The Departure of HH Bhakti Tirtha Swami
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The Journal of the Departure of His Holiness Bhakti-tirtha Swami. June
27th, morning (9:30-10:30am)
Gurudeva lays surrounded by his caregivers. Srila Radhanatha Swami
holds Gurudeva's hand, as it holds a Govardhana Sila which sits in his
hand facing him. Ekavira is on his left massaging his left hand; Druva
is massaging his lotus feet. Other caregivers take turns holding
another Govarhdana sila on Gurudevas head. Agni Prabhu fans Gurudeva
with a peacock fan at his right. A molding of Srila Prabhupada rests
by Gurudeva's left arm. Gurudeva is adorned with chandan, a large
tulasi garland from the Panca tattva and a maha garland from Radha
Damodara. The day is clear, and the room serene. A unison chanting of
Hare Krsna, in the classic tune pervades the whole house. It is sweet
and stately. Srila Prabhupada looks upon Gurudeva from the altar that
faces him above his feet. Beautiful images of Krsna with the
Cowherdboys and Gopis surround Gurudeva. Gurudeva is serene and
transfixed.
There is a slow queue of devotees coming in and offering obeisances.
Many bring their deities to show Gurudeva. They offer their prayers,
their tears, and after a brief darsana return to the living room where
the majority of devotees are seated together in unison kirtana.
Everything is organized and harmonious. Fresh air circulates
throughout Gurudeva's room. It is the best of times and the saddest of
times. Glory abounds. As from all directions, throughout the room and
house and from within the devotees, comes forth deepest reciprocation
for the magnificent sacrifice, compassion and love that Gurudeva has
gifted to us all.
His Holiness Bhakti-tirtha Swami Maharaj Ki, Jai!
We will keep you updated throughout the day!
Photos here:
http://www.btswami.com/?id=37
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After the initial darsana of Gurudeva, in his process of departing,
all the devotees except a couple caregivers and Sangita Prabhu (the
nurse) left the room to allow for Sangita to do a proper examination.
This brought all the devotees together the living room where
Vrakesvara pandit had recently received began leading the kirtana.
Gurudeva had expressed such a heartfelt desire that Vrakesvara pandit
Prabhu be here to provide the kirtana seva that was so dear to Srila
Prabhupada. Recently Gurudeva disclosed to Vrakevara Pandit his strong
desire to have him present throughout his departure, requesting
multiple times to stay and "chant for me to go back to Godhead" he
said "your kirtana helps me to remember Srila Prabhupada and Krsna".
As the devotees settled outside, Vrakesvara pandit's very sweet and
solemn voice gradually compelled the hearty participation of everyone
in the room. As he chanted the whole assembly listened, feeling solace
and inspiration. Then the whole assembly responded as one chorus,
together finding the shelter and grace of Krsna's holy names.
After mother Sangita was finished the rest of the caregivers returned,
and small groups of devotees were escorted in to spend some minutes
before Gurudeva. Often they were invited to take a turn fanning
Gurudeva. Groups of the local children and youth, God brothers and
sisters, disciples and well wishers gradually came in for a final
darsan. As they come forth, they offered their homage. And, facing
Gurudeva's transition, prayed to solidify their own transition in
preparing to remain dedicated to Gurudeva in his physical absence.
The caregivers remain around Gurudeva, massaging his lotus feet and
hands, periodically spraying radha kunda water. Radhanatha Swami is
always by Gurudeva's side as his "Maha friend". His face and
disposition reveal his deep and intimate love for his dear friend and
Godbrother.
There is some slight visible interaction between Gurudeva and his
outward surroundings. Mostly the interaction happens through the Holy
Names, and spiritual vision of the devotees there. From time to time
Gurudeva will adjust his vision of his surroundings. Srila Radhanatha
Swami sometimes speaks in Gurudeva's ear. Recently a tear streamed
down from Gurudevas left eye. Everyone is so proud that their friend
and master is now receiving the greatest blessings. He is obviously
embracing this wonderful new phase of his service. May we embrace it
ourselves.
We will continue updating as much as possible.
All glories to the most blessed departure of His Holiness Bhakti-tirtha Swami!
Monday 27th June - 12:15
Journal of the Glorious Departure of His Holiness Bhakti-tirtha Swami,
Tuesday 6/27 - 12:30pm-2:30pm
Near to 1:00pm the room filled with devotees again. Also outside of
Gurudeva's room a sizable assembly of devotees are snuggled together
in front the door, getting a slight view of Gurudeva as he lies in his
bed. Both groups of devotees are chanting in unison the Maha mantra,
to the classic tune. There is a small path along side to allow for
devotees just arriving to come in for their darsan.
The caregivers continue to tend to Gurudeva; keeping his mouth moist,
his face clean and dry, lightly massaging his feet, ensuring that
proper circulation goes throughout the room. Two devotees are now
stationed with camara and peacock fan to add to the circulation of
air, and comfort of Gurudeva.
Radhanath Swami continues to stay fixed in front of Gurudeva.
Sometimes whispering into his ear, sometimes offer encouraging
prayers. Often for sometime he will tap Gurudeva lightly in time with
the chanting, tapping his shoulder and arms. His affection radiates
throughout the room.
Looking through the windows of Gurudeva's room, one can see the heads
of various devotees popping in and out to get a different view of
Gurudeva and the atmosphere. Devotees from throughout the world
continue to stream in. Dhanudar Swami, Rukmini and Anutama,
Brajabihari - so many are coming! Often the take their turn in fanning
Gurudeva.
Through the medium of the holy names everyone is connecting themselves
to Gurudeva and to each other. We are all experiencing first hand just
how factual it is that the relationship with the spiritual master and
with the Vaisnavas, is of spiritual nature. For hours the same
devotees have been chanting in unison in Gurudeva's service and in
prayer. Certainly the assembly present is breaching far beyond Gita
Nagari, to include all of you, and so many devotees in so many places.
May this connection continue to expand.
All glories to the most blessed departure of His Holiness Bhakti-tirtha Swami.
Photos:
http://www.btswami.com/?id=38
http://www.btswami.com/?id=39
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The Journal of the Glorious Departure of His Holiness Bhakti-tirtha
Swami. June 27, 3:30 – 4:00
His Holiness Bhakti-tirhta Swami passed away from this world, and into
the loving embrace of Srila Prabhupada and Sri Sri Radha Syamasundar
at 3:35pm this afternoon. Gurudeva's passing was so graceful and
peaceful, as if he slipped out by the gentle hands his helpers to
board his chariot.
Sangita Prabhu noticed a change in Gurudeva's breathing pattern and
alerted Brahma- muhurta Prabhu, who immediately came and sprayed Radha
Kunda water around Gurudeva and applied Tulasi from Krsna-Balaram,
Radhe Syam, and Gaura Nitai to his tongue. Srila Radhanatha Swami had
left the room briefly. He was altered, and sat down next to Gurudeva.
Shortly after that, Gurudeva gave a very gentle breath, a kind of
release. It was so slight and graceful, so much so that half the
people in the room didn't notice it. It was his last breath.
After this Sangita and Madhvacarya checked his vital signs. And
minutes latter confirmed that Gurudeva had indeed made – "the perfect
escape"
As the final check of Gurudeva's vital signs was happening the kirtana
intensified, and grew in the minutes it took. When the confirmation
finally was expressed, the kirtana roared, rising up with emotion. So
many of the devotees started to clap along with the kirtana, with
their hands over their heads. The devotees were crying, embracing one
another, expressing their feelings of celebration and sadness. Then
Kalpavrksa Prabhu loudly chanted the prema dvanai pranam for Gurudeva
and for Srila Prabhupada.
The kirtana continued in Gurudeva's room for sometime. Initially
devotees in the living room stayed there, but then after five minutes
they stared filing into the room, and naturally a queue formed,
allowing everyone to have a final darsan of Gurudeva in his bed.
Gurudeva's expression was so sublime, like he was in divine rapture –
in awe, in gratitude, in love. The processional through Gurudeva's
room continued for ten minutes, and then concluded leading out into
the living room. From there the departure ceremony continued with
Vrakesvara Pandit leading the devotees in Sankirtana, circumambulating
around Gurudeva's room and the Institute House. Inside Gurudeva's room
everyone except a small group assembled to assist Brahma-muhurta and
Radhanatha Swami in the Samadhi Samskara process, which is currently
going on.
We will continue to send updates and pictures throughout the full
duration of the departure ceremony. The processional bringing Gurudeva
from the Institute House to the temple will begin at 8pm, est.
All glories to the most sublime departure of that great general of
Srila Prabhupada who deeply touched the lives of so many thousands and
brought Srila Prabhupoada's transformation throughout the world. May
his legacy be carried by us, leading us to meet with him again in
kind.
His Holiness Bhakti-tirtha Swami Maharaj Ki Jai!!!
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Immediately after Gurudeva's departure he was changed into a gamcha
and then taken to the bathroom and shaved. While the shaving went on,
Gurudeva's room was cleaned.
At roughly 5:15pm the nurse came to confirm Gurudeva's passing and
dispose of his medicine. Around 5:25 the bathing started. Srila
Radhanatha Swami came for this, up until this point Maharaj had not
been in the room. Emotionally, Maharaj was quite moved by Gurudeva's
departure, very meekly Maharaj came in to participate with the other
caregivers in bathing Gurudeva
The bathing of Gurudeva was a very moving experience for all those who
saw it. Here a great spiritual warrior, who sacrificed his everything,
had completed his mission. Now he received his victory bath. And all
the tension and pain that he bore in his great mission, was now washed
away, and a beautiful abhisek by several of his beloved disciples and
by his most beloved God brother.
Gurudeva was bathed with panca gavya. A mixture of five substances
(yoghurt, ghee, milk, cow urine and dung). The water used was mixture
holy waters. Ganga water taken from Mayapur on the full moon night of
last years Gaura Purnima. This was mixed with water from Radha Kunda,
Pavan Sarovara, Kusam sarovara, and many other sacred waters. It was
very intimate. There the caregivers and Maharaj where with the sacred
body of Maharaj offering abhisek to Maharaj. The ceremony was so
moving that Radhanath Swami left a little early. Afterwards Gurudeva's
body appeared so peaceful and tranquil. At 5:45 Gurudeva's lotus feet
were cast into a mold. After the casting, Gurudeva was bathed again
(only a water bath). Gurudeva was then dressed in a new kaupins,
cloth, neck beads, and brahmin thread. The Brahman thread was from Sri
Syamasundar in Vrndavan. At 6:30pm Radhanatha Swami was called to
write the Samadhi mantras on Gurudeva's chest. Maharaj did this with a
tulasi manjari and chandan. Those present remarked of how pointed
Maharaj was in his focus during this process. During the whole
process, from the bathing until now, Maharaj was silent and grave.
Afterwards the Samadhi mantas shown brilliantly on maharaj's chest.
This took sometime to dry. Then a new kurta was placed on Gurudeva,
and he was prepared for his procession through the woods to the
temple. Many more devotees have come and there is ecstatic kirtan lead
by Nityodita Prabhu happening in the living room. Everyone is chanting
with such genuine feeling and inspiration.
We will continue to update you again after the departure ceremony.
All glories to the most blessed departure of His Holiness Bhakti-tirtha Swami!!!
Eze .
All the devotees assembled outside of the Institute house. 12 devotees
held kerosene torches. Gauravani began leading kirtana. As he chanted
several other devotees joined him. This brought a unique spirit to the
kirtana, a special enthusiasm. It was just past twilight, which
brought forth an additional festive spirit. Nearby large bon fires
started along the processional path. As the kirtana grew the palanquin
holders began to file out of the Institute house. Gurudeva emerged
lying on a beautiful saffron palanquin, decorated with tree leaves and
ribbon. It was just suited to Gurudeva's body size. Upon seeing
Gurudeva the kirtan erupted. Devotees danced. And thus began to
special festive spirit bestowed upon all the devotees present.
Bhakti-tirtha Swami's departure ceremony was happening in style. It
was live and spirited.
As Gurudeva came towards the patio door of the institute house, which
was the front door of the house, Brahma-muruta Prabhu began purifying
the area surrounding the door, by spraying sacred water. Then
Brahma-muruta assisted Srila Radhanatha Swami in offering a brief puja
to Gurudeva. Maharaja offered this puja with reverence. Afterwards
Gurudeva was brought out of the door and down the stairs, and at this
the crowd of devotees explodes with cheers and dancing. Srila
Bhakti-tirtha Swamis festive departure ceremony sets into motion, out
of the house and towards Sri Sri Radha Damodara. With torches and
various bon fires marking their path, the devotes proceeded toward the
temple. Gauravani continues to lead, a now amplified kirtana. As the
devotees come out of the woods and around the perimeter of the temple
the kirtana intensifies as Gauravani chants "Jaya Radha Damdodar,
Radha Damodara, Radhe – Bhakti-tirtha Swami Pranadana he". As Gurudeva
is brought towards the temple it appears that he is dancing on his
palanquin. Proceeding with a lively kirtan accompanying him, Gurudeva
enters the temple surrounded by his loved ones.
The devotees flow into the temple carried by the kirtana. Gurudeva
then comes in and is immediately carried before Srila Prabhupada.
There he takes darsan of His beloved spiritual master. Gurudeva's dear
Godbrother His Holiness Candramauli Swami is there to greet Gurudeva
with a maha garland from Srila Prabhupada and a pavitra garland from
Nrsmhadeva in Mayapura. He is also given a special bouquet to offer to
Gurudeva. Then Radhanatha Swami offers a puja to Srila Prabhupada and
Gurudeva. Maharaj offers this with great reverence. As his puja
concludes, Gauravani Prabhu's kirtana moves into a grand flowing
tempo, and along this course Gurudeva is brought to have the darsan of
Sri Sri Radha Damodara.
Their Lordships are dressed in a special white outfit, the traditional
color worn when a great vaisnava departs. As he is brought before
their Lordships the palanquin carriers raise him high up, allowing
Gurudeva to have a clear view of their Lordships. Kartamisa Prabhu,
the head pujari, then offers Gurudeva a fresh Maha garland from
Radharani. Then Radhantha Swami is invited on the altar to offer puja
to their Lordships, and the Prasad to Gurudeva. After his puja he
offers Gurudeva a maha garland from Damodara. During Maharaj's puja
Kalpavrksa Prabhu leads the kirtana. For sometime he chants the holy
names of the presiding Radha Krsna deities of Vrndavan.
Then Vrakesvara Pandit takes over the kirtana. Gurudeva is lowered
down to a table that Kalpavrksa had especially made for this ceremony.
This table is ornamented with lotus flower moldings, and decorated
with flowers. Tulasi and various items for puja lie around its
perimeter. Gurudeva is placed on this table, where he remains for the
rest of the ceremony. During the kirtana Srila Radhantha Swami slips
out into the midst of the devotees and begins to dance ecstatically.
After Gurudeva takes his place for the evening, Brahma-muhurta Prabhu
conducts a preliminary puja, with the assistance of Bhuta-bhavana,
Sadacara and Vrndavan. Together they bathe Gurudeva's lotus foot,
adorn Gurudeva's forehead with chandan and offer puja. While they do
this many ladies assemble to present a large offering of bhoga for the
deities, and as the puja ends the offering is made. Srila Radhantha
Swami begins to speak. He says:
Today is a great celebration, and celebration of the life, words and
love of a truly great personality. We celebrate this auspicious
occasion with the tears of the love of our separation….Bhakti-tirtha
Swami Maharaj gave his life as the instrument of the compassion of
Srila Prabhupada in this world. He sacrificed everything for us." In
this way he spoke in deep gratitude of the sacrifice of Bhakti-tirtha
Swami. His comments were heartfelt, and called for us to take the life
and legacy of Bhakti-tirtha Swami as significant aides for our
spiritual progress. He spoke of the nature of being separated from a
great Vaisnava, and with that introduced Savarana-sri-gaura-pada-padme
(je anilo prema dana) "Lamentation Due to Separation from the Lord and
His Associates." He spoke of how this song was written by Srila
Narotama das Thakur after the disappearance of Srinivas Acarya (his
beloved friend). Maharaj said that to feel separation from great
devotees sows the seed of divine love, for as we have more and more
genuine love for the Lord's pure devotees, we come closer to the real
spirit of Bhakti. "mad-bhakta-püjäbhyadhikä" – the best worship of the
Lord is the worship of his devotee.
Radhanatha Swami then asked the devotees to chant these prayers in a
way that HH Bhakti-tirtha Swami would be pleased. Maharaj has been
with us all the way to the end, helping us to proceed in the right
direction. Maharaj a ended his prelude by saying how Gurudeva
expressed a great desire to carry out whatever mission Srila
Prabhupada has for him in the spiritual world (the devotees responded
to this by loudly chanting "Hari bol"). Then he said "now he is there
he is there, in Sri Vrndavan dam, with the Gapes and the Gapes. Srila
Prabhupada opened the door to Goloka for his loving servant." Then
Maharaj began chanting, and as he chanted he would intermittently make
comments about the mood of the bhajan, to help us all fix our minds.
It was very meditative.
While maharaj's bhajan went on, the bhoga offering for the Deities was
taken off, and then brought down to offer to Gurudeva. A sheet was put
in front of Gurudeva for his privacy. Again all of this was being
conducted by Brahma-muhurta Prabhu. It was somewhat inconceivable how
he was able to remain on top of everything. But he did, with great
expertise. Radhanatha Swami's bhajan soon ended. And Gurudeva finished
honoring Prasad am.
At this point puspunjali was offered to Gurudeva. All gathered around
Gurudeva mediating on the Lord and his devotees, and then on cue
offered flowers and obeisances before Gurudeva.
Puspanjali was followed by Gurupuja. From having mediated on Gurudeva
in offering puspanjali the devotees went into the Guruvastakam
prayers. The focus of the devotees on Gurudeva was rich. Throughout
the whole festival, the focus the devotees had on the holy name was so
distinct. As we know often in kirtan the holy names get lost in the
enthusiasm or the volume of the instruments. However today, as time
passed, the chanting became louder and clearer. With each kirtana the
enthusiasm grew, and did not fragment out. The unity among the
devotees just got deeper and deeper. The Gurupuja arti was offered by
Vasudeva Prabhu (a senior brahamcari disciple of BTSwami from Nigeria)
and Adviata Acarya Prabhu led the kirtana. The puja was offered in a
stately manor, at one point Brahma-muhurta handed Vasudeva a large
tray with what looked to be 50+ ghee wicks. Next to Vasudeva where
Radhanatha Swami, Dhanudhara Swami, Candra-mauli Swami and Veda vyasa
priya Swami. The maharaj's stood in a prayerful mood in front of
Gurudeva. As Advaita acarya's chanting was very deep and meditative,
it churned the emotions of the devotees. But, again these emotions
were ones of pride and celebration. Pride in the wonderful Vaisnava
acarya that lay before us, knowing so well the greatness of his life
and reward he a recently embraced. As Gurudeva lay with his smile, the
devotees had such pride in him.
Very soon after Advaita Acarya started to chant, the devotees were
dancing in ecstasy, as he stood in meditative focus on his offering to
Gurudeva. The kirtana progressed into an exuberant and dance filled
kirtana. At the peak of it Advaita handed the mic over to Sahadeva
Prabhu. Sahadeva is a very senior disciple from Africa, and is known
for his wonderful dancing, which in so many ways reminds us all of
Gurudeva's dancing. He went right into the Guruvandanam prayers. As he
chanted devotees continued to offer flowers and obeisances at
Gurudevas lotus feet, in most cases taking Gurudeva's right foot to
their heads and holding it there for sometime. Sahadeva's chanting
quickly went into a kind of West African tribal groove, where the
pulse of the kirtana is very pronounced, the beat pulling everyone to
start hopping. Thus the ever increasing unity and enthusiasm pervading
Gurudeva's festival – continued to increase.
As this happened it felt as though the smile adorning Gurudevas face
widened. The celebration was so perfect, and so representative of
Gurudeva's personality. Things were organized and timely, yet so
festive. There was such diversity. Women holding their babies helped
fan Gurudeva, and all varieties of ages and colors participated. And
amidst all of this diversity was such a vibrant and real unity.
As Sahadeva continued the Deities doors were closed for the evening.
At this the devotees quickly motioned towards circumambulation of
Radha Damodara. Thus proceeding many times around their Lordships.
Prabhus it's getting late… I mean early.
I will give the rest later
Eze .
After the devotees circumambulated Radha Damodara, they returned to
the temple room, where most of the devotees sat for bhajan. Acyuta,
the daughter of Antaranga and Adidev (senior disciples of Srila Gour
Govinda Swami from New York), led the first bhajan. Gurudeva was
always so appreciative of Acyuta and her brother Ananta Sesa. Their
unlimited enthusiasm and taste for kirtana was always noted by him.
After Acyuta, Kesavacarya, a brahamcari from Manhatthan, took the
lead, and then Ananta Sesa. As the bhajan continued some devotees
remained assembled around Gurudvea, chanting, praying, and receiving
the grace of his enchanting presence. The mood remained festive and
joyous, everyone so proud and happy of their hero - the Spiritual
Warrior.
After sometime the hearse came to take Gurudeva's body to Harrisburg
for cremation. As the palanquin was positioned to exit the temple the
devotees assembled together. Ananta Sesa continued leading the
kirtana, and as the processional began he became inspired to sing
Maharaj's favorite kirtana melody (the one where the leader chants and
the chorus of devotees respond to each name). Gurudeva then proceeded
into the foyer, where a special scene took place.
An extraordinary painting was recently placed above the main doors in
the temple foyer. This panting depicts Gurudeva's favorite image of
Srila Prabhupada. It is very large. This was painting given to
Gurudeva last February for Vyasa puja. It is the same image that
Gurudeva was facing earlier in the day, during his departure. Gurudeva
has had this image in his view throughout his time bouting with cancer
in Gita Nagari. So often he would look at this picture of Srila
Prabhupada and feel his loving and compassionate presence issue forth,
often bring Gurudeva to tears. As he now proceeded to make his final
exit from Radha Damodar's temple, lying on his victory palanquin, this
most cherished image of His Master was in clear view, as if to express
to his beloved disciple his deepest gratitude.
The palanquin was then brought before the hearse. Brahma-muhurta
Prabhu had to make some adjustments for Gurudeva before he was placed
inside. Ananta Sesa, continued to lead the devotees in kirtan with the
accompaniment of several other devotees. As the festival kirtana began
with a group lead, so it ended. Ananta Sesa began chanting "Jaya
Bhakti-tirtha, Jaya Gurudeva." For many this time was very emotional.
It was the last time we would directly see the physical form of
Gurudeva's body. Still the celebration and pride in Gurudeva continued
to underlie. Brahma-muhurta finshed the arrangements and shortly
afterwards Gurudeva departed for the crematorium.
As the hearse drove off, we could feel ourselves traveling towards a
new phase of our relationship with Gurudeva. It is clearly an
extensive voyage, as it spans over the rest of our lifetime. Voyages
into the vast unknown are naturally intimidating, but when made with
the aide of an expert captain, what seems terrifying becomes a great
adventure – promising us the highest reward. As we have faced and
celebrated the successful voyage of our Master and friend, naturally
we ourselves feel impelled to aim for success. May we step over the
terror and embrace the real adventure of life. May we always remain
directed by Gurudeva, Srila Prabhupada and his representatives.
May we all die before we die!
All glories to the most blessed departure celebration of His Holiness
Bhakti-tirtha Swami!!!
Your servant,
Purusa-sukta das (note the P.S.)
P.S. – Gurudeva will be cremated tomorrow morning between 9-10:30am
