“First and foremost, he was a seeker after truth. His honesty was as straight and true as the rising sun. He helped so many people in so many different ways. To the poor and hungry he gave money and food, to people who were burdened with sadness and grief, he brought solace and laughter.
To the many Western people who visited the jungle ashram in Chhattisgarh, he gave his time, his deep intelligence, and a bridge between Western culture and Bengali culture.
He had complete command of the English language, and conversations with him were lively, deep and, full of wit and humour.
On a more personal level, he was my friend and I shared so many lovely times with him in the jungle. He helped me make sense of the many spiritual confusions I had. He gently reminded me to start living in my heart and come out of my analytical head.
I will miss him very much, miss the laughter, the kindness, and the sharing.
I hope and pray that with His Gurudev’s grace, he will make it all the way home…”
by Shadananda Das