This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Srinivas Koka, 55 years old , born on March 13, 1964 and passed away on June 8, 2019. We will remember him forever.
He passed away in his childhood home writing the 80th sloka of the Vishnu Sahasranamam in his journal. Everyday for the past ten years, he wrote one sloka of the Sahasranamam and reflected on its meaning
His last Vishnu Sahasranam verse: https://imgur.com/a3HKTKu
We request all family members, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances to post any pictures, stories, and memories you have of Srinivas to memorialize this great man.
Tributes
Leave a tributeWe Miss you a lot, but you remain in our hearts .
Koti
From Krupa Sagar, Subba lakshmi, Dhananjay and Shailaja
Thinking and reflecting on his death has led me to a realization. The fundamental nature of life is loss. Everything that we have in life, we will lose. There is no possession, no relationship, that is immune to time. Everything will be altered, transformed, and destroyed eventually. We grieve because we believe that we have things. We believe that we own things, and have relationships, and grow so attached to objects and to people that the thought of losing them becomes unbearable. The more tightly we attach ourselves to these temporary aspects of life, the more we will suffer when they inevitably disappear.
Does this mean we should go through life fearing love? That we need to go through life by loving nothing? Of course not . Like I said before, my dad loved all things. He loved his parents, his children, his wife, his friends, and any living thing that he saw. But what drove this love was his complete love for God. My dad saw God in every person, plant, and animal. When he looked at me, he didn’t just see his son Anirudh. He saw the eternal, blissful, loving God that resides within me. He saw the same God when he looked at his wife, his daughter, his parents, his friends, and even the tiny ant that bit him. And he saw the same God when he looked within himself. My dad loved everyone because he saw the God that resided within them. The God that resides within us all is love. It’s peace. It is a limitless source of happiness and bliss that can never be taken away from us. Because it is who we truly are.
Srinivas Koka passed away on June 8th 2019. But that day only marks the passing of his body, mind, and intellect. We should not grieve for these things, because they are temporary, and were always meant to pass. His true identity is the eternal God that resides within him, and resides within us all. There is no difference between his soul, or my soul, any of your souls, or God, because we are all God. There was never a time when he did not exist, nor will there be a time that he does not exist. When I look within myself, and search for the infinite source of peace and love that is the God that resides within me, I will find him there.
The best way that we can honor my dad is to live life like he did. To realize that the true nature of God is love. To love people just as you would love God. To care for others so deeply because you see the God within them. I think that would make my Dad really happy.
love,
your chinnamma
I’m sorry about the lateness of these well wishes for the grief and loss of your father and husband.
I attended the beautiful heartfelt memorial service and I regret not greeting you all at that time. I was overemotional and felt incapable of communicating.
We remember Sri’s smile, quick wit and appreciated his sunny outlook at Chinmaya events.
Thank you for sharing the pictures and stories of your life. The hopeful plans he had made to take care of his parents in India, were plans that many in Chinmaya would also understand. Our family discussed this often as well. He had made his intentions and set everything up for success. His untimely death was surely a shock to all as he was so young still.
Anirudh, your graceful eulogy was so raw, so honest and spiritual. Thank you for expressing in elegant words what your heart truly felt. How rare to be so clear spoken and introspective. Your father must be so proud of the man you’ve become.
Sri was an uncommon; what a life you all shared. We wish you healing time.
Dear Smt. Ramani ji, chiramjeevi Ananya and chiramjeevi Aniruddha,
Harih Om.
The sense of enormously profound loss, and the resulting grief and sorrow arising from the untimely, inexplicable and tragic demise of our dear friend Shri Srinivas ji is understandably unbearable upon you all as you all try to make some sense out of this very sad event in your life. This enormous devastating loss felt by you and your family has affected our entire Chinmaya Mission Go Loka Family as well as our Indian Community at large. We all sincerely grieve for him with you, and offer our sincere, heartfelt condolences to you and the Koka family at large.
In the midst of this deeply sorrowful thought, I am reminded that Shri Srinivas ji left for the heavenly abode of Lord Shriman Narayana as he was contemplating upon one of the divine verses of Shri Vishnu Sahasranamam:
“Amaani Maanado Maanyah Lokswami Trilokadhuka……”
I can’t help but believe that just a moment before he decided that his work on this earth was done and he must depart, he was just checking out The Address of That Lord LOK SWAMI – The Lord of The Universe - BHAGAVAN SHRIMAN NARAYANA to ensure that he reaches directly to The Lotus Feet of Bhagavan Shri Narayana without delay!
Based on my brief acquaintance with Him and His Family, I have always seen Shri Srinivas ji as a joyful man of contemplative nature; pious, noble, simple, sincere, loving, helpful, willing to serve,
While grieving is natural, please remember him for his love for his Family, love for his community, and about all, his love for our Scriptures and His Lord Shriman Narayana.
My humble pranams to this noble soul who graced us with his kind and loving presence to make our lives more rewarding and purposeful.
May His Noble and Pious Soul rest eternally at the Lotus Feet of Lord Narayana.
Harih OM.
In His service, at His Feet,
Ashok and Sudha Bhatt
The one thing we will always remember about Srinivasji is his smile - that smile that lit up his whole face. The few times we have met at various Chinmaya functions, he has always taken the time to talk to us. The one thing that always stood out was his palpable pride in his kids. Anytime, Anirudh or Ananya would perform or give a speech, he would be there, ready with his video camera. He was the one who mentioned about Anirudh being accepted in CMU.
That smiling presence will be sorely missed by us at Chinmaya. And I am sure by everyone whose life he touched.
Srinivas garu was one of the most soft spoken, humble, modest and respectful gentleman. He was very pious and religious and used to carry Vishnu Sahasranamam book in his computer bag. He had also wanted to instill the great virtues in his children. One incident that struck me the most was when he introduced his 10 years old daughter Ananya at a function, he gently asked her to bow down as a mark of respect to elders which is very uncommon in the present era.
May his soul rest in peace.
May God give Ramani ji, Anirudh and Ananya the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss.
With regards,
Saraswathi Sekar
Personification of all great qualities the parents look for in a child as golden steps for a positive development to shine as a star in his travel through this complex and complicated journey of life, have started blossoming from day one, Srinivas has opened his eyes and had glimpse of the world into which the God Almighty brought him.
As months baby, he displayed a smile on his face always like live photograph. I do not remember even a single day where he disturbed the sleep of anyone with his crying.
As he grew into childhood the three most important qualities of a good child, namely, obedience, respect, and loyalty were his spontaneous flashes of sensibilities
is handsome physical features and all pleasing facial expressions were the center of attraction for all those who came in contact with him. He was smart and elegant and used to walk in a royal style which prompted me to see him in police/army dress.
Friendship was his way of life and he was really a friend in need for many. His memory was permanent and live. Even after a long gap he remembered each friend not only by their name but also each of their family members.
Sunk in an ocean of grief,
Father
Our prayers, thoughts and warm hugs are with you Ramani, Anirudh and Ananya.
Much Love from
Vishal, Sameera, Gaurav and Ritika
It is with sadness that I learned of the passing of your husband/father. My main memory of him is the pride he had in Ananya and her gifts and talents. When Ananya joined the tennis team, he did his best to come to her matches and support her and our program. The other memory that I have is that he was a man of great kindness. Any interaction I had with him was one of joy and caring. The world is a better place because he was part of it and it will not be the same without him. However, I also know that his wonderful spirit will be reflected in his children for years to come. Prayers to you all during this time.
We are all blessed to have known you! Your kindness and smile will be forever etched in our memories. You and Ramani have raised two beautiful children Anirudh and Ananya.. I am sure you will watch over them as their guardian angel. Rest in peace my friend..
Lalitha & Venkat Immaneni
departure hit us so hard. He was gentle, warm, personable and very peaceful. His joy was infectious and his family, Ramani, Anirudh and Ananya are very special to us. Srini, we will always remember you in our hearts. Farewell good friend.
From Emmanuel, Millicent, David and Samantha.
Please accept our deepest condolences of your loss.
Srini,
I always remember you as a happy, smiling and caring person. Rest in Peace.
Tiags & Sudha
I still cannot believe you are no longer with us… I will miss you. Thank you for being the most caring person I've ever met, for accepting and loving everyone, and for being someone who impacted the lives of so many. Someone so special can never be forgotten. May your soul rest in peace.
There are so many memories wavering in my mind, but don't have strength to list them all. How can I explain why our kids were born exactly 365 days apart. God wanted us to celebrate on the same day wherever we are.
You are the only person I can call at anytime to get Peace of Mind. Now my heart is broken to Pieces. Why did you leave us.
You sent the message last Diwali that we should plan our retirement together and stay together. Why did you leave us
I pray God.... Please send Srinivas just for one more minute and we want to be blessed by him again.
Srinivas, your ever smiling face is always in my heart. Bless us from your home in Heaven.
I remember clearly when you would come to watch the high school tennis matches that Ananya and I would compete in as doubles partners not too long ago. You would enthusiastically wave at both of us, and show us support with your cheers and encouraging words, it was always hopeful to see you cheering for us. Even though I only had the pleasure of meeting you a few times, you always showed me kindness and I know you have left a tremendous impact on many people. I have had the honor of becoming close friends with Ananya, and without a doubt, Ananya is the beautiful and wonderful person she is today, largely because of you. There are many people who miss you, but most importantly, there are many people that will continue to love you.
My personal ode here just for you,
flowed out from my heart without ado.
Lament not I will for one who,
did his utmost for all & for me too.
Forever I will remain your "Maradalu-pilla"
Nobody has that privilege but you "bava"
So much banter we shared and enjoyed,
While lots of respect we always buoyed.
Fond memories of you I shall always carry,
Laughter you taught me since my sister you did marry.
Subtle humor and deep affections,
Touched everyone that had your Acquaintance.
Family values from you I learnt,
Devotion to elders you always meant.
From you we had lots more to yearn,
So guide us from your abode in heaven.
Srinivas,
Manasu ninda neevu vunna nee gurinchi cheppalantey matalu karuvayipoyayi.
Nee Chinna Pillavadi Manastathvam, Nee Chinnanati Cheshtalu, Nee Pedharikam, Nee Prema, Nee Navvu Mukhamu ani ma kallaku kattinattu kanipisthunayi.
Prathi pata lo nuvve, Prathi manchi matalo nuvve kanipistunnavu.
Whatsapp tho oka group chesi andaru manavalle ani bandhuvulanu okati chesi andaram okkey degara kalisi matladukuntunnatlu chesi neevu matram evariki andanantha dooramga vellipoyavu.
Nee nishkramanam memu bharinchalekapothunamu.
Ee bhadanundi therukune gunde dhyryam Annaki, Vadinaki ivvalani bhagavanthudini korukuntunnanu.
Samudhramu madya vunatlunna Ramani ki athma sthyryani, shakthi ivvalani aa devudini korukuntunnanu.
Anirudh ki, Ananya bhadhyatha mariyu Neevu vadili vellina baruvu bhadyathalanu, Aasayalanu dhairyam ga yedurukogala Shakthi ivvamani aa bhagavanthudini korukuntunnanu.
Itlu,
Swayam Athamma
You were an amazing host when I visited Ananya last winter. You put so much efforts into making my trip memorable, planning the trip to Grand Canyon, going to the drive through with the Christmas lights, showing me how to fly your drone and making me feel at home and feel loved. I looked up to you as a father figure. Our conversations were so interesting, talking about India, technology among others. You will forever be missed, and I wish I could tell you how much I admire you. Ananya is my best friend and I’ll always take care of her as she goes to do amazing things!
May your soul rest in peace.
Sreenu my Dear
You are a diamond, that has the values immeasurable and immense.
What a wonder you never know a single word to chide other's feelings!
You watch your kith with an unfathomable-esteem of a magic spell,
The stylish touch, you give, on your kin explains an enchanting entice.
Oh dearest guy, we cannot bear the total eclipse and eerie silence you created, Nor we can try to fill the gap by any elegant ancillary other than thee.
For me you are forever a chubby cheeked, chivalrous, cheerful-chocolate child,
The gospel of your absence is so bitter and pungent that cannot be tolerated.
You always treat the simple sentence I scribbled down as poetry rich and worthy,
The lines I draw, you always admire as pleasing polished picturesque artistry.
Hence onwards from whom I abide such applaud and uplift that fortify me,
How can I fill up the void created by you, the golden, glorious and glamorous guy?
How weak is the human power when misfortune falls like a tempest upon a family ship
Cannot drive it back and try to be with our loving one whom we need in our group indeed.
You, when breathed your last, it was not the oxygen of the colossal cosmic atmosphere,
But it was the panoramic tempest that devoured the jovial zeal from the fabulous family
If I turn aside and fall in slumberous sleep to feel the fact as an evil illusion of frightful nightmare,
And wake up to see you among our team for full life time to keep us all laughing and rejoicing!
But the fearful fact reappears, in a stubborn dreadful void, dragging away our loving lively deity
God! I need not be pardoned, if I rebuke you rudely for grabbing him physically from our sphere!
Ever yours,
Papai Athamma
To the family of Sri ~ I am so sorry for your great loss. I can only imagine the depth of your sorrow. Sri was a beautiful soul and left such a beautiful impression on us all. God's blessings to you all.
You have immensely contributed to our spiritual learning with your deeds and examples that you used in Tatva Bodh years ago on how the mind and body are to be separated.On how perceived identity is different from real Identity.
I recall speaking to you on the annual day a few weeks ago and you pleasantly reminded me of something over 10 years ago with your sharp memory and quick wit we smiled for a long time thinking of how clearly you remember all that.
Your energetic optimism is worth emulating .
Love regards and Strength to Ramaniji,Ananya and Anirudh.
I wake up everyday hoping that this is a dream! You have been a great support to not only your family but also to the family and friends near you. As a supporter of our Dance school, you were full of enthusiasm and wonderful comments which only makes one strive one step better. You have always shared a smile a kind hello with everyone which definitely makes ones day better. You are dearly missed Srinivasji!!!!
The first time I met Srinivas was at the Student Recreation Center, Arizona State University around 1991-1992. Srinivas greeted me with his trade mark open-hearted greeting and welcoming smile. Both of us were trying to tone ourselves up before our respective weddings in the ensuing summer of 1992. From then on, we used to exercise regularly together before we left for India to get married.
When I returned back from India with my new bride, who would it be but Srinivas again who was the first to greet us at the apartment complex exclaiming “welcome to Bharath Bhavan,” (he did not know that we were coming that day, and for those who are wondering, since our apartment complex had around 500 Indian students residing, it was informally known as Bharath Bhavan).
In no time Rajashree and Ramani became close friends, doing everything together. They learnt knitting together, they studied for the GMAT together. Srinivas, ever enthusiastic, planned many activities that we did together—we went to the neighboring Kiwanis park together, we watched movies together, we had dinners together. We celebrated our first Deepavali together, the wives in traditional Indian finery, and treated ourselves with ice cream at the neighboring Dairy Queen.
Neither of us could swim. However, it was Srinivas’ encouragement and support that gave us the strength to try our hand at tubing down the Salt River in Mesa. Thanks to Srinivas, that was again a first for us. We had innocent and carefree fun as we tubed down the cool waters as the hot Arizona sun beat down on us. We have not gone tubing since leaving Phoenix, and now we may never again do so—Srinivas is no more.
We saw our first snow (actually it was a patch of ice by the road, but that was our first experience with snow and the fact that what we saw was only a patch of ice was only a minor detail that we ignored) as we went towards Flagstaff. Again, it was thanks to Srinivas, Ramani and Sathyanarayana. We did not have a car, so if not for Srinivas, who invited us to join them that day, we would not have had that unforgettable experience.
It was only last Fall, that Srinivas phoned us and said that their family would be visiting us. We were thrilled that we would be seeing our friends from the old again after nearly 18 years. Now, it was the four of them and the three of us. It was a brief visit, but the same warmth was still present. It was as if time had stood still and we effortlessly picked back from where we left off after leaving Phoenix.
And now, Srinivas is no more. We have seen very few people who are as genuine as Srinivas was. He wore his heart on his sleeve. What you saw is what you got. No artifice. He was a friend for life, loyal. It is rare in life to find a friend such as he. Maybe it is for these reasons that God wanted Srinivas to be by him and thus called him back so prematurely. We will sorely miss him. The hole he has left will never be filled. Stay strong Ramani, Anirudh and Ananya. Srinivas was a great human being.
The truth is, I’m scared to live in a world without you. For the past eighteen years, you have shielded me from the evils of this world and shown me that there is light in even the darkest of tunnels. You taught me that true love is rare, but when you find it, it’s unconditional and all-encompassing. With you, I didn’t need to find it. Everything that I am today is because of you and everything that I will become will be for you. I will forever be grateful that I grew up with you as a father, and I am honored to have had the privilege of knowing you. While I am not the perfect daughter that I was in your eyes, I will strive to be as close to that person as I can be. I’m still in shock & my heart aches knowing that I’ll never come home to you again, but I trust that this is God’s plan. All that I can do now is fulfill your dreams and make you proud. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for the endless piggyback rides, thank you for dropping/picking me up from every dance and sangeetham class, thank you for always waiting at the airport gate with a big smile on your face, thank you for staying up to make sure I come home safe, and finally, thank you for teaching me that family always comes first. I’m not ready to say goodbye and I’m heartbroken that I’ll never get the chance to watch your newest drone videos of the lake or get to take part in your Sunday pujas again. You are my hero and best friend, and everyday, I will try to emulate your kindness, integrity, diligence, and amiability. My heart is shattered but still, I feel your warmth. A world without you will never be the same, but your journey here is over and for that, all Amma, Anirudh, and I can do is be happy that you are at peace. I miss and love you with all my heart. Rest In Peace daddy 06/08/19
Love,
your chinna thalli
I am just the trasliterator.
Srinivas,
Nee gurinchi cheppaalante maatalu chaalavu. Nee maanavatha dhrukpadhamu, udhaara hrudhayamu, bhandhu preethi ena lenivi.
Nee pasithanamloni chilipi chestalu, nee chilipi panulu, nee paathasaala vidhyaabhyaasamu, nee home sickness, engineering kaLasaala pravesamu, america prayaanamu naa kaLLaki kattina dhrusyalu. Avi ennatiki kanumarugu kaavu.
Neevu maa madhya lEvane vishayaanni evaramU jeerNinchukolEkapOthunnAmu.
Nee nishkrmaNamunu bharinchagala manO sakthini nee thalli-dhandrulaku prasaadhinchamani dhaivanni praardhisthunnanu. Neevu vadhali veLLina baruvu bhaadhyathalani sweekarinchi vijayavanthamuga konasaagimpagala aathma sthairyamunu sakthini sreemathi Ramaniki prasaadhinchavalasinadhigaa bhagavanthuNNi praardhisthunnanu. Nee aasayaalanu phalapradhamu chEsE viDHamuga nee santhaanamaina Anirudh Ananyala budhi vikaasamunu, sugmamaina maargamulanu andhincha valasinadhiga dhavanni praardhisthunnanu.
Nee aathmaku saanthini kalugachEya valasinadhiga
bhagavanthuNNi vEyi vidhaluga vEdukontunnanu.
itlu,
nee chitti maamu.
I dont know how to start. You are not just my annaya , You are everything to me. You were and will be always with me and will protect me. You changed your college to be with me when I had to join my college which was co-education. You gave me everything I liked, without asking. When I wanted to learn Kuchipudi dance, I very well remember you used to take me to Rajahmundry by scooter. When I had to go to Naliya you accompanied me to that godforsaken place. Apart from our chidhood, we stayed together for 2 years plus at Hyderabad. They were the sweetest moments of my life - you, me and Manganath. The Dilkushes you brought, the omelettes we ate of the broken ration eggs, the cement ladden clothes you used to come back in from work and the roaming around we did were unforgettable. You were there with me when ever I was in need.
Many were not happy when I started Sandesh Education , as there was no prior announcement , But you are the only person expressed your happiness and said I kept the name Sandesh afloat, which was coined by you after the debacle of Sandesh Data Systems.
Annaya , I love you. You are still with me and will be with me.
Your absence has created an irreparable void in our lives. I still feel that its a horrible nightmare and I would wake up with your good morning message. Alas, we can't reverse the time.
Though we miss your presence, I now realise that you are more than your physical self. You are and you will always live in the lives you touched, the love you have spread and the bridges you have built to bring people together. It's not about how long a person stays on the earth, it is about how much difference he makes in his near and dear people's Life that makes him a Chiranjeevi.
You brought us all together in cnm WhatsApp group. It makes the oceans shrink.
My first swim is because of you.
Thanks a lot for the lovely memories.
Thank you for being a huge communicator of our family across generations.
Rest In Peace.
Leave a Tribute
We Miss you a lot, but you remain in our hearts .
Koti
Please be patient.
Please be patient.
I am Srinivas from Delhi India. A good friend of Smt. Ramani in undergrad. This is really shocking news for me when I came across this site today.
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
K Srinivas
M: +91 8800221221.
Sye Raa
Imagine uprooting everything and moving to live in a foreign country thousands of miles away from everyone and everything that you’ve ever known. That’s what my dad did when he moved to the U.S. This is the story of America, immigrants leaving everything behind in search of a better life. The thing is, my dad never wanted to leave India. His dad, my grandpa, was the one who wanted him to study in the U.S, so that he could earn a higher income and find success. My dad was very reluctant, but finally listened to my grandpa and scheduled a visa interview at the US consulate. The day of my dad’s interview, my grandpa had a car accident and was injured. My dad rushed to the hospital, but when he got there, my grandpa said “What are you doing here? You should be at the consulate! Srinivas, you need to go to the US. Please do it for me.” So my dad left for the consulate, and during the interview, the immigration officer insinuated that my dad was going to violate the terms of his visa and not return to India. My dad blew up at him. “Why would I stay in your country? India has everything that I could ever want! I’m only applying for a visa because this is what my father asked me to do.” He was soon granted the visa, and came to study at ASU. So my dad came to the U.S for his father, but he only stayed because of us. While he had a successful job, a happy life, and was proud of being an American, his heart was always in India. For years now, he’d been telling us that he wanted to move back to India and take care of his elderly parents. We never took him seriously, but this year was different. He kept asking me the dates of all my graduations, so that he could see all of them and only then leave the country. He finally quit his job, and was on a flight to India within a week. Maybe some part of him knew what was going to happen. He had told many different people that if he had to die, he didn’t want it to happen in the U.S. He wanted to die in India.
As some of you know, for my honors college thesis I wrote a book which contained a collection of short stories based on Hindu mythology. Just three months ago, I wrote about the story of Shravan Kumar, the poor farmer who dedicates his life to taking care of his parents, and is killed while he is dutifully fetching water for them. I then wrote about how Dasharatha, the father of Rama, would cremate him, immerse his ashes in the holy river Ganga, and perform his last rites. Little did I know that in a few short months, my own dad, just like Shravan Kumar, would pass away while lovingly taking care of his parents. Little did I know that I, just like Dasharatha, would have to cremate him, immerse his ashes in the Ganga, and perform his last rites.
My dad was one of the most loving and caring people that I’ve ever met. He cared about Ananya, Amma, and me more than he cared about himself. There were times where he would come home after being at work all day and go straight into the garage, intent on spending hours to fix the water heater so that the rest of us could be comfortable. Once, when he dropped me at ASU for the week, I realized that I had left my backpack at home. Even though it was already about 11 at night, he drove all the way back just to drop it off. He was ready to spend all of his savings so that I could afford to go to the graduate school of my dreams. It wasn’t just his family, my dad simply loved people. When he was young, he used to bring all of the poor kids at his school to his home and had them fed. My dad spoke to everyone, no matter how little he knew them. He genuinely wanted to get to know them and ask how they were doing. He was so personable and social that he made good friends everywhere he went. My dad’s love and care extended to all living things. He’d never even harm a spider that came into our house-he would painstakingly catch it and try to release it outside. He always went out to water the plants in my mom’s garden, no matter how hot it was outside, because he was concerned how thirsty they might be. My dad saw the God in every person, plant, and animal.
I miss him so much. You don’t realize how much a person means to you until they’re gone. I never imagined that I would have to deal with his loss so soon. I am sad that I will never get another call from him asking me how I’m doing. I am sad that I will never get to take another family trip with him. I am sad that I will never hear his life advice or lectures ever again. I am sad that I will never sit with him at the weekly puja ever again. I am sad that I will never hear his voice again. I am sad that I never sat down to have a drink with him. I am sad that my kids will never know their grandfather. I am sad that I never got to take care of him, like he took care of me. He was always there for me, ready to catch me if I fell. I took that for granted. I’m so sorry Adji.
The last thing that he would have wanted was for us to be sad. He only ever wanted to see people happy. He would have said, as Krishna tells Arjuna in the Gita, never to mourn the dead. We grieve because we are attached to his body, which is the only thing that is gone. He is not his body. His self, his soul, his atma, is imperishable and immortal. Fire cannot burn it. Water cannot wet it. Wind cannot shift it. Time cannot age it. It is unaffected by something as trivial as death. His soul was the God that resided within him. It is the same God that resides within all of us. There is no difference between his soul, or my soul, any of your souls, or God. We are all God. There was never a time when he did not exist, nor will there be a time that he does not exist. When I look within myself, and search for the infinite source of peace and love that is the God that resides within me, I will find him there.
I mentioned before that maybe some part of him sensed what was going to happen when he left for India. One of my other earliest memories was also sitting in the puja room. My dad was telling my mom that before everyone is born, they have a conversation with God about everything they want to accomplish in this life. We all choose the karmas we want to exhaust, the duties we want to fulfil, the relationships we want to have, the achievements we want to earn, the religion we want to follow, and the different experiences we want to have. My dad had a short life. But I think it was short because he experienced everything he wanted to in this life. He had two parents who loved him, younger siblings who looked up to him, a wife who he loved and was married to for 28 years, had two children he never stopped saying he was proud of, and was so well-respected in his profession. He was very religious, and did puja every Sunday no matter who joined him, and every single day, wrote a verse of the Vishnu Sahasranamam. He did all of his duties as an act of service toward God, as he raised his children to set them up for success, cared for and loved his wife, and when he left for India to take care of his parents. He passed away in his own mother’s arms, in the house that he grew up in, in the land that he loved so much. Only someone great could have gotten a death like that.
Adji, I didn’t tell you this as much as I should have when you were alive, but I love you. I will never forget the sacrifices that you made for me, or how you loved us more than anything in the world.If Ican become even half the man that you were, I will consider my life to have been a success. I will always find strength in you, and I hope to keep making you proud. Rest in peace.