Sakal

Prem Sakal (aka Red Heylin, Richard J. Chapman) was born in Cumbria, England, in 1953, learned violin and piano first, then switched to guitar when he was 14, then bass when he was 16. “Music is in the family, they bought me instruments when I was too small to lift them,” he shared with a friend. (He recently had eight different guitars, a sitar, violin, mandolin, a drum kit and a synthesiser in his tiny flat in Heysham.) He dropped out of school at age 17 because he felt he was not appreciated enough by his teachers. He was offered to work with the Beatles but refused, became interested in the teachings of the Sufi and, when the Osho fever came over England, he took sannyas by mail in 1977:

26th September, 1977

Beloved Sakal,

Love.

We received back your form and photos and are happy to be sending you the name which Bhagwan Shree has given to you. It is very beautiful – Swami Prem Sakal. It means early morning of love. Sink deep into the feeling of it and let it be a place for you to return to whenever you feel the need.

So now continue to say “yes” that’s really all that sannyas is, saying yes to life from moment, accepting whatever comes, finding the way to accept whatever is inside as well.

Do come and spend some time with Him here in India as soon as you can. A tremendous flowing is happening here and it is really beautiful to come and be a part of it. At this time much is possible. Of course He is with you there also but to be in His physical presence is very special.

So come as soon as you can – we look forward to seeing you.

His blessings,

(signature)

Shortly after taking sannyas he visited Pune, received a wooden box as a present from Osho and worked as a journalist for the Osho Times.

Sakal was a singer and music teacher and was very fond of coding and developing apps. He had also articles published by the Oxford University, England. In recent years he lived south of the Lake District, near Morecambe. Sakal died from a lung infection.

Text thanks to Harry – corrected 12.10.16 cause of death

myspace.com/redheylin – soundcloud.com/red-heylin

Tributes

You can leave a message / tribute / anecdote using our contact form (please add ‘Sakal’ in the subject field)…

I found Swami Prem Sakal on Facebook when I messaged him to teach me Hara Meditation. I was expecting a very esoteric answer but his response was rather shocking. It was: “You should be out playing soccer!” I was a little surprised; I was inquiring about meditation and this fellow tells me to play soccer. He then told me, “Unless you live physically to the fullest you cannot have the experience of the higher bodies.” I realized his wisdom. I found him when I was 15 and ever since he has been guiding me and with a firm faith I believe that he’ll continue to do so. Sakal has helped me to understand and become closer to Osho. I’m forever grateful for his wisdom.

I have a confession to make, Sakal, forgive me for not listening to your advice and acting like a douchebag (I know you did not like me calling myself with this name!) I cannot express my gratitude, Sakal. I love you very much, you’re just like my father in my life; thank you for everything! Thank you. I wish I had the fortune to meet you in person, but thank you for coming into my life.

Harry

Swami Prem Sakal, I don’t know what is the meaning of death but I have a feeling that death is nothing. Maybe you are vibrating at a frequency that makes you invisible to my eyes but one thing I am sure of is that you are here, much closer now, not in the UK but closer than my heartbeat. I don’t know how to thank you for everything. I was counting the days to your birthday so that I could make a painting for you. I really wished I had meet you but it’s okay; maybe our meeting is meant to be on some other plane. I love you, Sakal. I have said it many times, but you know… it was so hard to text you. I had no questions to ask, nothing but silence to share and I know you could hear it. So far only you have heard it. My tears are for love, for this feeling that even I have a road – of my own – maybe this is life; the way the leaves fall, the pours. You surely are the early morning of love. I can feel this anguish of love now. It is complicated but so beautiful… so tempting…
Ragini

I took my sannyas name from Swami Prem Sakal. He was really a genius guy. He was just the most perfect person I have ever came in contact with. Nothing can be compared with his devotion to Osho and his teachings. I have learned so many things from him. He left his body on 8th September 2016. I was completely shocked and cried a lot. Many, many times I told him, “Red, I only trust you and Osho.” His words were very powerful. I saw experience in his words. His every sentence was heart touching to me. I have not cried for any girl but yesterday I have cried a lot for you, Red. I love you, Red Heylin (Swami Prem Sakal),
Swami Anand Hanso

Dear beloved Sakal, words cannot express the love that I feel for you. I didn’t expect that someone could show me the way from that darkness to light. You not only guided me but brought a change in me. I wish I could express my gratitude through these words, which are nothing in front of my feelings. But still, I want to say – thank you sooooooooooooooo much. As a mentor, as a father, as a friend… You will be always there in my heart. ❤ I will talk to you because I know you’re here. In the air, in the flowers, in the trees, in the water, everywhere. Fly high, go beyond the sky – and up from the stars. ? See you there…. Love you very much ??❤???
Sristhi Sharma

I met Sakal in Tuffnel Park, London in ’74. He was Richard then and we became best friends immediately. He was talented, smart, spiritual and very funny. We were both really into exploring the nature of “Reality” and formed a 2 man organization called “MAC”. The Metaphysical Adventurers Club, to that end. Man, he was funny! One Halloween we were going to a Fancy Dress Party. I went as myself in 40 years and he shaved his head (including his eyebrows), painted it blue, wore a lampshade on it and went as a lightbulb. I love him very much. I saw him a couple of months ago and knew he was ill. I’m so glad I got to be with him before he checked out from this Earthly Hotel. Can’t wait to see him again.
Terry McDonald

What to say? I’m devastated! Only this… my beautiful Red Rose has dissolved and it’s part of eternity now! I love you, beloved Sakal ❤️❤️
Ma Prem Satisha

Such a long time since I saw you. I always imagined we’d heal the rift someday. Ah, well, a complex character with some beautiful hats!
Ashesha

The kindest person I’ve ever known. He taught me how to love myself, how to forgive, how to live a life worth living. He was like a caring father, a kind mother, a trustworthy friend, a wonderful master. He actually was my only friend, my confidante. I’m sorry I never got the chance to meet you in person, my love. Thank you for everything. You will always be here inside my heart with every heartbeat. I love you,
Kiana

No idea now sad
Coops