Hamid

Deva Hamid (Klaus Gerne)

by Satyam Kaifi

Born in Heidelberg, Germany, Hamid began his adult life by studying Economics, but soon followed a deeper calling into art and craftsmanship by becoming a master carpenter. A lifelong painter, he studied at the Art School of Mannheim and worked as a graphic designer before traveling the world in search of freedom and self-discovery.

In 1993, he arrived in Pune, India, where his life transformed through meditation, art therapy, and dance.

Hamid lived with passion and intensity. He could be grumpy, yes – but more often than not, laughter would follow, thanks to his quirky and unforgettable humor.

For many years, he lived a simple, quiet life in Eressos, on the Greek island of Lesvos, close to OSHO Afroz – meditating, painting, and sharing life with friends. We were neighbors on the same land, and I was lucky to witness his sensitivity and child-like golden heart.

In his final months, he returned to Pune, where he felt deeply appreciated and loved, serving as facilitator coordinator at OIMR. When the news came he had left his body, I called Nadeen and heard that Hamid had been peaceful, happy, and content. The most touching detail: he was found curled up like a baby, his face serene. No one knows exactly what happened – but his departure was gentle, surrounded by lightness and love.

A friend of his revealed to Nadeen that Hamid’s secret wish was to leave his body in India. And that’s precisely what he did.

Fly high, beloved Hamid.

You left in peace, with a quiet beauty we’ll never forget. We all wish you a peaceful transition.

Satyam Kaifi (Heracles)

A man with a big heart

by Rusaasvaad

It was in summer 2019 when I met Hamid, again in Osho Afroz. Unaware of his love for colors, I was surprised to see him running the painting department there, in an open, yet very cozy space. He had every kind of tools to enjoy the colors. I fell in love with the studio and got myself involved in playing with colors under Hamid’s guidance.

Hamid has never disappointed anyone, at least that was my experience with him. He is a man with a big heart and full of humor. You just cannot not laugh when you are around him. He is also very much into helping people out with anything. I remember our ride to the Skala (the beach). I would never have gotten myself into that crazy motorbike ride, had I known the road was going to be such a rollercoaster ride. Every time I tapped on Hamid’s shoulder and asked, “What is this road?” he just laughed. I was freaking out sitting behind him on those flying wheels. But finally Skala paid off, the serenity and the time we spent there can never be forgotten.

Years have passed, but the same feeling you always get when you meet a person like Hamid… the same charm, a true Sufi, full of love.

Recently I meet him again, in Pune. We reconnected and were planning a painting workshop for Satori Meditations, the center in Dhaka. We had finalized dates, got his tickets, but for some reason he could not come. Perhaps he was aware of his health situation which he had been going through for some time. I feel that a man of love and laughter knows about himself best.

Ah, and now here I am in Poona and Deva Hamid has departed. I missed him just by a few hours.

Just the other day I was feeling this question inside of me: How will this Buddhafield feel when all our old friends leave? Will there be enough ropes for the newcomers to hold onto? I don’t know, I will see.

Much much love and hugs to you, Hamid, you are in the hearts of everyone who has crossed your path.

Rusaasvaad

More Tributes

Deva Hamid,

In August 2018 I was asked to decorate the Space for Afroz’ Festival and I asked this German man if he could help us.

That was quite and experience… He almost shouted at me – in a very German way – that he was not in Afroz to work! I was impressed and shocked by the answer from this strange, funny, German man. It took some time to see him as he truly was: creative, tender and with so much love.

I want to thanks him for having shared with me so beautiful a time.

Gupta

The first time I met Hamid was in Odessa, at the OSHO Art festival. I fell in love with this man, his heart, kindness, tenderness. We came in tune with each other with humor. And became friends.

My biggest gift was to meet him again in OSHO Afroz. When, tired after the long road, I arrived at Afroz, Hamid proposed I stay at his home. Those days I call, My diamond days with Hamid. Hamid cooked breakfast, collected fruit from the trees, watered the garden; we had walks to the beach, in the evenings Hamid painted and we drank sparkling water in champagne glasses.

I felt so much care from my friend…

One day, it was full moon, we decided to spend the night at the beach. We got a bike and drove down to the beach. I was sitting behind Hamid, fearing he couldn’t miss all the many holes in the road. I asked him to look better at the road, and he just replied, “Actually, I’m without glasses. I don’t see a thing, I only know that the road to the beach goes down.”

At the beach it was cold. We just lay there and looked at the moon. Laughing like crazy from jokes that only we could understand. Till we met our friends and then drove back home together.

I cannot put all those days in a single message. But I was so happy. I remember every moment…

Last summer I bought two identical cups and sent one to Hamid. So that we could drink tea, at a distance, and feel the connection of our hearts. If I would have known that we would never meet again…

So difficult to say, “Goodbye Hamid, my beloved friend, you will stay in my heart forever.”

Bodhi Lila

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