Devi Mukherjee
20 March 1926–18 March 2008

Surrounded by his family and by Ananda in spirit, our dear friend Devi Mukherjee died Tuesday 18 March after suffering a major stroke last week in Kolkata. He came back to consciousness for awhile this week, responding to requests and questions by gestures. When told by his son that everyone in Ananda's farflung colonies had been sending him love and prayers, he tried to smile . . . especially when he heard that Swamiji had called, for they were brother monks at the same time and remained lifelong friends.

If you've read his book Shaped by Saints (available online or purchase at the order form above) that Ananda recently re-published in India, you are familiar with Devi's journeys around India searching out some of its advanced saints.

When Devi married, his own home became a pilgrim destination, as it was the home of Yoganandaji's childhood friend Tulsi Bose—father of his wife—just around the corner from where Master lived as a boy. Devi, his wife Hassi, and their son Manash always kept their welcome mat out for countless pilgrims from lands far and wide.

Because Devi's return to his spiritual home on Tuesday came just 2 days short of his 82nd earthly birthday, our farewells to him on his last spiritual journey took on all the more meaning. Friends and devotees gathered Wednesday evening to celebrate Ananda's beautiful astral ascension ceremony for him, led by Acharya Nirmala. This ceremony, with very touching recollections, was audiotaped and is available online, with some touching recollections.

His family, joined by several Ananda friends from Gurgaon who have been particularly close to Devi over the years, celebrated an astral ascension ceremony in Kolkata on Thursday, led by Yogacharya Dharmadas.

We will long remember and cherish this precious soul, whether longtime or newer friends. If you have memories or tributes of your own that you would like to add below, please send them to ananda@anandaindia.org with the subject line, Devi.

Meanwhile, Devi's son wants to convey to everyone the Mukherjee family's deep appreciation for all the love and the prayers that have been sent their way.

Pictures

Here are some pictures from the first Ananda India pilgrimage to the Tulsi Bose home where Devi lived with his family in Kolkata.

Devi's family have always kept their door open for pilgrims at all times.

Devi recounted many stories of his grandfather-in-law Tulsi Bose and his boyhood friend Paramhansa Yogananda.

Devi was frequently sought out for words of wisdom and counsel.

DevI's delightful wife Hassi could frequently be found in the kitchen cooking for pilgrims.

Testimonials

My mother and I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Deviji this last December on the pilgrimage to Kolkata. The whole family welcomed us with lot of love and made us feel at home. Deviji shared many of his experiences in the Himalayas and answered questions patiently.

When he was asked by one of the members how could the experience of self-realisation be described, he gave a very befitting answer. He started with a story that once a girl in a village was getting married, all her friends were very excited. They told her that when she returned to the village after the marriage, she would have to narrate to them all her experiences. After a few days, the girl returned. All her friends eagerly gathered around her. But the girl said only one thing: "I can tell you many things but only when you all get married yourselves will you know what it is".

Similarly Devi said that onty when one experiences self-realisation will he truly understand what it is.

—Dhanashree Kulkarni

Ananda Sangha India  B–10/8, DLF Phase I Gurgaon (Haryana), India 122 002 Directions

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