From Maitri (Erin) we hear that “our beloved Amitabh has left his form. He was at home, surrounded by his sisters, his four children, and Mradula this afternoon as he gently and peacefully stopped breathing. Free!”
And Govind and Gayatri write: “Beloved brother Amitabh passed in complete peace, harmony, and readiness. And ancient Diogenes can finally put down his lantern and stop wandering the earth in his fruitless search of an honest man, as Amitabh fulfilled that. In my 37 years of close friendship and sharing with him, I never once experienced him even capable of moving from his dogged abidance in whatever was happening to, in, or with him… from the darkest corners of his being to the most exalted states and realizations we can attain. What a being!
Beloved Amitabh was a man! Watta man! He was my first real contact with Osho in San Francisco in the early 70s and although I had already done Dynamic, seen a picture of the black bearded dude called Bhagwan, read excerpts from the Rajneesh News Letter Tantra issue of 1973 of the VBT, I was reluctant to hear his voice, fearing a final put off to my love affair with Osho. But Amitabh finished me off! Just being in his presence gave me a whiff of what would be in store for me in Pune, and it took a broken heart after a BF said, “Shana, get the fuck out of my life” to take the final step into sannyas. Over the years, whenever Amitabh was around, I made sure to contact him and experience that certain ‘whiff’ that he had. Wherever he is now, he is blessed. And so am I to have known him. Jeevan
Beloved friend of my heart, I am remembering you with tears in my eyes and big love. Krishna Gopa
This song, which is part of the CD Premanjali (A loving gift to God) was recorded after I came to know about the departure of our fellow traveller Sw. Amitabh, to whom I send from here, my greetings. Have a nice journey, Amitabh! We love you so… Taza
We hear from Avinasho and Mega that Kosha died. She was buried in Vyronas (near Athens) on 27th September 2012.
Kosha was originally from Brazil and was a member of Osho’s communes in India and on the Ranch. In Pune 2 she was part of the Mystery School, teaching Aura Soma, kinesiology and colourpuncture. She was also a Reiki Master. In 1992 she then moved to Greece.
Beautiful Kosha. Kosha was at the Ranch in the very beginning, as I was. There were only around eight women… we shared that special time. I have no stories in particular, just that Kosha was pure heart. She was one of the most loving and delighted people I have come across in my life. Such a pure beauty, with the eyes of a child. Fly high my Kosha, I know you are soaring right now. Loving you, Peggy
I didn’t know Kosha very well, a couple of groups 18 years ago and some meetings in Athens. But I had the chance to feel the love she shared with her beloved Buddhadeo, a sannyasin from Greece. I heard her saying that when she had her heart operation (in 1997 I think) she felt, during the anaesthesia, his total devotion and love calling her to stay. He has been with her until her last moment. Deep respect for this unique bonding. Farewell, dear Kosha, have a smooth journey… Ranjana
Dear Kosha, all my heart to you. You taught me the art of hypnosis the way a woman is using it: deep, connecting with the beyond and the inner world. You have been for me a great teacher. I am gratefull to you and I keep you in my heart for ever, Atit Maria
A great therapist and teacher, and my soul friend as well. Loving you, Kosha, Dhyan Ilaa
Kosha, blissful being, blissful years, blissful time… A personification of love, joy, aliveness, creativity, and sincerity. Thank you for spreading your fragrance of meditation, joy, love, and celebration in Greece, and all over the world, east and west. A gratitude for being all these years by you as a my friend, lover, teacher, partner, hand in hand… Buddhadeo
Kosha has been my Aura-Soma teacher, colleague and mentor for years. I ended up loving her more than I could ever imagine the first moment I met her. I will always hold her in my heart very dearly, she was precious. Fly high! Varvara
Mangala was born in England, moved to New Zealand as a child and obtained a degree in psychology there. She spent several years as a successful magazine writer, before editing a progressive women’s magazine in South Africa. In 1975 she met Osho and the whole direction of her life changed. In the many years she spent in his presence she integrated the profound wisdom of his discourses on what he called ‘The Psychology of the Buddhas’ into her own experience through an extensive range of therapy groups and intensive meditation.
One of her first discoveries on the spiritual path was the use of tarot cards which she found to be a far more accurate and perceptive tool for delving into human consciousness than her earlier studies in psychology. She later added a number of other psychic tools but it is tarot, and shortly after numerology, that formed the foundation of her inquiries into her own mind and very soon, the minds of others.
For the past 30 years she has been a professional psychic and intuitive counsellor. She ran various workshops in many parts of the world teaching people how to become more conscious and to develop their own intuitive capacities.
In spring 2011 she was diagnosed with a rectal tumour, which later spread to the liver and the lungs. She had operations in India and later alternative treatments in Frankfurt, Germany. After a short visit to India recently where she closed off all her ties, and back in her German base in Cologne, she decided just last week to be hospitalised in England, on the Isle of Man where her brother and sister-in-law are living. This is where she left her body this morning.
Update Saturday, 13th October: Mangala’s body was cremated yesterday, Friday, 12th October, 2pm on the Idle of Man. Osho Centres like Uta in Cologne and Miasto in Italy will be celebrating and giving her a send-off at 7pm today.
Update 12th December 2012: We hear from Ayako Watanabe that Mangala’s numerology book was published in Japan and so became her last work in Japan. On 9th December her ｄeath celebration was held together with a commemorative ceremony of this publication.
Beloved, woke up early in bed with the freezing Indian 4-leggeds of mine, whom you also knew and loved… You were on your departure date and only yesterday I opened my computer after days here in Sweden. Many times I had you in thoughts Mangala and so I read the latest update from Savita. Knowing you were so close to let go also when we met a month ago in Pune. Expecting to hear this now – Now. Feel you close in heart and as in the early morning my thoughts went to you, lying here in bed waiting for dawn. You were leaving then, beloved friend of many shades, I wish your Journey be filled with the Light and Peace of the Still Great Heart. Farewell dear, farewell and shukriya forever for all shared ♥, Ghoshana
It has been so joyful having traveled with you during this life time and I always feel you dearly in my heart. All my love for the next step in this, our amazing journey, Bhagawati
Oh beloved Mangie, it’s finally happened where this body just didn’t make it anymore as it will be the case for all of us still walking this earth. In my heart I feel strongly that you are in a great ‘place’. My love for you, my memory about you will stay deeply rooted, dearest friend from so many moons ago (to be precise, from 1975 when we met at that bus stop in Himachal Pradesh – remember? – traveling up to a Vipassana meditation retreat with Christoper Titmuss, then a Thai monk called Luong Pee, in Dalhousie). From there we both (at different times) went to Poona and met our Master Osho. And what a journey it’s been from then on! Wow! And now you have crossed into another realm, so unknown, so mysterious…. You are with us precious one, always. With all my love, Gabriele (German Gatha)
It is so many years that I did a Mystic Rose in Pune with Mangala but even now, when I close my eyes, I can see her beautiful laughter that had touched me so much! Devatara
eloved Mangala and fellow traveller, have a beautiful journey to the other shore. I just heard about your leaving yesterday here in Brasil. We sang for you in our White Robe celebration yesterday. It was such a gift to have known you and shared many beautiful moments with you. I will never forget the parties in your house in Poona. Love is a fire……… Svagito
Beloved Mangie, you were one of the great sannyasin characters and were loved and appreciated by so many friends. You were also an inspiration to thousands of people attending your Numerology and Tarot workshops in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and China. I remember laughing with delight at your tales of how, during your groups, you sneaked Osho in ‘the back door’ via meditation and stories, thus sending off so many on their own journeys of self exploration.
Your courage during this last year of illnes touched me so much. I will miss you but will always be inspired by you. As you lay dying I searched for some Osho words and found these from ‘The Osho Upanishad’:
I have heard from the ancients that those who know how to live automatically come to know how to die. Their death is a thing of beauty, because they only die outwardly; inwardly the life journey continues.
A conscious life is rewarded by existence with a conscious death. And to die consciously is to know the ultimate orgasmic experience of life, and to know simultaneously that nothing dies, only forms change. You are moving into a new house – and of course a better house, on a higher level of consciousness. You use the opportunity to grow.
Die with a joke on your face – the smile, the thankfulness, the gratitude for all that life has given to you.
And this I say to you: death is fiction. There is no death because nothing dies, only things change. And if you are aware, you can make them change for the better.”
Your moving on reminds me to live more consciously. I thank you with much love, Veena
Beloved Mangala and fellow traveller, have a beautiful journey to the other shore. I just heard about your leaving yesterday here in Brasil. We sang for you in our White Robe celebration yesterday. It was such a gift to have known you and shared many beautiful moments with you. I will never forget the parties in your house in Poona…. Love is a fire……… Svagito
Premgit from Zurich writes: “When a friend like Shanti Dhanya (Marianne Inauen) leaves their body after a long illness it creates a deep gap in our lives. We are sad that we will never again laugh, sing, play, argue or meditate together. We are glad that her body has found now peace and we wish her that it is carried on wings onto the other shore.
“Shanti has lived a life of devotion and interior investigation. She has gone fearlessly her (not always easy) way. Her enthusiasm for mantra singing and singing in general was infectious. She made it easy for us to trust her. For everything that she has given us we are grateful and will cherish each bit. We will miss her.”
Anugraha’s singing group will dedicate their songs to her on Saturday, 13th October.
The death celebration for Shanti Dhanya will be held on Thursday, 18th October at 2pm in the Catholic church of Bühler near St. Gallen.
Beloved Shanti, the whole week your presence was felt and many moments when I played the beautiful mantras of Deva Premal it was as if you were striking some tunes on your guitar… Tonight I will chant and sing with Anu and friends, and later on dance with the Buddhas = to celebrate your flight into the unknown, celebrate myself and all of us in this prescious form… Although I knew your body was ill, still when you left it felt sudden. It dawns only now on me that you are gone! Last time we met and hugged you said: “You know I am a cool person”…to me you were a strong and delicate woman and I often felt a silence around you and a little mischief in your laughter…. Bon voyage Shanti, much love and be blessed on your journey, Mahana
Liebe Shanti, ich danke dir aus tiefem Herzen, dass du dein Leben, deine Liebe, deine aufrichtige Wahrheitssuche und auch deinen Abschied, der mich tief beeindruckt und berührt, mit uns geteilt hast. Wieder und wieder die Lektion, dass dieses Leben so kostbar ist… moment to moment. In Dankbarkeit und Verbundenheit… beyond and beyond, where all the lovers meet. Gute Reise, Shanti! Parna
Shanti, me on this side, you travelling the other shore. I am still resonating with you, “go on and on, in this sweet song, higher and higher.” Thank you so much for being such an honest friend, for your courage to go through so much, and for letting me be with you in your life and in your journey out of your body. It was so good that in your very fragile hours you forgot my presence next to you, I was glad not to disturb you in your inner process, and yet so fortunate to be with you, in silence, in presence, sometimes just giving a gentle touch, a word of trust. You gave me so much more in return Travel well, beyond the beyond the beyond, light and easy, I am with you, in the light of love, always. Anugraha
Beloved Shanti Dhanya, I wish you a safe journey to the land I haven’t explored yet. Danke für die Jahre, die wir haben teilen können. Sw. Parva
When Osho returned to India after his World Tour Osho stayed for a few months in Prakash’s house ‘Sumila’ near Juhu Beach, Mumbai, before returning to Pune in 1987. During that time daily discourses were held in the large living room of the house.
The announcement came from Subhan in Seattle and Mradula, his beloved partner, wrote this about ten days ago:
“Anurodh is also ‘German’. He was in Pune 1 for about two years, skipped the Ranch (was a lawyer in Germany during that time) and was in Pune 2 for the whole time until Osho left his body. He’s a big, beautiful guy and meditates about three hours a day – much more now that he’s in a prone position all the time. He has about two months left, or so he’s been told. He’s in great spirits. Says he’s lived a beautiful life, especially with me. So sweet of him.
We’ve been together for about 25 years, now. We are living in the USA in a beautiful little house we built together (yes, our hands – the Ranch taught us a lot!) on the water in the Pacific Northwest. We have a successful Online business that right now is keeping me very busy, as well as my attending to Anurodh. I’m doing all that he used to do in the business as well. I had no idea how much that was! I appreciate him even more. Anu is completely lucid and his laser-like wit and sense of humor are as sharp as ever!
We hear from Cynthia Scotkin, his former wife: “Gitesh (David A. Scotkin) passed into the Universe after a long struggle with cancer. David was a complex and loving person, and though we were no longer married, our relationship grew and bloomed in the last three years – during which we spoke once or twice daily.
“His wish was to be cremated and I will be receiving his ashes. According to his wishes, next summer, I, along with his family, will take them to the Atlantic.
“He was the love of my life. Although I mourn his passing, I rejoice that we shared so much for so long.
She also writes, “He visited Pune twice and loved Ma Kaveesha very much.
“His creativity had hit new heights toward the end of his life…” – which brought us to publishing some of his haikus in: The Hollow Bamboo – “If anyone would like to hear his music, see his art, or read his poetry, his web site is: www.davidscotkin.com”
Read Cynthia Scotkin’s poem which she sent to us today: Heading Home through the Forest
We hear from Mangala Marga and his twin brother Raghu Kondori that Rama left his body on Saturday morning 7:20 Indian time in his house in Anjuna, Goa. He died in the arms of Raghu while Mangala was holding his hands. They kept eye contact with him and they say that he left his body conciously and looked peaceful. He had been suffering from a liver cancer in its advanced stages and was in a lot of pain despite strong medication.
After dealing with formalities they prepared his body; the men washed and dressed him in white and mala and adorned his body with lots of flowers. As he had requested, his body was cremated at the burning ghats in Mapusa the same afternoon, surrounded by a few friends.
There will be a celebration for him on Friday, 14th December, 3.30-5pm, at “Bean Me Up” (0832-2273479) www.beanmeup.in, 1639/2 Deulvaddo, Anjuna ( Near Petrol Pump), Goa, India.
His ashes will be scattered in the river, as he had wished.
There will be a celebration for Rama Ji, on Friday 14 December
Rama, beautiful crazy free spirit,
as I always remember you,
Garfield Place Brooklyn,
since then, looking at the pictures
you became even more and more beautiful
touched by the stars in your eyes
I cry and smile and realize:
how thrilling – we all meet again!
We hear from Pratap that Ma Yoga Prem (better known as Big Prem) died early this morning of heart failure.
“There will be a death celebration at 2:00 pm today in the Osho Auditorium at the Resort in Pune. Everyone is invited to come. We will dance and celebrate, and give her a beautiful send-off. Afterwards, everyone is invited to accompany the body to the Ghats at the river for the Burning Celebration.”
Maneesha got the message that, Prem “called Dhyanesh and said ‘I’m dying’ and then said ‘I can’t speak anymore’. By the time Dhyanesh arrived at her room, she had already left her body.”
Celebrate death too, because death is not the end of life but the very crescendo of life, the very climax. It is the ultimate of life.”
Osho
Ma Yoga Prem grew up in Chicago and came to India to meet Osho in the early seventies, attending camps in Mount Abu. She got her nickname Big Prem initially to distinguish her from another American Prem but it remained throughout her life because of her impressive stature.
In Pune I she transcribed Osho’s darshans – she had the quickest fingers in town! – and also participated in the Saswad experiment. On the Ranch, among other jobs, she also worked as a mom in Magdalena. After the Ranch she lived in Connecticut with Swiss Philippe and his two teenage children. In Pune II they purchased a room in the Commune which allowed her to live there to the present day.
Big Prem was one of the few of us who learned to speak Hindi fluently!
She had been in long-term relationships with equally tall and handsome men and we would like to mention them here with much gratitude: Rakesh, Philippe and Vairagya.
Beloved Prem, Thank you wishing your journey returning to the source filled with the light that you were in the body. Love, Sagar
Beloved One, we did work together many times, cracking up with laughter, shedding tears, sat silently, did nothing… A loving connection, birthday sisters… You are in the hearts of so many of us, we will miss you. Fly, fly high, my heart is with you… bye, beloved, Aviram
Dear Big Prem, I will never forget when we met for the first time in 1980 sitting on the benches lined up at Lao Tzu gate waiting to go into darshan (which actually was my sannyas darshan). I was so very nervous and you started to talk to me, probably trying to get me to relax. Of course when you asked me my name I did say Giuseppe because I was not a sannyasin yet, and will always remember how sweet you were, and that every time when you met me afterwards in the ashram you yelled at the top of your voice in your American accent “Ciau Ghiusseppiiiii” to my great embarassement! See you soon Big Prem! Ciau, Anatto
One hot afternoon last year in New Delhi, I patronized the Central Cottage Industries Emporium on Janpath. I walked into the bedding department and a familiar looking tall woman in a green salwar kameez passed me. I stopped, turned and then she too turned, it was Big Prem! Such a marvelous chance encounter as she and her beloved, Vairagya, had also just arrived in Delhi, on their way to see the mother of all cricket games, the match between India and Pakistan in Chandigarh. The four of us launched right into reconnecting and talking where we had left off about 25 years ago, draped over the display counter until one of the shop’s staff asked politely if we could take our reunion elsewhere as customers were unable to see the merchandize! I feel blessed to have seen you so recently and enjoyed our laughing together! Farewell beloved friend! Bhagawati
Beloved with the sweetest ever smile, as your neighbour in Eckhart house we shared so many laughs and crazy times! Always ebullient with an inexhaustable supply of joyous energy, I loved being around you. Your love for Osho was boundless. And how he must be laughing that you chose today of all days to join him! A wondeful birthday gift! Enjoy the blessed space you must now be in. Love, Veena
Beloved Big Prem, you where the first one I met in 1979 as I had brought gifts from Rocky’s family. I will never forget that first hug. We remained friends all these years and I am eternally grateful for all the conversations we had via Skype for the last years, as you supported me through difficult times. I loved that we shared many intimate conversations and you even got to talk with Mother. I was going to Poona in January to see you, now I will see you everywhere, especially in my morning sunrises. I love you, Big Prem, forever and ever. You are irreplaceable. I will listen for silent whisperings, as I now have an understanding of that which never dies. One heart – All One. Love, Divyo
Beloved Big Prem, your spirit was always kind and big. I always felt welcomed in your presence. Bon voyage, beautiful being, Sarvananda
My most beloved Prem, how many sannyas celebration have we spent together between candles, music, pillows, just to arrange beautifully the Celebration? Ciao my beloved one and only big! Nyuka
I will never forget our walks to White Robe Brotherhood every evening while I visited the Resort. Though we were usually late in our slow walking, I knew they would always keep the gateless gate open for you. Now you are free. Hallelujah, Love’s returning home! Abhiyana
I knew Big Prem since the early 70s when she would come to do Ethiopian Dance with me, every day for over 2 years. I loved her very much, and will really miss her hugs. I am grateful for knowing her. Hope to see you somewhere, sometime. Love, Neeraj
Beloved, beautiful Big Prem. Yes, fly high! And a big hug to my friend Vairagya. It’s like, she gave the greatest gift to Osho on his birthday. Love, Katha
Most beloved Big Prem … and the mystery continues … Yoga Rabiya
You are my beloved. From the first moment we met, in Krishna House in the early 70′s, it was as if we were continuing from where we left off in another life. It was so natural and at ease. Premala, now who can I call and chat for hours swinging from one mood to another, laughing and crying, whining and then opening with wisdom into cosmos. I want to meet you again and again and again… I wonder if you can hear my heart saying this? Love, Shanti
You have always been love first and foremost. Big Love, Big Prem. You are in my heart. Lolita
Dear Ma Big Prem, I heard about this news when someone sent me a message from Australia. Ma Big Prem had a very strong effect in my life. I had met her in 2006 when I went to the Osho Ashram and was going through the most difficult time of my life. Ma Big Prem treated me like her own son. Am sure your soul is watching us, Ma Big Prem. Your memories will be in my heart and mind forever, mother. Love you, Ma Big Prem, she fondly called me Choo Choo. ‘Choo Choo’ is Indian slang. She gave me strength and love as a mother would give to her child. Pranav, Mumbai
P.S – I would love to meet Viragya very soon. Have not been to the ashram since 4 years.
I don’t quite understand such a sudden magic in the air! Since yesterday’s send-off celebrations to beloved Big Prem in the Osho Auditorium and later confining her body to the elements at the Burning Ghats, I find such a thick layer of ‘love energy’ released all over the place that it is not easy to believe. I have no longer any way of telling how much of it is subjective, how much of it is objective, how much is a mixture of the two or if there at all exists any demarcation anywhere. Never before had I experienced such tangible ocean of love energy that keeps me constantly melted, tears almost brimming without any reason….. I wonder if the master chooses a certain moment, person and setting to release such energy. It must be so! Love, Big Prem, Yoga Pratap Bharati
I and my wife met Ma Big Prem just 2 months back in Sep 2012 for her last Mystic Rose. Never ever, I had seen so much energy overflowing like it was flowing from Big Prem… My god. We were drowned in her love, laughter, innocent childlike being. What we received in a month staying with her cannot be explained in words. We feel you more than before. And I can hear Osho saying, “Aha, here comes Big Prem.” Enjoy! We will join you anytime, Abhishek and Shraddha Patel
Dissolve into the universe of love
And then spread it in space
That’s the way I know you.
Yesterday morning I felt your loving presence around, whispering in my ear, „Remember you are a Buddha.” I love that one! I absolutely loved working together with you in the Sannyas-Office – your open heart for all and everything. Joy, Joy, Joy! Virochana
We had such a special time together at the Humaniversity, that it lives in my heart forever. Our first day together, watching Osho’s death and crying so much and then laughing and celebrating for days and weeks. You, Emma and me on the couch laughing every morning. You showed me the very best of life. Do you remember our last party together? You asked me to open up my arms and receive the great love. I feel you so much these days and I promise you that I will keep your gift alive in my heart. Love you and thank you for your full giving, Anat (shamata)
Beloved One, Indivar told me about your departure on the phone this morning. Tears are running down my cheeks, my heart is overflowing… no words… just love and gratefulness… what we shared in Mystic Rose cannot be said. I feel it now. And for a moment I am standing on the Osho Plaza again dancing with you in the Kirtan your friends are doing for your Mystic Rose demo… Thank you for your big love! And Vairagya, much love to you from Pramada
It happened, didn’t it Big Prem? Osho could not wait any longer. Two decades was more than he could do without you. And he made you leave on the day he had arrived in the world. You departed covered with roses, surrounded by laughter, music, dance. Did you see the horde of your lovers that came to bid you adieu? Did you see the adoration in their eyes? You must have smiled your charming smile of a happy sun ringed with the glow of your love.
I remember the myriad lunches we had together in Mariam. How you would fill my thali with savouries. I remember your visits to my house. Never did you come empty handed. A dozen tarts, a dozen croissants, pastry, snacks. Your joy at simply being alive, your child-like laughter, your kindness and generosity are precious treasures of my memory. Be happy with your beloved Osho, dearest Prem. Love him, hug him, kiss him, but only for today. Tomorrow put him to the strict regime of your Mystic Rose! And remember, dearest Prem, I love you from the depths of my heart. And will love you. Always, Fatima
Beloved Big Prem, I remember you so well. You were a great neighbor at Eckhart house. We went on a boat trip with Osho together in Oregon and had a lot of fun together. Last time I saw you were in Poona in 1997. I was visiting Poona after a long time and remember standing in the Welcome Center feeling a bit lost. Didn’t recognize anybody, and suddenly you were there. You said: “I heard this voice telling me to go to the Welcome Center. Didn’t know why, because I seldom go there. Now I know why I had to come there. You were here and I had to come and welcome you!” My heart melted and I was so happy seeing an old friend. We hugged and laughed for a long time. You have always been very special to me. I will always love you, you beautiful, loving soul. There is so much light in your being. I know your journey now is of pure light and love. With eternal love, Gandha
My bestest friend Big Prem is on her way – and my heart is full of her. We’ve had a 37 year friendship – beginning in one of those ‘terrible’ groups where we told each other how much we hate. I wanted to leave and she persuaded this California sunshine girl to bear up under it! I did and I’m ever grateful for her presence in my life since then. Our whole life together has been a series of mutually helping out and sharing with lots of laughter to go with. A few years ago I was in hospital for three weeks and mostly every night she appeared with something of comfort. She entertained the staff in her wonderful Hindi talk and her delightful presence was a definite part of my healing. We connected in that very special way that friends of the heart connect and there is so little to say about it – it’s love – in a non-verbal way. She and I did it with jokes and laughter and I miss her as that laughing partner. More recently it was mostly over the phone: she lived in the Resort which is too far for me to walk and she seldom left her room. Her health had became more difficult. I had turned her on to my precious Doctor Yasmine who also fell in love with her and could have helped her if she had chosen to. It was indeed Yasmine who alerted me that something was happening with Prem at 8am that morning with a phone call. Prem had called her but it was then too late. Prem was a shining star in my firmament and I am happy she is flying out of her damaged body. Also, she got the Resort to celebrate Osho’s birthday along with her deathday – watta girl! Go love go! Jeevan
Beloveds, I spent three hours with Big Prem on 9th December. We drank tea and gossiped. She was feeling totally blessed and kept asking if I felt the same, which i did. She mentioned how beautiful the Indian Sodexo workers looked after her and did many small and big things that were not their job. They also where caught by Big Prem and her big heart. The next day I was getting some homeopathic thing for her and we joked on the phone, and the following day I found out early in the morning that she had left her body. I went to the Resort and sat with her body and said my goodbyes – I could have sworn that she was still breathing. In the Celebration, when Osho told a joke, I saw her smile. I danced and walked with her body to the burning ghats with many other beautiful friends. She made Osho’s birthday a beautiful celebration outside all the politics which she disliked. We all joined in one heart. I came back to sit with her body after discourse again, just the two of us, and I watched as her body disappeared. It was beautiful, she died in her beloved Pune, in the place she loved. She was feeling blessed, and full, and loved. Somehow I will miss her beautiful presence, though she rides with me in my heart. She was my beloved friend and fellow crazy lady. Love love love, don’t miss any moment: one never knows when it will be the last. Big hugs, Big Prem, my beloved beloved. Love is here now, Suchira
Big Prem, my soul sister, my best friend in Pune. We have shared so many days and weeks and months and years together, I will miss all that but our deeper connection will be there for ever, even stronger than ever. I love you so much! I can tell endless stories of our laughs, cooking, dancing, partying, celebrating May birthdays, spending nights in your room, sharing our stories, love life, you loving my mom and my family like your own … so on and so forth…. I was blessed that you become my friend from the very first day we met in the 70′s and also worked side by side in the Publishing Department in 1979-80. I better stop. So long my friend, we celebrate you – always. Yog Jagruti
Big Prem, jiii! Howdy, my next-door neighbor – flying somewhere now – you took care of me like a child when I was sick – and said you were getting post-partum blues when I was leaving Poona afterwards… You had real parties nearly every night with food you cooked, and all sorts of characters enjoying themselves with lively discussion – a born hostess by night, and a confidante by day. We told each other secrets of the heart. I know your body suffered, and you flew anyway, flew in life and flew in being popped out of this body too, now – Manifestor wild woman seeking ever more the wild. Much love, Big Friend, Madhuri
Dearest Prem, at last I’ve found your site! Danced with your body down to the ghats, what strong energy, what a soulful heartfelt farewell feeling, singing our holy fire songs and you going up in flames and everyone dancing. So sudden, Prem – old pal on the darshan diaries, neighbour in Eckhart, companion at Saswad, sweet fellow RA sufferer and sharer of secrets. Such a sudden surprise, your passing, but thank you for having been you. Savita
I was at your Mystic Rose group in 2003 in Pune and I will never forget your big heart and your compassion for all of us. Thank you. Adheesh
You are in the hearts of so many of us, we will miss you. Fly, fly high, my heart is with you…. Bye, beloved….. Somebody has said these words before and I am only copying them, but they are the words I would use. I remember all the sweet moments with you, our time together in the Meditaion Resort. I love you forever, Riten
You’ve been in my heart from the time we first met in Bombay in 1972. I remember walking down the street with you in Bombay, and all the admiring attention you got from the men we passed; your warm openness to everyone. It was impossible not to love you. I called you from a phone booth alongside a highway when you were at a meditation center in San Francisco and Chaitanya and I were traveling around the US teaching meditation, Rakesh our driver. I told you that you had to fly to wherever we were to join us (“You gotta me this guy, Premmie! He’s perfect for you”) and you did, the four of us traveling together until CC and I moved to the ashram in India. You and Rakesh (who’d bonded within moments of meeting) soon joined us. Who will ever forget your ashram wedding, and the decorated elephant hired to ride you guys around Koregon Park after the ceremony. I remember you meeting Phillipe for the first time…remember so many things. I’ve missed not having you in life for so long, but will always love you. Love, Sats
Premesh (aka Alan Bassett) was born in Key West, Florida in 1946. He was only recently diagnosed with cancer and his sudden and quick departure has taken everybody by surprise.
Meerananda writes: “My dear lover, my beautiful partner and my best friend Premesh said to me a few days before his death, ‘Don’t worry, my love, we are on top of the mountain and death doesn’t exist. The only thing which is important is love and meditation.’ And the day he left his body he said, ‘Death and Bliss.’ He was conscious, in peace and with a smile on his face. His love is forever in my heart and I share it with all of you.”
Premesh took sannyas in Pune in 1981 and worked on the Meera Crew in Rajneeshpuram. In 1987 he returned to Pune where he stayed for ten years. Many will remember him as a Mystery School black-robe and giving Tarot readings at Prem’s. After Osho left his body he moved back to the USA and joined the Osho Academy in Sedona. He later ran transpersonal therapy and meditation workshops in Europe, India, Brazil, and US. He stayed for longer periods in Cologne, connected to the Uta Centre and giving ‘Osho Mystic Tarot’ sessions at the small disco. He also visited Switzerland where he gave sessions at the Theatre Spectacle in Zurich.
In recent years he has made himself a name as an author of esoteric science fiction thrillers which were inspired by his years in India, Osho’s meditations, his travels through India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. He lived in the mountains of Spain with his lover Meerananda.
Osho News has recently written a review about his trilogy of esoteric science fiction thrillers: The Ashoka Chronicles
Oh my friend, now you’re gone, flown away, left the ill body behind. I always remember our looong hours of writing, reflecting, talking and drinking bottles of Kingfisher in Prem’s garden restaurant, way back in 1987, Osho Mystery School, Pune. Later you came to visit us in our Osho Center in Zurich; we sat at the lake side and many people benefitted from your wonderful Tarot card readings. You loved to hike in the Swiss mountains… Just a month ago you told me about our ‘old’ friend Anurodh who left this plane – the two of you may be meeting now. And yes, your books have arrived at my beloved’s house. I’ll enjoy reading them and feeling your sense of humour, your free spirit, your love. You have enriched my life with your beautiful presence. I see you travel lightly into a new adventure, namaste, dear one ♥ Mahana
Dear Premesh, just heard the news that you have gone beyond. I remember you so well though I haven’t seen you for many years. You are such a beauty, funny, wise. A complete individual and a great friend. I wish you well wherever you are. All love. Your friend Adarsha
Premesh, beloved friend – we only connected late in our lives and only for such a short time. Yet I felt I knew you since forever; you so much touched my heart with your laughter and joy! Although I knew your body was ill I felt certain you would jump that hurdle too. Fly high… until we meet again… With love always, Bhagawati
Dear beloved Premesh, we first met at Osho Leela 1 in England when you came to lead the Self Love group. What a group! Went soooo deep, with your wise and loving support and guidance. Now you have taken off and left this world. I am sure you are exploring and enjoying where ever you. Fare well and much love, Shantidas
Beloved Premesh, I am stunned, shocked and all those things which happen when this news comes so suddenly. I have wonderful memories of our times in Seattle and Pune. Was looking forward to meeting again in Europe. Much love and appreciation for you. Love, Tarika
Beloved Premesh, I very much enjoyed hanging out with you, talking to you. We had hoped that we could meet again some time in Europe. Now it has to be another life, another time. If what Osho says is true that we are all reborn, then some parents somewhere will be very delighted to get such a sweet Premesh-baby! Much love, Khabira
Utterly utterly shocked to hear of your passing. I remember you with so much love from our time together in The Mystic Ring. Now I’ve no excuse not to read your novels! Travel well brother, Sandhan
Beloved Premesh, I hope lightbeings can read Facebook… Well, you surely are able to read our hearts from where you are now. I celebrate your life, dear mystic brother. Thank you for being a friend and fellow explorer. Songs of bliss and love to you…. Atmo
Beloved Friend, I find my heart heavy with grief upon hearing the news of your passing. I have loved you like the brother I never had since we met in the Pune Mystery School. My only regret is we haven’t spoken or hugged or looked into each other’s eyes for a long time. Your friendship has been total – why should it end now? You will be missed… and you are a big wake up call for me not to waste anymore time! Thank you for modeling what it means to be a loving man. Abhiyana
Beloved Premesh, out of words, hearing of your passing, so suddenly. Good memories of you, your smile, your open face, a willing and connecting heart… Memories of connecting in Pune and later on FB. Fly on beloved… Narayani
… so totally unexpected … I still feel you present somehow … sadness is there … you are going before us … I wonder why … so much Love to you … thank you for your Being with us … Rajo
We were in Poona 1 same time … was always nice to share with you … and we all go, one after the other … that’s life and we are all really lucky to be on this path. With Love, Satyo Shunyam
Thank you Premesh, you touched my heart, you made it work, you taught me what ‘to be connected with the source’ was and … you trusted me. It was a privilege to share with you a small ‘peace’ of this journey, eternally grateful. Gracias Premesh, por tocar mi corazón, enseñarme lo que es estar conectado con la fuente y confiar en mi. Es un privielgio haber compartido contigo un trocito de este viaje, Gracias. Esperanza
Memories from a long time ago but still vibrant and resonating in my heart: You were the Tarot magician for me and many others, teaching the secrets of card-laying so elegantly and humorously. You were, and still are, a very trustworthy man just by the way you are. We shared great parties together and what’s even more important, you always had a kind of open secret hanging around you which made you a person with a charisma. Now, my beloved friend, your time has come to travel further. Thank you for being part of my life. The next step is completely yours. Our connection is one of love and celebration. Premgit
Vedam (Anthony Roché) grew up in New York and used to be called ‘the black white boy’ because he always used to hang out with the white kids. He studied classical flute and piano and attended masterclasses with acclaimed flute player Sir James Galway. He came to Pune and took sannyas in the mid-seventies where he met Majida from Switzerland. They spent a period of time in Seattle and visited the Ranch from time to time. When Shanti, their first son, was about two years old, they moved to Switzerland where he gave flute lessons in schools and, on weekends, played with salsa bands. After a bike accident his flute playing became more difficult, so he concentrated on playing the keyboard where he was equally proficient. Whenever Milarepa was in earshot he would turn up at his concerts and events to contribute his solos.
Invitation to Vedam's 60th Birthday 09.12.12
Lotus Paradise recording sessions in Zurich 2006
Nataraj Dance Meditation in Switzerland 2012
One Sky band with Vedam 2012
Rajneesh Rock Band - Pune 1980 - with Satgyan and Somesh
Switzerland Event with Milarepa
Vedam - always joking
Vedam at the cafe'
Vedam with cap
Veetkam visiting Vedam in the hospice
with bass player Chandira
with a Latino band on lake Zurich
with Kai in New York 2008
with Milarepa in 2011
with Amlas in New York 2008
Rajneesh Rock Band - Pune 1980 at the gate (Vedam far left)
Zurich 2005
A few years back Vedam left Switzerland for Chicago, breaking up from his wife and leaving behind their second son, Nicolas, and suffered two strokes there. Shanti was instrumental in having him return to Switzerland where he could get the care he needed. With the determined mind he always had, he recovered beyond the doctors’ expectations and soon started to play the keyboard again, even if just with his left hand.
For his 60th birthday, on 9th December, his son and his Swiss friends organised a big party for him with plenty of juicy music since also his ‘Cuban connection’ came to join. A lot of his old friends had come together to sponsor a journey to India, planned for January, where Vedam could be in the care of his beloved Ayurvedic doctor Balaji Tambe. He was very happy about this gift!
The day after his birthday (maybe he was laughing too much at the party, his friends say) he had a heart attack from which he was already recovering well in hospital. So much so that on 24th December he decided to visit his in-laws and on the 25th he took a taxi to his nursing home to bring Christmas presents to the nurses. During dinner he collapsed into the arms of a nurse and was brought back to hospital where his heart soon afterwards stopped beating.
The funeral (urn burial) will be held on Friday, 11th January 10:30am at the Cemetery Chapel (Friedhofskapelle) Siehlfeld D, Albisriederstrasse 31, 8003 Zurich.
I first heard Vedam play in 1987.
It was early morning in the Osho Commune, Pune, India.
I was on the terrace of the room I shared with Prem Shunyo.
It overlooked the garden of Lao Tzu House and Chuang Tzu Auditorium where Osho was giving his daily discourses.
I was having a break from my job of coordinating the discourse music.
I knew the band that morning.
It was Deva Kant on keyboards, Vedam on flute, Satgyan on bass, and Nivedano on percussion.
The composition was one of Deva Kant’s.
At 7:40am, the music began as was customary.
Suddenly my ears perked up.
I walked to the edge of the terrace wall where I could hear better.
There was something special in the air this morning.
The music was incredible.
I had never heard such divine flute playing in my life.
Vedam was weaving his magic..
All musicians have their unique ways of playing.
Vedam’s expression was one of joy.
Joy delight.
Call it Osho.
Pure and simple.
I will remember him not only for his music but his sense of humor.
He could entertain for hours with a seemingly endless supply of jokes.
Other than Osho, I never met anyone who could remember so many.
And when the punch lines came, he laughed the hardest.
He knew music inside out.
His phrasing was sheer genius.
His timing and tone were impeccable.
He soared in the sky without limits.
And nobody played salsa on piano like he did.
In one of our meetings several years ago in Switzerland, after he had suffered two strokes which left him half paralysed, he spoke of his “karma with the body”.
He said he could not understand “why all this was happening to him.”
He said he was in a deep process of self-inquiry and had started meditating every day.
Unable to walk or play, he carried his beloved flute on his lap everywhere.
I have never met a musician who’s life was so totally his instrument.
He was his flute.
And certainly when he played, he was Osho’s flute.
I will miss him dearly.
But I know the incredible lightness of being he channeled, what touched everyone who heard him, is free to play again.
I hear you, beloved friend. I hear you.
Milarepa
Beloved Vedam, without your encouragement I would never have taken on playing percussion. You taught and practiced with me the various patterns of the claves and invited me to play with your salsa band. The now worn-out tambourin and the beautiful fish-shaped guiro are my most beloved instruments, the ones I will take with me in my grave, and they were both presents from you. I also remember when you drove all the way to Friedrichshafen to come and pick me up at the airport. You were a hell of a reckless driver! Thank you so much for being in my life. Have a wonderful ride on the other shore. With love from Punya
I loved Vedam’s jokes, yes, and I loved Vedam’s music even more. In Unity… Greg Rajsky
Hi Vedam, it’s me, your mother, Emelia Roché. First I want to thank everyone who was by Vedam’s side in his last days. It’s hurting me that I can’t see you off all the way over there. I’m so lost without my son. But I know he’s in a better place. Your brother misses you like we all do. The whole family ist hurt. My son, it seems like everyone you knew loved you. I miss you so and I love you so much. Please any of his friends could contact me and let me know how Vedam was. Thank you for being there for him. Emelia Roché
Vedam, we met in Pune in 1980, and lived together with Majida in Sunderban and then in a two storey bamboo hut by the river. I can see it now. You took me to Balaji Tambe when I got sick, I see you with the pots of ghee, you praised the soft skin you got from it. I see you singing in the train with the headphones on: “gonna tell a story, morning glory, all about the serpentine fire”; this song we played on your last birthday too…. All throughout the years I was in one way or other part of your family, baby-sitting your sons, meditating with Majida, and you joined with your beautiful flute on our first Singing Buddhas CD. I was part of your life in all manners, friend, a kind of destiny companion, soul-sister, spiritual friend. You looked like a beam of love on your birthday beginning of December, your eyes full of innocent love, a sweet kiss and touch of soul was our goodbye, without knowing. I feel you are in a good place. Blessed. I keep my ears open, to the sweet sound of your flute. In love, Anugraha
I first met Vedam in Chicago when he came with Milarepa to play for our annual Osho event. Then I think it’s the same year I attended Milarepa’s Wildquest event in Bahamas where Vedam was playing. The music and ambiance was so divine there. Vedam is so passionate about playing the flute. During the event in the Bahamas we all went out one evening to see the island. We stopped at a restaurant where there was some live music. We watched for a little while, then our musicians got onto the dias and started playing. Vedam had his flute at the ready and he took the lead. That day I saw him so total. Everyone enjoyed it so much.
And he was so good at sharing jokes. Here is one of his popular jokes that he loved to share:
At a circus there was an elephant and a sign that said: “Anyone who can make the elephant jump on his four legs, nod his head up and down and wag his head from side to side will win $100.”
Lots of people tried to get the elephant to immitate their jumping, wagging and nodding of heads, but with no luck. The elephant munched his straw and ignored them.
Then one day a fellow came up with a large hammer. Went around the back of the elephant and smack, right in the balls! The elephant jumped on his four legs! Then he came around the front and asked, “Know what I just did?” The elephant nodded his head up and down. “Want me to do it again?” The elephant wagged his head back and forth.
Thanks to Osho News for posting a page on his memory. Fly high beloved Vedam…. Murali
A find from Anugraha:
The big voice is Vedam’s in this 2005 concert during the Glarner Band Contest on the airport Mollis. Musicians are: Martin Nesnidal (git), Mirko Slongo (voc/git), Rebecca Spiteri (voc), Vedam Roche (keys/voc), Ricardo Iglesias (voc), Jean Claude Torko (bass), Armin Brühwiler (dr), G. Schiltknecht (perc)
Beloved Vedam, Farewell on your journey. Your music has always been an inspiration and joy. To play with you was a dance into the unknown and your humour and enthusiasm made my life richer. Have a great journey my friend, Shivananda
I wanted to share something that is precious to me and that I experienced with Vedam. While at the 2009 Milarepa retreat in Wisconsin I told Vedam I was recording a song that would be perfect with flute, perfect with his flute! So on Sunday, right after the retreat, he said, “Let’s do it,” and he drove over to my house to record it. The song is called ‘Antar Shanti’ (Inner Peace) and Vedam was flowing and so juicy with his energy, flowing with that energy from the weekend with Milarepa. He got it immediately. He just did a few takes and added some great lines. And gave me a music lesson while he was at it. Very cool.
Shortly after the recording / mixing he had the stroke. I brought the mix for him to hear while he was recovering in the senior center. He could not really talk, but he had a very very very big smile (Vedam style) when he heard it. Antar Shanti
Dear friends of Vedam, I officially confirm the death of my father, Vedam Anthony Roche. He died on the evening of the 25th December. The heart attack had weakened his heart so much that the body could not keep up any longer. We are very touched to read your loving words here. The death of our father came surprising to us as he was in the progress of getting better. We are still in the mourning phase. Nevertheless, we are grateful for the life that Vedam could lead.
He had his 60th birthday party on the 9th of December and enjoyed this one incredibly stating, “This was the best party that was ever celebrated for me.” He had also spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with his Swiss family and he was then able to leave this world with a smile, close to his friends and family.
In regards to the donations that were done towards his travels to India; we are happy to refund you the amount donated. You may contact me so that I can trace the payments. Otherwise we will use the donations for the burial and related costs. Part of his ashes will be buried in Zurich Siehlfeld. The other part is handed over to his family in New York. The funeral (urn burial) will be held on Friday, 11th January 10:30am at the Cemetery Chapel (Friedhofskapelle) Siehlfeld D, Albisriederstrasse 31, 8003 Zurich. We look forward to seeing you there.
Thank you for beeing a part of my father’s life and may he live on through our memories in our hearts, Shanti / Samuel Roche
I am very fortunate to have known and been very close to Anthony Roché continually for 45 years, beginning with his teenage years in New York City, with me as his music teacher. During the late 1960’s through the mid 70’s, I taught flute and other music skills at a theater arts center in East Harlem, commonly known as Spanish Harlem or El Barrio, the place where salsa was developed, because of its closeness to black or Central Harlem. Initially, I was his music mentor, but through circumstance, the connection developed into a father-son relationship, something that continued for the rest of his life. I would receive a phone call from him every year on December 4, my birthday, and he would receive a call from me on December 9, his birthday. In December, 2009, I did not receive that call from him, so I became a bit concerned, but didn’t know how to get in touch with him. Then, on December 9, I received a phone call from his mother, telling me that he had had a stroke in late October. I surmise that it was during the time period that I was performing and presenting at a conference in Los Angeles. Because I did not find out until his birthday, I suspected that somehow, even though ill, Anthony remembered that I would be trying to reach him on that day, and managed to get his mother to contact me. When he became a bit stronger, he was brought to New York for further treatment, thus enabling me to actually see him. I visited him frequently, making sure he had the things he needed, and as he got stronger, actually taking him to concerts, movies, and outside excursions. Even though I am totally blind, I felt extremely useful to him, and felt what it means to be my “brother’s keeper”. He was always happy to see me and eager to go out. He didn’t seem to mind to have this blind man push his wheelchair while he gave the directions for my movements.
If this sounds sacrificial, I look at it another way. I feel blessed by the fact that, even though I am blind, I was able to give my “foster son” some of the support he needed. After all, when I was hospitalized in Massachusetts in January, 1977, the doctors trying to preserve some of my sight, Anthony came all the way from Paris to visit me. From there, he went to New York, staying in my apartment, teaching most of my flute students while I would be staying in the hospital for a month. Our relationship was that close, with him thinking of me as being his primary mentor.
While I was teaching him during his secondary school days, he became good enough to be selected for the All-City High School Orchestra, meaning that he was being considered as one of the four top public high school players in the New York City public schools. In order to provide him with a better instrument for weekly rehearsals, I would let him borrow my own flute, then met him at the rehearsal site before rehearsals ended to collect the flute from him, thus ensuring the safety of my instrument. Similarly, when an All-State high school orchestra was being selected, I traveled with him to Albany, New York, for the competition. These competitions were conducted by members of the Philadelphia Orchestra, because the All-State High School Orchestra would spend one month in residence at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, where the Philadelphia Orchestra itself would be in residence. The students would receive some coaching from the Philadelphia Orchestra members. Again, Anthony was one of four students, this time statewide, who was selected, beating out two other New York All-City High School members, who had also traveled for that competition. He met some of the best high school musicians from throughout the state. Later, when one of his All-State orchestra colleagues decided that they were going to continue their music study in Europe after high school, Anthony decided to do the same thing. That’s how his European adventures began. Initially, he studied in France, then the eastern Alps region of Switzerland, where I actually visited him, then Freiburg, Germany, and finally back to Switzerland, where he settled. I bought professional instruments for him so he could be competitive with professional flute players in Europe.
After losing my total sight, I traveled to France to study with the renowned flutist Jean-Pierre Rampal at the International Summer Academy in Nice. When my studies were ended, I spent some time in France with Anthony, staying at the home of a French doctor and his American-born wife in St. Cloud, which is a suburb of Paris. In 1983, after an extended trip to several African countries, I traveled from Africa to Switzerland, arriving in Zurich just 6 days after his son Shanti was born. I stayed with Anthony and Majida at their home.
By this time, I was developing a strong attachment to Africa, and great concern for the problems of musicians, educators, and students on that continent. This concern increased to the extent that I am now a bonafide African music scholar, musician, educator, and humanitarian. This expertise also made my own life more relevant with Anthony’s because, as an African music scholar, I also studied music of the African diaspora, meaning those countries and cultures that have a strong African connection, especially Latin American countries. I became more and more knowledgeable about Latin music, and developed such a strong interest that I attended the viewing ceremonies or memorial services for Tito Puente, Ray Barreto, Mario Bauza, Celia Cruz, Joe Cuba, Louis Andino, Graciela Perez, and perhaps some others. I truly love and listen to Latin music. Anthony and I also had strong international interests – he by being in Europe, and me by being a teacher at the United Nations International School, where I teach students from all over the world. So I was not only his closest American ally, I was possibly his most relevant American ally. We placed a lot of trust in each other, and this trust kept us together until the end of his life.
During Anthony’s recent illness, while he was in Switzerland, we spoke on the phone almost every week, except for the summer months of July and August, when I would be serving as guest lecturer and resident scholar at the University of Nigeria. Last August, I managed to reach him from Nigeria. It was habitual for me to call him on Sundays. I spoke with him the day after his big birthday party, and I spoke with him on Christmas day, just before he went to his final outing at Malihof. He knew that I had sent him gifts, including items for his trip to India.
We had earlier been trying to decide if I should come to Switzerland during my Christmas break, but decided against it because of the possibility of snow in Switzerland, which would make the movements of a blind man very difficult. After the generosity of his friends and colleagues made it possible for him to travel to India, I decided that I should come to Switzerland during the first week of April, after his return from India. I was really looking forward to the April visit because I knew that we would enjoy each other’s company amongst the wonderful people at Malihof, his residence, and that I would eagerly go with him to many places. We didn’t mind each other having disabilities. He knew that I had difficulty getting around without sight, and that I was always apprehensive about my movements, especially at night in a small town. It’s always much easier for me in a city where the sidewalks and transportation provide me with a better sense of direction and access to facilities. Anthony, who now had a scooter, said that this time he can come and get me. I had second thoughts about that, but he assured me that he can take his scooter on a bus.
When I was there last April, I was coming to bring him his property, including two large keyboards that I had retrieved back in the United States. His sons brought me to meet him at the airport. He was tremendously happy to get his things back. Many people were intrigued by the fact that a blind man from the United States had come to visit his wheelchair-bound friend in Switzerland. He recently told me that one of the persons that brought me to Malihof had come there to assist him with a household item.
One of my most shocking experiences with him last April was the time that it cost me about $130 to achieve a small meal at McDonald’s, causing me to never want to go to McDonald’s in Switzerland again. The extreme cost was caused by our having to take a taxi to and from McDonald’s – at a cost of CHF 40 each way. The meal itself was also expensive by American standards. After that experience, the people at Malihof allowed me to take my meals with Anthony at minimal cost. The meals were great, much better than I would have gotten outside. Anthony also took me to places where I was able to buy a huge amount of chocolate, big chocolate bars and small chocolate bars. I was looking forward to doing that again in April.
There are so many stories that I could tell about Anthony, or about me and Anthony together, over our lifetime. Or even about our experiences in Europe, including Switzerland last April. But, suffice it to say, that having been able to assist Anthony during his illness is one of the highlights of my life, because I never felt so useful, and because we got along so well, being trustful and loyal to each other. Others might have considered it a heavy burden, but all I can say is “He’s not heavy; he’s my brother”. I’m proud of his achievements and pray that his soul rest in peace. I plan to dedicate some of my performance and creative work to him.
Thanks to everyone who befriended Anthony during his years in Europe and came to assist him during his final days. God bless all of you. With great sorrow… Dr. Richard Donald Smith
Dr. Richard Donald Smith, teacher, mentor, brother, friend of Vedam, thank you so much for sharing with us your awesome lifestory with Vedam, I can hear him clearly in your flute on this video. Thank you, Anugraha
Hi, at the end of December 1979 I stopped in Prague to catch a cheap flight for my first visit to Pune. In the city I met Vedam and we figured out that we both wanted to go and see Osho. So we took a later flight together and shared the taxi from Mumbai to Pune. We both took sannyas quite soon after we arrived. In the small garden beside the front gate, inside the ashram, he was often sitting playing the flute, completely lost. I was a business man and did not have much interest in music but I appreciated his way of playing which was so intense and I could sense that his whole being was in the music. I met him in music group afterwards and he is forever in my mind as a smiling love-full being. Swami Viramo
Your flute and the music that came out of it, I remember it so well. Everybody was struck by it and it all happened so effortlessly. This feeling of effortlessness was a blessing you had to share and everybody that was present felt it. Every summer you played with Milarepa at our summer festivals in Switzerland. When you played it was so obvious that music is your soul and you made us fly. You are a musician of the rare kind because music to you was more important than your ego. That’s why you could touch hearts so easily. I remember in Boldern that you were the only person I’ve ever seen using the shoe shining machine there. What a joke. That was your life taking every chance to play a joke with yourself or those around you. What can I give back to you for the precious gift you put in my heart? A view tears maybe of gratefulness for having met you and having the chance to be carried away by your music. Thank you brother! Premgit
Anthony was a peaceful person with a great energy. It was always inspiring to stay with him at the school or to jam around with him. A great musician and honest man. John Voirol, saxophonist, Prof. at the Music University Lucerne, Switzerland
Manuela and I are very sad. We are sad because your life has not reached its climax. There were so many tasks to fulfill. Maybe God was a bit too fast in his decision. But surely it is this time that he has taken from you, give love another man. Manuela and I have lost two dear friends and musicians in 2012. We think of you, dear Vedam. In love Sven & Manuela
Vedam, I was so happy to connect with you on Facebook last year after a long time not knowing where you were and what you were up to. Now you’re gone! I didn’t even know you were sick, this is how far apart we have lived in the last 25 years. I fondly remember you from the adventurous times after the commune when we all lived in Höngg full of new ideas and explorations. I also remember you from the second summer festival in Rajneeshpuram when you broke a leg running to get to the front for the morning Satsang. You lived fully and I’ll remember you like this. You are in my heart. Fly high! Preeti Helena
Prem Geeten, aka Sol Lovesong, left his body in Spain. He had been at Priya’s (formerly Karuno’s) place there for a holiday and suddenly went out of communication with her. She had been in touch with Geeten by phone. His body was found in his bed there. He was last seen on Tuesday 18th December.
An ‘old’ sannyasin, he was born, on Christmas Day, 67 years ago and lived most of his life in London. His mother had mental health problems and ended up living on the street, his father was Italian and left. He was brought up by Catholic nuns.
At various times he lived in Germany, helped at Osho Purnima in Kentish Town, London, went to Art College and did the Osho Craniosacral Training in Pune.
Later on in his life, he moved out of London, to the small village of Dulverton, in Somerset. He loved being ‘in the middle of nowhere’. He was feeling, however, that he would like to move to Devon…
A sensitive soul, he had a huge heart, a good sense of playfulness and humour and a wicked laugh. His talents were not known by all – he was an artist and a good photographer. He also had experimented with composing music and sometimes did amazing wild, spontaneous improvisations with voice and whole body.
He was a loner by choice, keeping in touch with few people. However he also seemed to ‘get around’ visiting people and places, including Osho Leela.
He attended a meeting with Maneesha in Devon in 2011 about a meditative hospice and was drawn to the work of The Sammasati Project, as it developed. He was keen to join the training and this saw him open up to being more with others and sharing himself. He made new friends and we all loved him, he was often loving and endearing, and also direct and confrontative at times. He knew exactly what he wanted and didn’t want.
In October this year he visited Priya’s place in Spain with a couple of friends, her and myself included. Although it was touch and go whether he would make it because of mobility issues, he thrived there, loved it and walked long distances.
After he came back he completed the training – again despite health struggles. He had had several operations and issues in the past and was pretty fragile. He was keen to go to Spain again and there he left…
I remember a time, with music playing (Miten perhaps?) after some structure and before a break – where I just sat, awed by his beautiful dance – actually the dance which seemed to be coming through him. I remember that time as very special and he also remembered those moments as being particularly precious for him.
Dance on, Geeten!
Update 5.2.2013: Geeten’s friends from Dulverton, where he lived (near Exmoor), are having a celebration for him on Saturday, 9th February. You are welcome to join. For more info please email info@thesammasatiproject.co.uk
London friends will also be celebrating Geeten’s life soon – date tbc. In the meantime, you might enjoy this video with Geeten having fun and creating music in his own unique way: youtu.be
Text by Yatro
Any moment now
any of us
will disappear
perhaps to reappear
or else ride the waves of eternity
Beloved Geeten, it feels great timing that you should have spent your final year in our training, preparing to leave your body! I know it wasn’t all plain sailing, but you hung in there, ‘trusting the process’. Loved your unique way of being and so glad to have known you! All love to you, Maneesha
Sweet Geeten, dancing in the stars…. It was a joy, sharing the Sammasati training with you! Keep hearing your crazy laughter echoing in my heart. Fly high, my friend Koorvita
Truly a love song of the beloved. Fly high Geeten. Shruti
Beautiful old friend from early North London squatting days. It was a great pleasure to meet with you again after so long, at Osho Leela last summer. Thanks for sharing and being your whimsical heartfelt knowing raggedy self in my life. Fly on… love… Param
Fly, fly high, beloved Geeten. Here a picture all for you. ‘A Wanderer Dances the Dance of Stars and Space’ – I know you love it! Anurag
spiral galaxy NGC 1097 by NASA
We never met ‘in person’, what a beauty you are Geeten! Thank you for sharing your experience on this little video, now I see you melting into the cosmic space with so much love and wonder…. Great peace to you, Mahana
It seems to me so apt, that at this time when cheeky, quirky, divinely inspired Geeten had found fulfillment in our love and community – that he has departed this mortal coil, in what I can only imagine was a wonderful state of love and surrender, if our last hug was anything to go by! It has been an absolute privilege to share this journey with you, Geeten, to watch the transformation and now the awesome way in which your actual departure happened. You are in my heart. Our training together has been the most terrific service to us as individuals, and I know that we will see more unfolding to come for us and others. Thank you, beloved Maneesha, for this work, and to Priya, Panky, Sidika for your special help, and all of us for holding this love that is beyond words. Blessings, Paras
What a shock! A long term friend of his, and a good friend of mine, Xochitl Tuck, died about a week before him. She was also a strong character, and once told me she had been to Poona in the 1970s and was going to take sannyas but had to leave India, I think because of her husband’s health problems. Love, Dhyandeva
So long Geeten, thanks for your friendship, you’re looking good. Sakal
Swami Lovesong, love dance, wonderful laugh, unique, wild, love you, Pankaja
Beloved Geeten, so happy to have got to know you during our training. I really enjoyed your powerful insights after some of the meditations and your beautiful dancing and the amazing music you made in our last module. I’ve been watching the last video you made with us just a few weeks ago. You start “Will-o’-the -wisp, here today, gone tomorrow” followed by your beautiful laugh. None of us thought that you would demonstrate your comment so very soon. Sending you much love and appreciation, Sidika
Thank you so much for your invaluable help at the Osho Purnima Centre in Kentish Town. Those moments remembered – Dance on in Love! Prabuddho
Arriving at US customs en route to Oregon, Geeten was found to be carrying his own food for the trip! Tahini, rice cakes, and sprouts. They took them off him, of course, but we were all amused by the incident. He was a special person – different. I was happy when I heard he’d made the move out of London. Lots of memories over many years. Ashesha
Dear Geeten, now you are gone, gone beyond, gone – gate gate para gate parasamgate bodhi swaha. Warmth shared remains. Love, Tara
Preeti Ganguly, born 1953 into the famous Ganguly family from Bengal, was the daughter of actor Ashok Kumar and an Osho sannyasin.
Preeti was an actress and played several comic roles in Hindi movies in the ’70s and ’80s. She was immensely talented and performed exceedingly well in the comedy roles that came her way owing to her own out-sized figure. She is best known for her comic role as Freni Sethna, the die-hard Amitabh Bachchan fan in Basu Chatterjee’s ‘Khatta Meetha’ (1978) (‘Sweet and Sour’).
Seven years ago, Preeti set up an acting school in Mumbai, the ‘Ashok Kumar’s Academy of Dramatic Arts’. She felt that she wanted to engage in more meaningful endeavours and her acting school is an outgrowth of this desire.
Magdalena writes: “Anand Shakur (Markus Bart) was born in Switzerland in May 1945, and passed away in Canada in a magnificent place in Alberta. His death comes as a surprise.
“Shakur was in Poona I and worked in the silkscreen department. He lived in the Gyandip Commune in Zurich where he was in charge of the boutique and later of the vegetarian restaurant Zorba The Buddha. He also experienced the Ranch in Oregon. Everybody appreciated him.
“After he sold a fancy Polo Ralph Lauren store in Banff which he owned and managed with his sister, he lived as a recluse in a beautiful place surrounded by nature. He enjoyed his three dogs, wild horses and a grand view into the Rockies. He also used to have cats and a pig.
“He was a generous and special man with a great sense for beauty and truth. In his own way he was always a rebel and would only settle for the ‘real thing’. He was one of my best friends for over 40 years. I will miss and love him forever. May he celebrate his inner peace and freedom … free the soul and fly like a butterfly!”
You were my trainer at Zorba the Buddha in Zurich; training me how to be a good waiter. You had a natural elegance to everything you did. You were soft with a spine what made you a wonderful teacher and a wonderful person. I feel touched by your grace that has been so much part of your life. May you be carried by it in trust and surrender. Premgit
Hey, Shakur. I was often wondering where you were. Now I know. I remember your gentle leading the Zorba the Buddha, in the Zurich commune time. Our paths did not cross after that, unfortunately. I keep you in my heart. Much love from Australia. Preeti Helena
Ma Prem Anubodhi (Emily Spalding) was born in May 1928, graduated UC Berkeley in 1948 and taught English in the Navajo reservations and fancy private schools. She hung with the Beatniks in New York – she once commented about Alan Watts, “I am so tired of all these guys who think they are enlightened!” Her search led her to study with J. Krishnamurti for 25 years, to sit with Suzuki Roshi and Jakusho Kwong-Roshi, to try the fruit salad of therapies available in the 1970s, then finally to Osho. She took sannyas in 1977 at age 51, determinedly seeking truth!
Her cabins off Panoramic Highway in Mill Valley became resting places for sannyasins going to and from the ashram; much laughter and mischief up on that ridge! She spent as much time in India as she could with her teaching schedule, then worked in the truck farm on the Ranch, trying to be alone as much as possible. After the Ranch, she would load up her VW van and go off camping all around the country.
She spent her last years in Burbank Orchards in Sebastopol, California with a view of oak trees, meditating. Her greatest joys in life, after her eyes started failing, were listening to Osho tapes and having long phone conversations with dear friends all over the continent. We will remember her intensity, honesty, sense of the absurd…and wicked laugh!
Her love for Osho remained the light on her path till 25th December, when she had a heart attack.
Dhyan Nitamo (aka Mario) was born in Italy and was 50 years old.
He died of liver cancer which was only detected a month ago in a late stage. He had been in some pain in the last week or so, but surrendered gracefully to the inevitable. He died with his long-time beloved best friend Lisa (aka Prem Sarla) holding his hand.
He took sannyas in Rajneeshpuram and together with Swamis Deven, Simant and Smaran he built the crematorium while on the RHT program.
During the early nineties he met U.G. Krishnamurti in Gstaad and spent 15 years around him. At the same time he started an interior design business in Cologne, Germany, building fancy bathrooms, trendy resin floors and inspired walls. In the last few years he was a regular visitor to Bali.
I just learned from a friend in New Jersey that Mario left his body about 2 1/2 hours ago in his old friend Julie’s house. He left very peacefully. In November he was diagnosed with liver cancer, which was very advanced and he then moved to friends in the United States and spent a beautiful month in New Jersey. Friends from around the world came to see him and were able to say goodbye. He was just incredibly accepting and loving and just plain sweet. I cannot say more. Just beautiful. A real man! Until Friday, he was still on his feet, was joking, laughed, cooked and had fun with his friends.
Saturday was a turning point; he was restless and in a lot of pain, and didn’t leave Julie’s house anymore. A private hospice nurse came and took care of him. He slept for 7 hours during the night but this morning (Sunday) when he woke up at 6am he was very restless; at 10am his breathing became labored, he then stopped one-and-a half hours later and after 15 seconds one long breath left his body and he was out of his body. When he left, his friends were in the room. It was completely silent. He did not suffer long, I am so happy about it. What a dear friend. I will miss just him. Love, Anandi
Nitamo was a good and intimate friend for many years since we first met in Pune in 1987. We lived together in Riverside for few years and together shared, partied, travelled and enjoyed life, something he was exceptionally good at. I love you, Avikal
Taruja completed her first dance training in 1994 and later worked with different dancers. She has been leading Dance workshops and given individual session. She was also an Osho Rebalancing, Reiki, Cranio-sacral and Osho Mysitc Rose facilitator.
She was 44 years old when she left her body in Berlin.
Beloved Taruja, in gratitude for having spent quality time with you in Poona so many times! Your laughter and joy, the tears, the honesty… I wish that I would have had a miracle cure… So young you left… Farewell, beloved! Farewell! Aviram
WoW! Dear beloved Taruja, that was a short but very intense, passionate, ‘total’ visit…. Shocking to hear the news here in paradise Goa. Found myself sobbing because we were teaching pals together in a Rebalancing training in Pune. Thank you eternally for the juicy, playful, skillfull sharing, and teaching of Osho Divine Bodywork. In gratitude and endless love, enjoy your Godly Journey towards a still better home. Be blessed, precious and dearest one! Rasal
Your laughter, your joy of life, your healing hands and graceful dance will always echo through the universe. Thank you for being such a loving friend….
This song is yours:
…and I’m calling on the light
in every flower in every smile
in a dewdrop and a tear
I call the light that’s you and me
Shine Shine Shine … all the time
Shine Shine Shine … tonight
Ma Atmo
We shared some good laughter and giggles on the path. Thank you for your warm heart. Now you have spread your wings, blessings and love on your journey, shine on… fly high, Mahana
Dear Taruja – you left us. I’m so sad not to have seen you more often on this earth. I thank you so much for your loving work and your laughter; your energy to dance and teach us not only rebalancing, but also how to open our eyes and minds for our individual story and for our feelings of relationship. Anna Maria
From Amana we hear that Virato left his body peacefully in a hospice in Asheville, NC. Virato was a local figure in Asheville, where he and his beloved Dhiraja (Luda) lived. He was an editor of the online Asheville Magazine, and earlier as a radio host, he interviewed hundreds of New Age pundits and spiritual teachers. Since meeting Osho he devoted much effort to increase spiritual awareness and tantric consciousness.
I am writing from Asheville, where we met casually over the years, 11 or twelve. I wish to pay homage to this soul, Virato. We are all good and bad and beautiful and maybe not so. I just sort of liked the guy, mostly because of his radio show. I truly hope it is preserved. He talked to many guests, mostly in a very intelligent and respectful manner. His Saturday morning broadcasts on AM Radio in Asheville were a treasure to hear. He gave so much good energy into the radio program. Kind thoughts to his beloved Dhiraja. Thank you, Osho friends, for mentioning Virato. Peace from Asheville, Senator Airedale
Virato, an old collaborator of mine, was one of the few I knew who prized speaking up over swallowing his truth to appease and belong. There are not so many who have shed the skin of a spiritual politician. I believe he did it well. We have lost another strong voice in the dwindling community of attained sanyasins. I will miss him, Harideva
On February 2, Swami ‘Nostradamus’ Virato, aka Joseph Bacanskas, left his body peacefully at Solace Hospice. His loving wife, Ludmila Bacanskas, also known as Dhiraja, was by his side. Virato, who was 74, was well known for his on air show “Virato Live!” on 880 The Revolution, in which he interviewed New Age figures, spiritual teachers, healers and alternative lifestyle personalities, as well as sharing music of the New Age subculture and showcasing local musicians. Prior to moving to Asheville, Virato was Founder and Editor of New Frontier, a regional New Age and networking magazine, in Philadelphia PA, for many years. His work helped substantiate and promote the spiritual and counter-cultural movement that was gathering momentum in that region.
In the mid-1990s Virato moved to Asheville NC and started the online Asheville Magazine, which brought national attention to the quality and potential of Western North Carolina as a homebase for spiritual and alternative lifestyles, and increased the audience for local resources, to educate, illuminate and expand our community. Eventually, in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 2000, where he was teaching tantra courses, he met his devoted wife of 13 years, Dhiraja, who is a well loved community figure at Westgate Earth Fare, where she is known as Luda.
Virato was given his name by his spiritual teacher, Osho, and in his lifetime was faithful to increasing spiritual awareness through meditation and tantric consciousness, in all of his public endeavors. His friends and family have asked that if anyone wants to make a contribution in Swami Virato’s name, it be made directly to help defray his medical and cremation costs. Donations and expressions of sympathy can be sent to his wife, Ludmilla Bacanskas, at 83A Indiana Avenue, Asheville NC 28806. A public memorial to celebrate Virato’s life is possible at some future date, but for now, the family wishes to mourn their beloved in private, and asks for your kind thoughts for Virato in his journey onward. Aile Amana
Dear Ones, I met Virato in the mid-80′s at a Rainbow Gathering in Pennsylvania. He was butt naked, wearing a mala, so we said hello. (I was clothed, with mala.) He impressed me with his big aura, and enticed me to begin a spin-off new age magazine in Florida, through his Philadelphia-based version, New Frontier. I soon branched off on my own with New Florida magazine, but Virato and I stayed in touch, and I saw him now and then in Florida, where he occasionally offered a “tantra” workshop, sometimes entrancing folks and sometimes scaring them away.
We each eventually wound up in Asheville, and he soon brought a boatload of attention to this beautiful bioregion and its potential for counter-cultural development. No doubt Asheville can attribute some of its cultural richness today to Virato’s early PR work. In the early days of Earthaven Ecovillage, where I live, Virato and Dhiraja came often to Osho events here. He always had a sweet smile and a kind, big-eyed greeting for me, and I’ll miss him. Dance on, Swami Brother! Ma Shunyam Arjuna
Mega writes: Another sannyasin left for the other shore.
Bio according to Wiki:
Tony Sheridan (born Anthony Esmond Sheridan McGinnity, 21 May 1940 – 16 February 2013), was an English rock and roll singer-songwriter and guitarist. He was best known as an early collaborator of The Beatles, (though the record was labelled as being with “The Beat Brothers”), one of two non-Beatles (the other being Billy Preston) to receive label performance credit on a record with the group, and the only non-Beatle to appear as lead singer on a Beatles recording which charted as a single.
Q: What was more important in your life: The Beatles or Bhagwan?
A: (laughing) Both were important. Musically, of course, the time in Hamburg was crucial. One could easily have gone to the dogs. I was spared though; I didn’t take any drugs, merely some stimulants to stay awake. We matured in Hamburg, but the soul missed out in St. Pauli. I made up for it with Bhagwan.
Q: So the music didn’t suffice as a purpose in life?
A: That’s all very complicated. In 1967 I went as a troop entertainer to Vietnam, even though I was not at all interested in politics at the time. That was an 18 months without end. The American GIs were the best audience in the world, they respected that we were playing their music, such as blues, rhythm’n’blues and rock’n’roll. For me that was like receiving a knighthood, because the audience in Hamburg hadn’t really understood what we were doing. After Vietnam nothing was missing for me as a musician anymore, I had seen it all. But I was also exposed to so much evil in Vietnam – hatred, blood, fear without end. It was then that I asked myself about the meaning of life: What is that all about? Today, I’m still seeking, but Bhagwan has shown me a way and changed my life.”
And in another interview in Germany (announcing a concert at the Waschhaus in Potsdam) on 05.10.2012 he was asked the question: The DDR (East Germany) released the recordings of Sheridan and the Beatles. The cultural policy in the mid 1980s was interested in you; there were tours through East Germany. How did you experience these?
A: I felt like I was isolated [...]. You can see all these people, you make music and you know that you can get out of here at any moment, but they [the audience] can’t. Really crazy. At one point, the tour manager said to me, “Hide that picture of Bhagwan which you have around your neck!” I am a spiritual person; it was somewhat bizarre. But I was not a dangerous man, they noticed that. And you could not prohibit the music of the Beatles and all that. I am a little bit proud of the fact that I could contribute something positive there.
Dissolve into Eternity with Love and Grace and Music, as those were your style, wonderful Prabhu Sharan. Devada
I was lucky to have met Tony Sheridan once in his home near Hamburg. As a young boy I used to dance in the Top Ten Club in Hamburg, where the Beatles had played, and in the Star Club. Their album ‘My Bonnie’ with Tony Sheridan was a hit at that time. Tony / Sharan was a family man and I cherish our meeting. Fly high blessed soul, Bhikkhu
Vachana came to Osho in 1977 after travelling overland to India, together with her then husband, her son, his friend and younger daughter (later Tejas, Harish, Tejomaya and Surahbhi). After Osho had left for the US, she joined the Medina commune from where she visited the Ranch. When Osho arrived back in Pune after the World Tour she immediately left for India and lived and worked there until he died. She later lived many years in North Wales.
Once it was no longer possible for her to live on her own, she moved to Devon to live close to Surahbhi and many other friends. Surahbhi took care of her while her health declined and she developed dementia. Despite all this, she determinedly went for walks twice a day and visited the local café every morning for her cappuccino. When it became obvious that Surahbhi could no longer take care of Vachana, arrangements were made for her to move into a residential home. A beautiful room was found for her in a care home on the edge of Dartmoor and, although she never really landed there, it created the peaceful space that helped her leave the body as gracefully as she did.
There will be a celebration this coming Sunday, 10th March, at the Buckland-in-the-Moor Village Hall, 8pm. For further details you can contact us and we will forward the request to Surahbhi.
Surahbhi, Vachana and Darshita
Surahbhi, Vachana and Adarsha in the sun
Vachana and Yatro
Vachana at her 87th birthday party
Vachana on a walk in Wales
Vachana on a walk in Wales
Vachana on a walk in Wales
Vachana and Jet
Vachana - portrait photo by Surendra
Surahbhi, Vachana and Caroline
Vachana and Surahbhi
There is no end, because every end will be death.
And life knows no death; it goes on and on and on.
So this is simply a preparation;
it is always a preparation for a new journey.
You can have a little rest, but remember:
it is just an overnight stay in a caravanserai.
In the morning we have to go,
So rest well, be ready.
As the sun rises, our journey starts again.
Life is from eternity to eternity.”
Osho
Surahbhi writes:
Before Vachana left her body on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at 9.55 pm, I was sitting besides her holding her hand, the other hand placed on her heart; Yatro was on her other side. We were playing some of my gentle songs and Vachana took her last, very soft breath, out to the last lines of one of her favourite Hebridean songs, Mull Fisher’s Love Song,
…this love of thee….”
She was very peaceful and she left remarkably fast.
I had been called to her Residential home because her breathing had changed to being fast and tense but while I sat with her it changed, slowed down, relaxed. Then gaps started appearing in her breath getting longer and longer; then more of them. Finally the breath moved up just into the bottom of her mouth; it felt soft and watery like something melting. I put my hand on her forehead – suddenly she sort of frowned, only it wasn’t a frown it was just her forehead puckering down in a straight horizontal line; then as I removed my hand it released…she had been releasing gradually all the time – and actually in many ways over the last 8 weeks. Finally there was just a small pfff…and she was gone and we sat silent with her for quite some time.
It was so ordinary…she just let go and knew what to do when the moment came.
Then Adarsha came, played guitar and we sang her favourite sannyas songs. We helped the carers wash her body and dress in her ‘tidy best’ clothes.
The next step is to follow her after death instructions including ”…a big party within 3 days of my departure with ‘Presence’ playing, lots of food and drink, everyone is invited to give me a big send off.”
Hence there will be a celebration this coming Sunday, 10th March, at the Buckland-in-the-Moor Village Hall, 8pm. For further details you can contact us and we will forward the request to Surahbhi.
Much love, Surahbhi
…and she,
who in life
had done everything
with a bird’s grace,
opened her bill now
for the shedding
of one sigh no
heavier than a feather
In 2006 I wrote a little biography about Vachana for OshoinUK. As a tribute to her, Punya and I thought it would be nice to publish it again for other people to read.
‘Vachana’s journey with Osho began back in 1976 when she and her then husband, Tejas, became interested in the growth moment that was happening in London. They read about new ideas and did some groups with leading London new age therapists and finally chanced on a book by Osho. This struck a chord and the next year Tejas enterprisingly arranged an ‘educational’ expedition overland to India. (Thus the trip was paid for!) At the last minute Vachana decided she wanted to go too so, with her son, his friend and younger daughter (later Harish, Tejomaya and Surahbhi), they all travelled overland in a Ford van, having many adventures along the way.
But deep down she was aware of a strange feeling of being drawn to something and when she finally arrived in Poona and was handed a kind of newsletter with a quote from the discourse of that day, she suddenly knew that this is what she had been looking for, that ‘this was it’ – a feeling that has never changed. It was the first time she had a sense of unconditional love and she said that for the next few days she walked around in a kind of dream, feeling quite drunk. When she and Surabhi came out of darshan, having taken sannyas, they looked at each other and said, ‘Whatever have we done?’! It felt strange but absolutely right and there has never been a question in her being that this was the right path for her.
She and members of the family went back and forth to Poona until Osho went to Oregon. At that time large centres were being set up all over the world so she decided to join the Medina commune from where she was able to visit the Ranch. I laughed when she very truthfully said she didn’t always enjoy being in the commune and often found it quite hard but that still it felt right. Again truthfully she pointed out that personal growth isn’t all fun – the singing and dancing is only one side of the picture – and working on oneself can be quite intense. It is a huge jump from a conventional life style to such an unknown path so to be amongst many people travelling in the same direction is very helpful.
When Osho arrived back in Poona after leaving the USA she immediately left for India and lived and worked there until he died.
For her, as for all of us, new decisions then had to be made and she realised she no longer wanted to work full time in the commune but to re-establish herself in her own country. She embarked on a search for the right place, visiting and living in a number of alternative communities, until she finally settled in Beachhill in Devon. After two years there, it was time to leave and her footsteps lead to the Abha Centre in Wales. Looking back, she says she doesn’t know why she hadn’t thought of Wales before, because when she arrived she knew it was the perfect place. In 1999 Tejas was able to buy a cottage for her and the family in a magical place called Tregarth where she lives to this day.
As well as being connected strongly to the land, she was surrounded by sannyasins – Surahbhi, Adarsha, Prabodh and others – almost forming a mini-commune. While renovating the property, everyone continued to work on their personal growth, speaking from the heart, being honest with each other and delighting in the music they were creating.’
This text was written in 2006. Vachana later moved from Wales to Ashburton in Devon to be near Surabhi, Adarsha, Prabodh and all the other sannyasins who had moved to that area. Although her sight was by now very poor she still actively participated in sannyasin activities until recently when her failing health prevented her from getting out and about.
She was a truly remarkable woman, very much loved by all.
Travel well, beyond the beyond the beyond, light and easy, I am with you, in the light of love, always.
