Vinay

A full life in many dimensions

by Sudas

Jivan Vinay (1942–2024) left his body at the age of 82. He had just returned from a holiday in Morocco, and no one in the area imagined that he would depart suddenly, in the manner of his leaving. He simply fell over and died in his home. His close neighbour and friend, Palash, alarmed by his absence, found him lying on the floor of his home. There was nothing to be done.

It has been a shock to the whole Osho Risk community here in Denmark. He was a gentle man, gifted in various creative fields. He shared his charm and talent freely with those with whom he came in contact.

He arrived at Risk to participate in a group sometime in the late 1980’s, and within a short time went to Pune and drowned himself in the sannyas atmosphere. Coming back to Denmark in 1989, he moved his life to Osho Risk, selling his health food store on the other side of the country. He moved in to an annex in the Risk garden, where he lived for at least 12 years.

His artistic background began to infiltrate the Risk ambience, and his gardening skills were put to immediate use. He created and maintained a thriving vegetable garden, which filled the Risk larder throughout the summer months with a continuous supply of salad, berries, fruit, and many other flowers and edibles. His attention to the roses and other summer plants turned what was previously an uncultivated wasteland into a real garden with interesting corners and pleasant views.

His former profession in journalism was a great input when it came to creating presentable brochures about Risk and the courses happening there. He himself was an avid consumer and participated eagerly in the 2nd ever Therapist Training at Risk from 1991 to 1993. He was enthusiastic about sharing his own experience and the understanding he gained from the training.

He lived a full life in many dimensions, and had arrived at Risk with a lot of communal experience from other settings. He was perfectly suited to offering a kind of leadership when that was called for.

A commune is also a very practical affair, with a large household, an economy, a kitchen and so on. There is a need for a lot of organisation to help everything to flow freely. Vinay was central in providing Risk with a serious management team. He was not afraid to take decisions or offer proposals. His Libran astrological sign may have contributed to his tempered approach, but there was never any doubt about where his heart was. He wanted things to work, and to thrive. He genuinely wanted everyone around him to enjoy being a part.

He understood the surrounding society, and made sure that Risk had a voice in practical decisions within the wider community. But his focus was on the Risk sangha, the groups and trainings provided, and welcoming guests from far and wide. He enjoyed cooking regularly in the Risk kitchen, and his homemade soups, with his own blend of herbs and spices, were enjoyed by everyone who ever ate at the Risk table.

Vinay was a good conversationalist, spoke a number of languages, had written a book in his 20’s, and had a dry sense of humour. He never seemed to take himself too serious, and he had a natural affection for other people. He was filled with a genuine warmth, which was never too far from the surface, and had a very elegant way with language. This gave an added ingredient to any conversation, a kind of extra. His way of being around Risk will certainly be missed, his observations, his verbal joustings, combined with an ability to listen and to offer feedback, if he was asked.

I have known Vinay since his arrival at Risk. I was immediately intrigued by his artistic sense. He added colour to the Risk gathering, and at the same time was friendly and down to earth. He followed his own North Star. Suddenly he would show a side of himself which was previously out of sight. That could certainly be inspiring.

His costume designs and makeup talent were of great benefit to our various cabarets and theatre productions throughout the years. And his input to the iconic ”Men’s Liberation” groups at Risk was a wonder to behold. I sometimes looked at Vinay and wondered what kind of shift-shaper he really was.

He leaves behind a silence and an appreciation for all he gave through the years. He lived a full life and his departure is a reminder to all of us to be grateful for the small things of every day, and never to hold back from reaching to the sky.

Sudas

Thanks to Anjee for organising this tribute page, to Sudas for text and photos, and to Kathrin Zirn for shot in kitchen

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More Tributes

Goodbye, wonderful and gentle Vinay. I so enjoyed meeting you at Osho Risk when I worked there briefly. You made an impression on me – someone responsible yet sensitive and fair. And very much his own deep self. Much love to you on your journey.
Madhuri

I cannot say I knew him, even though I went to Risk every year since 1993. However I felt his presence very clearly whenever he was around, gentle and yet sharp, clear, unique. Vinay was definitely his own flower, unmistakably.
Avikal

Vinay, I am grateful for the time spent with you and Osho Risk. At that time, mid to late nineties, in winter it was as small community that was around, and we had our morning meetings. You really held things together and also made me feel so welcome in those months of Danish winter.
Fly high friend!
Much love to you and the buddhafield around Risk.
Love, love, love,
Amira

I was shocked when I heard in December about my long-time friend Vinay’s passing. We had just seen him in Osho Risk when I was there in late September. We went to his beautiful shop for the second time, which is full of rare, lovely, humorous and unique objects that Vinay had gathered from the beauty corners of the world – and bought some special things we carted home.

He brought such a gentleness, grace, love, care and creativity to Risk’s team which he had been part of for many years. Even when he moved out and did his dream of an antique shop, he was there doing tasks, baking, helping out and a joy to have around.

I loved you so very much, Vinay – Thank you for the love you showed me! I am lucky to have known you!

Love,

Maneesha

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