Parijat

Prem Parijat was born in rural India, the son of Scottish missionaries, and grew up with poor people, absorbing their language and culture.

At age 10 he was sent to boarding school, first in India and then in Scotland. He could only speak Hindi and felt quite abandoned there. After graduating from university with a degree in English he returned to India to find his roots.

In 1975 he discovered the Pune ashram, and it took him three days to realize he had finally come home. In his own words, “He put on the mala, gave me the little box with his hair and nail clippings, and said something like, ‘This is your new name: Swami Prem Parijat. Prem means love, and Parijat means flower. Love everyone, hmm?’ For the next two months I was in satori. I had had a glimpse of enlightenment. And it was good!”

Parijat lived and worked in the ashram, initially running the handymen department, and was a supportive confidant of Ma Deeksha of Vrindavan fame. He was the ashram shopper along with Kabir, another fluent Hindi speaker. He was committed to the ashram until Osho left for the US.

Back in the world he found his way to deal with the challenges we all face, and with his loving and humorous nature he brought a quality to life that even when working on a building site would inspire fun and caring. “We are all walking wounded,” or “We’re just here in the departure lounge,” were common reminders. He shared this loving quality with the people in his apartment community where, sadly, they recently discovered his earth suit, expired from heart failure.

True to Osho’s encouragement, Parijat loved everybody and was in the heart of every gathering. He loved people, and it was clearly reciprocated.

Vimal

Obit re-published from Viha Connection June 2023 edition with permission – oshoviha.org

More Tributes

Gentle swamiji. We used to tease about Parichute.

Blessings, as you’ve made that final jump into the beyond.

Love,
Navina

Dear Parijat,

You were my room-mate, together with three other men, in a hut behind Buddha Hall. I did not see you very often, because you had a girlfriend and would spend the nights with her. But whenever you came in, maybe for a quick afternoon nap, you were always very friendly towards me. If the word had existed then, I would have called you ‘cool’. Everything was always good, nothing to worry about.

Wishing you a good journey onwards.

Punya

I enjoyed knowing and working and living with you in Poona 1. Your humor made me laugh a lot, often with just a look.

I’ve thought of you many times over the years.

I wish you all the best, on your next adventure.

Sending you lots of love.

Nigama

Parijat Ji! My dear dear old friend. I only now have come to hear of your passing.

It brings sweet sadness to my heart. I know you had no fear of death and talked of it often as just a shedding of garments. I just feel sad you were alone and only found later by neighbors – when you were loved by so many of us.

I have our sweet memories of working together in Poona 1 in the kitchen. You were always keeping a look out after me. I felt your love and protection. You were my brother. Even later in our lives when we met up, there was that love and care like a brother and sister have.

I hold you close in my heart, Parijat.

I know you flew out fast and furious. No holds back with you.

Love you always Parijat Ji. Om Mane Padme Hum.

Dhanyavaad,

Kendra

Dear Parijat, it was nice to get to know you. I never forget you driving the Orange Matador getting supplies for the Ashram.

I wish you a nice journey

Alles liebe,

Darpano

Dear sweet good soul,
We had some fun –
I was so into being a butterfly, I didn’t stop long enough to really grok you.
I just liked you a lot.
Then I surprised you with my insouciant and irresponsible promiscuity!
I think it was all okay… Not too difficult – I hope –
But I’m sorry if I slighted you. Sorry…
Love and more love to you – wherever you might be.
Simpatico soul…
a hug to you. I wish I’d known your story, wish we’d talked a little more before I twirled away. I meant to come back – but it was all a bit much for you – and I don’t blame you.
All that was very long ago…
love,

Madhuri

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