Passing away of a great man

Yesterday morning an ashram resident loved by everyone made an exit from this world. In the morning hours around 8.20, our dear Bombay Acchan passed away peacefully amid chanting of mantras. I cannot write that much lest I become too emotional. I interacted with him almost on a daily basis for many years and got to know him quite well.

I remember when I fist came to Amritapuri in the mid nineties my first impression of him was, “Who is this fiery old man who is always scolding someone and almost emitting flames? I better not cross him”, but at the same time I was also fascinated by his radiant energy. Clearly even when very animated there was no negativity about him as you might expect. There was a kind of sage like refining fire about his admonitions and always something insightful. I very soon started enjoying my interactions with him even when he was scolding me. It made me happy and had the effect of driving my tamas away. He clearly cared for and loved Amma and her ashram so much that it was infectious. Like a true disciple he saw no difference in serving the ashram and serving Amma. I have encountered many people who will say that Amma is great but they don’t really care for her ashram or the mission. I get depressed when I hear such talk, so please I tell you now don’t come to me with such talk. Bombay Acchan was not that kind of person, he was like a living book on guruseva that will always surely inspire everyone who came into contact with him on their spiritual path. Just one look at him and you could see that this man was filled with Amma’s grace and shines like a star among sadhaks.

In the evening Amma conducted the funeral rites. There was the chanting of Amma’s 108 names and the Eighth Chapter of the Bhagavad-Gita after which Amma gave one last kiss on her dear son’s forehead and then the body was taken in procession to the beach for cremation. The final rites were performed by the ashram brahmacharis. One by one everyone circumambulated the funeral pyre, threw flowers into the flames and prostrated. The atmosphere was beautiful and calm, the night of the Karthika star. What could be more auspicious? May he be blessed in Amma forever. Acchan, we will all miss you.

Vishwanath

17 May 2007