My friend had a flight from Delhi back to Germany in the morning and he preferred not to go in the night, so we went to Delhi in the afternoon. The plan was that my friend, Yashendu and I would stay overnight in a hotel and then go to the airport in the morning where we would say goodbye.
We started in Vrindavan in the afternoon and arrived in Delhi when it was just getting dark. When we were getting closer to the hotel, I received a phone call. I got to know that one of my friends had died.
He had only been in his forties, had a wife and three young children. He had had a heart attack and died suddenly, a shock for everyone who had known him. His family lived in Bhiwani, 125 kilometers from Delhi in the Indian state Haryana. It was his relatives from Bombay who had called me and told me that they were on their way to the airport themselves to get on a plane to Delhi. They asked me whether I could pick them up and we agreed that we would then go to Bhiwani together.
After getting off the phone, I told the news to my brother and also to my German friend. Of course he understood that Yashendu and I had to go to the funeral of my friend. We brought him to the hotel and said goodbye to each other there.
Yashendu and I then went on to go to the airport where we picked up the family who had come from Bombay to attend the funeral. From there we took off to Bhiwani and arrived in the very early morning, at about 3 o’clock. The family was up of course, in grief and in shock. He had lived with his wife, his three young children and his old mother. Some relatives and friends had already gathered for mourning.
It felt strange to be sitting in that house, where I had been invited to before, when they moved in, and see his dead body lying there. I realized how suddenly things can happen and how they can change completely.
He had been a good friend and I had known him for eight or nine years. He had been to the Ashram many times and had visited me in other towns around the country, too. Memories rose of times together. He had been a nice and jolly man and we had laughed a lot together. I think the thoughts of everyone there were similar while we were sitting around, waiting for more relatives from different cities and for the sunrise.
When the sun decided to rise at the horizon, we got up and went out, carrying his body to the funeral place. We burnt him, as it is Hindu custom, with all necessary prayers and best wishes for his soul.
On the same day, Yashendu and I returned to Vrindavan.
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Nice account of such a day Swamiji. I also lost one of my childhood friends many years back and whenever I think of here, I think of the times we had together. It now doesn’t make me sad anymore but in a way happy that I had such a friend. With many others it went apart, there were fights or simple differences of interest but with her, I only have good memories of her.
Dear Janet,Thank you for your comment. Yes,I am also not sad anymore and we have to keep those whom we love in our hearts – no matter where they are now.
Much love
Swami, so sorry to hear of your friend’s death. What a sad event for his wife and children. I hope they’ll be able to get all the emotional and financial support they need.
Very sorry for the loss……
Hey Swami Ji I’m very sorry for your loss…
Sorry to hear the loss of your dear friend. Life is so uncertain. I am glad you had good times and lots of beautiful memories shared together. We are not promised tomorrow that is for sure. Thank you for sharing your feelings. I pray that his soul may rest in peace and that his family may have the strength to bear the loss of their beloved family member.
Such a sad loss for you and his family. When it is sudden and unexpected, the grief is somehow stronger. Thankfully you have beautiful memories, and the gift of a good friend whom you will never forget. Peace be with you.
Thanks Cher…..One great soul lost by the family, friends and the universe….He is in good hands. God Bless.
Dear Swami Balendu,my thoughts and prayers are with him. A big hug of Universal Light to you !.
I’m so sorry for your loss of a friend. Thank you for sharing this experience and reminding how important it is to appreciate and notice the gift of friends and family we have in our lives. I will reflect on this in honor of your friendship!