Nayaswami Seva left her body Sunday, November 14, 2021 at the age of 86.
Swami Kriyananda always had a special place in his heart for Nayaswami Seva because she was instrumental in helping him get Ananda started. She met him in San Francisco in 1967 when he was teaching yoga and meditation in the Bay Area. She had reached a point in her life where she saw no meaning in the material world. When she met Swamiji, she found the reason for her incarnation.
Seva (right) with Swami Kriyananda (center) and Vijay
She immediately began to help him with his work, typing his books for printing, donating what she could, and dedicating her life to helping him with his mission. In those early years, Swamiji called Seva and Nayaswami Jyotish his two “right-hand men.”
A trained accountant, she ran the finances of Ananda and kept the community afloat financially when we had lots of ideas and almost no money. She met with Swamiji regularly in the evenings to discuss news of the community. She was in her 30s at that point, with good professional discipline and a very clear focus on who Swamiji was and his intentions for Ananda Village, so she was a role model for the community.
When Swamiji started the Friends of God monastery in 1971, Seva was one of the first to join. She became the “mother superior” for the young nuns and also a source of inspiration for the monks. She instilled in the group the habit of twice-daily group as well as personal meditation and dynamic service to the community. She was appreciated for her wise counsel and clear focus.
Seva and some of the women monastics of Ananda
Through the years, her life was dedicated to serving Ananda in a variety of roles. The roles were less important than the force of her discipleship and dedication. Everyone looked to her as an inspiration simply because of her presence.
In her later years, with fewer outward responsibilities, she became pure love and compassion for everyone, always joyful, always clear on life’s purpose, to find God.
Throughout her life, Seva liked to do things quickly and without fuss. Master blessed her to be able to leave her body in the same way as he did, with a heart attack that released her quickly and easily from her bodily cage.
8 Comments
oh sweet Seva. God bless you on your journey. I’ll remember you always.
You were always a wonderful inspiration to me. You ALWAYS had a beatific smile and twinkle in your eye transmitting a blessing of love Divine. I bless you on your journey home with Master. In joy, Amrita Sowton
A Divine Friend – to all and in all. She is a great example and inspiration to me and many. Although i will miss her here, she is with me always. A successful life well done….Aum Sevaji Aum
Seva was ever my true friend in God. I am sure that many other devotees feel the same way about her. Master must have been pleased with Seva’s shining example of dicipleship. I am sure he was there to welcome her during her transition.
Beloved Seva – From my very first weeks at Ananda in 1972 you provided enormous inspiration. You even used to come to me in dreams to bless me with a remarkable radiance that flowed through you.
I lived for a short time (about a year and half or so) at the beginning of Ananda way back late 60’s. I remember Seva well- even though that time could be a bit tumultuous as the community began to grow and find it’s footing, she was always level headed, even minded, insightful and always with that radiant smile. I am glad she lived her life at Anandan and wish her journey onward be filled with the light she gave.
May her soul rest in peace
Blessings to Seva and all who knew and have been inspired by her as a wise, calm, and foundational soul for Ananda and a radiant channel of the Masters. Full of divine joy, and sharing her smile and laugh with so many over many years. Dear Seva, my you savor that union with God and Guru now, and may we continue to be inspired by your example and all your devotional Seva.