In Memoriam: Sri Daya Mata - January 31, 1914 - November 30, 2010

 

In Memoriam: Sri Daya Mata
(January 31, 1914 - November 30, 2010)

It is with the deepest respect and love for our beloved president and sanghamata that we share with you the news that Sri Daya Mata passed away peacefully on November 30, 2010. To the countless thousands of members and friends who were profoundly touched by her presence, she was the embodiment of our Guru's teachings and life work, and her unconditional love will most certainly continue to bless the lives of each one of his worldwide spiritual family.

 

A Special Message From the SRF Board of Directors

 

December 1, 2010  

            
Dear Ones,
 
Late last evening, our beloved Sri Daya Mataji, president and sanghamata of Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India, peacefully left her mortal form. Her life, so radiant with the light and love of God, has joined the vast ocean of His omnipresent love. How grateful we are that Divine Mother allowed her to stay for so many years to bless this world with her motherly love and compassion, which have touched the lives of us all. Our hearts long to have her with us still. Yet we would not mar with grief the heavenly joy of the divine welcome she has received in the realm beyond this world, or begrudge her the bliss beyond imagining that her soul knows now for having so nobly, courageously, and perfectly fulfilled the vast spiritual responsibilities Gurudeva placed on her shoulders.
 
From the very beginning when she came to the ashram as a shy young girl of seventeen, Guruji saw in her a disciple in whom he could place his utmost trust − a true devotee who yearned for God above all else, who would be the "nest egg" of his work, and mother to countless souls on the spiritual path. Through her heart's receptivity, he guided the unfolding of her life, infusing in her the spiritual strength that enabled her to face every challenge the years would bring with utter faith in God, and with the sole desire to do her Guru's will. Through the years, she laid a firm foundation for his work in both East and West and guided it from her complete attunement with his intent and spirit. She faithfully recorded his words of wisdom and steadfastly upheld the purity of his sacred teachings for all the generations of devotees to come.
 
Our beloved Daya Mataji stirred our hearts with yearning for the Divine, as Gurudeva stirred hers, by living to the fullest his words: "Be so drunk with the love of God that you will know nothing but God; and give that love to all." Immersed in that joyous consciousness, she felt for all of God's children. Souls from around the world poured out to her their deepest feelings and cares, and with the tender love of Divine Mother she held them in her thoughts and prayers. Through her outreaching heart many experienced, perhaps for the first time, what it meant to be loved unconditionally. She wanted only to serve, and her thought was never of self, but "How can I help that soul?"
 
The essence of her being was love itself and our souls deeply responded. In reverent thankfulness for the blessed gift of her life we bow to God and Guru. And we invite you to join us in prayer as we inwardly strew her soul's path with flowers of gratitude for all that she has given to each one of us, to our blessed Guru's work, and to this world. Let us honor our beloved Ma by going forward with courage and with the divine enthusiasm she instilled in us, laying at her feet the greatest tribute − our resolve to follow her example by living divinely, loving God selflessly, and loving one another as part of Him. With invisible bonds of purest love, we will keep her close in our hearts until one day we meet again in His boundless joy.

 
 
Yours in divine friendship, Mrinalini Mata, Vice President For the Board of Directors of SRF/YSS