From Sangeet we hear that Premyog (Margit Kraushaar) passed away on Christmas Day 2014 in St. Wendel, Germany, after an operation on her liver. The operation was successful but, still in hospital, she became weaker and weaker.

Premyog had just turned 60 in June 2014. She had lived many years in New Zealand but a few years ago she wanted to come back and live in Germany to be close to her family and to look after her ageing parents.

Premyog was in charge of the Hannover Disco in the 80’s and also ran the small Leela Rajneesh Commune in Oldenburg, North Germany.

She lived her life to the fullest. Fly high, Premyog, with the Master now. Namaste.

Tributes

You can leave a message / tribute / anecdote using our contact form (pls add ‘Premyog’ in the subject field)…

I was shocked to hear of your sudden passing, Premyog, and wish you all the best for your journey! Much love.
Khabira

I miss you so much, Premyog. Our deep, long, regular talks over the phone… You were such a good, supportive friend in my live. When I saw you last at your parents’ house end of May we watched Nura’s Celebration in Mevlana life-stream. It was so touching and you said that just for that reason you would love to come back and live in Byron Bay: to have a fare-well like this! I have very good memories of you being here in Australia and when I visited you in New Zealand. You were so strong making the big move back to Germany to be with your folks. Fly high, beloved girlfriend, you’re always in my heart.
Sangeet

You were always so open, connected and kind whenever we met. Beautiful heart. That’s why you were a Prem. This heart is grateful thinking of you. Thank you for you in my life.
Vallabha (Valli)

When I die, what I would like written about me is:

Here lies Veeresh,
a man of Osho.
He loved,
and he was loved
by many.”

Quote from Veeresh during the 2010 Rainbow Spirit Festival when Deva Premal and Miten invited Veeresh on stage to say a few words on love. Video on YouTube

Veeresh was the founder and president of the Osho Humaniversity. He was an innovative therapist and an inspiring teacher whose work has touched many lives. His challenging and creative approach allows people to move beyond self-imposed limits into a fresh understanding and grounded self-confidence.

He worked with a multi-national team of therapists at the OSHO Humaniversity and lead workshops in the Netherlands and around the world. He has created many therapeutic processes, including the AUM Meditation and other Social Meditations.

For Veeresh, the greatest human art is friendship. Because of this, he has developed a community and a therapy where friendship is the highest value. He was also a prolific painter and produced the music of ‘Veeresh and the Humaniversity Sound’.

Watch on YouTube

Veeresh was born Denny Yuson-Sánchez in New York City in 1938. From the age of 14 to 28, he was a heroin addict. After many unsuccessful treatments, he joined Phoenix House, a new and innovative drug rehabilitation programme in 1967. There he overcame his addiction and subsequently trained in addiction therapy. In 1970 he was invited to London to establish and run the first Phoenix House outside the United States. He became a successful therapist and began to lead personal growth workshops for the public.

In 1974, he met Osho in Pune, India. He was deeply touched by Osho’s philosophy, and received the name ‘Anand Veeresh’, meaning ‘bliss beyond fear’. The next year he was invited by the Dutch government to direct a training programme for addiction therapists in The Hague.

Through his connection to Osho he was inspired to bring his work to more people and train the best therapists in the world. In order to do this, he founded in 1978 what is now known as the Osho Humaniversity, an independent, residential personal development and training institute on the North Sea coast of the Netherlands.

Veeresh has trained hundreds of therapists and affected thousands of people through his work, always guided by the principle that ‘Love is Always the Answer’.

“After all these years, I have learned to be the master of my life, of who I am. Never do I want to be the master of someone else. I have discovered the art of how to love and to be loved in return. This makes me complete.”

Veeresh was diagnosed, only recently, with liver cancer and was admitted to hospital in Germany, were he died.

The Farewell Ceremony will take place on Saturday, 31th January at Osho Humaniversity 2pm.

Based on the biography on Humaniversity’s website

Watch on YouTube

Chandrika, shares the quote she read at Veeresh’s Farewell Ceremony in Pune:

Just the other day I said a few words about Veeresh, one of the most sincere, honest and authentic therapists. And just now as I entered I saw him again. He was crying just like a child, with utter joy.

These tears are my creation.

They will not be recorded in any history book, but they will transform many who will come in contact with him. With his tears he has bridged his heart with my heart, his being with my being. He is one of the silent workers who go on doing, without bragging about anything. 1)

She also writes:

“Before I left Holland Veeresh had said to me, ‘Chandrika, this time you have to go without me to Osho’s place’.

“The night before the last day of our group ‘Friendship – The Way of the Heart’ we heard the news that Veeresh had left his body and the whole Resort turned into loving friends everywhere, hugging us, sharing the love for Veeresh. Veeresh was there; he was radiating in everybody’s heart, this warm deep love. We celebrated in the evening in a full packed Plaza which was decorated in his favourite colours of red and gold. Playing his music, dancing, listening to his words, crying in deep gratitude and melting our hearts by hugging each other. The following day we went to Osho’s Samadhi, and we all could feel he was there. Veeresh and Osho are now together.

“We met with his dear friend, his Pune driver Ibrahim. He said Veeresh had an incredible heart, he loved everybody the same, him, Hafiz the waiter, Shree Lalit, just everyone that he met. He said he is reading the 30 chapters of the Koran for Veeresh’s soul together with 30 orphans, with very pure hearts, so that Veeresh will have a very good passage to heaven. With tears in his eyes, he said, “Don’t cry with a heavy heart otherwise the river will get too vast to cross over for Veeresh’s soul and he deserves to have an easy journey.” I realised that the tears for Osho are the same tears we have for Veeresh and they are the bridge that will make it easy for him to cross the river to paradise. He is in our hearts forever. He gave me cookies to share after the ceremony, prasad, the offering.

“Beloved Veeresh, you gave us all so much. You are a man of Osho who loved and was loved by many. I cannot find words that can describe the love I feel for you. You are so courageous and so humble, so kind and loving, and so human. The only thing I can say is thank you form the deepest core of my heart. I promise to take care of our Humaniversity family the best I can with all the love I have. Osho promised to wait to celebrate and welcome you with us on this final journey after life. Veeresh go in peace. You live in our hearts forever.”

1) excerpt from Satyam Shivam Sundram, Ch 30, Q 1

Osho talks to and about Veeresh: No Compromise, whatever the Consequence
Geetee interviews Veeresh: Shaktipat – A Heart to Heart Connection
An article and video on AUM Meditation for World Peace
Video of Veeresh leading a Death Meditation

Tributes

You can leave a message / tribute / anecdote using our contact form (pls add ‘Veeresh’ in the subject field)…

Even though I have not seen Veeresh in years, he is still one of my deeply loved people. I really appreciate all he has manifested in his life for the benefit of so many. I always remember the first time I met him. I was in a small gathering sitting in Osho’s presence, in Darshan. Veeresh had taken sannyas by post and was meeting Osho for the first time. Osho had given him the name, Anand Anant. Osho asked him how he was and how he was enjoying the commune. Anand Anant answered that he was very happy to be here, but that there was something on his mind that he needed to clear. Osho leaned forward and listened attentively. Then he burst into a grin and a chuckle as Anand Anant spoke up in his New York Harlem accent “Thank you for sannyas Bhagwan. You know I adore you. But Bhagwan, I just can’t get into the name you have given me, Anand Anant. It reminds me of that song, the one that goes, Na na na na, na na na na na na na na na! You know that song? I just can’t dig it, you know?” Osho laughed and immediately gave him his new name, Veeresh.

It was very unusual for Osho to agree to give anyone a new name after they had received sannyas, so this action revealed something about their special bond, right from the beginning. Over the years, even though Veeresh was mainly in the West, not staying for long in the Commune, Osho continued showering him with an abundance of love. When I would see them together, They appeared to be like long lost friends. I am telling this story because to me it offers a quality of the eternal freshness and candour that was Veeresh. Even though Veeresh’s body has died, his effervescent spirit will continue to tickle and delight anyone who is open to him.

I remember that Osho had declared Veeresh to be one of a category of enlightened beings who out of compassion, leave the mountain top and move down into the valley to help people to find their way. Throughout his life, he stayed a lot in the valley, bringing the wisdom of his love and compassion to the shadowed areas of the human psyche. Having been a drug addict in his youth meant that when he helped people, he was sharing from his own deeply lived experience. That is why he could be so effective. Later, his work became a beacon and a haven for anyone who felt the call to awaken all that they could be through radically emotive methods. I noticed that as Veeresh got older, he simultaneously became more holistic in his approach, merging the masculine and feminine within. His has been an evolution of consciousness played on the world stage. These evolutionary steps are not lost with his death. They are our legacy.

Thank you Veeresh, for your phenomenal creativity and love. In deep gratitude, I bow to your presence as the eternal friend. Love,
Sarita

Beloved Veeresh, This morning I received the message that you left your body. I never did any therapy with you and yet you touched my life in other ways that had a long lasting impact upon me. I always admired your work and more than that your earthy and real approach. I remember once in Poona 1 being delighted when I heard you’d been busted eating a bacon sandwich and Blue Diamond Hotel. It made me realise as a very young sannyasin that the rebellious spirit was welcomed and encouraged, whatever form it may take. This gave me courage to become myself intrinsically. I was also in a discourse in Lao Tzu house when we all came back to Poona the second time and Osho said you were present that night and how you were his dear friend and doing such fabulous work in world. You were so shy of Osho and that endeared me more. Thank you Veeresh for doing such good works on this planet, we can’t save anyone, but we can sure as anything support those who wish to save themselves. With much love and deep respect…
Satrup <3

Beloved Rebel, been playing your music and you were so present yesterday, and now … WOW! To hear from your community of friends and lovers that you ‘left beautifully’ makes my heart very glad. Thank you for your contribution to make this world a better place. Thank you for the moments we’ve met in your radical crazy ways of therapy and for the warm hugs. I never forget your empowering encouragement during ‘my tourist program’ and the way you respected me when we met years later in Poona. It has always been a joy to meet you, very unique lover of Osho. I am forever grateful! Fly high & say ‘hi’….
Mahana

Beloved Veeresh, I’m shocked, thought you would live forever. Your leaving the body is a shake-up that’s a wake-up. That is exactly what I learned from you, every time I was in the Humaniversity. That is what I love in my own work with people. Thank you for your uncompromisin,g yet unconditionally heartful approach. You’re in my Heart forever….
Wilko / Devakirti

May your soul dwell in joyful surroundings and your love stay as strong and true as it is. Thank you for your contribution to this world! Namaste,
Parinit

Beloved Veeresh, you have shared your love with me. I am crying with gratitude. Have a good journey into the light.. With love,
Nijesh

Dearest Veeresh, I cannot believe that you left your body. You have created such aliveness. You have lifted the earth up. Veeresh, the whole earth will miss you and yet…carry your presence. I am deeply touched by your love and deep respect for Osho. And I imagine you in his presence…. Love from
Modita

Thank You Beloved Veeresh! Tears flowing…of overwhelming gratitude, of shock, of waking up to the reality that we all have to leave this body one day, of wanting to have seen you again in the body at least one more time to express my gratitude for your guidance and compassion. Thank you for being. You Beloved, you are in my heart always,
Bodhi

Everyone you touched came away tasting of Osho – plus a bit of the hot sauce that was pure Veeresh!
Prem Jim Katz

Although I have not met Veeresh in person but that doesn’t really matter. I know him from his work, from his love for Osho, and moreover, Osho’s love for him. You will surely be missed! You enjoyed life, now in joy being oceanic. Love, light and prayers!
Krishna Dev Satyarthi

To our beloved Veeresh: From the first time I met you in Poona in 1976, up through now – you have been melted totally and completely into the Master, and have carried Osho’s love to so many many people. Thank you for creating something beautiful in the world, and for sharing your humor, intensity, creativity and your many qualities – most of all your immense heart, your path of love and your unwavering YES! You have been an inspiration to me, I celebrate with you as you let go – and I will miss you.
Prem Maneesha (the Dancing one!)

Goodbye kemosabe, this one and so many others will miss you, remember you. Thank you so much for all the wonderful times together – the best hugs, the lack of bullshit, the utter devotion to Osho. Look for you the next time around. Love beyond love,
Bodhicitta

Thank you Veeresh! Meeting you helped me to experience more of me. Love to you, Osho and all my fellow sannyasins! See you in another world or another life somewhere in the universe!
Prem Vatika

Your Legacy is so, so big as the love you shared with us. Go to Osho, to love, to peace. Thanks for teaching me that love is always the answer.
Liege Martins

Brother Veeresh, Brother New Yorker, Brother Sannyasin, the last time we met was sherry-hour 20 yrs ago, the short time we had together to connect and get down, has stayed deeply in my heart, as though a day has never passed! Your beauty, love, and devotion has touched me and so many. I need not say it, for I know you rest in peace! We’ll hook up on the other side in the not too distant future. Ciao for now Bro…
Tino Deva Tarpana

Now… it will happen the biggest WOW: Osho and Veeresh Together in the heavens! Love you forever!
Deva Janani

Dear Veeresh, it all began with you on a 48-hour Marathon in 1978. You saved my life, I was 25. I will never forget. I love you forever. Through you I learned to love life, not to be afraid of my feelings, express myself. Through you I heard of Bhagwan-Osho, took sannyas. You are my main man even though I haven’t seen you in such a long time. Fly high in the heavens. You are in my heart forever. Your work will live forever. I also will carry your work on forth. I cannot say enough: Thank you. Love,
Ma Anand Surajo

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You,
Ma Yoga Bhadra

Thank you Veeresh for being part of my daily life and inspirations. I continue feeling held, supported, connected, loved and loved. Yahoo!,
Achara

With deepest gratitude I thank you Veeresh. Bliss beyond fear…for being with Osho, and beaming your shining light so brightly and deeply into our hearts. For teaching us “Love is always the answer!” Thank you for your great loving presence, works, and inspirations, at our beloved Osho Leela Community. Thank you, Namaste,
Navanita

Dear brothers and sisters in love, I’m so tremendously grateful and glad to have met this great loving being, Veeresh! It’s one of the lucky happenings of this life, to look into his eyes, to have his hug, to be in the aura of his love! To have met a being like him is something very special! To be inspired by him also. To honor his work of love for Osho and his friends, his many beautiful creations, his words, spoken, written and unspoken… will allways be with me! THIS IS IT – he will be always in my heart! Much love to all, OM SHANTI OM,
Bodhi Pradeepti from Germany

Last Wednesday night I woke up suddenly at around three o’clock, clear and awake, watching my thoughts. I couldn’t stop thinking about Veeresh and what his work meant for me. With him I discovered much about the acceptance of my innocence versus inferiority complex. About the complexity of ego and the meaning of love. Now I know what happened at that moment; I see a conformation of my belief in how strongly we are all connected in the universe. beyond life and death. Thank you for being in my life.
Swami Anand Bhavya

Dearest Veeresh, Dearest Denny (that’s how I knew you when we first met),
It was 1972, I had just moved by chance into an apartment in Kilburn, London. There I met Steve – a wild highly educated bio-chemist who had a secret lab at Cambridge University making mescaline. He was connected with a squatters community in Finsbury Park. One day I saw him come into the kitchen after doing a 7-day marathon with members of this community. I had never seen somebody so vulnerable and open. I also saw the apprehension with which he regarded his reentery into the normal world. Within weeks I had moved into a neighbouring seat and was ready for my first therapy weekend with Denny. Of course he had a reputation – he was a therapist!
But what I saw there was a short Latino with an Afro tottering on platform shoes wearing a short-sleeved pullover with a giant mushroom. Not so much image blown – more like image pulverised. I did therapy with him for about a year including my first marathons. I learned to give it ALL! I learned that being total is a step beyond ‘giving it all’! And that the unconscious control we have when we ‘give it all’ leads to madness. I learned the safety and love of a group and the beginnings of what it really means to trust – nothing to do with another. The squatting scene in Finsbury Park grew – I do not exaggerate when I say at least 50 sannyasins came out of this scene and the huge majority had had or were to have a connection with this man.
He was sometimes controversial as a sannyasin but I was always astounded and impressed that Osho always expressed his love for him.
A courageous man. A loving man. Always risking the edge.
May you be dissolving into your true nothingness.
In gratitude
I am not alone in that.
No tears needed for you
Let the celebrations continue
Love
Samarpan

I want to get up and dance in gratitude for all the Love and Music and Sincerity I learnt from you… but I am weak and I have broken down in tears! You were such an amazing teacher and friend to sooooooo many. May the legacy of Humaniversity and all who have walked through Osho’s and your doors continue to do your work. AUM Veeresh! AUM! Prem Devani

Beloved Veeresh, what moved me the most was your totality with Osho, and how you gave a swing to everything. Thank you for being there so long and so available, laughter and tears,
Pathika

Veeresh my love, we have been such good friends. You will live in my heart forever. We had so many great adventures together. We met in Rome in 1984, and a great great love was born. We created the Mysfit City there; we had so much joy together. We went and stayed together with Osho, in the same hotel, when He went to Katmandu the same day we knew about it. What a sharing we had…. We shared the same love for Osho, our Master. You were not shy to declare that, as I’m not shy. You have touched countless hearts, your love, your work, your courage, your limitless heart have transformed so many lives, and I’m proud to say my heart is with your heart forever. Now you are dancing with Osho, what a joy! Your energy, your smile, your warmth will shine forever in the hearts of your lovers and friends. With all my gratitude and love for all you have shown and shared. I’m with you,
Videha

Dear Veeresh, my infinite gratitude and my deepest respects! You will never die but I’ll surely miss your smile. LOVE FOR EVER,
Prem Mahakavi

Beloved Veeresh, rour leaving the body so early brings tears to my eyes. A moment of truth and love – again, and again, and again. This is how you will live on in my heart, forever. Thank you and farewell my friend,
Jhari

CHI MUORE?
CHE COSA MUORE?
COME PUÒ MORIRE?
Sarjano

Veeresh, we have never met, but I loved your work and your love for Osho. I hope you are joyfully back home. In love and light,
Iggy

Old friend, so you hit the high road! It’s so long since we hung out together. Still, your generosity, your crazy mystic playfulness, and a wordless understanding that always flowed between us, keep your spirit alive in me. We met, we will meet, we meet now and always, in eternity. Bon voyage, dearest Veeresh!
Alan Lowen – Anand Rajen

Beloved Veeresh, I will always be grateful for the “Resurrection Group”, Prempantha, Devon (1977). You turned the master key and I flew to my master. With love,
Basho (Prem Rajan)

Dear Veeresh, much time has passed since we saw each other last time…never forgotten. Many journeys, many experiences… Thank you for your Love, support, understanding. To be part of Humaniversity’s programs and courses, was one of the best times of my life. Fly high, dear friend, you are in my heart…
Ma Prem Lolit

Beloved Veeresh, I know you’re just fine, dancing in the love you’ve always carried… but damn I’ll miss you. Thank you Veeresh for being so beautifully yourself, for your overwhelming love of our most beautiful master, for bringing so much to this planet. Love you, fellow traveller, thank you, thank you, thank you. And fly very high beloved – I hope our loving you gives even more wind under your great wings.
Peggy

Beloved Veeresh, we never met, but once I saw you in a video with Osho, so touching it was for me. And I saw you also in pictures in the darshan diaries, loving Osho’s times with you. So I just had to send you an email a few years back, telling you I love Osho and I love all of Osho’s friends, about how I met Osho in 1995, and how it is a never-ending love affair. I didn’t hear back from you, but a year later I received an email from Chandrika saying that my email had been buried under other mail and that now Veeresh has read it and he sends his love! Oh, thank you for that love. And thank you for your life and your recovery. I have had someone very close to me involved with heroin, and your life of celebration beyond heroin cheers me. Always your friend,
Puratan

Thank you for being my teacher and inspiration for living my potential. With Gratitude and Love. You are in my heart forever,
Prem Urja

Akalank was Osho’s third younger brother and was initiated into sannyas by Osho in Rajneeshpuram.

He had been working as chief engineer at Orient Paper Mills, Amlai, and after his retirement he settled in Jabalpur, together with his wife Ma Shashi Bharti. They then sold their Jabalpur house to go and stay in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, with their son.

Shashi recently shared, in an article in Sadana Path Magazine, her memories when Osho stayed at her father’s house as a tenant, while she was still a small girl.

When Dharm Jyoti visited Aklank in Kanpur, he told her how Osho continued to work as a professor, even after his enlightenment, in order to take care and support his siblings’ education.

Akalank had been suffering from diabetes and heart problems. After a heart attack he died in a hospital in Kanpur aged 74.

In this family photo, Aklank is the one standing in the back right behind Osho with a baby on his arm. His wife Shashi is on his left.

Tributes

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What a wonderful family. We are lucky they are still around. I am grateful to them.
Anil Vora (aka Anand Prem)

Gayan took sannyas in Pune in 1980. He was part of the communes in Pune, Australia and Oregon. In Pune 2 he was the coordinator of Healing Arts for some time. After Osho had left his body Gayan continued to visit Pune every year on his holidays from work. He turned his visits into personal retreats, participating in meditations and evening meetings.

Besides having a black belt in Aikido and being a committed teacher of Tai Chi and Qi Gong during his last 20 years, he was also a passionate musician. He wrote his own music which was played in satsangs in the Australian communes.

Gayan was loved for his integrity, generosity and mischievous humour.

His partner Archano and many close friends gathered at his bedside at the hospice and celebrated his passing by sitting silently, singing and dancing, laughing and crying, sharing stories and…….blowing soap bubbles over his body. They say they couldn’t help but notice a little smile on his lips.

Tributes

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Thank you to beloved Gayan for all that he gave me, I am still cherishing the musical hours we spent together with some others from Freo. Love and strength to beloved Archano for the time that lies ahead.
Sangit

Thank you Gayan for your music and songs. I am so grateful to have shared musical moments with you…
Deva Vismaya

Anand Avnesh was initiated by Osho in 1981 in Pune and a year later he returned to his hometown Meerut where he opened the meditation centre Osho Saddharm Dhyan Kendra, as per the guidelines from Osho. The center has flowered, offering Osho’s meditations and spreading his vision.

A month prior to him leaving his body, Avnesh and Anita travelled to Pune, after a gap of 14 years, and meditated in the Samadhi on Osho’s birthday, 11th December. Anita recollects this as the call of the master to prepare them for a higher journey. Two days before dying he told Anita that he wanted to leave his body as it was old and painful. He asked her to
take care of the center and continue the meditations, and that no traditional death rituals be observed.

Avnesh had been suffering from pneumonia that affected his pancreas since he was a diabetic and had undergone a bypass surgery five years ago. He died at a hospital in Meerut.

Tributes

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Nikhil (Barry Cahusac) was born in Japan in 1923. His British ancestors had lived there for two generations. After WWII he moved to Uganda with his young Dutch wife Aleida and, fourteen years later to Kenya, as a forester to help grow trees and forests in East Africa. They had six children and lived in Kenya till about 1982. Later he worked for the United Nations, also as forester in Surinam, Pakistan, Samoa and other countries.

His best friend Oscar and wife Vivien (Nikhil’s daughter) became sannyasins in 1980. Nikhil was deeply moved by Osho’s books and became a sannyasin in 1982. After the Ranch, where he had lived for some time, he moved with his new wife Sujagara (Julie) back to Kenya and later to England, during which time he often visited Pune. At his big 80th birthday party, which he celebrated with all of his 6 children, 13 grandchildren and friends in Hungary, it was decided, that he would move to Nelson in New Zealand where two of his daughters and his son lived.

Nikhil was always interested in Osho’s books (he was the oldest subscriber of Viha Connection), was open to all kind of new developments in spirituality, but his master remained Osho. Two years ago he moved to a Care Living Unit near his oldest daughter.

Shreyas writes: “In the last 12 years we visited him three times and we could see that he was leading a very happy life. The last time we saw him was just four weeks ago. He was very happy; we had a lot of laughs, told each other jokes, talked about death and meditation and he said that he was ready to go and that he had already built his coffin. He seemed very fragile but we could see that he was in peace with himself.

“A week ago he was taken to hospital after a heart attack. For about a week, three of his children, his wife, and many friends stayed with him day and night. He knew that he was going. He was quiet and happy to stay with his beloveds and expressed how much he loved them. Nikhil died consciously on Sunday, at age 92. He will be buried in Takaka in a forest graveyard in his open coffin, just covered by a cloth. A tree will be planted above him.”

Tributes

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Krishna Gopal Bharti (Goyal-ji) was the coordinator of the Osho Meditation Centre in Amritar (Punjab) called Prem Bindu Dhyan Kendra which he had opened in 1980. Krishna Gopal was initiated into sannyas on 7th June 1978 in Pune.

He was given a beautiful send-off with Kirtan Celebration at Shaheedan Sahib by Osho lovers and friends.

Tributes

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Mahesh Yogi was born in 1942 in Gujarat. He first met Osho in the early seventies. We think he took sannyas as early as 1971. He was then chosen to be in charge of Kirtan Mandali which had the aim to spread Osho’s words in the towns of Maharashtra.

Later on Osho sent him to Kolkata to bring back to life a dormant center in a very sophisticated localitiy of the city, on Moira Street, where he then stayed for some time. After Osho moved to Pune he was for quite a few years the in-charge of No. 8 dormitory. When Osho left for the States he started travelling around India with other sannyasins to do book exhibition.

Since a few months he has not been keeping well and for the last 22 days he was in a local hospital for treatment. He died in his home in Koregaon Park on 21st March, on Osho’s Enlightenment Day.

His death celebration was today, 22nd March, in the commune in Pune.

Tributes

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Bhavato (aka Jennifer Ferguson) might be remembered by sannyasins as being part of Dhiraj’s Tibetan House in Pune 2.

Via Mega we hear from her daughter Michelle that only three weeks ago they were given the devastating news that their “amazing, inspirational, unstoppable Mum had cancer.” It was later confirmed that it was terminal and that she may only have a matter of weeks left. She faced this devastating news with what they can only describe as awe-inspiring bravery and graceful acceptance.

Bhavato declined chemotherapy (this will not be a surprise to anyone that knows her!) as she did not want to waste her remaining time being sick from it. Docs said it probably wouldn’t make much of a difference due to the advanced stage of the cancer.

Michelle and brother Keef took care of her at home, with help from the rest of the family.

Bhavato’s “End of life celebration” (Funeral) will be held Thursday 23rd April, 12.45pm at Bretby Crematorium, DE15 0QE. All who loved and cared for her are welcome. She asked for donations in lieu of flowers. She specifically requested that no one wears black, and asked for people to come as they are comfortable and as brightly dressed as possible. The ‘After Party’, as she called it, will be at Measham Leisure Centre, DE12 7HR, 2pm-5pm.

Tributes

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I will not forget your beautifull laughter. Fly high, dear Bhavato. Love,
Kalakeli

Beloved Bhavato has left her body. This is a big one for me because she left so suddenly and had so much life in her until this time. My memories of Bhavato are mostly centered around Pune 2 and the Tibetan Pulsing Intensive with Dheeraj. It was Bhavato who encouraged me to do that training and I totally trusted her judgement. I remember going to the place where she was living in Pune and seeing her kids, who were sick at the time, but Bhavato was very positive about their recovery. Bhavato was always positive, full of energy, very caring and outgoing. She always had time for people and a big heart full of love to share with whoever needed it. Two years ago when I was having a difficult time Bhavato was there for me, showering me with her love and said to me, “This too would pass.” She was at the Osho Mevlana Centre in Amsterdam then – and loving it – especially the Osho evening meetings. I have had so much fun communicating with Bhavato on Facebook. She is funny, sexy, witchy, caring, passionate, loving, vibrant – in short, one hell of an Amazing Woman. I will miss her a lot. There is and ther was no body like Bhavato. A Total Woman of Osho. So Much Love….
Agnidipta

Bhavato was a wild mystic. I was blessed by knowing her. She was full of love and magic. Her wisdom and love will be missed.
Shen

Spent a lot of time around this beautiful soul many moons ago as a youngster. Always kind, funny, wise and full of laughter. May have once banned me from Multiversity for being a rebel, but it takes one to know one…. So sad to hear this news. Her wonderful kids are doing her proud. One Love,
Zz

What an amazing being of love, light and humour you are, Bhavato, so authentic wise and courageous. I feel blessed to have known you. Thank you for touching my heart over and over again. The higher dimensions are lucky to have you there, Beloved.
Prem Shikha

Beloved Bhavato, thanks for our days in London, Devon and Pune in the ’80s. You and your children were a blessing to me and many! Fly high, darling.
Chinmaya

Beloved Bhavato, so alive, so vibrant so good-hearted. A celebration by herself!
Nartana

Nishkam (Marcelle Wolfers) died in Bristol aged 85.

Trish writes: “Nishkam was an intelligent and determined woman travelling to Exeter University from Bristol in her 70s to gain an MA in creative writing. An admirable achievement indeed. After moving to Bristol from New York, where she was an Art Therapist, she enthusiastically became involved in our local Sannyas Womens’ Group where her comments, sense of fun and compassionate insights were much appreciated. She was also a keen participant in the annual Osho meditation camp providing some inspiring art and mask-making workshops. She had many friends from the younger generation who regarded her with respect and admiration looking to her as a wise member of our human clan. Fly high, Niskam, you are loved missed and remembered as the free spirit you are.” 

The photos were taken at Nishkam’s graduation ceremony and at sannyasin friends’ wedding celebration.

And Nishkam’s brother Nicholas wrote this about her: “She had a very active life in Britain and the USA as an artist, writer, film-maker and teacher, but sadly contracted Alzheimer’s very seriously while living in Jacob’s Court, Hotwells, Bristol. Shortly after that she suffered a series of strokes and falls. So was moved to hospital and then to the Westbury Nursing Home. She could not communicate at all, but was well looked after at the nursing home and died peacefully at 09.00 on Monday 30th March this year.”

He recalls that when he and his family went to see Nishkam graduate from Exeter University: “She was then in her seventies and got great applause as the second oldest participant in that graduation ceremony. (She was born on 19th March 1930). Afterwards my family and I enjoyed chatting to some of Nishkam’s fellow sannyasins.” [She had also lived in Rajneeshpuram, Oregon.]

Nishkam’s funeral at the Canford Crematorium, near Westbury-On-Trim, Bristol, will be on Tuesday, 28 April at 14.00 to 14.30, followed by a chance to drink to her at a nearby pub after the service.

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Swami Deva Anand (aka Devanand) was born Walter Wallauer in 1938 in Nürnberg, Germany (before World War II). Despite the war he did not harbour bad memories of his childhood. His mother never gave him the feeling that there was not enough food, at least he did not remember he ever suffered from hunger. His deep connection with his mother sadly ended with her sudden death.

The following years of dependency and insecurity led him into life-negative spaces. He sufferend from cancer, which he survived. During his convalescence, which he spent in a clinic in Bad Herrenalb, he came in contact with psychotherapy and meditation for the first time. He would refer to this period in life as the one which changed his life.

He travelled to Pune and took sannyas and later lived in several sannyas communities in Germany. One of which was the small Tarisha Osho Meditation Centre in Stuttgart which he led for a while. In the ashram in Pune he was trained in massage, psychic massage and hypnosis. He was also a worker and many might remember him as the caretaker of Mahakashyapa.

Many might also remember the story Devanand told when he was living in a romantic mill in the countryside and the old house burnt down. He lost all his possessions in the fire. Later he felt happy about it because he could now live like Indian sannyasins, without home and belongings.

This is how he spent his years: in summer he lived in Europe together with friends and in winter he stayed with a Indian friend in Pune. Because he was such a generous person, full of humour and friendliness, he received many invitations from friends around the world. Children particularly were very fond of him and he knew how to take care of them in a loving way.

After he left the Pune commune he created and developed his own healing system with included orgon waves, Reiki and pendulum work. His body had always been fragile and needed a lot of attention, but he always had the energy to apply his healing work to help others.

He often mentioned how lucky he was and that existence was taking care of him; he was a very positive thinking person. During the last year of his life he lost interest in other people and focussed more on himself and a few very close friends.

Devanand died in Inlaks Hospital in Pune, at age 77. The first photo was taken the day before.

Tributes

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I first met Devanand in 1981 when I was 11 years old in an Osho Ashram called Diviya. He was so welcoming and sweet to me being so new to it all. Over the years we met here and there, and the connection of warmth and heart always remained. Beautiful to see the photo of him just before he left his body. So loving and ready for the new adventure. Fly high, Devavand!
Deva Premal

Beloved Devanand, fly high, taking your wonderful humour with you… Remembering your years of running around here and there, always a smile on your face, just like on this picture, and then the years of silence, seeing you sporadically. Thank you for being a caring friend. Farewell,
Aviram

So many years ago we were the pioneers in Stuttgart for spreading the news about this incredible Guru Bhagwan in Poona. Now you are gone. I see you appearing in my memories: of you with wet, tearful eyes because of laughing together about all the comic and crackyness of daily life. I loved your gentle humour. Guten Flug ins große Ganze und sanftes Landen in der Unendlichkeit!
Shunyam

He was a such a sweet man, full of heart and kindness. We often spent time together sharing, in the German Bakery and other places. Only love remains….
Satto

When I came to Pune for the first time in 1999, he was the one welcoming me there. We laughed a lot together and I always enjoyed his wonderful sense of humor. I feel blessed that I could be with him during his last weeks. He has been so thankful and wonderful, carefree and happy all these days.
Adarsha

Devanand was one of the first sannyasins I met back in 1980. He appeared in my shared flat in Nuernberg, Germany, and gave me my first Tarot Reading. From then on we bumped into each other within Osho’s Communities in Germany, India and he even visited Byron Bay in Australia. Devanand was always a very happy, nurturing and eccentric, easy-going friend and surely was one of the lights which showed me the way to Osho; he was one of his true lovers, living to the fullest. You are always in my heart, beloved Devanand.
Niti

Now you are gone and today as I am celebrating my day of birth I see your picture and tears flow; tears of gratitude for all the wonderful moments we have shared together in Pune, in my garden house. You so often just popped up for a chai and some laughter. How much fun we had experimenting with your newly discovered healing devices and our playful quarelling! You loved to tease me and I loved your wisdom and your zest for life. Not so long ago I asked Bhuti about your whereabouts, as we had lost track of each other. I am happy to know that you left for the mysterious journey from the place you loved the most. Farewell my friend, all love be with you and thank you for blessing my life. You are in my heart, Beloved <3
Mahana

Devanand-Ji, you were one of the first sanyasin I met. It was 1976 and I was 18 and you an ‘experienced’ seeker. You lived in an old mill near Nuernberg in a commune and our lives are intertwined since then through our love for Osho. In almost 40 years I saw you opening to life and love more and more, accepting all and going with the flow; I saw the flowers of innocence and gratitude and joy blooming in you – and this last photo of you is a pure celebration of life! Beloved Devanand, with a deep bow I say farewell to you and thank you for leaving footprints of love in my heart, dancing lightly into your new adventure. Namaste, beloved friend,
Atmo

Devanand, you welcomed me in the Stuttgart Osho Center when I was heartbrocken and homeless. You had true kindness of the heart. You helped many of us with your sharing from deep within. And you where a rascal: when the neighbours called the police on Sunday morning during Dynamic Meditation, they usually arrived at the silent stage at our top floor and just could look into your sweet and innocent eyes. You enjoyed the game. Once I was too lazy with my center-work, you banged your fist on the table to wake me up, thank you! In 1997 you told me in the Resort that you had recently just escaped death. Your eyes shone their light for another 18 years on those around you, what a gift. Even death must have been touched, closing them gently. Farewell, dear friend,
Anand Nirbija

We first met in a small Osho ashram in Schorndorf around 1982. Already at that time some of us called him grandpa; and specially the kids loved him. Since that time we have been friends. We had a very warm and sweet meeting a few days before he left his body…and death feels so normal with…for him… Fly high,
Navanito

When I first met Devanand-ji, he was sitting silently in a friend’s garden, a flower amongst the flowers. And I immediately fell in love with this one… How could you not? His gentle and kind being, his infectious laughter, his sweet naughtiness which loved to tease, and the twinkle in his bright eyes will forever live in my heart. In love and gratitude!
Anurag

Oh, Devanand! There you are! On your way home! Lost track of you in the last years. We’ve lived together in Divya Ashram 1981-1983; you had so much fun with the children of our little commune near Nuernberg. Always in a good mood, welcoming, full of love, acceptance and surrender. You visited me here in Byron Bay and stayed in my house for a few weeks. I still see you sitting on the lounge with your pendulum; you checked out your food, your sleeping place, the energy in the house. I still have the crystals in each corner you ask me to place. Sweetest heart, dearest friend, so so much love – fly high B
beloved,
Sangeet

With great honour to Devanand’s transition and this enormous openness till the last moment – coming out of his eyes and soul. My appreciation and all the best through his Bardo.
Loving Ma Anand Anadi who met Devanand in the 80’s at Divya Center in Germany.

Hi beloved Devanand, looking into your eyes, holding your hand, still so warm and alive just two hours before you left. I had so much fun with you running the caretaking of the Pyramids area in Pune in the 90’s. Thanks, dear one… With love,
Ekanta

Vinaya might have been Osho’s oldest sannyasin. Born October 9, 1920, he was 94 when he passed on while living in Sedona, Arizona. Swami Dhyan Vinaya took sannyas in 1981 via mail. Although he was in his early sixties when he took the jump, having already lived a full life in the world, Vinaya (“capable of surrender”) moved in Osho’s world with joy and enthusiasm.

He spent years at the Ranch, working in the bakery department among other jobs. Vinaya also served as a teacher in the Antelope school. In Poona Two, he worked in the finance department. And in Sedona, he was a student in the Osho Academy for 15 years; he rarely missed the meditations and Osho videos, and also devoted his time to helping with the work.

Born William Austin Shonerd in Bremerton, Washington, Vinaya was the son of a Navy man. Consequently, the family moved around a lot and even lived in the Philippines for a while. Vinaya followed his father’s example. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and was immediately ushered into active duty, serving in World War II as a Lieutenant Commander and electrical engineer on submarines.

His sub was in the thick of the action during the war on the high seas. His ship took two depth charge hits, which caused some permanent hearing loss. Vinaya served 21 years in the Navy, and after discharge he taught math in a Virginia high school for 19 years.

Always a seeker, Vinaya was into Ram Dass until he discovered Osho via the book “Meditation: the Art of Ecstasy.” He spent some time at the Paras Meditation Center in Berkeley before taking up residence at the Ranch.

Vinaya also played the father role. He had three children, two girls and a boy, and his family members made frequent visits to Sedona during his time there. Said his son, Robert Shonerd:  “I loved my father very much. He was not a father that was molded from a recipe, but a man who wanted to explore. He found a home in Sedona and never really left. I always respected what he wanted in life and he respected my life choices.”

Vinaya loved Sedona. He was an avid hiker until his health began to deteriorate. Official cause of his death was congestive heart failure, although he had suffered for years with pulmonary (lung) issues. When he knew the end was near, he prepared fearlessly, aided by his wry sense of humor. All of his papers and possessions were in order; he summoned his family to Sedona, then checked himself into a hospice facility where he died peacefully.

The day before his passing, he told a friend, “I think it’s good to get a new body so I can start fresh!”

There was no official celebration for Vinaya after his cremation on May 4, except in individual hearts. He was a beloved figure in every Osho community he blessed with his presence. Said a friend, “He was a free spirited, courageous and gentle soul.”

Vinaya’s son Robert reports, “We are planning to have a funeral for him in the future, here in Marietta, GA. I plan to put his ashes in a military cemetery so we can visit him sometimes.”

Text credit to Viramo

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Vinaya was a beloved friend and fellow traveller of mine through many years in Pune and Oregon. He also visited us in the Philippines where he spent some time of his childhood and had fond memories of the Filipino nanny who gave him warmth. Vinaya will stay in my heart as a very loving man who enriched me through his presence in many ways! Thank you, farewell and bon voyage, beloved friend ♡
Gyandevi

A lovely man…. fly high Vinaya…
Ma Deva Liberty

Vinaya was a remarkable Being. I met him in Sedona in the Osho Academy. We became dear friends. He loved children, and he oftentimes watched lovingly over my daughter Vivek. He was so fun to be with, always playful with a childlike innocence. He carried a deep wisdom, which he shared gently, spiced with his special sense of humor. He had the most generous heart and was fully devoted exploring and going deeper into his own awakening. Always caring and loving…
With my heart full of gratitude, Vinaya, I wish you a beautiful journey into infinity. So much love… Fly free, fly high…
Deva

Beloved Vinaya, I wish I could have had one last hug and looked in your eyes one last time before you left the body. You are a whole loving man, who taught me to pursue my joy and passion. Blessings,
Abhiyana

Vinaya, I always felt so comfortable with you, so welcomed and loved – you gave me your presence. Thank you,
Michaelvedam

From Vigyana we hear that Sw Sagar Daya (aka Curd Andreas Ellinghoven) died at age 57 in Munich, that he was a group leader together with Veeresh, a fantastic car mechanic, a healer, handyman and a good friend. He has been living in Diessen on the Ammersee for the last 10 years. He has two children who are living also in Diessen with their mother Maitri.

His ashes will be poured into Lake Ammersee on 4th June 2015.

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His sister, Antar Rishu, writes:

Swami Anand Prabhakar died after a heart attack at his home near Prescott, Arizona. He was a master falconer, a martial arts expert who studied under Grand Master Dan Inosanto. He was a registered nurse and had studied acupuncture among other healing modalities. He was an accomplished nurseryman and spent most of his spare time in his beautiful gardens where he created a true oasis in a high desert. He lived a wonderful life with his beloved wife Di and their two English setters, Annietoo and Delilliah, his falcon Raskle, as well as scores of pigeons and pheasants. Prabhakar lost his wife just last year, on 20th July 2014, and has longed for her since with a broken heart.

The very best stories of his life were those spent in the presence of our beloved master Osho. (Our mother was also a sannyasin and some may remember her from Rajneeshpuram, the Big Muddy. Her name was Prem Shakura. She died in 2006.)

Prabhakar was blessed to be exactly who he was, a lover of life and of the balance of a life well lived.

The final email he sent me shortly before he left his body had the subject: “All Of A Sudden.” This hit me like a shockwave. In it I found a weather link showing how the weather went from winter to summer in that one day. And later when I walked into his home I saw that from the Tarot deck that day he has drawn the card “The Ultimate Accident”. Again I felt that same shockwave.

Fly high, sweet brother, you have been the blessing of my life, and I will miss you until we are together again in the eternal forever…

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My heart is so full with having been blessed to be loved by you. You are the greatest friend I have ever known and I will think of you each day. Meditation is your message of love…
Rishu

From Chinmaya we hear that Anand Neelamber left his body peacefully in Whakatane, New Zealand at 11.10 this morning, Friday June 26th. Neels took sannyas in Rajneshpuram in ’83. He worked in the video department during Pune 2. He was a central figure in Auckland’s sannyasin scene over the past 30 years, distributing Osho’s books and discourses as well as music by sannyasins.

As John Henry, Neels was famous for his inventiveness as a technician and editor in New Zealand radio and television from their earliest days in the ’60s. He had a passion for technological change and pushed the boundaries of what was possible.

Always a collector, he leaves a unique collection of Osho paraphernalia as well as numerous items (destined for the local museum) carefully preserved form the days of his grandfather and parents.

From Satty we hear that instead of a funeral service there will be several celebrations for his passing. At three of these Celebrations his ashes will be released: at Ohope, at Opoutere and Auckland. A gathering of his work friends will be arranged in Auckland in the next month to celebrate the man and his fabulous body of work and a gathering of Osho friends will be celebrating the wonderful, mindful, meditative man Neelamber was, in Auckland within a month.

His Osho friends in Auckland will hold a celebration for him on Friday 24th July.

Here is Neelamber’s story how he came to take sannyas:

Born in New Zealand and worked in the NZBC: in Radio (1963) and Television (1964-1973). During this time I was involved in a serious car accident (1968), knocked out in a tumbling vehicle, thrown out the back window, landed in a paddock. I suffered some sort of brain damage, became incredibly depressed and suicidal. Parents were devastated by how I’d changed. Tried yoga, staring at candles, read all sorts of books. I was helped somewhat by continuing with my oil painting and learning to throw pots as a sort of therapy. Major turning point though years later, was the discovery of “The Book of Secrets, Vol, 2″ by Osho at a friend’s house in 1981. The very first paragraph I read struck an amazing resonance for me. I immediately bought my own copy of that book.

I read quite a few of Osho’s books, but in June 1983 after completing a major video project, I’d ended up in Australia, and I felt to visit the Rajneesh Meditation Centre in Sydney’s Oxford Street, to see if there were other books I might access. I saw on the notice board: Dynamic Meditation, 6:00 am, $3, bring a towel. I did Dynamic for three days. I couldn’t believe it, I felt so much better in my whole being than I had ever felt during the previous 15 years! I determined to continue down this path. Two weeks later I travelled to the Ranch in Oregon and took sannyas there in July 1983.

On 11th February he wrote:

A snowflake disolving in pure air – Bad news for a swami

Yep, that’s the Swami Neelamber bald patch right there centre frame, with my purple jeans down around my ankles. It’s an urgent CT scan, which followed an earlier gastroscopy and biopsies. For those, I chose to have the endoscope down my throat without the usual sedation, it was quite challenging, but it enabled me to see my own throat in glorious closeup . . . however, it wasn’t a pretty sight!

Dr Prasad the operator, said afterwards the problem he found there was “very nasty”…translation: “Esophageal carcinoma.” Pretty bad news, although actually it was quite expected. I’d had two operations in that area, 20 and 18 years ago — Nissen fundoplications, the first time being a medical mis-adventure. And so I was absolutely certain that sometime in the future, my esophagus would be my body’s ‘weak link’….

Dr Carter, the radiologist (at left), is answering my questions about the Iodine they’re about to inject into my blood to give the CT scan more contrast. Not so keen on Iodine really, it’s one of those nasty halogens in the periodic table…along with Fluorine!

Anyway got the results of the CT scan yesterday (lower pics), Dr Prasad showed me a lot of the ~1000 odd slices they’d recorded. It’s an amazing technology, computed tomography scanning. The two slices here show: on the left (circled), my esophagus about half way down, and on the right, about where it enters the stomach. It’s easy to see why I can’t swallow properly! Damn!

I have a printout too of the medical report from Dr Carter. That makes for very sobering reading….

Won’t go into all the details here, suffice to say that the esophageal carcinoma was not alone! That dirty little weasel disease in my body has spread: liver, lungs and lymph nodes. The report conclusion says: Extensive metastatic disease.

It’s inoperable. Apparently I may have just two or three months left. I need to check with an oncologist regarding the possibility of chemotherapy and or radiation — that’s probably what they’ll want to sell me, but I’m not so keen. Those may drag things out a bit — but either way, existence has it’s timing, and my focus will now shift to “getting my affairs in order”. […]

Breathe, breathe, breathe . . .

Thank you for so many wonderful memories! It’s been a fun ride. What an amazing planet we have! Try to take care of it, and as many of the people living here as you can. I’ve met some very beautiful souls this time around, thank you all for your love and light. Take care of each other and enjoy the journey! Namaste,

Swami Anand Neelamber

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Neelamber left his body an hour ago. 11:10 NZ time. I’m going to do a dance on my hill top to celebrate his wonderful life and tune into him through the air waves. Tears too are flowing. Total love and anand for us Anand’s too, xxxoooxxx
Hansa

I got to meet this wonderful soul after connecting with him through Facebook. I feel privileged to have meet him in person and from the very first time we spoke on the phone, I knew I would like him! He greeted me on the doorstep of his house, not with a handshake, but a smile and hug, like I was a long lost brother – I guess I was. Every time I saw him, it was the same; I felt loved and welcomed.
An amazing human being, so beautiful. May he be at peace with his teacher. Love and light to you, Swami xx Paul

Met Neelamber in the early 70s when he worked as an editor at Vidcom in Auckland. He was so passionate in all that he did. Such an inspiration. A spiritual genius.
Xxx Maharaj

It was amazing to watch Neels transform over the past few months after his cancer was diagnosed. From a hermit/geek obsessed with technology and with hording stuff, he became a loving being, open to friends and strangers alike. His last few weeks were surrounded by loving friends, some of whom he hadn’t had contact with for 20 years or more, and who flew in from places like Australia to be with him. he kept his humour and sharp wits to the end. His gratitude to Osho was boundless. Some moments for me were like being in the presence of a Master – so absolutely in the here and now.
Chinmaya

What a treasure! I experienced him as one of those rare souls that genuinely reaches out…to support, love, help, dance. He became a distant but, at the same time, close friend. Enjoy your journey lovely man.
XXXX Padma

Love Neelamber, a joyful journey to you. Love,
Dhyan Tarpan

Blessed your soul, dear Swami; you’ll be forever in my heart! With all my love,
Satisha ❤️❤️

Fly Free beautiful man. You filled my life in Auckland in the 80’s with the beautiful clear sound of Osho’s speaking and music and celebration.
Anupassana

She died in Australia surrounded by family and friends.

Her daughter Mallika writes:

Beloved friends and extended family around the globe,

on Saturday 4th July my beautiful mother Trinda died, here in Australia. A dear friend of hers has renamed it ‘Trindapendance Day’ for she flew free of her body after years of an illness she bore gracefully, with lightness, curiosity, compassion, irreverant humour and little complaint.

I had the blessing to return to Oz to spend time with her and care for her and be with her this year, as she went through the final stages of her illness. We reconnected deeply, lightly, honestly, lovingly, and found new more spacious ways of being together as mother and daughter, as sisters, and as friends, and for this I am deeply grateful.

I was taxiing for takeoff in Denver when she died, flying home to be with her in her last days. When I received the call, the most stunning sunset was painting the Colorado sky outside the aeroplane window. She left her body surrounded by loved ones, and with incredible grace.

I am heartbroken, grieving, shattered inside. My words are muted. I have lost my mother and I miss her so, so much. But it was her time, and she was ready to leave behind her failing body and fly free, and I also know and trust that. There was and is so much love surrounding her, and surrounding all of us who knew and loved her. She was a funny, beautiful, wise, and fierce-willed woman with huge courage and a deep, gentle heart. She will be deeply missed by many. I miss her so much already. I love you Trinda!

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Farewell, Trinda, on your journey to the Master’s side. My love and support to your family. Love,
Niyati

Gyan Sharno (Katsue Ishida) was in charge of the Yamato-hime chapel at the Grand Shrine in Ise, a coastal city 75 miles southeast of Osaka. Her abilities as a channeller were widely recognised throughout Japan.

She was Osho’s ambassador to Japan.

Sharno, Katsue Ishida, was the mystic who stated in late 1988, after seeing Osho’s picture, that, “This is the person that Maitreya the Buddha has entered. He is trying to create a utopia in the twenty first century. Lots of destructive power is directed against him, and some people call him Satan. But I have never known Satan to be poisoned, We must preserve this man, Osho. Buddha has entered into Him.”

Osho accepted the prophecy “with great love and respect” and dedicated the discourses published as No Mind: The Flowers of Eternity to her in the same terms. When he found Buddha “too old and too much fixed in his approach to life,” he apologised to her. She replied through Ma Geeta, “Don’t feel be worried and concerned. With every change your master has reached a higher stage.”

Ma Sharno visited Pune in January 1989. Osho noted, “Ishida is here, sitting. She has come from Japan, from a Shinto temple. I will make her my ambassador to Japan.” (Communism and Zen Fire, Zen Wind, Ch 1, Q 4).

Sharno was in charge of the Yamato-hime Shrine in Ise, a coastal city 75 miles southeast of Osaka. Her ability as a channeller was widely recognised throughout Japan. As a small child, she had been overwhelmed by the sound of a great explosion which no one else had been able to hear; this was later realised to be the bombing of Hiroshima. In her seventies, her hair turned white after a vision of hell. She also ran a jewellery store and was known to drive a hard bargain.

Sharno may have been one of the influences in Osho’s decision to change his name. (“Osho” is a Japanese term of respect for a Zen Buddhist master.)

Text thanks to Anand Haridas

Osho Speaks on Katsue Ishida

Shinto Prophetess Takes Sannyas – download article of Rajneesh Times, 1st April 1989

Images credit to Sannyaswiki – www.sannyas.org

Our beloved Trinda has gone. Much loved daughter, mother, sister and friend to so many of many worldly and spiritual families. The news of her passing is changing the landscape in unexpected ways for us all.

Just 10 days before her 70th birthday, accompanied by dear loved ones, she left beautifully and with grace. Her long illness was borne with dignity, curiosity and her characteristic British no-fuss style. She used the circumstances to become as present, awake and authentically herself as possible, through many modes of inquiry and practise. She was loving, vibrant, inquisitive and present until her last moments and seemed to become more and more refined and radiant as her body became increasingly fragile and transparent. Her spirit however was as determined as ever and though frail, she attended a Diamond Essence training in Sydney the week before she died!

Born in England in 1945, she cultivated both sensitivity and resilience through some challenging life circumstances. Educated among the privileged, she trained her fine mind within the disciplines of academia and a lifelong love of learning, language, literacy and humanity. She worked as librarian, activist, artist, horsewoman and equestrian with robust health, enthusiasm and a hunger for change. Her willingness to challenge the cultural norm of her times had her travelling to Italy to rescue art treasures, trekking and travelling to India, ​learning to speak Italian, Irish, and then Welsh, ​working amongst men as a builder, painter and craftswoman and truth seeking in all dimensions. She and her partner of that time, Prabodham hand-built their own house in rural Wales and she was always a woman connected to the earth. It was here she gave birth to Mallika, her daughter, who has survived her, thrived in their unique relationship and embodied her wise ways.

Trinda took sannyas with Osho in 1980 in Poona and was resident in the Poona ashram, ​in the Totnes Commune, in ​Medina Rajneesh ​and spent time at ​the Humaniversity, ​and ​the Ranch.

F​or the last 28​ years, she made her home within the extended community in Byron Bay, Australia.

There, initiated into a path of feminine wisdom, she unearthed a deep instinctual knowing of her unique gifts, her particular magic and threw her heart, passion and her fine enquiring mind to the reclamation of the mysteries of the Sacred Feminine as a pathway to self-knowing and awakening. In a time with few models of feminine wisdom, she grew into eldership, became the crone, and was an example, teacher and wise counsel to many on their path. In other times she could have been called witch, shaman, a pagan … she was the wise woman whose considered steady gaze could pierce through fabrication in a heartbeat.

She is a founding creator of Shematrix, a collective of women who hold rites of passage for women and men throughout the world. In this work, as well as other wisdom lineages, she cultivated the deep compassionate listening, stillness, and magic of the old ways that fed her own soul journey and was unaccountably nourishing to be near. We will miss her particular flavour in the flesh, but have no doubt of her continued presence, guidance and fragrance in spirit.

Never shy with an opinion, she was a regular writer of letters to banks, people and institutions who needed challenging and she enjoyed the exchange of debating a wide variety of viewpoints in social, political and spiritual life. She also had a thirst for knowledge and as a friend recently quoted:

“She consumed books like a whale eats krill.” ― Alan Bradley

Returning to studies in her 50s, she completed a fine arts degree and pursued her art as a vehicle for engaging with and transmitting the unfathomable beauty of the mystery. There are lucky ones who have her artwork and writings to remember her with and yet somehow her true legacy is in what is woven in the silence between us.

She had an ability to befriend and accept the broadest spectrum of peoples and her capacity to be deeply and tenderly present, especially as her physical capacities waned, in the briefest moments, was to feel deeply seen, fully met and to bask in unconditional love and acceptance. She lived fully, loved and danced a wild jig this round and we are so blessed to have known her.

Tibetan monks are offering prayers for her for the 49 days following death and there will be a celebration of her life on her 70th birthday at Mevlana in Byron Bay. Loved ones are welcome to come. Bring chocolate cake!

Text by Nirado

Osho talks to Trinda during the sannyas initiation: A Sky Without Clouds
Osho replies to one of her questions in: Three Centers: Head, Heart and Being

Tributes

You can leave a message / tribute / anecdote using our contact form (pls add ‘Trinda’ in the subject field)…

On Saturday 4th July my beautiful mother Trinda died, here in Australia. A dear friend of hers has renamed it ‘Trindapendance Day’ for she flew free of her body after years of an illness she bore gracefully, with lightness, curiosity, compassion, irreverant humour and little complaint.

I had the blessing to return to Oz to spend time with her and care for her and be with her this year, as she went through the final stages of her illness. We reconnected deeply, lightly, honestly, lovingly, and found new more spacious ways of being together as mother and daughter, as sisters, and as friends, and for this I am deeply grateful.

I was taxiing for takeoff in Denver when she died, flying home to be with her in her last days. When I received the call, the most stunning sunset was painting the Colorado sky outside the aeroplane window. She left her body surrounded by loved ones, and with incredible grace.

I am heartbroken, grieving, shattered inside. My words are muted. I have lost my mother and I miss her so, so much. But it was her time, and she was ready to leave behind her failing body and fly free, and I also know and trust that. There was and is so much love surrounding her, and surrounding all of us who knew and loved her. She was a funny, beautiful, wise, and fierce-willed woman with huge courage and a deep, gentle heart. She will be deeply missed by many. I miss her so much already. I love you Trinda!

Mallika

Farewell, Trinda, on your journey to the Master’s side. My love and support to your family. Love,
Niyati

Fond memories of Trinda from the late 70’s / early 80’s in London. Feisty and smart.
Ashesha

Sarjan (aka Tim Lloyd-Yeates) died at his home in Portishead (near Bristol in UK) with his loving family, his wife Chiara and daughter Khezia by his side. He had been struggling with leukaemia for some time. Thirty days in from having received a bone marrow transplant he contracted a chest infection which made the transplant fail.

He was the Founder and Executive Director of Alive! Activities, a charity dedicated to improving the quality of life of older people in care; giving them choices, supporting networks of friends and family, and facilitating hobbies and interests, learning, and meaningful activities. His groundbreaking and inspirational work is now represented in 350 care homes. Sarjan’s work included giving talks at various Dementia Conferences as well as on UK Government level.

Sarjan was a wicked DJ and played both internationally and in the UK. He met his wife Chiara at Osho Leela in Dorset where he also DJ’d for quite a few years with his decks and vinyls. He was a favourite with the crowd! There he later helped Dhyano with his empowering Aflame weekends which involved a firewalk. Sarjan was the one responsible for making the in-depth Health & Safety Report for the firewalks!

Outside of work, Sarjan loved to kayak around Bristol harbour and further afield. He ran the Bristol and London Marathons, he was part of the Bristol Dynamic Meditation Team on Sundays and he loved animals. He had many cats, dogs and chickens at his family home. He also hosted a Radio show on Bristol’s BCFM Silver Sounds for older people on a Friday morning.

Sarjan was and continues to be an inspiration for all of his friends both in and out of Alive! and his light continues to shine on! He was a gentle and loving man with a big, big heart (and brightly coloured shirts!) and everyone who ever met him loved him.

The funeral will take place in Bristol on Monday, 27th July. A celebration is also planned.

Credit to Mala and Sharmi

Tall Tim

The inspiration for setting up Alive! came to him while watching the life of his mother-in-law Shirley come to a sad end in a care home. This from an article about Sarjan’s work:

“I was 35 at the time and it left me with a burning sense that everyone, especially me, could have done better. It fired me up and stayed with me.”

Over the next four years he gave up his City job and, using the small inheritance that Shirley had left them, the family travelled to India and France, where they lived for four years. All the while he was reflecting on his mother-in-law’s bad experience and learning everything he could about health and social care policy in the UK, and about dementia.

Once back in England, Sarjan put his newfound knowledge into practice. He became the general manager of a company facilitating music, poetry, quizzes and physical activities in various care settings – and he found his vocation.

“For the first time in my life I felt that I was in a place where I belonged. I discovered I had a talent and a desire to connect with older people and those living with dementia.”

When the company franchised the model, Sarjan decided to leave. He was ‘as skint as a church mouse’ and had a young family to provide for, but he had a vision. He didn’t view the work he was doing as a business, but as social service.

He started phoning care homes in the south-west and as soon as one of them expressed interest, he armed himself with a wheelie bag full of song sheets, quizzes, poems and a CD player and set off on public transport to meet them. Once inside, he engaged with the residents, many of whom had dementia, by kneeling down so that he was at their eye level and using non-verbal methods of communication to gain their confidence. Every home he visited in those early days remains a client – and everyone in them calls him Tall Tim.

Three years into this form of private practice, Alive! became a registered charity. It now has ten staff and 15 presenters skilled in the Arts and non-verbal communication techniques who, between them, facilitate thousands of activity sessions and have trained 500 individuals in 70 care settings to deliver the sort of respectful, stimulating and person-centred care so sadly lacking for Shirley. Sarjan says training others to continue the work is vital; otherwise, the beneficial effects of the sessions are merely transitory.

In 2009 the story took another twist when he met a care home resident called Dorothy. She was confused and, seeking to calm her, he asked what one thing she would really like to do. When Dorothy said she wanted to see the Bay House Hotel in Scarborough, Sarjan thought of the iPhone he’d just bought. He took it from his pocket, typed in Google maps, found the hotel and showed it to her. Dorothy instantly began telling him, lucidly and fluently, all about this significant place from her past.

It was a light-bulb moment. “I had the first inkling of what the internet and intuitive touchscreen technology could do for older people.” A year later Sarjan and Andrew Morris launched Memory Apps for Dementia – a partnership that identifies and uses touchscreen technology to improve the lives of those with memory problems.

Now iPads form an essential part of Alive!’s work. “It’s the people in the room who have the knowledge. They hold the answer. It’s easy to get caught up in the activities – in Paint Pals or iPads for their own sake – but they are just tools, just a bridge to the person who has lost his or her energy or identity.”

The person – the individual – holds the key to everything that Sarjan, Alive! and Memory Apps set out to do. As he says, “Everyone is unique. Let’s stop pretending otherwise. How can you serve people if you don’t know who they are?”

aliveactivities.org – facebook.com/aliveactivities – memoryappsfordementia.org.uk – seewhatimean.co.uk

Tributes

You can leave a message / tribute / anecdote using our contact form (pls add ‘Sarjan’ in the subject field)…

Thinking back to my first meeting with Sarjan, it could be said that that experience sums up who he was and how he lived his life. I remember I was staying in a pine lodge at Osho Leela in Dorset, England and came in to find a very tall man sitting at the dining table surrounded by papers and files.

After a brief and somewhat logistically awkward hug (I’m not exactly short but Sarjan’s 6’6″ frame sometimes made me feel like a little kid when we hugged!), he introduced himself and said he was writing a risk assessment for fire walking (the UK’s first such document which was later published in the Guardian), and this is my point… In all the time I had the privilege of working with him, he was always encouraging others to take that step beyond their preconceived ideas of what might be possible, to move into a more authentic way of being and discover their greater potential, but at the same time he always kept an eye on ensuring they were covered… that they could take that unknown step with the confidence that whatever happened, they were supported and, above all, that they were loved.

Even in his most business focussed meetings either within Alive! or with other organisations, this beautiful man exuded love and brought love courageously to the forefront of everything he did. Little wonder then that the Alive! charity he founded in 2009 with the mission to improve the quality of life to our elders, has gone from strength to strength and now regularly brings a ray of love-light into the lives of over 7000 older people across the South-west of England.

I only met Sarjan in 2007 but over the years have heard many tales of his exploits. What has become clear is that he shone like a beacon of love wherever he went and whoever he was with, from his clubbing days as DJ TimSpin to advocating for the rights of older people in the House of Commons, from his impassioned work for Alive! to simply spending time with the family he loved so deeply.

In the days since he passed away, I have heard so many people sharing so many of their beautiful memories of Sarjan and, whether they had known him for years or had met him only once or twice, it is clear that his passion and compassion made a huge impression on everyone and I’m certain his light and love will continue to radiate in the hearts of those who knew him for a long time to come. For me, I feel such a deep gratitude to have have had the privilege of working alongside Sarjan for these past few years and I will be forever proud to be his friend.

Milarepa

So, so sad to hear of dear Sarjan’s passing, a very, very beautiful man and a dear friend. He gave so much of his time to helping others, a real saint among us. Sarjan, I love your courageous heart, always willing to listen and do good. I’m so happy you’ve been in my life. And you’re a wicked DJ too! I remember your fantastic sets at Puravida. I wish you such wonderful times wherever you are now. Much love,
Devaraj

Vimal remained a sannyasin to the end. Her life ended up pretty much off the rails, but it started off as a miracle, a birth claimed as the result of a parental pilgrimage to Lourdes. Some weird stuff happened in her childhood, including – so the story goes – discovering her father in bed with her mother’s best friend, but being disbelieved by her mum, and sent by her father for psychological treatment rather than admit the truth. She also carried deep scars from a serious motor-bike accident she had as a teenager.

She took sannyas in 1977 and travelled (with two kids and me as boyfriend) to Pune for the first time in one of the two buses that famously went overland from North London with about 40 crew. Her third child was conceived in Pune. She did meditations, groups and some counsellor training during that and a couple of further stays, but somehow slipped through the net and succumbed to alcoholism. I always felt that had things gone differently, she could have been a great therapist. As it was, several of her friends in the early days were definitely drawn into sannyas at least partly by her charisma, joyful positivity, and open-heartedness.

She made an art out of mischief and misbehaviour as anyone who spent time with her could verify. She was always a friend to the down and out. In later years she gave up drinking and became reclusive. She suffered from long-term depression and anxiety, and struggled to manifest the opulent reality she felt she deserved. She regained a lot of dignity in later years.

Vimal delayed seeing a doctor and after being admitted to hospital with pneumonia, was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. She didn’t want to die and kicked up an impressive final fuss, but was also able to express a lot of love for her family who spent these final days with her. The closest she came to acceptance was that she packed some bags from her hospital bed as if planning for a trip and kept a close eye on her keys.

She was not an obedient or ‘holy’ sannyasin but never wavered in her love of Osho. Without her body or mind, I can’t imagine Osho being anything but delighted to meet her again. Typically, the last I heard from her, she sent me a great photo from her hospital bed – with a big grin and a cardboard sick bowl on her head carrying the simple message “Happy Birthday Param”. A few weeks later, she was gone.

Text from Param (with the help from Vimal’s daughter Arvind)

Tributes

You can leave a message / tribute / anecdote using our contact form (pls add ‘Ma Vimal’ in the subject field)…

I loved Vimal. She and Param were a shining light to me. They took me in when I first became a sannyasin; she paid for my ticket to Poona, bought me a flute, and showered everyone with love and especially acceptance. She was a wild woman in those days, and very beautiful. I think of her often and always smile.
Anand Chitta (ex Sangito)

The last time I was with Vimal we walked miles, literally, with Param’s mum and Keda through the beautiful English countryside. A good memory. I had a turbulent relationship with her over a number of years. Vimal was unique – generous, loving and very crazy! Way too early to leave.
Ashesha