“This is where you’ll be staying here in the Pune.” With these words, our dear friends, Narayani and Shurjo, showed us into Swami Kriyananda’s lovely home in Ananda’s newest retreat center – outside of Pune, India.
We were touched to be staying here, where we’d often visited Swamiji and enjoyed the blessing of his presence. Ever since he left his body in April 2013, everyone whose life he blessed has been dealing with Swamiji’s passing in his or her own way. Many people have felt him more present in their lives now than ever before, but still on some level there is a sense of loss.
Swami Kriyananda gave many talks in his home in Pune.
Sitting in Swamiji’s living room where we’ve enjoyed many a tea with him pulls at the heart. Though his chair now contains only his picture, the room is still filled with his spiritual joy and vibrancy, and I can hear his hearty laugh and see the divine love flowing from his eyes.
So often throughout the years – whether in America, Italy, or India – Swamiji would invite a group of devotees to join him for tea, a meal, or a social gathering. As our time together drew to a close, Swamiji would often conclude the gathering with the expression, “Well, everybody…”, and we would know it was time to leave. Whether he wanted to get back to some writing project or to be alone with God, we knew he wanted the freedom to be in his own flow.
As a composer, a writer, or a divine friend, Swamiji had an acute sense of when it was the right moment for things to end. No musical phrase, or sentence, or human interaction was extended beyond that time.
Though he struggled with many health issues in the last years of his life, still his passing came somewhat unexpectedly for us. But I believe he knew when to draw things to a close, and from his heart lovingly said to us all, “Well, everybody…”. He took his leave, and his soul found freedom in the infinite light and joy of God.
May we all be one in that light someday.
In divine friendship,
Nayaswami Devi
18 Comments
Beautiful, Devi. Thank you.
Dear Devi,
Thank you for sending this. As I was reading it, I pictured Swamiji, just as you described him, and for those minutes I was transported into Swami’s house, listening to him and feeling his vibration with me once again. God Bless you for keeping his energy alive. In His Joy, Mary
Devi, it touched my heart. “Parting is such sweet sorrow”. There are so many beautiful memories and so much to be grateful for, and yet the occasional tear still falls …
God bless you and Jyotish for so swiftly donning the mantle and continuing to nurture what Swamiji started in Master’s name, and with His grace. May we be One in that light someday.
Blessings, Pushpa
Thank you so much, Devi, for this beautiful remembrance of Swamiji, so sweet and touching. He is so very present with us now, when we tune in an d remember. What a great blessing I feel, that you and Jyotish bring us these weekly moments to reflect and remember. Thank you. Sharmila
Beautifully put, Devi. Thank you.
Byasa and I send our love.
The ease and flow of your words fill me with the vibration of attunement to this path.
Sweet, Devi. Thanks!
Dear Devi, You described so beautifully what so many of us feel. While I feel him so much closer now, I miss the bliss in his eyes and the utter kindness he showed to all. Thank you for your thoughts and the photos. Give our love to all there!
Jayanti and Hanuman
Beautifully expressed, Devi, thank you. Thanksgiving provided (once again) a wonderful opportunity to connect to our gratitude to Swamiji for all he has given us. Love to you,
Timothy
So beautifully expressed. Thank you! The song of his life is indeed a masterpiece, leaving us wanting more.
So touching…Thank you Devi.
Thank you Devi.
Having in the Master found the grace to live, it is no surprise his departure was enveloped in the Master’s grace. Well said, Devi, I know he is pleased to have you there in his home. Thanks and Blessings.
Always, so grateful that you are sharing your thoughts and experiences with Swamiji.
Thank you Devi!
It was so tender and subtle to read this article and actually: perfectiming! (that sense of timing is coming through the article!)
Love,
ma
Dear Devi,
Thank you for always expresses thoughts so beautifully. When I am at the Hermitage I love to sit and look at the chair where Swamiji always sat. I can see him sitting there, see his smile, and hear his voice and his laughter. I know that he has not really left us and that he never will and I take great comfort in feeling his presence.
Many blessings to you and Jyotish for all your wonderful service.
Thank you for sharing…surely his smile,along with Master and God,will always be in your heart…loving to share with and help others to the goal.
Devi, Thank You for sharing this. It is truly bittersweet knowing that Swamiji is with Master and at the same time missing his presence in the physical form. We are all blessed to have been witness to his life and to be in his presence. I keep that thought near in my heart when I feel afraid and fall downward in my energy… “I am Blessed” or I look at Swamiji’s smiling face in a picture of him I have and I know “This too shall pass” and then I am free to choose to live from Joy.
Thank You for your devotion and expression of discipleship, dedication, belief, and strength… it brings hope to me.
With Love, Josette