By Gokulananda Das (ACBSP)
November 12th 2006 A humble saint’s glorious departure.
New Gokula Community, Vancouver, B.C., Canada –
Our beloved God-sister Rudrani Mataji ACBSP has recently departed us in a most glorious manner.
Although we are sad to be now bereft of her uplifting association, we all remain in awe before her exemplary life’s total absorption in Krishna consciousness, in spite of a severely defective body ravaged for decades with chronic rheumatoid arthritis.
We were always amazed by her cheerful and enthusiastic demeanor, as she somehow transcended her bodily affliction, tolerating untold suffering with silent strength. Back in 1976, when Srila Prabhupada was informed of her serious disease (provoked by a near-fatal car accident while traveling to distribute his books), he instructed Rudrani to tolerate her diseased condition while pursuing her devotional life despite all inconvenience.
She sincerely took his instruction to heart and became totally absorbed in Krishna consciousness. With utmost humility and purity of heart, she maintained a very deep level of sadhana and service attitude. She was specially attracted to Tulsi seva; teaming up with her husband Sananda Das (Dr.Sukumaran, a professional Ayur Vedic therapist), they brought our temple’s Tulsi seva dept. to an unprecedented level of pure devotion. Their glorious service also brought many other local devotees on-board to further expand Tulsi’s care. Their glorious team service was also featured in a recent B.T.G. article (in the 2006 March-April issue).
So like father like daughter: long recognized as our most advanced devotee, she exemplified the pure-hearted servant of her perfect guru, who has abundantly blessed his loving daughter with great advancement and purity.
So glorious in her devotional life, she was also most glorious in her departure. During her last two months among us, as her ailing body finally broke down, her spirit shone brighter and brighter. Showing utter indifference to her bodily breakdown, she kept gracefully encouraging all of us with her indomitable serenity and humour.
In her final moments, she turned to her life-long care-giver, her sister-in-law Shanta Mataji (who was holding a large picture of Vrinda Devi in front of her), and she told her with loving eyes: “Yes I’m actually seeing Vrinda Maharani Herself…I have to go now”. Then they chanted the Maha-mantra together for a few moments until her final breath. Such was this beautiful soul’s glorious departure for the Lord’s eternal service.
Thank you Rudrani Mataji for your glorious life’s perfection to strengthen our conviction that Lord Krishna always kindly takes care of His own. Although we will miss your saintly association, you have left us all the ladder of your shining example of unconditional service to Guru and Krishna, to help us along on our own journeys back to Home. And we will remain eternally indebted to you for all these blessings that you selflessly gave us, our saintly hero Rudrani Devi Dasi. Your grateful servant, Gokulananda das, ISKCON Vancouver.
Website: www.vancouver.iskcon.ca/rudrani.htm
It is quite nice to read how Mother Rudrani departed from this world, and how she provided us an example of leading one’s life in Krishna Consciousness.
I got to know her somewhat, while I resided in Vancouver Temple. As it has already been stated she was quite limited due her health condition. The times we visited her husband and herself were very touching. She always kept a nice smile whenever she greeted us, and offer us some prasadam (no matter how little it might have been). I do recall that she always kept saying something to enhance her (and ours) Krishna Consciousness.
Those of us who have to stay in this world have another true genuine role model, in the exemplary life of Rudrani Devi.
We sincerely hope that we may be able to depart from this world, in the same laudable and meritorious way, to continue our service at the lotus feet of the Vaishnava acaryas.
Yours in the service of Srila Prabhupada.
Yugala Kishor dasa (Gainesville, FL)
Om Ajnana -Timirandasya
Jnananjana- salakaya
Caksur unlimited yena
Tasmai sri-gurave namah
Our Dear Rudrani mata
My dear Friend Rudraniji
PAMHO, AGTSP. It is always easy to say Hi to a friend and exchange greetings when people meet, but when it comes to say the last hello to a friend like you it is not easy at all, because memories of life comes in the mind and mixed feelings of happiness and distress overwhelming the the heart do to separation.
Henry Heminway writings comes to my mind , “ for whom the Bell Tolls.” El’ Sordo’s last stand comes to my mind unwillingness to believe in blind faith… speaks also about Loyalty and Courage, Loyalty to your, our Spiritual master A.C Bhaktivedanta srila Prabhupada Those two qualities ARE the true emblem of a preacher, a fighter to your calibre, and you our dear Rudrani have exhibited all these vaisnava qualities on His name. Nothing personal. Always ready to spread kindness loving and caring words and be truthful , sweet and compassionate with a dose of humour and honesty .
In your quite place town living along with the family members , you were able to monitor the devotional thermometer of our temple, by rendering unconditional devotional service to the “Queen of Vraja” “ Srimati Tulsi maharani”, who served you also faithfully untill the last moment of yur life.
I am happy today because the Lord grand you a Royal place in His Kingdom , an eternal safe palace to live with all his associates , gopis and gopas. He freed you from all the miseries of this material coverings , the material body and all the calamities. But I am a little sad today because I will miss your association , your loving and encouraging words, the privacy and protection , the loving aura that you were creating around every body who was coming to meet you!!.
I will always remember , telling to Dr Sananda, your husband in a tender wifely manor, “ You always tell me to relax “ , “leave me alone”. ready to give instructions do to the supreme duty that the disciple have towards the spiritual master to help others. In my eyes you are a true Sankirtanero.
Mother P with her sisterly affection will always remember and be surprised how well you exhibited the last moments of your life, in this material world. She is so proud of you along with other members of the family.
Sananda prabhu your life’s companionship, your eternal servant the glorious Shantii the closest shaki, other family members brothers, sisters , temple devotees , krsna’s friends, we all offer you our most dear respectful obeisance’s, to you Lotus feet.
Your insignificant servant and friend
Truly yours
Bhakti devi dasi ( Elizabeth Barreca)
P. S Rudrani ,you always will be my life’s star, Idol saintly personality, please pray for me and my soul also for my family from were you are as we always leave together eternally, my dear senior Godsister. May Lord krsna keeps you close and tide in His abode.