Ma Shunya (meaning ‘Emptiness’) died in the home in the presence of a friend and her sister, just as she wanted.

Rupa, who had first met her on the Ranch where they worked together in Dadu, the farming department, writes:

Our friendship started when I moved to Maui in 1986. I remember once over margaritas, her recounting her life story up to that time and I wondered how anyone could have had so many adventures in such a short time. She had such a bucket list and recently ticked off two items: African safari and jumping out of a plane which brought her such joy.

Over the years our friendship deepened into great sharing. She was my greatest teacher in the art of sensitivity. She loved to play… wish you could have shared one particular afternoon we had with giant bubbles… pure delight!

We both loved one book in particular which we referred to again and again and which I bestow on her… dearest Shunya, beloved one, may you journey with an “Untethered Soul.”

So much love from your dear, dear friend “Rupadupa” and, as you would always say, “Cheerio, pip pip.”

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She personified the “Be you, the world will adjust “…. Shunya Petunia, Fly High and Roar even Higher…. The entire Universe welcomes you. I will miss you on this plane, my beloved friend. Thanks for letting me hold you… !
Madir

Shunya, or “Shoony” as her friends called her, was a light in my life. We were room-mates on the Ranch and then later she gave me a job working with her on Maui. We laughed so hard together. She was witty and kind and always right on with advice she gave me. I love you Shoony. Fly high. I’ll see you one of these days on the other side. ✌
Prem Lino

Dhyananand (aka DA, or Dhyananand Graziano) studied architecture, sculpture and photography in college in California. Leaving school, he went travelling and lived in Europe. From there he went to see Osho and took sannyas in 1979.

He lived in Osho’s communes doing different jobs. Many might remember him working in Rajneeshpuram in RBG garage; a tall, ginger haired and soft-spoken lad.

In the late 80s he worked with Meera at painting and Nirman at stone carving. The stone carving re-ignited an old interest and back in the USA he continued working with it. Last November we showed in Osho News a slideshow of his sculptures: Carving Stone in Timeless Zone. On that occasion Dhyananand wrote: “My beloved, Nirja, and I moved into a trailer park [in Boulder, Colorado] this summer that has many old-time sannyasin residents. It is nice to be within walking distance of so many friends.” He also spoke of a bone growth that had needed to be removed from his skull.

Shanti writes:

Dhyananand used to live in Seattle and that’s when we started to have a closer connection. He would help us set up our fair booths early in the mornings and that helped bring such a sweetness to the whole day. He was a very good sculptor too. We were so lucky to have met this person on our life journey.

Credits go to Shanti, Mega, Nanda, and Sundro for some of the portrait photos in the slide show

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DA, thank you for your presence, your tenacity, your soft words when we would meet. Always a welcoming, always kind to me. You were the most total dancer and singer at our recent music events, an inspiration to me. I thanked you for your support and energy and you said, “I have to go for it, it could be the last time, I will sing or dance.” That has stayed with me and is a continual reminder for me to be total in everything. Loving you so much, DA. Now you are everywhere.
Nanda

Although I lost contact with him 20 years ago, I’m reminded of him very strongly when I heard of his passing. Beautiful conversation and just being in his presence was a delight. I felt him very strongly today! So much to say, but you are in my heart always!
Udgam

Your sweet nature, how can I forget you. Wherever meeting you in the past, your smile is echoing today in my heart. Be well, wherever you are…
Khushbu

I met DA in the Osho Holistic Massage Training in 1990 (Poona 2). He had a great sense of humor and was a natural at massage. We stayed in touch and reconnected a few years later when I moved to the US. I was lost in grief at the time after the deaths of several people close to me, including both parents. DA, with his warmth, gentleness and deep love for Osho, lifted me from the depths of depression. We spent the summer of ’96 together in the Pacific Northwest, hiking, camping, biking, singing Osho songs, laughing, loving and sharing. He was a tonic for my soul and I will always be grateful to him for that. Fly high, my beloved friend! This earth is richer from your presence.
Jyoti

Thank you for your friendliness, sweetness and support when I needed it!
Smrati

Namaste Baba. I love where our journeys intersected and we walked together a while. It is a joy to know you and our hearts will lovingly remember you.
Seemanta

I remember a mountain trip we took together in the Austrian Alps – where DA was working with Nirman renovating a house – and the girlfriends would visit for the weekend. It was already autumn and we drove up as high as possible and then went hiking. DA was carrying his flute – he had always dreamt to play his flute in the mountains – so now he did, in the snow, with cold fingers, full of laughter and joy. It was a wonderful moment…
Kunji

Thank you for your presence. Every day I look at the wonderful Buddha you carved for me many years ago. A gentle, loving, creative soul, DA. Fly high.
Roshani Shay Curtis

Narendra (aka Warren Stagg) grew up in the USA and became an actor, known for Blume in Love, a 1973 film starring George Segal and Susan Anspach, written, produced and directed by Paul Mazursky, who also appears in it.

Mega writes:

I first met Narendra in the late 70’s in Pune, India. He was living in a big house near the Blue Diamond Hotel Bridge (opposite Don Bosco Youth Centre) with Spanish Candida. There was a big field next to it. As I remember that was the place where all the buses were parked on the day we went to inaugurate the Saswad Commune.

Narendra came back to Pune in the 80’s and started teaching Kinesiology first at the Osho Commune, and then privately.

The last time I saw him was in 2006, at the German Bakery on North Main Road (see the photos). He would always be there very early in the morning having breakfast and meeting his students. Whenever we met we always exchanged jokes. He loved to poke me with his great sense of humour. I will truly miss him.

Punya adds:

In Rajneeshpuram Narendra was for some time the bus dispatcher at downtown Zen Connection. He could be spotted even in the dark because of the bright orange hat he always wore. He was the king of the show and did a great job, for passengers and bus drivers.

A tribute: Narendra with his Orange Tibetan Hat – Punya remembers working as a bus driver in Rajneeshpuram.

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Narendra was indeed a very dear friend. In the Ranch days I was one of his students as a bus driver, and he thought me very well! I also met him in Candolim, Goa in 2005 and attended one of his training in Kinesiology. He has melted into High Consciousness. Love,
Geetamji

Narendra had a rich and full life that he lived passionately with a positive spirit and a great sense of humor! He had the passion to share his understandings and convictions to everyone crossing his path… Grateful for his journey with us on that amazing caravan of misfits that Osho gathered around himself. Much light and love, dear Narendra, for your passage into the Mystery.
Kavisho

Your passing brings back so many memories of hanging with you in Poona-Rajneeshpuram and back-to-Pune. We were never best buds, but fellow travelers on this journey of life. Now you lead on to the next world. I wish you adventurous travels, my friend! Svaha!
Abhiyana

Narendra introduced his playful self at Rancho Rajneesh by hefting an end of a 1/2 ton I-beam during the construction of the Tire Temple. I was alert when he was around thenceforth. Fly on fellow traveler!
Madiro

Narendra, for as long as I’ve known you, you’ve been a friend of great heart and a gifted healer. You will be remembered as the super honest, uncompromising human being you were. It’s easy to imagine you flying free… I’ll listen for your cheeky laughter amongst the cockatoos and the crows. With love,
Padma

Yoga Arvind (aka Torben Blond, Turiyananda Saraswati) studied at the Music School in Copenhagen and became an accomplished pianist, but soon gave up his studies to join a 3-year yoga education at the Satyananda Saraswati ashram in Munger, Bihar, India. This turned out to be a very challenging, intense and extremely disciplined, and ascetic path, so much so that after two years he escaped and went to Mumbai where he met Osho.

He immediately fell in love with the easygoing sannyas way and many might remember him from the very early Mumbai/Pune days. He was most likely the first Danish sannyasin. What he did not know at the time was that he had tuberculosis. When diagnosed, it became clear that he would have to go back home for treatment.

In Denmark he opened Anand Niketan, the Rajneesh Meditation Center in Copenhagen, which he ran for many years offering Osho’s meditations as well as yoga classes on a daily basis. Although he was an eloquent and lively speaker who loved to talk till late in the night, there was always a still, silent and steady presence around him that inspired many. He became a catalyst for many Danish young people who then, through him, travelled to Pune to meet Osho. Soon a large sannyas community grew around him. The Centre was active till the eighties, i.e. until it was closed down during the Ranch time.

Arvind left his body at the age of 74 having faced Alzheimer’s disease for the past seven years, bravely observing how his abilities slowly declined.

The farewell ceremony for Arvind was celebrated on Saturday, 18th June 2016.

Info and photos thanks to Varta, Ageha, Pratibha

Pratibha writes:

Some people play a particular role in your life and Arvind certainly did in mine. I didn’t like him that much, in fact, he really pushed all my buttons, but I loved him for sending me a mala with a short note saying, “I heard you lost your mala, greetings Arvind.” This was in spring 1974.

I had had awesome and magic experiences with Osho in India but didn’t worry much about having lost my mala. I didn’t wear orange; I didn’t want to be part of a club. My boyfriend Leif (later Yoga Sangeet) had read Janov’s book The Primal Scream and we asked Arvind if he knew where to do this therapy. He answered, “Why don’t you do the Hoo-Meditation?’ (meaning the Dynamic) and it dawned on us the value of what it was we had found in India. We didn’t have a music tape so we used Pharoah Sanders’ free-jazz LP to keep the time – taking turns.

I often went to Copenhagen on Sunday afternoon to do the Dynamic Meditation at Arvind’s center at Skindergade; most people did it naked. After the meditation we shared a meal and participated in Vedanta’s impro music group circle. The sannyas center was on the 3rd floor (Ole and Hannah’s Tibetan center was in the basement, the Scandinavian Yoga Center around the corner; that was pretty much all as far as spiritual options were in those days). I thought that being naked was part of the meditation, so when I did Kundalini Meditation in Radha Hall in Pune for the first time I took off my robe much to Christ Chaitanya’s horror. “Put that robe back on!”

Already in the early days we organised a meditation camp on my father’s farm on the island Bornholm where we lived. We died all our clothes, including underwear, in bright orange ready to get on our way to Pune, leaving everything behind to live in the ashram. We also held an encounter group in my mom’s ‘summer house’ where I had a great ‘fight’ with Arvind. Seated at each end of the thick box mattress, each one with a tennis racket, we took turns banging that poor mattress as hard as we could. Arvind shouting, “It’s MY center!” and Pratibha, “NO, it’s OUR center!”

He was stubborn and persevering. He kept that center going! We never saw him much in Pune but he paved the way for many people to find Osho and his meditations. Respect!

May your soul find peace, Arvind ❤️❤️

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Anand Jokhim was born in Trier, Germany in 1949 and studied to become a kindergarten teacher. She took sannyas in Pune in 1979, founded the Osho Meditation Centre in Darmstadt and was later part of the Wioska Centre in Cologne. When she moved back to Munich she worked at a software company, then in Prinz Myschkin, an upscale vegetarian restaurant. Later she co-founded the Obertonhaus, a shop specialising in singing bowls, gongs and didgeridoos and finally Allegretto, a music shop dedicated to children.

Jokhim worked as a bilingual kindergarten teacher (English and German) until she started feeling ill this April. Ten days before she died the analysis confirmed that she had Creuzfeld-Jacob disease (CJD), an incurable, degenerative neurological disease. She died at the Christophorus Hospiz where she spent her last days, cared for by her daughter Pushpi and many loving friends.

Jokhim’s birth name was Hildegard, which means ‘protected by the goddess Hilda’ – hence Osho says to Jokhim when giving her sannyas:

Now, you need not bother Hilda any more — I will protect you! The only condition for my protection is: be blissful. The more blissful you are, the closer you are to me. The more blissful you are, the more you allow me to penetrate you. The more blissful you are, the more you become one with me. And I am just a door: once you enter into me you will find yourself in God, not in me — you will not find any me. The whole secret is blissfulness.

Osho, Don’t Let Yourself Be Upset by the Sutra, rather Upset the Sutra Yourself, Ch 34

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When I arrived with my husband Horst on June 24, 1998 at our Bangkok hotel after 4 weeks in Thailand, a message for us waited at reception: “Please call Ms. Ankly at the Amari Hotel.” Jokhim knew before we left that we would be in Bangkok at that time but I did not know for sure if she would be there too. With great we arranged to meet the next evening at the Oriental Hotel. That was the beginning of three wonderful days we spent together, going shopping, enjoying food and lots of laughter. On the last day Jokhim visited us at our hotel and we spent the afternoon at the pool. Finally we took her to the hotel boat that would return Jokhim to the other shore, where she stayed, and I had the opportunity to make the photo below.

3 years ago, on June 23, 2013, I visited Jokhim at her home. A few days previously I happened to see the photo I had made of her in Bangkok and said to her, “Do you remember what you did 15 years ago to this day?” Needless to say she didn’t. When we unearthed and looked at the holiday pictures we both were very touched – she enjoyed the photo where she appears to be waving like a royal. To me it’s somehow like a symbol of her life. So much is expressed in it – her humour, beauty, individuality, the happiness she experienced so many times in Asia (astrologically her Jupiter is in the 9th House) – so much more for which I have no words.

I’ve been looking at the picture for days now and every time my heart opens – I feel that this is how she is waving to us from the other shore. And tears well up again and again because I miss her now and will go on missing her. So much connected us that only we two shared… beyond words!
Deva Sneha

Dear Pushpi, I am so sorry to hear that you lost your Mom! And I lost a very dear friend. I tried to call her just a week before she died but could not reach her; now I know why. I loved Jokhim, I miss her and now I wish we could have had more contact during those last few years. Bye bye, you beautiful graceful woman. I am glad to know that you are OK now. With much love,
Madita

Upgeya (aka Leonardo Mazzotta, Zorba the Buddha) was born in Nocera Inferiore near Naples, Italy. He was a musician and composer and in his younger years was part of the I Killers band. He had worked as a clerk in a school and as a businessman. He was married twice. From the first marriage he had two children, Max and Gigliola and Leandro from his partner Nicoletta with whom he has also visited Pune. Max, who died last year and was deeply mourned by his father, was also a musician; they very often played together, including in a concert in Milan. Upgeya’s second wife was from Russia and was with him until he left his body.

Upgeya came to Pune together with Raso in December 1978 and took sannyas in January 1979 from Osho. He visited Chidvilas in New Jersey and then was also part of the Rajneeshpuram commune. Together with Geetam he used to play for music group at Sagar Osho meditation centre in Florence. In 1986 they participated in a poetry and music event at Chiara di Puniano where Anado (aka Nicoletta Machiavelli) read Veet Asmi’s poems.

He died at age 69, from a heart attack.

Text and photos thanks to Raso and Veet Asmi

[Upgeya means to be celebrated.]

Life is a gift to be celebrated, a gift which we go on taking for granted, for which we don’t feel any thankfulness. And that is the only sin: not to feel grateful to the whole for giving such a precious, immensely valuable gift. We cannot pay for it, and because we cannot pay for it — there is no way to pay — we can only be in a tremendous thankfulness. Because we cannot pay for it, religion is born.

Religion is nothing but gratefulness, and this gratefulness can be expressed only through celebration. It should not be just verbal, it should be in your dance, it should be in your very being. It can’t be just a thank you to god; that will be too poor. Words cannot convey anything, you have to become the thank you.

That is the meaning of upgeya: when one feels so grateful that one dances in gratefulness; and that’s my whole teaching here.

Osho, Zorba the Buddha, Ch 10

Veet Asmi writes:

Upgeya, this is the name Osho gave you: Live in celebration and gratitude for the life which has been given to you.

Your journey on this planet has been an intense search through the senses… To reach exciting heights your body was both, a limitation and a land to explore. You were unable to walk in everyday life; you always wanted to dance like a Zorba the Buddha.

Too impatient, you were looking for allies to help you fly away towards heaven. In happy moments together, you said to me, “You too have seen the light…” I lost myself in your greed of living and your powerful body ravished me towards the apex of pleasure.

Osho was your tantric master, you hungry for ecstasy. Osho showed us the way of meditation, the way of the heart, the way of the present and, above all, he showed us the way to freedom: we are all free to create our own path.

Your heart, both strong and fragile, had already failed once. Saved by a miracle, you started to run again towards the heights; you wanted everything immediately, as if you did not have enough time, often fighting alone.

My home was a shelter for a warrior and you thanked me for having saved you from cruel ghosts or real pursuers, I don’t know. I accepted the mystery of your being.

After many years you reappeared, as a traveller back from India. In your eyes I saw a darkness that frightened me… you had gone too far for me…

I also remenber your talent and love for music but there was a destructive force… Recently you told me about a book you wanted to write on the secrets of exchange…

It was a great gift to have met you because through you I discovered the ‘woman’ in me. We loved each other and this is written forever deep in my heart.

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Prem Archan (aka Donat Daniel Tanner) grew up in Dübensdorf, Switzerland. Both his parents were psychotherapists with their own practice. His father, Dr Fritz Tanner (later Sakshi), who got his doctorate in Theology despite having been blind since age 13, worked for the Swiss Government, was a professor for further education and the author of 14 non-fiction books. One of them was ‘Bhagwan Gauner Gaukler Gott?’ [Bhagwan Hustler Juggler God?] the title of which was maybe not so much appreciated by the sannyasins when it came out in 1986.

Archan became a sannyasin in the early 80’s pretty much at the same time as his parents. His sannyas name means ‘a love prayer’. He soon joined the Osho commune and centre in Zurich, called first Gyandip then Kota. There he met Anjali with whom, after the commune closed in 1986, he took over the Zorba the Buddha Restaurant and named it Naturel.

He taught himself the skills of a computer programmer and learned how to fly in Oakland. When his father died in 1996 he moved to South Africa with his mother Anutoshi where they opened a farm in Napier called Blue Lion. From there he continued to work as a programmer; he was know as the computer doctor, helping a lot of people to learn using them. His partner Lee will carry on the Blue Lion in his name.

Archan died from a heart attack at age 54.

Anjali writes:

He was a one of the rare people who took Osho’s words “Live your life to the fullest” very very literally. He lived and loved his life 1000%.

He always had a smile and hug for anyone who needed it even when he was having an off moment. Bubbling with energy, it often felt like he had music running through his veins.

He was a true meditator, everything he did, he put his entire soul into it.

We will all miss that sunny smile and clear outlook at life. To me he was a soulmate, to many of his friends he was a ray of sunshine; he took on for many the role of Father, Friend, Mate and Brother.

Nirvi writes:

Archan and I used to work together in the Kota commune in the department called ‘new business’. Our job was to find new jobs that commune members could do to make money for the centre.

Archan was like a brother to me, with a big heart. It was fantastic to work with him, he was so warmhearted and full of humour. We always tried out new things and concocted many funny pranks together.

One night we had to help serve in the Zorba the Buddha Restaurant, but the outfits for men did not fit us so we just put on outfits for women – this created much laughter also from the clientele!

I also remember another incident: after a delivery to our Disco at the Barfüsserplatz in Basel we drove off in our small truck and with Zurich number plates (Zurich and Basel hate each other!) and followed the parade with sannyasins on the back dancing to Osho songs.

Text and info thanks to Anjali, Magdalena, Mahana, Nirvi – photos thanks to Anjali, Vismaya and Laurence

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Svadharma (aka Monas Lustmann) took sannyas on 5th September 1979. He used to live in Munich, but resided in the last few years near Fulda. He wrote two books: Sei Dir selbst ein Freund (Be your own friend) and Gegen Krebs ist viel Kraut gewachsen: Mein Blasenkrebs (Many herbs have grown against cancer: my cancer of the bladder)

Author’s bio on Amazon: Monas Lustmann was born in 1946 in Bad Wörishofen. He suffered the worst possible starting conditions because his parents were traumatized having been former concentration camp inmates. Nevertheless, Monas feels this initial burden rather as a blessing because it led him to tirelessly search for happiness. He meditated for decades until finally his true nature revealed itself to him in 2009. Since then he relaxes more and more in all-inherent human happiness.

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My beloved father Monas Svadharma Lustmann left his body with a curious and peaceful view last week. He was ready to go. Please celebrate dance, sing, cry… all is ok. I love him forever! He was the best dad I could imagine. He always let me free and loved me how I am. Love,
Sameera

One of the warmhearted beings I met on my way along the rocky roads. Wishing you a smooth transition.
Shruti

Hi Svadharma, my dear friend: this is Rasiko speaking. Hope you are fine where you are. You were curious to find out what happens next… Either you’ve left to Nirvana, or else you’ll be back soon. Hahaha, take it with humour or sarcasm – both of which you had in this lifetime

Let’s relax together into eternity, you and me and our friends. I feel kind of childish these days, just wishing all my dearest friends shall meet again together with Bhagwan-Osho, in Buddha Hall or Hall of Eternal Buddhas. A big large boundless hall, this is in fact, a whole universe – and yes my dear Svadharma: I simply miss you. As though I feel your gentle touch in the breeze of this soft tropical night on Koh Samui.

We met in 1980 in Munich, at Satdharma Rajneesh Meditation Centre, Amalienstrasse, (anyone remember it?) and been in contact ever since. And now you’re gone. No more emails, no more of those rare meetings since I left Germany. Mai pen rai, never mind.

Your old friend, now living in Thailand since long. Farewell, Alles Gute!
Sw. Gyan Rasiko

Deva Mouna (divine silence) left her body surrounded by her mother Gundula, her sister Eva, and her long-term partner Madhupran in the city of Bonn, where she was born 47 years earlier, in 1968.

Mouna has been living in Denmark from around 1995, and was a member of the Osho Risk community. Her sannyas journey began in California where she had gone to study performing arts in the early ´90’s, taking sannyas at the Köln center in 1992.

Her lively personality endeared her to those who came to know her – she had a razor sharp mind, and a contagious laughter. She possessed a charming talent of switching from serious to light-hearted in a flash and was a lively and generous participant in community gatherings. Her wit, humour and sincerity were shared all around, and she had a natural gift for friendship.

She loved the Danish nature and countryside, and was especially happy to live near the ocean. She was a winter bather and member of the Viking swimming club in Aarhus. A gathering at Moesgaard strand, near Aarhus, was held recently by family and Danish friends, to be with Mouna’s spirit, surrounded by the water and trees, which gave her so much sustenance in between her gruelling hospital treatments.

She had found out about her breast cancer in 2011 and spent the next and final 5 years of her life courageously dealing with the medical ups and downs, her own inner journey towards her death, and at the same time living as fully as possible. Even as she knew that death was approaching, she teased her sister Eva about the significance of her name. She gave personal thankyous to close friends in the days before her death, knowing that time was short. In many ways, her leaving was undramatic, and she slipped away, accepting that she was moving house, and just let go into the unknown.

Text thanks to Sudas

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Beloved Mouna. So happy to have been graced with your near presence for more than 20 years. Thank you. I love you and miss you and do my best to be envious as Osho asked all sannyasins at Vipassanas death. Thank you for your sincerity, your courage, your endless optimism and your tiredlessness: you never left a chance to face the inner reality and was more than ready for your transition. Your presence is strong everywhere now.
I have an egoistic hope to meet you here once again.
Love, love, love,
Madhupran

Working with her in the Risk kitchen was always chaotic and fun and that was the very quality I had to learn from her. She became much softer in the last few years and felt strongly connected with her in the silent moments. Thank you, Mouna, for your love and laughter.
Deva Yoko

Gute Reise und danke für die vielen keinen Begegnungen! <3 Garimaa

Beloved Mouna, I love you deeply from here to eternity. I will always remember your beautiful being and precious heart, your friendship, your sincerity, your willingness to listen, your laughter and openness to always celebrate life. I have had the best times celebrating with you in the evening meetings, Osho’s White Robe Meditations at Osho Risk and in Pune. Thank you for taking your time visiting me in Sweden. It feels very strange writing these words as only a few weeks before you left your body I had a sudden urge to come and see you in Germany and was looking for flights… as it didn’t happen I will keep all the beautiful memories of your presence close to my heart. You were truly one of the best friends I’ve ever had. I will miss you… and trust that you are still wild and even more free now… Loving you,
Ma Pravasi

Prem Amala, which means Pure Love, (aka France Van der Meerschen) took sannyas at Shanti Sadan Meditation Centre in Montreal, Canada on 14th September 1982.

Ramakanta writes:

Amala left us in peace, softly in grace, and surrounded by her fellow traveller Pravasa (Gilles Archambault) who was with her in life and in illness with love, benevolence and beauty. She leaves us a heritage of overwhelming generosity, her sacred fire, her vitality, her humanity, her warming presence and her immense love of life and people. All along her life, be it professionally as a psychiatric nurse or personally as a relative or friend, she took care, sustained, gave, consoled, was a shoulder to lean on, welcomed and loved totally. It was her gift, her talent, the gift of love, that she unfolded simply, totally from birth to death. For this every one that came in contact with her have infinite affection and gratitude towards her. Thus love has gone back to its source while staying forever in our hearts.

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Nirman (aka Giacinto Laruccia) was born in Margherita di Savoia in Apulia, Southern Italy, but as a child moved with his parents to Paderno Dugnano near Milan where he lived for the best part of his life. In 1988 he had his first and only son (Stefano).

Nirman was an artist. He loved painting, designing and creating home accessories: mainly frames, lamps and mirrors. At an early age he started to work as a painter, decorating and restoring walls in homes and offices. That was his way of sharing his respect, love and creativity with people in their living and working spaces.

He gained most of his skills through experience and (as he used to put it) playing with different materials and trying different methods. He attended the art school Accademia di Nova Milanese and later studied under A. Fossa. From 1996 till 1998 he worked as a professor of arts at the university for seniors, Ute, in Paderno Dugnano.

In 1996 he discovered the world of meditation which completely changed his vision and approach to life and art. He was fascinated by Osho because of his books and started attending programmes at some of Osho’s centers in Milan. He met the artist Meera Hashimoto at Osho Miasto and, the same year, he followed her to the Osho International Resort in Pune. There he took sannyas in 1998 and changed his name to Prem Nirman. “My name is Prem Nirman, which means ‘pure love’. Through this meaning I try to express and communicate my being while sharing with others.”

Nirman was committed to meditation, lived his life fully and immersed himself in his art and creativity while supporting others whenever he could. He started to assist Meera in her groups at the Resort in Pune, at Osho Miasto and in Spain. He also ran his own creativity workshops in various locations in Italy and held art exhibitions together with other artists or solo. He was also fond of theatre work and took part in plays together with friends.

He also helped reopen Osho Varazze, worked as a mural painter at the Osho Center in Sommacampagna and later at the Osho Campus in Povegliano Veronese.

Nirman left this world at age 59, after having showered us with lots of love, beauty and leaving our hearts filled with gratitude and sweet memories. We love you, Nirman.

Text and photos thanks to SatSonia and friends

Facebook page with images of Nirman’s murals:
facebook.com/Colori-di-Laruccia-Giacinto-decorazioni-murali

Video tribute, with music by Devakant:
facebook.com/campus.povegliano

Tributes

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

Now that my father left the body, his love, his energy and his joy for life are in me more than ever. Every time I think about this I can’t find words to express the gratitude I feel. All of his teachings will forever be within me.
Stefano

Nirman is the love of my life. I’ve always been grateful to existence for bringing us close together, for giving me the chance to live a wonderful experience with an amazing being. An adventurous person who is ready to jump into the unknown with no hesitation or fear, full of curiosity to learn and discover new places and things. I love and appreciate his qualities, his beauty, creativity, simplicity, totality, presence in the moment, dedication to being true to himself and others, willingness to share and support, generosity, openness to welcome any experience in life and grow with it, and his determination to do what he loves. His softness, love and care in his heart and eyes cannot be explained. Nirman, you will always be within me and around me.
SatSonia

We were busy with completing the training. But then one day we had a celebration for him and it was absolutely amazing. He was right there with us as he always was, a happy and heartful being. We shouted his name with joy and tears, celebrated and danced with him and for him. His presence was so strong that night. I still can’t believe that he is no more here with us. The way he painted a portrait of people was so amazing. The brushes were no longer brushes but extensions of his heart. When he drew a stroke on paper it was as if he were lovingly touching the person’s face. What he shared with people was the essence of creativity. Whatever he touched was an extension of love. Nirman assisted me over many years in this same way. I felt relaxed because he prepared all the colours and set up the spaces so beautifully. The helpers team commented about him that he was a facilitator who always prepared things with so much respect and love. Yes, he didn’t die but he immerged into everyone around him. Everybody will remember him whenever they are in a creative space.

When I met him for the first time he was an artist called Giacinto. It was interesting to see him sweating while painting. I found out that his way of painting had an academic background. What I was teaching was so new to him: “Painting without painting” or “Action through inaction.” “No intention but let painting happen…” But when he got the message, something radical happened to his art. Now his art is magic, coming straight out of his heart, and yet it is very well crafted. This is the reason why his art catches so many people’s hearts.

I learnt a lot from Nirman; he is so ordinary, so warm and kind. Sometimes I felt he was born to lend a hand to everybody. I love him with all my heart. He will live in us forever and ever.

One more story: before we started the training at Osho Miasto in August, Nirman presented me with a beautiful watercolor painting. He told me that after sitting silently he had had the urge to paint and that this was the painting that had arisen from that; it depicts a meditator or the Buddha inside of him. It’s an amazing painting! After he left the body, I wanted to share it for the tribute movie and looked at the dedication more closely. I cried when I read it. Even after his departure he still talks to me so strongly. It says, “Per cara Meera, con amore e infinita gratitudine, Nirman.” [To dear Meera, with love and infinite gratitude, Nirman.] I will carry this painting with me wherever I go. He will keep shining the light on our path of creativity. Thank you, beloved Nirman, for your heart, love and devotion.

Meera

Nirman, beloved friend, words, gestures, actions, they create time and space and inevitably separation. Where I met you was often in a space we shared beyond form and emptiness, sharing a journey of joy, wonder and agony. I love your sincerity in seeking, finding and embodying the journey of the soul in the limits of flesh, and the passion, the intensity and sweetness that fill your signs and colors. I also love your humbleness and softness, and the vulnerability that shines in your eyes. I love your curiosity and innocence.
Avikal

Ogni volta che incontravo Nirman, quello che mi arrivava era un senso di pace colorata accompagnato da un senso di sostegno. Se mi trovavo in un momento particolarmente intenso, e ne parlavo con lui, bastava incrociare i suoi occhi, per accorgermi che ero in un loop e tutto finiva in una risata e un dolce abbraccio. Negli ultimi mesi, era ancora piú forte questa sua qualità. Il modo con cui ha vissuto il “processo di guarigione” è stato un esempio che mi ha toccato nel profondo. Aveva la capacità di accogliere ogni situazione come fosse un ospite gradito. Mi parlava con entusiasmo e gratitudine, di quello che gli stava accadendo e onorava ogni istante come fosse il primo e l’ultimo, con presenza e gioia. Ed ora, amato Nirman, ora che hai lasciato il corpo, sei ancora di piú tutto quello che sei stato.
Ramdas

Each time I met Nirman, what came over was a sense of colorful peace accompanied by a sense of support. If I was going through a particularly intense period and talked to him, it was enough to meet his eyes to realise that I was in a loop and everything ended in laughter and a gentle hug. In recent months, this quality was even stronger. The way he lived the “healing process” was an example that touched me deeply. He had the capacity to receive any situation like a welcome guest. He spoke with enthusiasm and gratitude of what was happening to him and honoured every moment as if it were the first and last, with presence and joy. And now, beloved Nirman, now that you’ve left your body, you’re even more what you’ve been before. Ramdas

Il ricordo di te è qui… I tuoi occhi curiosi, la tua presenza, il modo amorevole, condividerti… Ogni volta che ti penso sorrido e sento quanta bellezza mi hai regalato. Mi divertiva moltissimo il tuo modo di farmi notare come ero sotto attacco del giudice. Grazie caro Nirman,
Shashi

The memory of you is here. Your curious eyes, your presence, your loving way, to share you… Every time I think of you I smile and feel how much beauty you have given me. The way you made me notice when I was under the attack of the judge amused me very much. Thank you, beloved Nirman, Shashikala

Nirman è quí e in ogni luogo – di qualcuno già e stato detto?
Nirman, ci sono le prove. OK, arrivo!
Nirman, andiamo in Puglia? Sí, andiamo!
Nirman, le foglie vibrano. Sí, le disegno!
Nirman, lí qualcuno vuole amore. Sí, lo amo già!
Nirman: semplice e immenso come un supereroe.
Daniela

Nirman is here and everywhere – has someone already been said that?
Nirman, we have a rehearsal. OK, I’m coming!
Nirman, shall we go to Puglia? Yes, let’s go!
Nirman, the leaves are vibrating. Yes, I am drawing them!
Nirman, there someone wants love. Yes, I love them already!
Nirman: simple and immense like a superhero.
Daniela

Caro Nirman, caro amico, sei nel mio cuore, ancora più vicino. Amo la tua disponibilità, la tua curiosità, il tuo buttarti con gioia nelle cose che ti attraggono, senza domandarti molti perchè. Amo il tuo entusiasmo ed il tuo coraggio nel metterti in gioco, così come è stato molte volte ed anche nell’ultimo periodo, in cui hai affrontato gli eventi seguendo decisamente il percorso in cui riponevi la tua fiducia. Ciò che penso è che queste tue doti, la curiosità ed il coraggio, ti abbiano portato a varcare per primo nel nostro gruppo la soglia misteriosa che hai attraversato. Per la prima volta, nonostante le molte volte con cui ne sono venuto a contatto, questo tuo lasciare il corpo mi ha condotto ad osservare da molto vicino il fenomeno che viene chiamato “morte”, per la prima volta senza paura e con curiosità, con attrazione verso il mistero che essa copre e svela. Sarà che sapere che posso contare sulla tua esperienza, mi porta quiete e rilassamento, sarà che quel che sento è che tu ci sei, in altra forma, in mille forme ci sei, nel cuore e sulla pelle, negli abbracci, nell’aria che respiro e nei tramonti, nelle persone che incontro, nei luoghi e nei ricordi e sei ancora più vicino, caro amico e ricercatore assoluto! Con tanto amore,
Vasanto

Photo credit: Viola Mezera

Deva Premal (Viten’s younger daughter) writes:

Viten’s exit from this earthly plane was so impeccably timed, blessed and free of suffering and pain. She was 84 years old and until the last morning still climbed the 88 steps up to her apartment (no lift!), sang her mantras every morning, played Viola da Gamba, exercised, meditated, watched her daily soaps with enthusiasm, loved her glass of red wine in the evening and supported Miten and myself so much along the way.

She was the one who gave us all her savings 20 years ago so we could buy a van for our travels, who sent out the CDs in the first years and who always delighted us with her love and joyful nature. I’m so happy and grateful for her to have been given such a beautiful end to her life.

Viten had no fear of death and often told us that she was ready for it when it would come. She had a stroke – or as Ram Dass would say – “got stroked” and stayed long enough in the body afterwards for Ilonka (my sister), her partner Gerd, Miten and me to be with her and sing to her for the last 30 hours of her life.

Viten took Sannyas in Pune in 1981 – at the age of 49 – and her love for Osho was so deep, so total and fresh – until the end of her life.

She was a classical musician all her life. She played the recorder, organ, piano, harpsichord but her main instrument was the Viola da Gamba. She was a member of the Ulsamer Collegium, an ensemble for medieval music which was well known in its day. She gave recorder and Viola da Gamba lessons until the last week of her life. And she loved loved loved our music ;-), especially Miten’s songs!

Tributes

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

I remember Deva’s mom, Viten, say to me once, “Life is a game but do not take it lightly; live every part of it fully.” Being a musician herself, she would tell me with some humor, “I will be in the audience tonight; make sure to play extra well,” and I always told her that I would be playing for her from a deep place of my heart.
Manose

…I remember her very well (like on the picture where I’m sitting on Ilonka’s lap Lot’s of love for her,
J. (Purnam)

Beloved Viten, peace and love and soft wind under your wings,… charaveti charaveti… Love is where you are…
Atmo

Prabhu was the brother of Meera, Priti Yog, Dhyan Chaitanya and Asha, and son of Bhagwati. A beloved musician he has delighted those who had the pleasure to play with him and those whom he inspired to pick up an instrument. He lived in Sydney, Australia with his partner Geeti, together with whom he organised music and dance retreats, classes and private sound relaxation sessions. His published albums are: Simple Melodies, Hypnotic Rhythms, Overflowing Overtones and Ethereal Vibrations.

Prabhu died only days after he was present at an event. His sudden death was due to a fever and as a result from a heart condition he had had since he was child.

Full Moon Death Celebration for Prabhu Osoniqs will be held on 16th September, 12:30–15:00, at 61 Military Rd, Matraville NSW 2036, Australia – facebook.com/events

Images credit to Campbell Wilson, Heather Frahn, Jagdish Bharti, Sanjiva, Marga and Hasina

When one is given the freedom to fly in the open sky, the destination is unknown. While enjoying the beauty of the journey, all of a sudden one can realise, Aha! Here I am.”

From early childhood Prabhu’s love for rhythm brought him to play drums. The dholak (Indian folk drum) was his first love and without any formal training he played it at various devotional and folk gatherings.

Prabhu was blessed to be born into a sannyas family. From his father he received the gift of ‘totality’ (meaning to offer your total energy to whatever you are doing). He started to explore creativity with dance, photography and music. He never missed an occasion to dance, embodying the rhythm to its fullest, almost to the stage of divine bliss.

Later he became part of Osho’s Commune in Pune. It was a place where he felt he could be true to himself and allow his soul to flower, a place where dedication was more essential than qualifications. He had the opportunity to explore creativity through photography, videography, choreography, design, theatre, dance and music. There he played rhythm for Kirtan devotional music, meditation, dance, east-west fusion and even for death celebrations; playing with New Age artists like Manish Vyas, Prem Joshua, Milarepa, Chinmaya Dunster, Miten and Deva Premal.

In 2006 Prabhu had a life-changing encounter with an UFO, or rather with an UMO (Unidentified Musical Object). An Italian friend had asked Prabhu to play tabla on an instrument he had brought with him. It looked very much like an UFO; it was a hang. (The hang, pronounced ‘hung’, was invented and produced by two Swiss musicians and artisans, Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer in 2000.)

Watch on YouTube – video by Campbell Wilson

Love at first sight would be the wrong expression; for it was more like: “Yes this is it, the feeling of oneness!”

He then received a hang as a present in 2007 and from then on his musical journey expanded to new levels. Never in his wildest dreams had he thought that he would play melodies. Now for the first time in his life there was rhythm AND melody. His experiences in meditation and devotional music started to crystallise into compositions. Nature provided with an abundant source of inspiration; the rivers, the ocean, the moon, the birds, the bamboos… The only thing he needed was to tune in. Slowly, slowly he developed a new way of playing the hang, bringing out qualities of softness, wildness, flow, vibration ripples and overtone waves.

The hang took him on a journey from festivals to meditation events, from dance to yoga classes, to schools and concerts. He even played in a pub in Australia and in a few ‘live houses’ (small venues with live music and drinks) in Japan; but due to the low alcohol sales, he never got invited back again. (Maybe musical intoxication was enough for the listeners?)

After playing the hang for a few years Prabhu became aware of the affects of the hang’s sound vibration on his body and in his life, and started also giving sound vibration session.

The journey continues…

Based on text taken from his website osoniqs.com

Tributes

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

Dear Prabhu, I remember as if it was yesterday when during the day you were walking through the ashram with heavy cameras swinging around your neck and then in the evenings playing next to each other making big noises. There was always a big smile on your face and a twinkle in your eyes. You fell in love with a wonderful instrument which will now make you fly even higher. With love, your
Punya

Watch on YouTube

Prabhu, the moment we met after a satsang with Osho there was an instantaneous connection between us. You were such a generous soul: with your heart, with your smile, with your music. You were the first ‘official member’ of Leela Community in Sydney. I will always be grateful that you were in my life and always be proud to call you a friend. I will never forget you.
Vandan

Prabhu Osoniqs, we are so incredibly sad to lose you today. We Honour You Dear Soul, and your Incredible Musicianship, and Beaming Spirit. Your quiet and kind voice I can hear speaking the wisdom that you knew, and gave so generously to others.
The blessing of your music has made a positive difference to countless lives, and will continue to; the way you played music, the way you shone, the places of great spirit you travelled through sonic worlds to share with us will always be remembered. You are so very loved and treasured in our hearts.
Thank you dear friend and musical brother, for sharing the melody-spirit journey with me from time to time. Your influence on me and quiet words you said will stay with me always.
Words cannot express the honour I feel to have known you, and to have shared in the live creation of music with you. I believe you are one of the most incredible and important musical voices this country has ever had the honour of hearing.
I will always see you closing your eyes and playing the hang with such passion, flow, precision, and inner quiet. I will always remember you sitting next to me and feeling the sonic light just beaming off you! Thank you for giving us your unique and so special gifts.
We will miss you terribly. Fly free Prabhu, with the divine that you knew. Love always,
Heather

Open your wings and fly Prabhu!
I just found out an enlightened soul, who helped me on my journey, has passed on this morning. I am not really too sure how I feel – my heart feels like it has stopped beating and I just want to cry – I am so very sad that we have lost such an amazing, caring and giving soul!
We did not spend much time together but the time we did share was treasured – it was so very blessed that as we held hands and looked deep into each others souls, I could not stop the tears from rolling down my face (even though I was challenging myself at the time I was truly in a happy space).
Prabhu Osoniqs then met my Mum at a sound meditation session and gave her a gift of his sound CD to her, as it was her Birthday!
A truly inspirational soul who will definitely be so very sadly missed. Rest in Peace, my soul brother, and I hope to hug you soon as we zoom around the universe as star dust!
Maree

We met at Miroma, surrounded by people with profound physical and intellectual disabilities. Prabhu and I connected over our shared love for these folks whose spirits remained as perfect as the souls we all possess. Prabhu gave himself to them humbly through his music, overflowing warmth and wordless realisation. They loved his uplifting and healing presence, as did I. Your energy is everywhere, Prabhu, and the world is a better place for it. Thank you, xxxxx
Kylie

Dear Prabhu, I remember as if it was yesterday the big smile on your face and a twinkle in your eyes playing the hang at various events. Really devastated to learn of your sudden demise. May you rest in peace. Regards,
Mala

Watch on YouTube

You were always such a joy to work with in the Commune, such a joy to meet. You always made me laugh. You gave so much of yourself. Thank you, dear sweet Prabhu.
Prem Parinito

Fly high my friend, Prabhu, I’m happy to have known you and glad you stayed with me while here in Freiburg a few years back. Thank you for being in touch with me every now and then, cherishing friendly moments and supporting each other on the journey of letting go. There is still that video from your last visit to my home a few years back. I hope your departure wasn’t too bad and you can have a little break from things for a little while. Love your way,
Wendelin
PS: I’m reminded of a cartoon where three recently-deceased angels wander on the clouds, constantly gazing theirs smartphones… One asks the other two, ‘How many R.I.Ps have you received by now on Facebook?’ Since I left Facebook a while ago, for all the good reasons, you are getting my R.I.P. here itself! Keep it up up there, buddy

Dear Prabhu,
We were neighbours, and didn’t get to know each other all that well. But you always lifted me up with your happiness, kindness, and selfless nature.
I am sorry that you have left us, but there is more beyond, and I wish you well.
You will be remembered,
Jack Seymour

Anand Teera (aka Patricia E MacDonald) took sannyas in the late 70’s by mail, but Osho explained the significance of the name on her visit to Pune in 1980. She was part of the early San Diego sannyasins and participated in the programmes run by Swami Satya Pujari. She lived in Pune many years and was part of the ashram. In Rajneeshpuram she worked as a cleaner and had a few private darshans. After the Ranch she went back to school and became a midwife and then qualified as a nurse practitioner. She also taught at university level.

Teera had two children; Leela and Sean.

Teera passed away in her daughter’s home in Encinitas surrounded by her family and friends. After recovering from a double mastectomy because of breast cancer, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer from which she died.

Sandesh writes:

Teera was always someone a friend could turn to; she always had a giggle and a deep thought to share with all who knew her. She had a strong empathetic streak and you could feel that she got who you were. A wonderful smile and a huge, huge heart.

As a midwife she had chosen to birth her babies at home, so she also chose not to be hospitalized when she became ill. Her main concern before dying was that Leela and Sean would be looked after by her friends. Always the mother to us all, and especially to her children, Teera had the love of others in her heart right to the moment of change.

She had been in bed for about a week and then on Wednesday, 31st August wanted to go and sit outside in the garden. She held her newborn grandchild in her arms for some time, then felt tired and funny, went inside and finally left this world. Everyone present felt blessed to be close by.

Jai Teera, enjoy your journey. You always loved to travel. With love from your longtime friend, from the one who put the mala around your neck.

Apta writes:

I first met Teera in La Jolla, California, in 1979 while hanging out with other sannyasins after my trip back from Poona as a newbie sannyasin. Teera became the Sufi dance musician since she was the only one of us who could play guitar and sing. She was bubbly, friendly and had a good smile that attracted me. Since we were both getting ready to go to Poona, we decided to go together in 1980.

After traveling through London, Italy and Corfu we finally arrived in Poona and found a nice upstairs flat near the ashram. But, as with many relationships between sannyasins, we soon got into conflicts.

Late one night she locked me out and I ended having to sleep on the street. Not fun. The next day I went back to confront her. After more discussions she thought I should leave the flat. I gathered my few belongings and made my way to the front door. But she ran in front of me and blocked my exit. “Whoa, you want me to leave but won’t let me!” This made me furious and we began yelling at each other. In a moment of pure and blinding anger I pushed her out the front door and dragged her down the stairs by her feet as her head clunked on each step! Luckily she suffered no head damage. We didn’t see each other much after that though we both kept working in the ashram.

When Bhagwan departed for America in 1981, I decided to join a group of sannyasins led by Santosh, an ashram therapist, heading to Kashmir for a 3-month de-hypnotherapy workshop. Teera heard about it and decided to come along as well. About 80 of us lived on 3 large houseboats on Lake Srinagar, surrounded by beautiful lotuses and awesome idyllic views of the Himalayas.

After establishing a workable living arrangement, people started getting hepatitis, no doubt from drinking the barely boiled water pulled out of the lake. Soon the healthy ones were caring for dozens of hep victims and we convinced Santosh that we needed to halt the spread by getting all the healthy ones tested before more cases developed. Several dozen of us hopped on several shikaras (water taxis) and paddled to the Srinagar hospital.

The Indian doctor who saw us wanted to know all about the sexual activities sannyasins were famous for but we disappointed him. We were getting sick and sex was not a hot topic. We stood in line as one by one gave a blood sample behind a screen. But due to the large number of us, they ran out of needles and, peeking behind a curtain, we were shocked to see that the nurse was using the same needle over and over. Needless to say, we stopped them from getting further samples and we scrambled back to the houseboats hoping the tested ones would not become infected.

A few days later Teera, being so caring for others, accompanied one of the hepatitis victims who had to be hospitalized. Teera told us horror stories of the unsanitary hospital conditions with rats and cockroaches running around patients’ rooms. Soon she and the hospitalized Ma left for the US to get better care. Teera always seemed to put others’ well being ahead of her own. No wonder she became a nurse later on.

She spent a little time on the Ranch but became somewhat disillusioned and left for San Diego. Next thing I knew she was married and pregnant.

By 1995 with two children to take care of, Teera graduated from San Diego State University as a nurse and worked at Kaiser Permanente. In spite of her busy family and work responsibilities, she continued her studies and by 2012 she had obtained higher degrees in Nursing as well as earning the title of Certified Nurse Midwife and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. Indefatigable Teera even went on to become an Adjunct Professor at National University where she taught maternal child health nursing.

After her diagnosis of breast cancer in 2012, Teera underwent a mastectomy and standard cancer treatments. All was well until a few years later when the cancer came back with a vengeance as often happens after chemotherapy. Never one to give up she eagerly sought other healing avenues such as John of God in Brazil and alternative cancer treatment clinics in Germany. But the battle was lost by then and she returned home.

Teera packed more juiciness into this life than most people ever experience in a lifetime. She just kept on truckin’ until the very end. I and all who knew you shall miss you tremendously, sweet companion.

Mass and Teera’s Celebration and Life Party will be held on 10th September, 14:00 at the St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Encinitas, CA. facebook.com/events

Text thanks to Sandesh and Apta, photos thanks to Apta, Nina Leshan, Peter Merrell

Tributes

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

I had a visitation from Teera when I was sending her prayers. I felt her incredibly happy, and she was trying to tell me that, rather than fear, there were only good things to look forward to after death. She was really trying to tell me something. Mainly, I felt, “Don’t be afraid. This is wonderful!” She wanted to share her joy with me, as was always her way. Tears while writing this! So strong, whatever this is…
Sandhano

I met her when she came to me pregnant with Sean, because I’m a midwife. Teera loves babies, maybe most in this world. Her birth was a major transformation for her, not only as a mother but as allowing me to love her. She wanted to love and care for mothers and babies after that. I helped her with a second birth, of Leela. She worked really hard to make it through nursing school with two children. She became a newborn intensive care nurse. She would get in trouble for playing classical music for babies…
Nina Leshan

I trust you found our Chevy van, Teera, just take it to L.A. to do your shopping, as usual. God Bless,
Unmilo

From his brother Paritosh we hear that Shiv Anand Bharti (aka Kumar Goyal) had a heart attack yesterday morning at 9am and that he is no more with us. His Death Celebration will be today at 2pm at the Osho Meditation Resort in Koregaon Park, Pune.

Shiv Anand Bharti, originally from Panipat, studied Psychology at Kurukshetra University. He was one of the early sannyasins (1972/73) and a participant of Osho’s Kirtan Madali (1974-1976). In Pune 1 he was Osho’s guard in Lao Tzu House and was also working as a gardener. He visited Kathmandu when Osho was there in 1986. Shiv Anand Bharti lived in Finland for some years, married a Finnish girl with whom he had a beautiful daughter. He returned to India and in lived in Pune. Last year he went to visit his daughter and granddaughter in Finland. Also last year, together with his best friend Rajendra, travelled to Gadarwara, Osho’s childhood village.

Text and photos thanks to Mega, Paritosh and Rajendra

Tributes

You can leave a message / tribute / anecdote using our contact form (please add ‘Shiv Anand Bharti’ in the subject field)…

Prem Sakal was born Red Heylin in England, learned violin and piano first, then switched to guitar when he was 12, then bass when he was 16. “Music is in the family, they bought me instruments when I was too small to lift them,” he shared with a friend. (He recently had eight different guitars, a sitar, violin, mandolin, a drum kit and a synthesiser in his tiny flat in Heysham.) He dropped out of school at age 17 because he felt he was not appreciated enough by his teachers. He was offered to work with the Beatles but refused, became interested in the teachings of the Sufi and, when the Osho fever came over England, he took sannyas by mail in 1977:

26th September, 1977

Beloved Sakal,

Love.

We received back your form and photos and are happy to be sending you the name which Bhagwan Shree has given to you. It is very beautiful – Swami Prem Sakal. It means early morning of love. Sink deep into the feeling of it and let it be a place for you to return to whenever you feel the need.

So now continue to say “yes” that’s really all that sannyas is, saying yes to life from moment, accepting whatever comes, finding the way to accept whatever is inside as well.

Do come and spend some time with Him here in India as soon as you can. A tremendous flowing is happening here and it is really beautiful to come and be a part of it. At this time much is possible. Of course He is with you there also but to be in His physical presence is very special.

So come as soon as you can – we look forward to seeing you.

His blessings,

(signature)

Shortly after taking sannyas he visited Pune, received a wooden box as a present from Osho and worked as a journalist for the Osho Times.

Sakal was a singer and music teacher and was very fond of coding and developing apps. He had also articles published by the Oxford University, England. In recent years he lived south of the Lake District, near Morecambe. Sakal died from a brain infection.

Text thanks to Harry

myspace.com/redheylin – soundcloud.com/red-heylin

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I found Swami Prem Sakal on Facebook when I messaged him to teach me Hara Meditation. I was expecting a very esoteric answer but his response was rather shocking. It was: “You should be out playing soccer!” I was a little surprised; I was inquiring about meditation and this fellow tells me to play soccer. He then told me, “Unless you live physically to the fullest you cannot have the experience of the higher bodies.” I realized his wisdom. I found him when I was 15 and ever since he has been guiding me and with a firm faith I believe that he’ll continue to do so. Sakal has helped me to understand and become closer to Osho. I’m forever grateful for his wisdom.

I have a confession to make, Sakal, forgive me for not listening to your advice and acting like a douchebag (I know you did not like me calling myself with this name!) I cannot express my gratitude, Sakal. I love you very much, you’re just like my father in my life; thank you for everything! Thank you. I wish I had the fortune to meet you in person, but thank you for coming into my life.

Harry

Swami Prem Sakal, I don’t know what is the meaning of death but I have a feeling that death is nothing. Maybe you are vibrating at a frequency that makes you invisible to my eyes but one thing I am sure of is that you are here, much closer now, not in the UK but closer than my heartbeat. I don’t know how to thank you for everything. I was counting the days to your birthday so that I could make a painting for you. I really wished I had meet you but it’s okay; maybe our meeting is meant to be on some other plane. I love you, Sakal. I have said it many times, but you know… it was so hard to text you. I had no questions to ask, nothing but silence to share and I know you could hear it. So far only you have heard it. My tears are for love, for this feeling that even I have a road – of my own – maybe this is life; the way the leaves fall, the pours. You surely are the early morning of love. I can feel this anguish of love now. It is complicated but so beautiful… so tempting…
Ragini

I took my sannyas name from Swami Prem Sakal. He was really a genius guy. He was just the most perfect person I have ever came in contact with. Nothing can be compared with his devotion to Osho and his teachings. I have learned so many things from him. He left his body on 8th September 2016. I was completely shocked and cried a lot. Many, many times I told him, “Red, I only trust you and Osho.” His words were very powerful. I saw experience in his words. His every sentence was heart touching to me. I have not cried for any girl but yesterday I have cried a lot for you, Red. I love you, Red Heylin (Swami Prem Sakal),
Swami Anand Hanso

Dear beloved Sakal, words cannot express the love that I feel for you. I didn’t expect that someone could show me the way from that darkness to light. You not only guided me but brought a change in me. I wish I could express my gratitude through these words, which are nothing in front of my feelings. But still, I want to say – thank you sooooooooooooooo much. As a mentor, as a father, as a friend… You will be always there in my heart. ❤ I will talk to you because I know you’re here. In the air, in the flowers, in the trees, in the water, everywhere. Fly high, go beyond the sky – and up from the stars. See you there…. Love you very much ❤
Sristhi Sharma

Ma Prem Rangeeni was born into a family with seven children, so she learned from very early on to share and take care of others. Her friendliness, generosity, affection and sense of care stayed with her throughout her life and made her a beloved friend to many. Her playfulness and sense of humour perfectly suited her work with children with special needs; they adored her. That same sense of humour made a great success out of her private theater shows which she organised for friends and family, often in her own flat. Together with others she would clown, juggle and perform plays. Playfulness and creativity were a big part of her life.

In 1985 Rangeeni took sannyas in Rajneeshpuram, together with her beloved Suranga. For a few years they formed the nucleus of a group of sannyasins in Marburg, Germany, a small town but famous for its university. The Marburgians were used to students and weirdos but they still looked suspiciously at people in red and wearing a mala…

Rangeeni loved to travel and see new places; she visited, among others, Italy, India and Scandinavia. She enjoyed the different landscapes, new people and new experiences. Together with Suranga they had planned to spend several months in Pune over the ‘Millennium high season’, when he collapsed, having been struck by cancer before. Many will remember how brave she was, organising nurse, physiotherapist, doctors and finally transport back to Germany. They were living in a big flat in Yogi Park, always open to friends, and I remember the many gatherings there, the love, laughter, tears and tenderness around Suranga’s sickbed.

Rangeeni was just as brave when she herself was diagnosed with cancer about two years ago and had to go through pain, operations and chemotherapy. A big network of friends lovingly took care of her when she became weaker and weaker. After she had well organised her papers with her daughter and sorted out what should be given to whom she died alone in her sleep. At her farewell celebration, her daughter and grandson made a display of huge soap bubbles. Everybody felt they were both just like her: colourful, tender, dancing and fragile.

With many thanks to Parampara who submitted text and photos

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I met Rangeeni and Suranga in a very small airplane with 8 seats to Goa. Paripurna and I saw them on the Goa beach many times that week. Suranga playing his flute and Rangeeni with her shiny eyes, we looked at the immensity of the sky in the night, full of stars. Rangeeni with so much joy and so much love. Whenever we saw each other in Poona it was such a delight… I just hear from Paripurna that you left the body Rangeeni, and I can feel you around me. With sooo much joy. Now you will see your beloved Suranga. I still feel you, dear joyful beautiful woman. Thank you for all joy and softness you have transmitted. Your friend,
Modita

From Navina we hear that Narayandas (aka Nary Mitchell) from the US, suddenly collapsed while working and died soon afterwards in hospital. He worked in Pune 1 as a guard and as an assistant in groups. His lifetime love was horticulture. By old friends he was known as Johnny Appleseed as he seemed to always be planting fruit trees, wherever he went.

For several years he has been living in a Dzogchen Zen community in Massachusetts where he enjoyed gardening and helping others in whatever way was needed. He also loved working with wood. In a recent email he told me enthusiastically about the hundreds of blueberries planted a few years ago that were just coming into their own, and also about the many raspberries they had more recently planted. In what turned out to be his last communication with me, he also wrote: “There is no separation from you and all other objects, it’s only in your mind that that illusion exists; you are conditioned by culture and family to believe that as a product of your perception, which it is not…”

Members of his family and community surrounded him and sang to him as he left… and I sang Fly High for him from across the continent.

Text and photos thanks to Prem Navina

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Celebrating the sacred at the heart of every day”
– Nirjana Melanie Pike

Nirjana (aka Melanie Pike) left her body peacefully in the early hours of 7th October, surrounded with love from friends and family from near and far. She was 48, and died in hospital from metastatic breast cancer. She leaves behind many friends and a loving family including her parents, her brother Chris and sister Amanda, and their respective partners, and her nieces Amber and Kiri.

In Nirjana’s early life she went to a convent school and, although she was expelled, went on to get a double 1st honours degree in modern languages at Oxford University. Afterwards she spent a placement year teaching in Berlin – and also selling hot dogs!

Nirjana took sannyas around 1992. She had met a sannyasin from the Antipodes and went to live with him in Australia for a while and took sannyas there. Always creative and a ‘maker’, she set up a picture-framing business in Australia and did very well with her mobile stall.

By 1995, Nirjana had returned from Australia to the UK, living at the sannyasin-owned Relaxation Centre in Bristol. It was there where she first met Tanmayo during a group run by Devapath.

The same year Nirjana spent a few months in Pune and on her return she settled, together with Tanmayo, in Bristol where they stayed for some years – living nearby or with other sannyasin friends, including Trish and Pyasa. The long-standing Bristol Women’s Group was formed around this time with Nirjana, Trish, Maya Vati, Sarasi and Nishkam being early members.

Around 1997, Nirjana became seriously ill with Crohn’s disease; she was supported by Tanmayo through her illness, and by the Women’s Group. Nirjana always challenged the conventional medical options, trusting her own intuition and her body wisdom. She very courageously got herself off steroids, opting for diets and alternative therapies and so avoided the usual de-facto option of surgery. Her experience with this illness profoundly influenced her approach to life. Nirjana says this on her silversmithing website:

A decade of serious illness (Crohn’s disease) caused me to re-evaluate what ‘precious’ is. I now believe it to reside in the way things are, rather than in how I think they should be.”

By 2003, Tanmayo and Nirjana had parted and she moved to her own flat in Bristol where she continued to recover from Crohn’s disease and embarked on retraining as a silversmith. Her work as a silversmith and jeweller brought her great joy and satisfaction – she had amazing talent and creativity, specialising in working with found objects.

Nirjana gained a qualification from the Bristol School of Art and did further training with Bob Ebendorf. Some of her work was featured in published books and was selected for Open Exhibitions at the Royal West of England Academy in Bristol. She was a regular exhibitor at the local arts trails and the Made in Bristol shows. She undertook commissions as well, finding a gift for repurposing precious mementoes into beautiful new pieces of ‘wearable art’. In 2014 she also embarked on teaching jewellery workshops in France with great success.

During this time of her increasingly recovering health, Nirjana was a regular at Osho meditation and celebration events at both Osho Leela and Croydon Hall in south of England. It was at Croydon Hall where she met Glastonbury-based Narayan with whom she was then in a relationship for about four years. Together they travelled to Nepal on buying trips; they also visited her sister Amanda in Australia and enjoyed campervan trips to France and Devon.

In the last few years of her life she was single and relished a deepening relationship with herself – spending time travelling in her Bongo campervan, loving to be out in nature, wild swimming, beachcombing for items to include in her work. She continued to be an active part of the Bristol Women’s Group which now also includes Beth (Kanksha), Mala, Sidika and Kamla. Nirjana’s continuing spiritual explorations also brought her to enjoy being part of the Balanced View community, both in Bristol and internationally; she found these teachings an invaluable addition to her life.

Nirjana’s breast cancer diagnosis in August 2015 came as a big surprise to all of us and we thought she would overcome this too. Again Nirjana chose to challenge the conventional medical options and decided against having surgery and chemo at that time. She has been an inspiration with her wisdom, clarity, integrity and commitment – all of which she brought to her chosen journey of healing through this past year since her diagnosis. She said she had had an amazing year, did not regret any of her choices and felt complete with everyone in her life.

In recent weeks Nirjana’s energy levels dropped considerably and she was admitted to hospital in early October with a view to starting chemo. However, scans showed that the cancer had spread extensively through her liver and into her bowel and lungs. She met this news with her typical grace and equanimity (and a certain amount of wry humour). Again she was very clear about her choice not to go ahead with the chemo as it would not offer a cure at this stage. Unfortunately, she began to be in a lot of pain and needed ever increasing pain relief until she peacefully passed on just a few days after being admitted to hospital. None of us knew just how quickly she would leave us – it was shockingly quick.

Her family and many friends came to visit in her last days; some who couldn’t reach in time were able to speak on the phone or on Skype. Her Bristol Women’s Group friends and her Balanced View community friends offered her much loving care in her last days and hours. There was so much love in the room and the nurses commented on how well she was supported – the staff at the BRI oncology unit were outstanding in their kindness and care.

We are so grateful for the inspiration of Nirjana’s life – and indeed the way she faced her death – and so glad she is now free of pain and flying high.

Text and photos thanks to Kamla Shahnti Deva

Nirjana’s funeral will be held on 18th October, 1.30pm, at Canford Crematorium, Bristol, followed by a celebration 3-9pm, venue in Bristol, tbc. All who knew her are welcome. Please see links for details facebook.com/events – oshosammasati.org/melanie-nirjana-pike

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Image from Riktam’s Facebook account

From Kaivalya we hear that Vimal Riktam died in a car crash on Wednesday. Originally from Liverpool he joined the Ko Hsuan School in Devon where he taught for many years. He also lived in Pune 2 where he worked in the Mystery School and later staffed the Path of Love process. In recent years he lived in Brighton, UK.

Nuro writes and sends this photo:

I loved Vimal! He was a one-off, thinking of him makes me laugh. I met him when I first came to England in 1991. We lived together in a shared house in Crouch End, London. He worked for the London Underground doing night shifts. After his work finished he regularly walked home through the whole of London. Every afternoon he would emerge from his bedroom, wrapped in just a towel, bare chested, no shoes on his way to the shower. However this shower wouldn’t happen for a long time as he had a lot to talk about Osho, politics or the state the world is in. Usually he added a particular ‘Vimal’ twist to it that had us in fits of laughter. At times he also talked about his challenging upbringing in Liverpool and what had brought him to Osh, and a very gentle and tender side would come up. The last time I saw him was in 2012 in Goa where we shared many funny moments. Big warm hug, Vimal <3

Archa, Sans, Yatri and Vimlan write:

Our family have known Vimal and his brother since 1980 at Kalptaru in London. We all lived together in our community in Brighton. He had a big presence, a very kind heart, a dear friend. I know he will be greatly missed by the people he cared for in his work as he looked after my mum in such an understanding and loving way in her latter years and she loved him. He made her laugh as he did us all. I don’t know much about his childhood history or how he got to Osho but I think it was a tough ride. Despite this, he went on to be well liked and a wellknown figure in the ashram in Pune, being involved in The Path of Love. In the past years he worked as a carer in Brighton, a much treasured member of staff and much loved by his clients. So sudden, farewell dear friend. We will miss our yearly meetings in Goa. Love you. Namaste.

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