Update on Dada's Health

(25th Jan. 2006)

Dear Friends,

Dada Shyam!

We are happy to tell you today, that our beloved, revered Dada is recovering from the recent setback that he suffered. Though Dada was out of danger on Sunday morning, he had become considerably weakened by the ordeal he went through, combined with the lack of food intake. But your prayers and good wishes were with him all the time – and today, Dada came out of his room to take his lunch.

A question was put to Dada: “Even though we always carry your image in the heart within us, wherever we go, why is it that nothing can match the joy of actually seeing you in person? Is it that the form is more powerful than the formless?”

Dada smiled. He explained that the world was, after all, physical, and we feel and experience a great deal on the physical plane. This is why the actual presence of a saintly soul has such powerful vibrations that all of us are actually able to feel them. “Dada added characteristically – but the joy we all felt had its own story to tell.

“In ancient times too,” Dada continued, “our sages urged that we should meditate on a form and a mantra, rather than on shunya or nothingness.” And Dada narrated the thrilling story of the little boy Dhruva, to whom Maharishi Narad described the effulgent, radiant form of the four-armed Mahavishnu – his eyes brilliant as the sun, the sacred shank and chakra in his hands, the mace and the sword at his sides, his divine presence inspiring awe and ecstasy at the same time. When this form was clearly etched in Dhurva’s mental vision, Maharishi Narad taught him the sacred mantra, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya – and thus young Dhruva initiated into meditation.

Having explained to us the joy of beholding the truly beloved form, Dada said that the converse was also held by a few holy ones – that is, the sense of separation, the yearning that one feels for the Divine is also equally ecstatic, for it is the greatest feeling that we can experience here on earth, where actual union with God is not possible for us.

The exquisite longing in separation – and the inexplicable joy of being in the divine presence: had not all of us felt it for Rev. Dada?

From devotees all over the world, we are hearing that special prayers and paths are being held for Dada’s speedy recovery. We are overwhelmed by your loving care and concern: it may be that some us are physically here with Dada; but we are sure that all of you are with us in spirit, and your good wishes and prayers have helped us through our moments of anxiety.

Thank You God! Thank You God! Thank You God!

And thank you, thank you, thank you, dear friends!

Yours sincerely,

Krishna Kumari