talked about life on other planes, and the five vital energies merging in the cosmic energy.
On 2, December you were physically in pain and it was painful to watch you suffer. All night we sat and watched. You looked at me and closed your eyes. Next morning the doctor emphasized further decline in your health. All ashrams were informed of your condition.
You looked at me and spoke your last words. You said, "Peace, bliss, love, joy, divinity." Uttering these words you took my right hand and placed it on your lower belly gently indicating to massage. While I was massaging people were in and out to visit you. Slowly you were more peaceful opening your eyes and looking at us.
These days in the hospital were beautiful in a way. Your smile was so meaningful and so loving. I have never seen such a beautiful smile any where before even on your face. It was a divine heavenly smile.
Swami Shuddhanandaji was chanting the Gita. I asked the others to meditate and chant the mahamrutyunjaya mantra.
That evening your breath was special. There was one inhalation and a pause and then an exhalation. It was like when a yogi does pranayama, breath control. Then after an inhalation we were not sure if there was an exhalation. Pulse was there, but there was no breath. Calmness and love was emanating from your face. We called the doctor and the doctor checked and said it was over.
At 6.48 pm, December 3, 2002, beloved Baba, you peacefully took your final inhalation. The next exhalation was not to be. You exited the body land to immerse your self once more in the Supreme all mighty Lord.
At 11.15am Tuesday the 10th of Dec, 2002, your mortal remains left Homestead, Florida homeward bound for the distant shores of Mother India to be laid to rest in the land of your fore fathers.