Supriyā, the Centre secretary and editor of this magazine, and her family are in the process of moving to Australia. April satsang was Supriyā’s last visit before leaving the UK. Below is part of the speech which Shirley gave during Supriyā’s leaving presentation.
“When we are born and Lord Yama writes our destiny upon our forehead, we have no idea where our individual Karma may take us. There are countless decisions we make which will affect the outcome of our lives, such as going into the local Church Hall where yoga classes are advertised, the career we choose, tagging along with friends to a spiritual lecture, meeting like minded people, seeing a programme on television which stimulates our interest. Many diverse things bring us to where we find ourselves at any given moment. Such is our Dharma.
In 1981, I met a wonderful Spiritual lady, Swami Dharmananda, during my teacher training. I subsequently went to one or two of her Satsangs in Harlow, where I met Supriyā and Hari Dāsa. Several years later, I was with our beloved Swami Ji on retreat in West Wickham and once again we renewed our acquaintance. They used to visit both Swami Dharmananda and our own Guruji. Then Darling Amber was born and things slowed down for a while.
However, once she was a toddler, we were delighted that the whole family started to spend more time at the ashram. I remember Amber climbing amongst the adults to get herself placed as close as possible to Guruji; that is without sitting on him! “Let her come, sit here, close to me”, he would say. Then Amber was content and the fire ceremony would commence.
But time flies and Amber is grown. During all those years, Supriyā and Hari Dāsa have continued to support the ashram and Swami Ji in many ways. They would always be there, quietly sitting out of the spotlight, saying very little, just content to be. Supriyā began to take on more and more duties which Swami Ji gave to her, and finally agreed to become Secretary.
Supriyā always fulfils her duties with complete competence and dedication. No fuss, just getting on with the job. And if anyone were to ask her to do something, then there is never a question of “will she remember, or have time?” She always, without fail not only does what is asked of her, but will invariably do extra too. When I say she is the kingpin of the working life of the Ashram this is no exaggeration.
When she said she would be going with the family to live in Australia, I was both delighted and deflated at the same time. Anyone who has visited Australia will surely agree it is the most wonderful of countries and making a new life there will be a splendid experience. For my part, I confess to slight panic, wondering how I was going to take on further responsibilities. No need to worry though. True to here selfless dedication to the Centre, Swami Ji and the cause of Yoga, Supriyā immediately said she would continue in her role as Secretary from the other side of the World! And I put my hands together and said “Thank you God”.
Fortunately we shall have Hari Dāsa and Amber for a few months yet, but today, the April satsang is Supriyā’s last day with us for the foreseeable future.
Supriyā, you will be sorely missed by each and every one of us. We have so much to thank you for: your gentleness, your loving kindness and your example. You have shown us what true dedication is. Swami Ji loved you very much and I know that he always thought of Amber as one of his own grandchildren. Wherever you find yourself, please know that he will be watching over you, keeping you on the Path. This Ashram is not only about the Centre, lovely as it is, it is about the beautiful Souls who have graced it with their presence. You are one of those beautiful Souls and we have been blessed to share time with you.
On behalf of all members of the Patanjali Centre, please accept these gifts with our love and gratitude. You will always be in our hearts and minds wherever your physical body may be. You will always be part of the Centre. Take with you also our love and blessings. We pray that your new life in Australia will be all that you hope for and that it will help you all as a family to grow further towards the Light.
May the Blessings of the Perfection which is Lord Shiva, continue to shower upon you and live in your Heart always.
Hari Om”
0 Responses to “April Satsang”