Wednesday, May 7th, 2014

Brampton, Ontario
 
Exceptional Departure
 
It was quite auspicious how he passed away.  It was at the Sunday Open House program at ISKCON Toronto Centre when people were attending the service known as arati, that one of our long time members, Naresh Meham, suffered a heart attack.  It happened in the midst of everyone chanting, when the sound vibration of the maha mantra was at its optimum in devotion.  Today I attended his cremation in Brampton along with other members of our ashram, with loving family and friends.  Surviving are wife, Vibha, his daughter, Lisa, and sons Harsh and Mohit. 
 
Naresh had collapsed in the middle of the temple room.  Naturally, everyone responded.  It was unusual but auspicious at the same time. The regular pattern of the Sunday Open House begins with chanting in front of Krishna deities, followed by some announcements, and then a talk is delivered on the message of the Gita before a delicious feast is dished out.  But on that day, April 27^th, no talk was given.  The chanting persisted in its place in honour of Naresh.  There are a few occasions where the timing of departure was like this.  Naresh’s last conscious moment was in front of Krishna while in the company of the devoted and while in the presence of sacred sound.  He died several days later in the hospital.
 
I recall other souls who left under somewhat similar circumstances.  A Bengali pujari (priest), whose clothes caught on fire during his service experienced similar providence.  He did not survive from the burns which came to him during a Diwali festival.  There was also Michael O’Regan, who was with us for years and who rendered so much help with our mission, especially in the ‘70’s.  At the same time at the Sunday Open House, Michael, who had physical challenges, was called to go home I guess you could say.  His last conscious moment was before his Krishna friends during the time of the arati. 
 
On today’s walk I had time to contemplate what is fortunate and what is less fortunate in terms of departing circumstances.  We can all go at any moment.  I can be hit by a car while crossing the street and it may be my moment.  Will I be in a good state of mind?  Will I have the sound of transcendence going through my ears when my soul is pushed on?
 
These are things to think about.
 
May the Source be with you!
 
5 KM