Vinod wrote: Parijat was originally from Cologne in Germany. In his 30′s he lived on the outskirts of the city in a big watermill. He came to Pune in 1980, took sannyas and developed a deep and lifelong love for Osho.

When last year I asked him what had been the most beautiful moments in his life, he always came back to the amazing moments and his time with Osho. Osho gave him the name ‘Parijat’ meaning ‘a beautiful oriental flower’. Many of us know this tree from India that stands leafless during the winter season but develops the most amazingly fragrant white flowers that one can smell for miles in the night. He was indeed like that!

In 1981 he gave up everything in Germany and moved to the Ranch with his three children, where he stayed until the end in 1985. Many may remember him working first in Magdalena, and later in RBG driving one of the big red Lube Trucks or spending time with his three lovely Thai-born children: Ami, Mitro and Urja.

He and I lived together as beloveds for 19 years from 1982: a journey that took us and the children on many wonderful journeys, living, working and travelling in many countries around Europe.

Seven years ago he rebuild in his extraordinary creative ways a house and settled in the Italian countryside near Orvieto, where he lived until his death. His son Mitro was tirelessly taking care of him for many months, so was a group of us old friends and family.

Parijat died from kidney cancer that was diagnosed ten months ago, when the cancer had already spread in the body. He decided not to undergo any of the conventional ways of treatment but, to alleviate the discomforts and pains, to stay as much as possible with natural remedies and nutrition in which he had firmly believed all his life.

He left peacefully listening to the music from Jonathan Livingston Seagull, which he loved very much. I hope – and I feel it very strongly – that he is flying high, effortlessly, in the endless blue sky over the oceans!

According to Parijat’s wish, on Monday, 18th March, a Tibetan Phowa Meditation will take place at the Buddhist Centre of the Karma Kagyu in Kirchheim-Teck, Germany, between 8 and 9 p.m.

Tributes

You can leave a message / tribute / anecdote to be published on Osho News using our contact form (pls add ‘Parijat’ in the subject field)…

Great memories of sleeping in the mountains outside at night with the kids on a bed he built up behind Magdalena. I am so sad to hear of his passing. Much love to Ami, Mitro, Usha, and Vinod,
Ajita

Dear Parijat, fly high. I remember you so well from Poona 1 and the Ranch in RBG. Fly high, brother, fly home….
Mahadevi

Dear Parijat, I always loved you and I will continue to love you. I spent a wonderful time with you and Vinod in Italy. Love you Vinod. Big strong hug,
Bhoomi

I am greatful for the memories all the people have for my father, Parijat. He was a good and loving father, as well as a friend. I still can´t believe that he has passed away but I see that he will always be in our hearts. No words can explain how I feel but the love that comes from all over the world shows me that I am not alone. In always loving memory. I love you Daddy,
Ami

Parijat, my deepest friend and Osho fellow traveller, I am endlessly touched by the beauty of your being. I am endlessly grateful, that you were so much in my life – and you will always be. Only my tears can show how I feel about this gift, to have been one of your closest friends for so many years….
Mahayana

Beloved father, friend and being of immense simplicity and beauty, thank you for the life shared and for all the little things that you tought me by just being who you are and enjoying…your garden, your art, your walks, your food. I keep seeing your hands, always open, welcoming and warm. In gratitude and joy,
Nura (aka Urja)

I am filled with emotions when looking back at the time we all spent together with Parijat. He was such a wonderful person, full of joy and strength, and had a beautiful way to share his bright spirit with us. It is such a treat to have known him.
Nalini

Anuragini (aka Mira) grew up in Frankfurt, Germany. After her elder brother Madhur had taken sannyas she also left for India, where she took sannyas in 1981 at age 24. On her return she joined the crazy Osho Center in her home town. After visiting Rajneeshpuram she took part in the Wioska commune in Cologne where she was involved in the construction project of the water fountain and the bookstore in the courtyard. After the closure of the centre she purchased the ‘Kiosk’ sweet shop which became a thriving business.

Back in Pune 2 she became involved in the Tibetan Pulsing process with Dheeraj. She was in charge of choosing the eye photos (and people) for the eye readings on respective days. She also created the annual Tibetan pulsing calendar as she was quite a good graphic designer.

Pretty much from the onstart Anuragini became part of Tyohar’s community in Cosa Rica, PachaMama. There she received the new name Mira. She took care of the communication, graphics and marketing work of the centre, while also editing and transcribing Tyohar’s talks. In 2012 she released her Kalimba CD ‘Silent Waves’.

Her death was sudden and caused by heart failure.

Mar 2013 at 56, her last photo taken while working with Nispar on a design project

her quad at PachaMama, 2011

Mira in 2011 at 55

Anuragini - Anand Mira

2005 in Crestone, Colorado

Anuragini - Mira, age 3 and 1989 in Frankfurt

Anuragini - Mira, in 2007 and 2004

Anuragini - Mira, 1977 and 1984

family visi tin 2001

in 1986 Mira bought a Kiosk shop, mmmh sweets...

1981 at the Osho Centre in Frankfurt (far left)

Mira with her brothers in 1981, after taking sannyas

Fri, 15th March 2013, San Jose, Costa Rica

Photos thanks to Madhur; text thanks to Madhur, Upavas, Archan and PachaMama family.

Tributes

You can leave a message / tribute / anecdote to be published on Osho News using our contact form (pls add ‘Mira’ in the subject field)…

Beloved Mira (or Anuragini as I knew you best), I’m so saddened to hear of your departure. I’ll always remember you as a stalwart of the Tibetan Pulsing Family in Pune. One of your jobs was to take care of all the eye photographs for the Intensives and to select which one had the right markings to be ‘examined’ by Dheeraj. The photo would be projected on the screen and Dheeraj would ask, “And who is this Anu?” You would call out the name and up the nervous person would get to have all their intimate foibles revealed by the master.

I also remember with so much affection and laughter how brilliant you were (especially as a comedy double act with Rahasyo) portraying various characters in our daily psycho dramas as part of the training. Your dedication to Dheeraj and the Pulsing family was immense – for many years keeping us all connected by producing the beautiful Tibetan Pulsing Calendar. Thank you so much, dearest Anu, for all that you did.

A few years ago, I was so happy to meet you again in Pachamama where you had become Mira. You were shining, relaxed, gentle – it seemed you had really found your home and were once again an invaluable and much-loved member of your community. I remember you dancing at the River Party, sitting quietly playing your kalimba, taking care of editing Tyohar’s videos.

Sending you so much love dearest Mira – Fly High! You are in our hearts,

Sidika

Beloved Mira (Anuragini), I will never forget the gift that you put my eyes-photo up to Dheeraj on my birthday. So, as a birthday gift, I got a Tibetan Eye Reading. That was great although the reading was intense. It made my life more clear! I loved the beautiful Tibetan Pulsing time together with you – in Poona and in Cologne! And I enjoyed our DVD events a lot. I always remember your childlike giggling laughter. You were always shining! I will celebrate you at home today. Love! You know why!
Rito

Laya (Elfie Rose Hauser-Wacker) was born in 1953 in Germany. She was trained in Chakra Energy Work by Kabir Jaffee und Ritama Davidson, was also trained in leading Osho Meditation Centres and was a facilitator for Osho’s Meditative Therapies.

For many years she had been part of the management team of the Osho Ketan Meditation Centre in Stuttgart.

She died in a tragic violent incident which occurred on 28th February that involved her partner Sitaro, who took his life a day later. Her body was found on 24th March 2013.

The event was reported in: Tragedy at Osho Ketan in Stuttgart

Laya’s friends are going to give her a send-off celebration on 18th April at 12 noon in the “Friedwald” Schönbuch near Tübingen.

Tributes

You can leave a message / tribute / anecdote to be published on Osho News using our contact form (pls add ‘Laya’ in the subject field)…

Beloved Laya, you meant a lot to me, your aliveness, your catching energy and I never saw you tired. We met during the German Osho Centre meetings and became friends. Your death – it leaves me speechless. Thinking about you,
Chirantan

Laya, I will miss you. When we were doing the meditation days in Osho Ketan there was such a loving spirit around. Only a few people, but it was carefully prepared, with so much energy and attention. Like this I remember Laya. It was in different situations the same spirit of love, attention and humour. Thank you!
Veet Sandeh

I have fond memories of you of the days spent in Goa. Your smile and loving ways will be treasured always. May you enjoy eternal bliss.
Assunta

Christ Chaitanya (or better known as C.C.) is remembered from the commune days of Pune 1 for being the meditation leader. Also in our memory we see the picture of him wearing lunghis, long hair, a beard and always a big smile on his face. Was it because he had just been telling someone a joke?

Just last week we heard the news from his beloved Lynnea (seen with him in the picture above), that he was unwell. “He wanted to be quiet about his illness and, of course, hoped for a return to good health. It has come on quickly although, to him, it seems like a long time.”

Christ Chaitanya was born on September 12, 1947. He grew up in Brockton, MA, where his father was a judge. His dad died around the time he graduated from Penn State, and with the money he inherited, he began traveling, eventually ending up in Bombay where he was one of Osho’s first American sannyasins. A small group of sannyasins was called into Osho’s room one day where they were told that it was time to return home and introduce people there to him. When everyone but Chaitanya was given a specific task to do, someone asked Osho, “What about Chaitanya?” Osho replied, “Chaitanya is to be ME in American!!”

He returned to the United States and with several other sannyasins ran a small meditation center in Upstate New York. He also began teaching Dynamic Meditation at the Ansonia Hotel in NYC, where many hundreds of people were first introduced to Osho, a significant number taking sannyas before going to Bombay to meet Osho. Chaitanya would initiate these people into sannyas, giving them a name from one of the initiation-name papers Osho had inscribed and given to him for this purpose.

When Chaitanya returned to India with his partner, Satya Bharti (whom he’d initiated into sannyas several months earlier at a meditation camp he ran at the Upstate New York center), Osho told them to return to NYC and open up a center for him there. They ran the NYC center for two years, commuting between India and NYC; later they were instructed by Osho to travel around the US (and Canada) and run meditation camps at growth centers, introducing more people to him. Scores of camp participants went to India to be with Osho who had moved to Poona by this time. In June 1975, Chaitanya (and Satya) moved to the Poona ashram permanently, Chaitanya becoming the meditation master and editor of the Rajneesh Newsletter, jobs he continued doing until the end of Poona 1. During the last years of Poona 1, Chaitanya lived in Osho’s house.

After leaving India, he lived at the Geetam Meditation Center in California for a while before finally moving to the Ranch where, among other things, he was in the Peace Force.

CC’s memorial will be held on Sunday, 7th April, 10:30am PST. To be in tune with the celebration you can listen to CC’s talk he gave at a funeral of a friend’s daughter who had been killed in an auto accident: youtu.be

Last Will and Testament of
C.C. Raphael
September 12, 1947 – March 26, 2013

I bequeath to my friends and family, my most valuable possession…..my humor. And just in case you don’t recognize humor, I have enclosed an example of my humor – a joke!

Two politicians were discussing the decline of morals in the 21st century.

“I didn’t sleep with my wife before I was married,” one Senator said righteously. “Did you?”

“I don’t know,” said the other, “what was her maiden name?”

May you always remember that “Seriousness is a Disease.” Your lightheartedness, your compassion, and your love will prevail. I hope I have helped remind you to “Shine on.”

Tributes

You can leave a message / tribute / anecdote to be published on Osho News using our contact form (pls add ‘CC’ in the subject field)…

Oy! Oy! Oy! Oy! Oy! Oy! Vey!
He passed over on passover.
Premrup

Ciao Chaitanya, your presence is still shining next to the tape recorder in Buddha Hall. Time for Kundalini, Dynamic and now for the greatest journey of all!! I love you,
Lakshen

Perhaps your best remembered one-liner in Pune One, for me, CC, was when you commented on the new range of sannyas scentless cleansing products that went on sale in the boutique around 1980 – soaps, shampoos, conditioners…. Osho’s picture was everywhere and on everything, and whatever we made, if it had a label, it had a picture of Osho on it – sans hat in those days. I guess it was at one of the variety shows at No. 70: “You know you’re in a weird place when you can buy a shampoo with a picture of a bald man on it…” Thank you Chaitanya for many good times. May you fly off laughing!
Savita

Beloved C.C, so many memories. From 1978 in Poona 1 – after my first Dynamic I went up to him and said, “My God, everybody is so fucked-up, I am sorry for them, they have so much pain and so much anger. I do not feel anything.” His answer was, “Hum, OK, tomorrow it’s OK if you just pretend.” To which I replied, “Ah, OK.” Since that ‘tomorrow’ I have never stopped shouting, crying and laughing! – and then on the Ranch when he was doing channelling…. He then came through Florence and visited Master’s Press. He said to me, “Hum… more is possible!” And life took a BIG leap! And also this other memory from the Ranch: outrageous as he was while being interviewed by a dodo Oregonian journalist, who asked him sarcastically what he did, his answer was, “I masturbate a lot and torture little animals!” Laughing, laughing!
Upchara

Beloved Chaitanya (CC), one of many fond memories is when I worked at the reception in Poona. You and Chinmaya would come and hang out quite often. You brought a guitar with you and together you guys would sing and play. The favorites were some Buddy Holly songs! ‘Little white dog’ was one of them. I would sing along too. We had such a great time! Thinking of you, beautiful one, and holding you in my heart. I know your journey now is in pure light, with all my love,
Gandha

Beloved C.C., yes, in my heart sits this cheeky, so funny and deeply sincere fellow traveler Christ Chaitanya. What a magical time in this body we shared at the feet of this wild Master of ours! And then what a mystery what we might share out of the physical. I can only imagine you are simply cracking up. I love you and always love you,
Gatha

I will always remember – I had just arrived in Poona in the spring of 1980, still digesting the impact of multiple culture shock and the intense energy of the Buddhafield – I hardly knew CC then, except for the fact that he led Dynamic and Kundalini – so, one afternoon we crossed each other in the ashram as I was walking towards the Buddha Hall in my dazed and awkward state of newbie-ness. He stopped and, out of the blue, told me the silliest, totally non-sequitur joke, hugged me and walked away. It made me finally feel ‘at home’….
Premo

In Geetam, disoriented and shy, CC took me in his arms and the world was ok again. So easy. So much appreciated. Big heart.
Bhadrena

In ’79, CC organized ‘Jewish Night’. The centerpiece of the show was darshan with ‘Bagelman Shree Rajneesh’. CC was hilarious, outrageous, loving, and, in his ability to capture the always comic spirit of Poona One, masterful.
Das Anudas

Beloved CC, Bhagawato and I wish you a smooth voyage through the mysterious beyond. We will never forget your wonderful sense of humor and incredible heart. Your smiling face will remain with us forever. We love you,
Haritama

After the sadness of your departure passed, I got a strong feeling that this incarnation was extremely successful for you. I am so happy for you, and blessed to have known of you.
Jivan Abhiram

You are deeply in my heart and in so many others. You were the very first sannyasin I ever met, when you and Rabiya picked us up hitch hiking in NY, dressed in orange and mala. We went downtown NYC and did Dynamic Meditation with all these strange people taking off their suits, putting on blindfolds and screaming away. My first taste and the sweetness of that and you still remain with me. You have touched all of our hearts and I imagine you will prepare the meditation hall to greet us all for the ultimate meditation. Fly high, dear Jewish jokester brother.
Premabodhi

I remember Christ Chaitanya with so much love and joy… we met as young men in Boston when his brother Larry married my niece RoseAnne. When next we met we both had beards down to the floor in ’75… unrecognizable to the past… it clicked when we heard each other’s’ Boston accent. We screamed in delight and we were reprimanded by Laxmi for disturbing Osho’s rest as he was sleeping in the next room.
Krishna Prem

Ciao C. Chaitanya, high spirit and great sense of humor! Love and… Bon voyage,
Paragyan

I just heard of the passing of our beloved CC. I send love to all those who’s lives had been touched by this beautiful soul. I feel so blessed to have known him during my time on the Ranch.
Love and warmest hugs…..
Adviata Sandra

A whirling dervish of infectious energy in Poona One. A sense of humor never crushed by spiritual correctness. A card player to be reckoned with on the Ranch. So many delightful memories.
Bruce Menzies

Nishkalank (aka Nishki, Michael Schmitz) grew up in Germany and came to Osho in Pune 1. In 1982 he stayed in Geetam in California where the Multiversity had its home for a year, before it moved to the Ranch. Nishkalank also lived in the German Osho Commune in Cologne, where he successfully practised Rolfing, out of which later the slightly modified Rebalancing technique was born.

He was then seen back in Pune 2 and in Goa in 2000. In 2002 he closed his successful handyman company and his flat in Grunewald and moved to the Thai island, Koh Phangan, where he built the tourist resort, First Residence (first-residence.com). he had been feeling unwell during the last 6 months.

Nishkalank in December 2012

On speed-boat visiting surrounding islands and going snorkeling, December 2012

Scooter parking at First Residence with Nishki

Nishkalank

Nishki in the middle in blue T-shirt

Nishkalank, Candolim beach in 2000

Nishkalank at Mega's birthday party, with Surati, Harideva, Deepak, Irena, Julia

Nishkalank touring India, 2000

Nishkalank on a trip to the Maharani's Palace, north of Pune

Nishkalank with Japanese friend, 2000

Photos thanks to Megha, Sankalpa and Anupam
Bio thanks to Megha, Madhur, Sankalpa, Shunyam and Anupam

Form Archa we hear: I wanted to let you know that our beloved friend Nishki (Nishkalank) left his body on the evening of Sunday, March 31th, at the Bangkok Hospital in Samui.

He had called me 4am on March 20th that he was feeling very ill and if I could please come to be with him. I heard from his voice that something was very very wrong and immediately booked a flight for the very same day to go and see him. I finally arrived at his beautiful house on Koh Phangan Island on Friday 22nd, together with another friend whom he called and who came from China. Nishki was very weak and fragile already. Within a few days, he got weaker and we had to bring him to the hospital at Koh Samui, the next island.

Nishki said that he felt very very tired and he was ready to go on his last journey and leave his tortured body and everything behind, to find the peace he was looking for all his life. He was surrounded by love, and he knew that his friends who had arrived at Koh Phangan in the meantime, took care of everything and he could finally relax and dare to let go. And go home where he could relax and find peace.

During the last days on Phangan and later at hospital we shared very precious and beautiful moments of love, laughter, and sweet memories. We cuddled and were holding each other, and were very close. It was a hard and long journey for him but I felt that his very last moments were peaceful.

His body will be brought to Koh Phangan Island on April 15th, after Songkram, the holy new year festival in Thailand. He wanted a Buddhist traditional funeral and his body will be kept three days in a temple, with meditation and prayers in the evening. The burning will be on the 4th day. He always said that he wanted his ashes to be spread in the sea where the sun set, which he watched every evening from his terrace.

Dear all, I do not know what else to write, I feel an incredible loss and am very sad. And also I feel so much love for him and grateful that I was so close to him during his last days and we shared all these precious moments.

Tributes

You can leave a message / tribute / anecdote to be published on Osho News using our contact form (pls add ‘Nishki’ in the subject field)…

Beloved friend, thanks for all the joyful moments, so much fun with you. I was wondering where you were. So fast you left. So much love,
Atit Maria

Ciao Nishky. You are now watching the watcher! Big hug, brother,
Lakshen

In January 1982 I was in Geetam, in the desert behind Los Angeles, where the group department of the Rajneesh Multiversity was doing activities, waiting to move to the Ranch in Oregon. The therapists then moved the following July, around the 1st Festival. I met Nishky for the first time there. I had just split from my Swedish girlfriend, as it was too intense for me to do the Rebalancing Training together. Of course I was a bit down and Nishky was great to pull me up. During that time we were experimenting a lot with sex and he invited me to his bungalow where he was staying with a nice girl. We enjoyed a lot being and playing together. It was a very juicy experience. How not to be a friend to a guy like him: sweet, gentle, open, with a big heart?

Many years later, in Poona 2, I returned him the same present. I think it was winter 1995. I remember that he was living in a beautiful house at the back gate of Koregaon Park. Again we enjoyed a night together. I learned a lot from him about sharing, truth and friendship, without jealousy or competition. Thanks, Nishky, to have been in my life. Sorry we didn’t have more occasions to be together…
Shunyam

Fly high, dear Nishkalank! Sad that you have gone. Thank you for all the laughs and everything else as well. Gratefullness,
Susan-Sarovara

Gute Reise, Nishkalank. Du wirst immer einen Platz in unserem Herzen haben.
Alfried

Thank you, Nishky, for your aliveness and your beautiful stories. I can still hear you: “Hör mal Michael” (Listen Michael…) and then with a “mmh” your story started. Bon voyage!
Michael Vedam

Nishki’s been in our life for the last 6 years helping us build a beautiful home in Koh Phangan. We became friends and shared our love for this beautiful island. He’s left us with a present we appreciate more than we can say. Having been with him during his last days, we knew that he was ready to leave his body to enter his last journey. Nishki, we will remember you with all our love,
Ma Satyo Bhakta & Sw Prem Sambodh

August 2012

on the bridge

16.01.1991

Atmagyan portraits

Mahakavi writes: Swami Gyan Atmagyan left his body on 5th April 2013, close to Paris. He spent 71 years on this earth. Atmagyan was born on 12th August 1941 in western France. He was a highly gifted radio frequencies engineer and worked in this profession until the beginning of the 90s, the time he came in touch with Osho’s love and energy. He travelled twice to Pune, in 1991 and 1993, and his heart was conquered by this vibration he has never forgotten.

During the last ten years his health had declined, particularly during last three years when his breathing needed to be assisted by oxygen. His difficulties to breathe gave him a hard time and made him face his fear of death. As a close friend I have been able to see him working very hard and single-pointedly on this issue. He practised his favourite Atisha’s breathing exercice and prepared himself as a peaceful warrior against death through a lot of studying, through Osho’s quotes and the Tibetan Bardo.

He left this world during the night from the 4th to the 5th of April. He had prepared everything so well that the Celebration for his departure, five days after his death according to the Bardo teachings, was a joy for everybody to be there. He so much wanted to leave this world dressed in a maroon robe with his mala and he did, by the grace of the Universe. He loved the sannyasins so much and I am sure that he would be delighted to know that a tribute to him is on Osho News.

Tributes

You can leave a message / tribute / anecdote to be published on Osho News using our contact form (pls add ‘Atmagyan’ in the subject field)…

Thank you, Atmagyan, for your wisdom, your smile and your jokes. I keep your last secret in my heart: “La mort apartient à la vie” (Death belongs to life). Amour et gratitude,
Prartho

Atit Brian

Brian with Atmo more recently

Atmo and Brian in Pune at Neeru's House,1993

modelling for IZIZI boutique, Pune, 1994

Atmo writes: Sw Atit Brian Mendes was born in Goa, India, on 28th April 1963 as the youngest of 11 children, 30 minutes younger than his twin brother Ben. The first six years he was brought up in Tanzania, Africa, where his Goan parents and family lived at the time. When his father retired, the family moved back to their ancestral home in Candolim, Goa, where Brian went to school and joined the local football club.

Brian came to be somewhat of a legend in Goa football sports as an outstanding goalkeeper in the professional league and also played for Goa in the nationals. He loved football all his life and was soon to become a trainer for the youth in Candolim.

Another thing he loved was dancing. At a private party in Feb 1988 Brian and I met and the attraction was instant. We danced the night away and a few weeks later rented a lovely villa together in Candolim, which wasn’t easy those days, as a black local and white ‘foreigner’, but after initial reluctance, his dad helped us get a wonderful place. We lived there together with our little black dog Simba for ten happy years.

I was working in Goa at the time as station manager for the newly started first Condor Charter flight from Europe to Goa to Kathmandu and back, this job being an amazing gift that had been offered out of the blue after visiting Osho in Juhu, Bombay in 1986.

I remember those golden years filled with gratitude every day … riding on my motorbike along green paddy fields and across the river Mandovi ferry to my Panjim office or the airport and riding home into Brian’s arms and a sunset on the beach at Zappa’s in Candolim.

In monsoon and for some special long weekends in the season, we would travel to the ashram in Poona and Brian took sannyas, actually surprised me with it on the day, in 1989. Being a passionate and sexy dancer, Brian was invited by our beloved Amiyo to join her dance classes and groups and later on a dance training, which he was very excited about. Unfortunately management interfered and he wasn’t allowed to assist her, being ‘Indian’ and the training had not been ok’ed for nationals.

Brian then stayed in Goa and took care of his mum who started to need care, while I moved back and forth from Goa to Poona. Meanwhile I had started working as a study tour guide for a posh German company and was touring all over India in the season, supported by beloved Brian. He often made me such a grand welcome after particularly gruesome tours … rose petals on bed … food cooked … always accepting my frequent departures and long weeks of separation with his amazing natural ability to take things as they come.

Twice I left him for good for a long time, for another lover and to follow ‘my spiritual path properly!’ … but I always eventually dared to return … and was always welcomed back to live with him in his house, in his arms.

This season was another of these returns, – a celebration of 25 years of deep trust and friendship and yes, … magical, unexplainable, never ending love … friendliness.

I am immensely grateful to have had these last three months once again together in love in Goa, ‘as if we are 16’, he used to say recently.

Atit Brian naturally knew something about unconditional love. Not from books or travels or teachers, but from an innocent place in his heart.

He was like an anchor in my life and the best teacher I could have wished for, to learn to accept what IS.

On 3rd April 2013 he had a sudden stroke at his home in Candolim whilst caring for his ill twin brother. Brian left his body on 7th April 2013, three weeks short of his 50th birthday.

Fly high, dance for us in the sky, beloved. I love you, Moga

Tributes

You can leave a message / tribute / anecdote to be published on Osho News using our contact form (pls add ‘Brian’ in the subject field)…

I am deeply touched by Atmo’s words! What a beautiful dance! Love love love!
Nirvana

Lovely remembrance. Fly, fly, fly, beloved Brian!
Pantha Abheeru

Ciao Brian, riposa in pace,
Natasha

Atmo, what a wonderful tribute to my late brother Brian, the baby of our family. It was really nice to read all about him. The love you shared really shows. I know your phone number was prefixed with the word Moga. When I last saw him in November 2011, and when he dropped me off to the airport for my return flight, who knew that would be the last time I’d see him. May his soul rest in peace,
Nilda Viegas

Hoku came to Pune 2 with his parents Sadhanali (aka Premrito) and Sudi (aka Sudiro), with whom he kept a deep and close friendship. He lived many years in Santa Fe and frequently visited India. As a street artist he also performed with his long-time partner, singer Granna Griffith and with Winter Riddle. He was fond of nature (his mother is a gardener); he loved to climb trees, cars and roofs; write poetry, paint his face, dress up and make faces (on the photo in the slideshow with the kids on the byke, Hoku is the one in the sidecar – making faces).

On Friday 17th he was remembered in a gathering in Santa Fe. Cremation at 2pm Monday, 25 May in Chicago.

See Hoku’s rap video on Osho News: livinitanlovinit
Hoku Donovan-Smith Memorial Fund

The Santa Fe Reporter writes on Saturday, May 18, 2013: Tuesday, at about 4:30 am CST, Santa Fe local Erin ‘Hoku’ Donovan-Smith fell to his death from the 16th story of a Chicago building. An autopsy concluded the 25-year-old’s death was an accident. [...] Donovan-Smith was, according to [his friend] McDonough, “an amazing film-maker and a really good rapper. He made a lot of music and poetry” and “inspired the shit out of everyone.”

Shana Hack, owner of Moon Rabbit Toys and Donovan-Smith’s former employer, says, “He was one of the best people I ever knew; he was a complete goofball and I loved him—he made everyone happy. [...] He made those around him feel good about themselves, which is a rare quality in people.” More…

Article on DNAinfo Chicago: Family of Street Performer Who Fell From High-Rise ‘in Shock’

Hoku on YouTube

Tributes

You can leave a message / tribute / anecdote to be published on Osho News using our contact form (pls add ‘Hoku’ in the subject field)…

Much love. Miss you Hoku, you crazy fool.
Grannia Devlyn Griffith

Blessings and total love on your journey, my friend. As my mom, Ma Prem Shakura, told me after she left her body: “You won’t believe what’s next!”
Rishu

Fly high, Hoku! Only visiting this earth for a little while. May light guide your way….
Parinit

Dance, dance beautiful Hoku, in the love of so many who cherished you!
Nirvana

You genius magician you! The plans of adventures uttered, patiently anticipated, now fully realized…
Julie Dalness

Hoku, I have known you through your father’s eyes and words… and it is enough to understand your greatness.
Maria Cristina Angeli

Renuka’s farewell speech at the funeral of her mom.

My mother, my Ba, was the most beautiful, peaceful, loving, understanding, humble, full-of-inner-wisdom and fun-loving person. As her children, we know the full extent to which our mother’s faith inspired her life, moulded her attitudes and helped her show to others the eternal values of human life. An upright life spent in quiet dignity, a determination to pursue the virtues of compassion, humility, sacrifices and kindness to others and a grateful celebration of life. These are the elements that I wish to celebrate with you all.

Fun-loving Nirmala in Sri Lanka

with her twin great grand son and daughter, May 2013

My mother was born on 7th August 1924 in Dar-es-salaam to Karunashanker and Rukshmani Vyas. She studied at Arya Kanya Gurukul in Probander. She was a brilliant student and was awarded 4 gold medals during her academic years. One of the gold medals was awarded by the Maharajah of Kutch in 1942 for her brilliant skills in archery. Gurukul was a perfect base for her spiritual journey: discipline and inner strength.

After my father’s death in 1974 my mother and my younger brother Jyotindra came to settle in London. We looked after our mother like a flower for 39 years. As the divine Mother says “Life must blossom like a flower offering itself to the divine” and she truly started blossoming with her inner strength. In 1981 she took sannyas from Osho and her spiritual name was Ma Yoga Nirmala. We both embarked on a spiritual journey together and we were fortunate enough to meet J Krishnamurti, Dada Bhagwan, Irene Tweedie, a sufi enlightened master and were also inspired by the Mother and Shree Aurobindo. Our guru gave us total freedom to go to other living masters for guidance for which we are eternally grateful and richer.

Over the years she attended meditation workshops to learn different meditation techniques. As Osho says, “meditation is an experiment in how one attains to a gradual voluntary death – then death happens in full consciousness.”

For the last 6 months I could see that she was preparing for her conscious death. She was constantly falling into deep meditation for hours. Gradually she started dropping her worldly desires like an autumn leaf. Our communication was in silence most of the times.

Last Thursday (30th May) afternoon when she was in hospital, I could sense that she became detached from me, and my brother – dropping her last worldly attachments. Finally, at 2am last Friday our mother peacefully slipped away in my loving arms with full awareness and consciouness.

Ba, we are all going to miss you immensely, our lives won’t be the same, you were a pillar of strength, ocean of love, full of wisdom and a great source of inspiration. You have left a big vacuum in our lives. My humble prayer to you: “Please be our guide, our guardian angel so we can be like you.”

Tributes

You can leave a message / tribute / anecdote to be published on Osho News using our contact form (pls add ‘Nirmala’ in the subject field)…

I saw the news that ba is no more in the body! Feel sad, but we all have to go. Happy that she went nicely in your arms! I met her here in Pune. Lots of love to you. I hope to see you some time here in Pune – I am alwayes here…..
Pragya (Pune ashram)

From Arnavah’s parents and brother Paul we hear that a few days ago they received news from the US Embassy in Peru that their son, brother and friend has passed away near Machu Picchu in the Andes. At this time they do not have details of the circumstances of his death.

From his brother Paul we have received some notes for his bio:

Arnavah was born as Nathan Krystall in Michigan, USA in 1964. In 1972 he moved with the family to Kenya. He graduated from University of Massachusetts, Amherst and University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.

His ‘career’ was tasting the diversity of what life had to offer. He was a global traveller, spending large portions of his life in Kenya, Massachusetts, Brooklyn, Jerusalem, Johannesburg, Thailand, Cambodia, Bali, India, Greece, Taiwan, Beijing, and finally Peru.

To name just a few of his many occupations: activist for Palestinian rights of residency in Jerusalem, author of biographies (including Swimming Through Life, a biography of his father), ghost-writer, English teacher in Taiwan and Beijing, therapist and healer, musician and music producer, and many more….

Much of his adult life was spent working for societal and political causes in which he believed. His refusal to serve in the Israeli army (required of Jews who move to Israel and acquire citizenship) because he believed the army suppressed the rights of the Palestinian people landed him in prison. But the letter he wrote to the Israeli Minister of Defense explaining why he would not serve was published on the front page of every Arabic-speaking paper (and is still quoted almost 30 years later) and the authorities eventually released him. He also worked constructively for many years in the Middle-East, always for the rights of the Palestinian people.

His priority then became his spiritual path. Instigated by Oscar from Kenya he visited Pune and, in 2004-5, spent a year meditating and working there as an Osho books editor. He also trained in Core Integration bodywork and recently trained to facilitate Osho Mystic Rose.

Arnavah had the most impeccable practices for mind and body – yoga, tai chi, meditation, cleansing and strict diet – which he maintained for over 20 years. He spoke many languages: English, Swahili, Arabic and Hebrew, and was picking up Spanish. He was extremely talented in everything he did – his poetry, his music album, and his writing.

He was a pure soul who was always seeking the truth. Hopefully he found it and is now off on his next adventure.

Read his story on Osho News: Arnavah Lives out his Passion: Music!
A review of Arnavah’s CD Songs from Bed

Tributes

You can leave a message / tribute / anecdote to be published on Osho News using our contact form (pls add ‘Arnavah’ in the subject field)…

Arnavah, you are and inspiration. Your presence will be missed on this planet. Fly high my friend! See you in paradise. <3
Moksha

Ciao belovedissimo Arnavah! I can´t help but feel sad knowing that you have gone. May this mystery of “disappearing” be the most beautiful gift to your beautiful spirit and soul. Will miss you…
Lakshen

Beloved, thank you for the times we shared. Love to you wherever you are, precious soul.
Jivan Ananta

Beloved friend, may your song, your music, echo in our spirit, in our heart, and vibrate in our beings. Love,
Nijen

Oh! Oh! dearest beloved Arnavah! Your sudden leaving shocked the shit out of me! What the fuck did you manage up there in Peru? Well, my great singer, songwriter, ghost-writer, Rebalancer, and what not…. You’re my precious hero! I loved your fine subtle humour; it is forever ingrained in my eternal memory. I’m gonna miss you! Thank you so very much for your innocent, playful, ‘light of heart’ being here. Thank you for being my friend. I really love you. I wish you a fantastic, fabulous, smooth flight into the beyond…. Until we meet again! Bye! My sweet Man,
Rasal

My Beloved Arnavah – so many sweet and deep moments are connected with you. I have been deeply touched by your sudden departure and I send you my love and my light and prayers to wherever you are traveling now on this eternal pilgrimage. May we meet again – Love and Love,
Satsanga

Wao, Arnavah! Another wake up call? I am re-reading the last words you wrote to me a few months ago when I was in the ditch. I found in you a beautiful friend with real depth and I was looking forward to meet again.

“…so I meditate regularly and try my best to be clear and truthful. Enjoy Manali. I’m here anytime you feel to connect. Love love, Arnavah”

I am speechless and touched in the heart. Fly high, beautiful soul. Love,
Nirav

Dear Arnavah, You were a natural Osho book editor: a generous team player with a keen mind, a warm, sensitive heart and a pure soul. It was a joy to share an office with you that year. Thank you for your life and steady integrity.
Satyam

From Savita we hear: “American Prem Jeevan, an Osho sannyasin of about 37 years, left her body today, 11 August, 2013. She was 86.”

Jeevan had such a colourful life that, two years ago, when we had asked her to write her life story and her first meeting with Osho we had to split the story in two. Instead of writing her bio we would rather have you read her stories (again) in her own words:
Jeevan: Life, Love and Laughter – Part 1
Jeevan: Life, Love and Laughter – Part 2

Jeevan was one of our writers and has contributed many insightful articles and innumerable jokes. She also had an avid readership of her daily jokes (her last one was sent out just ten days ago) which many of us will miss.

During her time she spent in Pune she mostly worked as an editor, e.g. for the Osho Times. Her last job was that of audio-checking Osho’s discourses, a job she enjoyed tremendously. For many years she was an anchor point for many newcomers to the Resort, giving practical advice and making people feel welcome. She was also know for singing blues songs on various occasions. Here a taster – her own song:

Watch on YouTube

Another version of the songs can be found here…

Savita continues: “Many people have asked how Jeevan left her body. She seems to have left it beautifully…as Garimo put it, “She did it on her own” shortly after Dhyanesh had paid her a visit in the ICU today.

“We were all aware she did not want to hang around if things got bad.

“Six months ago, after she had the bone cancer diagnosis, she had told her beloved acupressure doctor, Yasmeen, that she wasn’t quite ready to go yet, because she “still had some work to do on herself…” But Yasmeen told me that just a couple of weeks ago, Jeevan had told her that “now she was ready.”

“About six days ago, she fractured a vertebra in a fall at home, and now she was laid up in a deluxe room at Inlaks. English Deven was taking very attentive care of all her needs. Many friends were visiting. She was even speaking on her phone – albeit in a muffled voice. But also she was in a lot of pain.

“When I saw her yesterday, she was very lighthearted on painkillers…smiling and willful as always as we carted her off to Ruby Hall for a procedure. Last night Yasmeen visited her in Inlaks and she told me that Jeevan had said to her then, “I’m done.”

“So there you go, she chose her timing, there’s no doubt about that.

“I went to the ICU this afternoon, just after she left, and sat with her body for a while. She was swaddled in white, her eyes open just a wee bit and she looked beautiful and serene. Deven and I laid some marigolds over her white sheet.

“Her timing coincides with the Monsoon Festival at the Osho Resort and the place is buzzing. So we can expect quite a celebration tomorrow when we take her to the ghats for what will be her last journey.”

See video of cremation on YouTube (cr Jagdish Bharti)

Tributes

You can leave a message / tribute / anecdote to be published on Osho News using our contact form (pls add ‘Jeevan’ in the subject field)…

AHHH Ma Prem Jeevan! “Love and Life”…. This woman was such a blessing for this Earth! I love what she said in her recent interview about “pain & orgasm”, Orgasmically Ever After. She definitely had her share! When we first met in Geetam and then San Francisco back in 1976, she was living as a gypsy in a VW van. Psychedelic and trippy to the max! I was only 24 and she was in her 40′s, and here she was talking to me about “multiple orgasms”, spirituality, and freedom! We bonded very deeply, as Jeevan was my “model” or “guinea pig” during the Postural Integration course I did with Jack Painter (RIP) in Haight Asbury at this time. Jeevan was my very first person to give 10 sessions of deep touch with, and after touching her, I just assumed that it was normal that folks had orgasms when they went inside and let go of deep tensions! We were both already sannyasins, She was always raving about Osho’s series on the Baul Mystics, called “The Beloved” and that’s just how she lived: singing, dancing, laughing, and pushing “uptight” buttons without even trying! Jeevan is a real “devotee” of the Divine Osho. I know she touched thousands and thousands of hearts over her richer than rich lifetime. She is touching me big time right now, through her passing from this shore, taking me deeper into no-mind and “not knowing”, and even more gratitude to the Master. I’m pretty sure as she was dying, she was feeling a major release and laughing, crying, and singing inside. Her ultimate and greatest Orgasm. I love you a lot Beloved Jee. Thanks for everything you showered on me and the Sangha.
Anubuddha

Thank you Jeevan, you lifted my spirit every time we met, and your light was that of a glorious sun, setting into beauty, joy and peace. You never failed to recognize me, although there were not many meetings. And for that I understood it was not of appearances but of soul. Thank You Beautiful One, Rest and Laugh with the Master. Love,
Hema

I am so grateful that I met you, long time ago in Pune. You inspire me!
Ganga

Jeevan, beloved, I am sure your soul is still singing and laughing. We made friends on the houseboats in Kashmir, inquiring about our inner child in DeHypnotherapy. You had such a cheerful and magical child inside you, still well alive in the grown up wise and beautiful woman you were. It’s been an honor to be in your company and presence, and certainly a pleasure, always. I love you,
Madita

I do not have many words, but I will keep you in sweet memory. Go with all my love for you.
Riten

My pranam to Ma Jeevan, she lived and died joyfully.
Dhyan Gaurav

My beloved friend Jeevan, I laugh and cry, seeing her smiling face… a face I remember from her time in Japan, just when she decided to go to Poona “for good.” We had long talks and moments of laughter then, near Kyoto, in her small room. We met again in the commune, she was singing jazz, working, living behind the German Bakery, happy. I had not seen her for a long time but I didn’t miss her recent juicy interview and I just felt “she is OK now”. So I feel sad, of course, but I understand when she said she was now ready. I believe she was! Watching her send-off celebration on YouTube, I joined with all my heart!
Parampara

I want to share with everyone, some mails from Jeevan to Garimo over the last year, expressing her ecstasy and gratitude in her work with the Osho audio-checking project >>

September 22, 2012:
Beloved Garimo, I just had to share with you this quote today from #75 of The Book of Secrets, which thrilled me and can be used as a selling point, if one is ever needed for this meditation, audiochecking. Which it is not, of course, for me. I am in ecstasy during all of these sessions with Osho!

“You are here listening to me. This very listening can become a transformation. If you are entirely here, this very moment here and now, if your entirety is listening, that listening will become a meditation: you will enter a different realm of ecstasy, a separate reality.”

June 15, 2013:
As usual I enjoyed very much these discourses and am sorry they are finished because it means there are no more for me to do! But perhaps you will find other work for me now. I certainly hope so.

June 19, 2013:
Goody that you found Osho work for me! How I love to hear his voice and what he tells me! Whoopee! Thank you, beloved Garimo, for your filling my Osho life so fully!

July, 5, 2013:
I finished the first 5 discourses of the Zen book and wondered if you wanted me to send you them – or should I just carry on with the rest. As usual, I’m enjoying them so much.

******

Missing you here in Pune…. Fly High, Beloved!

Sheelu

What a joyous person with a great heart and a great sense of humour. It was a privilege to know her.
Gyan Sourabh

From Shakura we heard on Saturday: “My dear friend Chandra left the body a few hours ago. She discovered just three months ago to have cancer.”

Chandra was born in Brescia, Italy, 64 years ago. She studied literature at Uni and came to Osho in 1980. In Pune she worked in the commune until Osho left for USA, later she joined the Osho communes in Milan (Vivek), Cologne, back to Poona 2, followed by Miasto in Tuscany. Whenever she was not part of a commune she worked as a teacher.

Upadhi writes:

“The time after the diagnosis was difficult. The cancer was found all over the body, including the brain. The diagnosis was a shock, not only for her but also for her friends. Everything went very fast. She was determined to get better and see if she could live a little longer in this body.

“Many friends were around her and looked afer her needs and, when it became necessary, we took turns 24 hours a day. Because the food served in the hospital was not satisfactory, we brought it to her (the Miasto centre helped a lot with this task). Chandra had many moments where she was open to receive all this with gratitude. She listened to Osho every day and, during the last period, she listened to the bardo in the evening.

“When it became clear that death was coming nearer she asked me: ‘How can I let go?’”

“The moment of her death was glorious: we were seven of us meditating around her from 10:30 in the morning while she was already in a coma. I perceived her as being outside her body, in the astral layer, looking from above – relaxed. Then at 15:30 the exhalation started to become longer and longer and at a certain point it stopped. This was the moment we all felt she had now left her body but then, unexpectedly, she took another breath and we all burst out in laughter. That was her last breath. A beautiful white light filled the room and hovered around her body, each one of us present perceived an expansion and an inner joy.

“It has been a beautiful gift for me to allow myself to be with her in these three months, seeing and welcoming the fears of the body dying, the necessity of the mind to remove the idea of death coming, the need to negotiate for more time and then moments of emptiness, of space and surrender, of gratitude in the moment. All of this fluctuating in a space bigger than us, and in the meantime being us. Experimenting with what is beyond the duality of life and death: simple, light, fresh, endless…. Coming back home. Ah This!”

Tributes

You can leave a message / tribute / anecdote to be published on Osho News using our contact form (pls add ‘Chandra’ in the subject field)…

Dear Chandra, you have been a great friend, I could always count on you. We had such beautiful moments together. You came to Mexico to support me, you brought me to Ibiza, you helped me settle down… A real friend. You will always be in my heart. Even though I am crying right now and I will miss you dearly, I wish you a journey in the light and peace. You always will be in my heart.
Shakura

With tears rolling down my cheeks I am preparing the slideshow of the photos Shakura sent to me this morning. What I remember most of you is your smile, your voice and the warmth of your beautiful hugs. It just shows that I am not the only one who loved them, because in all the photos you are surrounded by intimate friends. Have a wonderful journey, beloved, it was such a gift to have met you in all the different places Osho has brought us together. And thanks for those hugs, con affetto cara,
Punya

Chandra, sweet memories of the time we spent together in Poona 1, we met Osho in the same period, 1980.
It was always nice to meet you once in a while…such a beautiful heart in your smile. Lot of love to you….<3 <3 <3
Shunyam

“Paraprem French” is the name he chose on Facebook and we were alerted of his passing through the same media. Although he was always around – in all the communes – and because of his considerable height he was quite visible, not much was known about him or his past. We found out that he took sannyas on 1st August 1978, that he was from France (a ‘pied noir’ with origins in Algeria – as many of our French sannyasins were), that he was a beekeeper and often brought honey and propolis all the way to Pune, and… he used to make delicious bread every morning in the commune. After the Ranch he lived in France and from 1985 till 1995 he often visited Japan where he made many friends who remember him to this day.

Kavisho writes: Paraprem had a cancer many years ago, which almost healed, but then suddenly it came back and propagated fast. Right now I have no words to talk about him, I just feel his gentleness, his big love, his generosity and the lightness of his being. He will be missed.

And Bija informs us that Paraprem’s death celebration will take place Monday morning, 19th August in the South of France.

Read what Osho says to him during his sannyas darshan: Fall in Love with the Transcendental

Paraprem

Paraprem

Paraprem

Paraprem with Naomi enjoying the roses

Paraprem with Bija and Naomi, July 2012

Paraprem with Bija, eating alu gobi and chapatis, 2012

Paraprem as a kid (far right)

Paraprem with flowers

Tributes

You can leave a message / tribute / anecdote to be published on Osho News using our contact form (pls add ‘Paraprem’ in the subject field)…

What a great guy! We’ll always have him in our hearts. With love,
Pradeepa & Shunya

Paraprem, we all will miss your gentleness. I am saddened by the news that you left already. Far too soon. To me you were a large piece of the Sangha-puzzle. I remember you so well. May the after-life be kind to you. See you there!
Anasha

Wow, such a loving guy! Our hearts met at Geetam in California and now forever!
Dutch Johan (living in Italy)

Beloved Paraprem, bon voyage & may all love surround you. I like to remember you as an ‘outstanding’ gentle guy who somehow always was around,
Mahana

Was saddened to hear of Paraprem’s death. We were room mates at the Ranch. And he was one of the gentlest, most accepting people I have known. Bon Voyage, dear friend!
Sarvananda

Your sweet and loving presence will continue to be felt, now, as always. Sending love from Kaveen and me,
Kailash

Goodbye Paraprem, you were a real sweetheart. Much love and light on your journey,
Maya

We also met for the first time in Geetam. Since then we saw each other every year in Poona 2. What a gentle, lovely guy you have been, Paraprem. Mukti and I also remember that we often received propolis from you, the main healing protection we always got for our health. Thanks, Paraprem, hope your journey will be peaceful as you deserve. Love,
Shunyam

Beloved Paraprem, knowing you since Poona 1 has been a privilege. Always sweet, sometimes funny. I feel you in my heart where your memory will live forever. Another reminder to me to Be Here Now, & jump into the unknown while I am in this body. With so much love,
Haritama

Yes, I remember this beautiful man, always around the commune, a very lovely swami. Much love,
Tapesh

Beloved Paraprem, Oh! Wings of Love to you my friend. I did not ‘know’ you but always felt you all around the place in Poona. I know you deeply somehow – and what a love and lovely vibration and energy. I am not surprised you melted into the Big Holy – you carried it with you whenever I saw or felt you. Much love, my friend. Much love. And Aloha,
Satyadharma

Bon voyage, Paraprem! I remember so well your good propolis that you brought to Poona. It came from your French bees and it healed the throat so well! Thank you for this beautiful natural gift! You were so much in love with nature! May you be in peace! Sending you love!
Nirvana

From Surya, her daughter, we hear:

“Ma Anand Hope (Hope Gollan) took sannyas in 1979 and started a centre called Navayuga in Newcastle, Australia shortly after. She ran meditation and esoteric healing groups (with lots and lots of dancing) right up until the last 7 years of her life.

“Hope had a funeral in a regular funeral parlour and I can tell you that even within this environment you can still make a great celebration. She was laid out in an open coffin draped in her favourite hand woven shawl from the Poona 1 weaving shop and surrounded with sweet peas. Even relatives and friends who said they would never look at a dead person, looked and found it very moving and important for them. We read Rumi and her grandsons carried her out to ‘Dancing Queen’ – which she was.”

And from Nishakar (aka Kalimba):

“I’d like to share one anecdote with you guys from my time at Navayuga.

“Ma Anand Hope contacted one of the nearby prisons, and offered to conduct a weekly meditation for any inmates who might be interested. The idea was readily accepted, but Hope was told it would be too risky for a woman to run something like that in a men’s prison, so she asked me to go in her stead, to which I happily agreed.

“As the prison was high security, it was decided that Dynamic Meditation would be the most effective, to help the guys release some of their more serious tension. On the first day I had to briefly explain to one of the guards (who were going to be standing outside) the sequence of the meditation. First, the forced heavy breathing; then I explained that ten minutes of catharsis would follow, probably with intense screaming and shouting – but urged them not to open the door “even if it sounded like someone was being murdered….!” (It was only later that I realised the full significance of what I said! Some of the guys dropped out along the way, but a handful completed the 8 week course – and one gave me a salad bowl he had carved by hand as a “thank you”.

“It was quite touching. Sharing the love.”

Tributes

You can leave a message / tribute / anecdote to be published on Osho News using our contact form (pls add ‘Hope’ in the subject field)…

Our beautiful mother passed away on 4th August 2013. A precious gift to share sannyas and Osho with you.
Love, light and blessings,
Ma Prem Samyo and Ma Prem Surya

Much love on your next journey, Hope, my grandmother. xxxooo
Jolon

It was with great sadness I read of the passing of Ma Anand Hope in Osho News – particularly as it happened exactly one week after my birthday. I was fortunate enough to have spent quality time with her and her beautiful daughter Samyo for a while, helping them set up the Navayuga Centre, in Hunter Street. It was wonderful to hear that she was still positive, strong and creative to the last, and I know her energy will be sorely missed. I’m just sorry I live so far away (in WA) as I would have loved to have been able to pay my respects in person. Sharing his love. Om Shanti,
Nishakar

Sudaula, his beloved, writes:

Niyaz took sannyas on January 5, 1979. He was a businessman who lived in Brazil, and meeting Osho transformed his life.

In Poona he was the gardener of the roses for the master, the roses that grew in pots and were every day freshly placed near the swan pond, for Osho to see during his drive to Buddha Hall.

When Osho left his body, Niyaz returned to Chile.

Because of his own health problems he became a healer and developed new health treatments based on what he had learned in India and in the Himalayas.

Niyaz has been my beloved since 1991.

Tributes

You can leave a message / tribute / anecdote to be published on Osho News using our contact form (pls add ‘Niyaz’ in the subject field)…

Love and good memories of Niyaz and Sudaula, of the many great times we did Osho Meditations in group, in that beautiful place. Love always,
Chandrakavi

(September 10, 1948 – July 23, 2013)

Vardo left his body in Kula, Maui (Hawaii) at home with his beloved Kali and their two daughters, Tessa and Zena, present with him.

Kali is preparing a celebration of his life on or around his birthday 20th September.

Group photo of Chidvilas RMC, 1981 (credit Deva Suzanne) with Veneeta, Madukar, Shunyo (Dr.) Prabha, Sugandha, Pritam, Vardo far right with curly hair

For Vardo – a tribute by Allen

Our story goes back a long time
At least 40 years in this lifetime.

He always had such an appreciation of art,
How we humans express our feelings in art and music,
Life as art.

In Kali, his own keen sense of order and beauty found expression.
She is form and everything in their surroundings
was an opportunity for her wild unbridled creativity.

Arriving and going in to see him
My heart sank with the sad realization
that his time remaining was short.

We talked slowly, immediately into the depths of what was real,
Happening now,
His feelings about his death
And leaving Kali and the girls with things unfinished, unfinishable.

I told him “You gave Kali a most amazing life
total support for her to be,
to explore ‘woman’ in all its totality.
For her, life is art.”
“Could you tell her that?” he asked me.

Kali and I helped him walk slowly up the path to his beloved yurt
For what would be his last walk.

There was a book a neighbor had given him, Graceful Exits
About various roshis, rinpoches and saints in their dying moments.
Kali said he had been looking at it.

In the morning while we were helping him with a bath
And then him wanting to lie on a sheepskin on the floor of the semi-outdoor bathroom
The sun streaming in
A gentle warm breeze
And the birds, the incredible birds
His breathing soft, but steady
Drifing in and out of sleep.
At one point he said “All those guys – Nisargadatta – their deaths…
My death is going to be very ordinary.”

Tessa and Zena came home,
More tears, and then set about helping to do
What needed to be done
With a grace far beyond their years.

“If I live another day or a month – it doesn’t seem as if it matters.”

Time seemed to have left the surroundings,
The breathing slowing,
Kali, Tessa and Zena lying beside him
Or cuddled together on the futon on the floor at the foot of the bed.
The love in the room so palpable
The support for letting go of the body so unconditional
The stillness, the birds, the fragrant breeze.

So in life – death would wait
A final purge with ear plugs on Vardo
The vacuum cleaner sucking out the last dust
A few more boxes carried out of the yurt in a flurry of final activity.
Kali shifting the space as only a woman can
One more time to another level of attunement.
They picked baskets of plumeria flowers
Hours of sitting near him threading leis
That would be strung across the room.

His body thin, naked
Slowly dissolving before our eyes.
Nothing to hide. No shame.
Taking leave of this reality just as he came in
Naked, vulnerable and precious.

Looking in on him before I left:
Kali, Tessa and Zena lying nestled in each other on the futon
Cherishing this time together
In complete patience
His breathing slower
Long gaps
The stillness and love
The birds, the soft breeze and muted light
In death too, there is art.

Allen

(thanks to Viha Connection)

Tributes

You can leave a message / tribute / anecdote to be published on Osho News using our contact form (pls add ‘Vardo’ in the subject field)…

Thank you, Allen, for sharing Vardo’s Going Home so beautifully. I am touched and grateful having Kali and Vardo in Osho’s Sangha. Love,
Michael Vedam

Seeing that mop of curly hair and that wide smile brought back many memories. We first met in Poona 1 when we worked together as handymen in a section of Vipassana Godown. Then later, on the Ranch, we shared a laugh or three….Such warmth. Travel well, old friend.
Bruce Menzies

Abhiyana has sent us, together with the photo above, some words about her life:

Ma Anand Navin left her body on 16 September 2013 in Sedona, Arizona, after a long & heroic struggle with cancer.

She leaves behind her daughter Sagara, and grandaughter Nina.

Navin came from Switzerland to Osho in the ’70′s after a European tour with a French psychodrama troupe. I really only came to know her in Sedona with the Osho Academy, where she was known for her ability to transform any room into a beautful sacred space. Navin was noble, proud, loving and blatingly honest, always.

A spontaneous ’round the world meditation for Navin was held (via Facebook) on the day following her leaving, She was given a beautiful heart-felt farewell in Sedona, where even her oncologist cried, and shared what a unique patient she was.

She was loved by many, and will be missed.

Photo of Navin credit Sandhan

A tribute from Ken, her long-time companion

The world should have stopped
For just a jolting split second
To make us all aware
That something significant had happened
That someone significant had passed

A shooting star
Not content to slowly float up
But rocket past all of our beliefs
Sprung free of gravity
With the Hyper light speed
Of a soul set free

Navin is now officially immortal
Like she always wanted to be
She blew past us
Glittering eyes
Seeing us for who we really are
Like she always did
And loving us all the same

Navin
New bliss
Always bringing the new
Different ideas
Outrageous
Impossible
Impractical ideas
Dragging the old into the future
Then unpredictably throwing it
Back again with disdain
Just to shake us all up

She could argue
Damn she could argue
Circles around anyone
Passionately and fiercely
Nonsensically or accurately
Till you had no choice but to
Run and hide
Or Look inside yourself

She was driven to question
Everything
Everyone
Me
You, you and you
Osho’s true heretic disciple
Itchy uncomfortable
In English or French
But we eventually looked

Navin
A world renowned seeker
Rebel
Revolutionary
Sanyasin
Mother
Counselor
Grandmother
Antagonist and Friend

She summoned impermanence
Tolerated our attempts
To put down roots
Collect…
…things
Rebelling when it got to steady
Pulling up stakes
Emptying herself into new adventures

Paris
India
Oregon
Amsterdam
Australia
Spain
Germany
Sedona
Washington
Maui
Florida

Not Africa
never ever Africa

Some of us tagged along for the ride
Curious
Scared
Thrilled by the adrenalin
Rushing headlong into the uncommon
Which we could never predict
Hoping to learn something wonderful about ourselves
Emerging wiser

So if you paid attention
If you looked well
If you understood that she
Above all else
Wanted us to live fantastic lives
And not be content to remain still
Or complacent
Or small
Or petty

She wanted us to join her
In thoughts grandiose and brave
In dreams juicy and alive
Dancing to music loud and provocative

If you followed her
Paid attention
Then you’d have a glimpse
A tiny glittering insight
As to the amazing being she has now become

And the lesson to all of us is

That the world did stop
Reset itself into this new dimension
One where we are wiser
Kinder
More loving
We take for granted less
And seek out happier lives

Because of Navin

Tributes

You can leave a message / tribute / anecdote to be published on Osho News using our contact form (pls add ‘Navin’ in the subject field)…

Beloved Friends of Navin, so much love pouring out of my heart, so many memories with this beloved woman. I would love to sit in Synchronicty with you, with Osho in honour of Navin or even with Navin. I hope many friends from all over the world can join. Here is the date: Wednesday, Sept 18, 7.30 am, German time (that is Tuesday, Sept. 17, 10.30 pm, Sedona time). I will listen to Angel Love and Silver Wings from Mike Rowland. Love to you,
Virag

Fly, fly, fly high,
Upadhi

All day today I kept seeing images of you and us together… making Body Love breakfast together, then again in the little kitchen at the Cafe, making sushi, sharing laughter and play, and other times at your house with your granddaughter… Miss your lovely energy, your warm voice, your beautiful hands… Fly high and free, beloved,
Premo

Navin beatiful, adventurous, sweet, compassionate, talented. We shared wonderful times. I am grateful for every second. Now she disappears into the Self. Joy and tears. Good bye, beloved, our hearts beat together for ever.
Vega Nirupo

The world will turn,
and the seasons will change.
And all the lessons we will learn,
will be beautiful and strange.

We’ll have our fill of tears, our share of sighs.
My only prayer, is that you realize.
You’ll always be beautiful, in my eyes.

You will always be, beautiful in my eyes.
And the passing years will show,
that you will always grow,
evermore beautiful, in my eyes.

And there are lines upon my face,
from a lifetime of smiles.
But when the time comes to embrace.
for one long last while.

We can laugh about it, how time really flies.
We won’t say good bye, ’cause true-love never does.
You’ll always be beautiful in my eyes.

From: “Beautiful in my Eyes” by Joshua Kadison – sent by from Pravina and Srajan

…and the mystery continues, beloved Navin. Thank you for wonderful years together in the OSM, way back then…time is anyway just an invention of the mind…love is always, dear fellow travelleress. Fly free,
Atmo

Beloved Navin, may love follow you.
Sagar

Beloved Navin, thank you for a little time to walk together on this path of life. Fly high Beloved One, loving you,
Peggy

Vedant Satyarthi (aka Kantilal R. Zala) was born in Gujarat, India and took sannyas 35 years ago, in 1976. A year later he came to Pune and started working in the ashram. He lived in a hut by the river (in the plot where we have now the Hotel Westin) and where many other sannyasins were living at the time.

In Poona 2, after Osho had came back to Pune, he worked as a guard at the Main Gate and later got married to an American sannyasin, Ma Asakti.

After Osho left his body he went to live in an Osho ashram in Madhavpur, Gujarat, where he lived for a couple of years before returning to Pune and taking residence in Koregaon Park.

He miraculously escaped the German Bakery bomb blast. He was there with friends when it happened! The impact was so big that he was thrown out onto road with severe injuries to head and ears. In a few weeks he completely recovered in hospital.

He was a very quiet person and was a lover of Urdu literature. He was also fond of music.

Anil met Vedant Satyarthi day before yesterday in Koregaon Park Lane. He said he was in a hurry and quickly left. Yesterday morning he went into a coma and was admitted to the Sassoon Hospital. His wife, Asakti, was by his side when he left his body. He was 67 year old.

Today, in the afternoon, the Osho Commune arranged for his celebration with cremation at the burning ghats.

Text credit to Anil.

Tributes

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From Chetna we hear that Achyut Bodhisatwa (Mr Phulphagar) was one of Osho’s earliest sannyasins. The family has been living in Pune for years. Daughters Nanda and Surekha are often seen in the Resort. He also leaves behind son Manoj.

The body was cremated the same day at the burning ghats.

Tributes

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Ishta was born as Shieko Tanaka in Niigata, in the north of Japan, where she moved back two years ago when she had been diagnosed with cancer.

Ishta took sannyas in 1985 and some Japanese friends might remember her as a translator of many workshops at the Multiversity (1987-1990). She later completed the psychic massage training and the advanced counselling skill training there. Ishta lived almost 10 years in London where she graduated in holistic massage with ITEC and aroma therapy with IFA. During one of her stays in Pune she became a Mystic Rose trainer and led this meditative therapy for the Multiversity.

In 2001 she moved to Okinawa, an island in the south of Japan, where she introduced Osho’s meditations to many people and, after she met Veeresh who had come for a visit, she became an AUM meditation facilitator and also offered the AUM meditation.

The Death Celebration was held in Meguro, Tokyo, on Saturday 8th September and was organized by a good friend of Ishta, Ma Antar Ushma (the one playing the violin in the videos below).

More photos of her Death Celebration: www.facebook.com
Videos of theher death celebration:
Mahaparinirvana Celebration 2of 9 / Tokyo 2012
Mahaparinirvana Celebration 5 of 9 / Tokyo 2012

Info and photos submitted by Niket. Many thanks!

Tributes

You can leave a message / tribute / anecdote to be published on Osho News using our contact form (pls add ‘Ishta’ in the subject field)…

Living each day
as though it her last
one day it was
and she said
YES!
Guru

I was so shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the death of my beloved Ishta. I had not heard from her for over a year since exchanging Facebook messages after the Tsunami, when she responded in her usual positive manner that the tragedy was bringing people together in compassion. She had told me back in 2008 that she had survived a cancer scare. I had no idea it had recurred.

We met in the winter of 1991/92 in Pune and I invited her back to London. Take a risk, I said, and she took it. We married in December of 92 and had three lovely years living together in Muswell Hill. We travelled to Japan toward the end of 93 where her parents put on a big celebration for us so glad that their errant child had at last consented to be married. We had a lovely journey together travelling around Honshu and then to Pune for time in the Ashram that Winter.

By Spring of 1995, though our time together had always been sweet and loving, I had dropped sannyas and I felt my life was taking a new direction. She had just returned from a couple of months in Pune, and I asked her if our marriage, which had in some respects been one of convenience – we loved one another and just wanted to be together – was to become a real marriage. Were we going to commit, buy some property, have children? Did she feel her life was with me or was Pune really her home and our life together secondary to that. She replied with her usual sage like consideration. Pune was her home and her primary relationship was with Osho. She felt she had spent so many lifetimes as a mother and a carer giving to others, lifetimes of service and in some ways bondage. This life was for herself, she said, and she could not give me what I felt I needed for my life at the time.

We agreed to separate and though we remained friends and lovers while she stayed in London for another six months when she went to Pune that winter our relationship was effectively over.

Ishta was the gentlest and most loving person, there was not a mean or spiteful bone in her body. She bore no resentment to anybody and nobody ever said a bad word about her. She responded to whatever life threw at her with calm consideration and bravery. She was a well of compassion. I remember especially when my sister died suddenly and Ishta held me through the night as I cried in her arms.

I didn’t see her again until Christmas of 2004 when after some travelling in China and Vietnam I flew to Okinawa for a reunion. We were no longer lovers but had a beautiful few days with each other and were visited by our friends from London days Akiko and her son Stephen (Genki) who was now a grown up teenager. She seemed content and settled in her life enjoying her independence, working and making money and organising and supporting healing workshops.

She emailed me a couple of years ago when her father died and she moved back to Nigata to spend time with her mother to help her through the transition. She said “I feel I need to be here for a while to finish my unfinished things with my family. I see the deep conditioning of being a woman in my mother and in me.”

I now have the life that I sought with my lovely wife and two beautiful children, but there was always a place in my heart for Ishta. In 2008 she wrote to me: “Yes we spent some time together and now we are walking on different paths. I am happy because you have created your family because it was your dream at that time. I am still on the way to make my dream come true yet. I am happy to have you in my life… My life here and now is a great gift from existence and we come to this life to celebrate all the happening in life.”

My beloved Ishta, you were the wisest and kindest of people. My only regret is not having been able to say goodbye to you. I say goodbye now, but you will live always in my heart.

Peter McCaig (formerly Veetgyan)

Beloved Ishta: an angel, a deeply compassionate woman. I learned to make sushi with you at our house in Muswell Hill. I am glad of the moments we spent together; you gave me the best massages I ever had in my life. I always remembered you, and today I learned that you passed away, I have been in shock…. I am glad that you have been part of my life, beautiful and sensitive woman,
Prem Lolit