Samarpan (Sam)

Known for his humor and practicality

by his son Michael

Samarpan (Sam) was born in Minneapolis, MN, dropped out of University of Minnesota to enlist in the Air Force, instead of being drafted, only to be denied because of inadequate eyesight.

His dad was a traveling salesman and he became one himself. He later became well-known in the trucking industry. In the late 70’s and early 80’s he owned and ran a hockey shop.

He took sannyas at Geetam, California in 1982 where he received the name Prem Samarpan. The Ranch was just beginning and he was able to help build it. He was there from start to finish pretty much, being a purchaser, building roads, and a blackjack (cards) dealer. I think this was the time of his life!

Samarpan was kind of known as the all-around guy and was being called for various things. He also participated in what were called the ‘Zorbas’, driving in a vehicle in front of Osho during drive-by and his outings, as part of the security team. He was not a supporter of the rogue power trips of some of the Ranch troublemakers. When the Ranch closed he helped sell most items.

Samarpan helped promote the album, Hidden Harmony, for White Swan Records out of Colorado. It charted a single on the US New Age Charts, which was considered a success in the late 80’s.

When Osho was in Bombay, before Poona 2, he flew to India to see him, following him then to Pune where he ran the guards for white robe around 1988-89, and the bar in 1991-92.

Samarpan was known for his humor and practicality. He was a cherished father of four boys.

My precious dad, Samarpan, requested this song be played at his remembrance or funeral. Since he’s being cremated today, 6 September, in Thailand, most of us won’t be there to participate and celebrate! So you can enjoy listening to this song, Last Train Home!

More Tributes

Sam Sam!

What an extraordinary, loving, brilliant, funny, kind, rogue, mischievous, responsible, fun-loving, courageous, meditative man!

You know, I wrote to him just yesterday!… not knowing that he was in the midst of… I guess you could call it transition time. I had just seen an article posted somewhere that an actor wrote, that reminded me so much of him. Maybe it’s that they looked kind of alike, I don’t know. Anyway, I sent it to him not knowing it was his ‘death day’… whatever that mysterious thing is.

I’ll copy it here for you all. Somehow for me it captured that relaxed brilliance that I felt around Samarpan. So, wherever you are, Sam, I love you and feel so grateful that you’ve been in my life!

Here’s what I sent him:

“I’m 87 years old… I only eat so I can smoke and stay alive… The only fear I have is how long consciousness is gonna hang on after my body goes. I just hope there’s nothing. Like there was before I was born. I’m not really into religion, they’re all macrocosms of the ego. When man began to think he was a separate person with a separate soul, it created a violent situation.

“The void, the concept of nothingness, is terrifying to most people on the planet. And I get anxiety attacks myself. I know the fear of that void. You have to learn to die before you die. You give up, surrender to the void, to nothingness.

“Anybody else you’ve interviewed bring these things up? Hang on, I gotta take this call… Hey, brother. That’s great, man. Yeah, I’m being interviewed… We’re talking about nothing. I’ve got him well-steeped in nothing right now. He’s stopped asking questions.”

~ Harry Dean Stanton

Nirodha

My name is Lina and I met Sam in Penang in the early years of the decade of 2000’s when he was staying at the Noble Hotel. He was a man who shared his comprehensive knowledge of India, Nepal and Thailand with me and my travel companions. We asked him so many questions about where to stay and what were the highlights of his trips to these fascinating countries. We came to love Sam as a brother and his goodness, kindness and humble nature were all much valued by all. We are sorry to hear of his death, however he lived life well in his chosen place, Krabi, Thailand. We saw him most years since 2010. He was always the same Sam. We were blessed to get to share time with Sam and so very grateful for his friendship.

Lina and Bruno Evans, Sydney, Australia

I got to meet Sam at the Ranch, was always impressed by this big brother, so cool, so fun. I loved his voice and his tranquil way of taking things, which was quite relaxing. Modest and wise in the middle of the turmoil. Always loved you dear brother.
Anasuya

You can leave a message / tribute / anecdote by writing to web@oshonews.com (pls add ‘Samarpan’ in the subject field).