Vrindavan, 2017.12.01 (VT): Swami Satyanandaji, the venerable sadhu who founded the Kripa Vilasa ashram near Hari Nikunj, Vrindavan, entered into maha samadhi on Sunday, 26th of November 2017. For two days, Kripa Vilas Ashram was open for devotees to have a last darshan of their beloved Swamiji who was abundantly adorned with flower garlands and surrounded by kirtan and recitations of scriptures. On the 29th of November 2017, Wednesday, Swamiji’s bhu samadhi (burial) followed a recitation of the 18th chapter of the Srimad Bhagvad Gita.
Devotees agree that the outstanding feature of Swamiji’s teachings is the way jnana (knowledge) and bhakti (devotion) are harmoniously reconciled. While most traditions tend to favour one or the other path, Swamiji taught both as equally valid, traditional methods for the direct experience of the Ultimate Truth.
After spending several years pursuing a solitary quest for God, and receiving shiksha and diksha (special instructions and initiation) from Shiva Himself, Swamiji wandered throughout India as a monk. Finally, Swamiji took shelter at the lotus feet of Sri Krishna in Vrindavan.
One devotee said, “Swamiji had a magical effect on people. I always remember Kripa Vilas Ashram as being filled with gentle voices, saturated in the tender bhava of Swamiji’s bhakti, repeating constantly, ‘Sri Krishna sharanam mama'”.
Innumerable devotees, who had gathered at Swamiji’s lotus feet, in spite of absence of publicity of any kind, were blessed by the long life of their Guruji; a life which lasted for more than 102 years. For his disciples, and those who had the good fortune to meet him, Swamiji’s outstanding life of pure devotion and humble simplicity -which was also full of gentle elegance and intelligence- will always be a beacon of love and compassion.
As Swamiji used to say, “Man may live without air, but never without grace”.
Jay Sri Krishna!
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