Nirgun has passed away on 4th November 2011
Nirgun has passed away in her sleep on November 4th in Kamloops, British Columbia at 88 years of age. She had been living in a care home for about 2 years. One of her sons, Saguna wrote, “She was the best mother I can ever remember having, and if my heart is affected by her death it is with gratefulness for the freedom, care, and respect that she gave me without reservation. She also led me to Osho which continues to be a blessing in my life.”
We remember that she cooked for Osho in Rajneeshpuram and had written the book, Hellbent for Enlightenment.
Tributes
Beloved Saguna, I just came to know now that Nirgun passed away. I was working with her in Osho’s kitchen. It is sad that I come to know now. His blessing. Love,
Pragya
She was a dear friend. We did visit her several times in her old folks home in Kamloops over the last few years; she was there more like five years it seems to me. She appeared to us to be in total okayness in her memory loss, still dancing, and after awhile she would look at me from a distant past place of vague recognition, especially if Janice mentioned the cheese sandwiches she used to make for my lunch at Tolmie Street. She was always postive and chipper when we visited but the last time se was very tired. Love for us both in the wintry north.
Edwin (Shunya) and Janice (Shahido)
Dearest Nirgun, many sweet memories of you smiling your way past me over ten or more years… You were the very first person I bumped into at the Pune One ashram in 1976, during a hot mid-afternoon at the back gate when I was badly needing a toilet… You put your finger to your lips because you were in silence, took my hand and led me to a tiny loo in Jesus House, where, as a complete newcomer and not yet a sannyasin, I was not supposed to be. I was eternally grateful – having just been initiated with my first dose of Delhi Belly! Fly far and high! Love,
Savita
To beloved Nirgun and all her beloveds: I haven’t seen you in many a year, but your smile and your laughter have left an indelible place in my heart! May your journey to the further shore be one of bliss.
Yahoo!
Abhiyana
One hot summer’s day I was doing some handyman work in the kitchen. Waiting until Vivek left the room, Nirgun held out a decorative cup and said, “Try this”. It was a delicious watermelon juice drink. She then casually said, “He didn’t finish it,” and gave me a sweet smile. First and last time I drank from the same cup as my Master. She was so down-to-earth and easy to be around. Have a beautiful journey Nirgun!
Avinasha
Beloved Nirgun, I wish for you a safe journey, full of love and light.
I first met Nirgun in 1977 at Ashu and Saguna’s apartment in downtown Vancouver. She was on a short visit from India and I was on my way to Pune for the first time. The connection stayed through Pune 1 and at the Ranch. I often had tea or a chat with Nirgun at B site in the kitchen or on the stone steps in the garden when I would make deliveries in the on-call taxi. She had a great sense of humor and laugh. We had the early Vancouver connection and had both been social workers there. I remember her driving Saguna’s VW van like a madwoman and her great laugh. After the Ranch, Nirgun lived once again in Vancouver. At first she had her own small flat and loved it… I had a few home cooked meals with her as she filled me with stories… She later moved into one of the sannyasin communal houses near the ocean beaches. Many an early morning I would run into her walking at Spanish Banks.
Fly high Nirgun!
Premyoga
Beloved Nirgun, I only just heard of your passing late last night. And so you accompanied me to sleep as I thought of you with love and affection, dearest, rare lady. Much love from
Gopa
I just ordered Nirgun’s book on Amazon in hope that I might revisit her energy – that twinkle in her eye. I want to hear her tell her stories again, and maybe I’ll read something that resonates with the woman I met during Poona 2. I doubt the story of how as a little girl she paddled a canoe across a rain-swollen Canadian river can ever be retold with the vivid detail I heard her tell it. It was a tactical and physical challenge, steering the canoe through churning water on some urgent mission for her parents. How old was she, I can’t recall: 5? 9? She was a pioneer – as a child, as a sannyasin. I hope the book has some gossip and echoes of her laughter.
Padmini
I had not heard of Nirgun’s passing until perusing the Voyages section of this exquisitely nourishing website. Nirgun was the brightest of lights at Lao Tzu… She always greeted me with a warm welcoming smile, a grounding hug, and a song in her voice. 88 years is a full, rich life to have enjoyed and I shall always be grateful for the many laughs that we shared.
Sunshine
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