Caitanya Ananda prabhu – in memoriam
Dear Sankirtan Heroes, please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Like you may have heard, hg Caitanya Ananda prabhu left his body in Vrndavan the most glorious way. In the middle of Ayinda prabhus kirtan. His last words were Krishna Krishna Krishna…
I was with him there in Mumbay and Vrndavan in June and we had many conversations which are also recorded. The other article is one of his last interviews.
In general he was so gratefull that he got an opportunity to distribute books. He said that now he really realised how extremely valuable it was. He said that because of that yagna Krishna was resiprocating with him with overwelming love and affection.
" there is no-one more dear to Me than the one who…" was the main verse in His mind.
Missing his wonderfull association
Your servant Tattvavada das
IN MEMORIAM: CAITANYA ANANDA DAS
11th september 1976 – 7th august 2007
The last months of Caitanya Ananda prabhu were like his all other years of devotional service: full of dedication, enthusiasm, sharp intelligence, knowledge, behavior according to the Vaishnava etiquette, and disposition with deep faith and trust.
His severe disease was like a grinding process that was just increasing the brightness of the diamond. When preparing for his leaving, many people visited Caitanya Ananda to encourage him, or to say farewells. The strengthening was really manifested, as many visitors said. The visitors themselves received great amount of Krishna consciousness and encouragement from those moments.
Finally, the general practitioner of the Bhaktivedanta Hospital asked the last wishes of Caitanya Ananda. “I wish I could serve Lord Krishna also in the next life”, was his last wish. The whole board of doctors was warmly honoring Caitanya Ananda when we were taking the train from Mumbay to Vrindavana. They had seen many people to prepare for their leaving, but rarely anybody so in peace.
Arriving in Vrindavana was a great relief for Caitanya Ananda. Krishna’s loving interaction was clearly manifested everywhere, and he was deeply moved by that intimate interaction. “Now I really understand that it was useful to distribute all those books”, he crystallized with gratitude. The way from the market of Seinäjoki (general expression about the difficult distribution places used by the sankirtana devotees) to Vrindavana was short, said Caitanya Ananda with content when arriving in Vrindavana.
Doctors had said already in Finland that the disease had a genetic origin, and nothing could be done for it. The body of Caitanya Ananda continued towards its inevitable destination. But the same held true also in case of his soul. It became clear for the helpers that Caitanya Ananda was a person who did not consider himself as a temporary body, anymore. The continuous flow of helpers – doctors, caretakers, spiritual masters, and other supporters – enabled him to reach this ultimate goal of life. Caitanya Ananda prabhu was really thankful about the valuable help and support that he received in this difficult situation.
He told about his realization how Krishna keeps His promise in Bhagavad Gita: There is not any person dearer to Lord Krishna than the one who preaches His glory. All things happened were just supporting this notion. Everything was on His safety hands. Caitanya Ananda called this as a movie-like arrangement. This became clear for all of us helpers. We were just acting as intermediaries for the mercy of Krishna.
We really miss that great soul who gave Krishna consciousness to so many people through preaching and book distribution. His great example and his whole honorable departure are forming a great inspiration for all of us. They give us a model example about how to perfect the human life – even in a short time. Caitanya Ananda totaled seven years of active service in his lifetime for Lord Krishna.
As it is said, the best leave first, and by their grace we will also have our chances. The feeling of great longing is relieved thanks to our last discussion. In this discussion, Caitanya Ananda was telling about the arrangements after his leaving. I would have been willing to go and meet him once more in Vrindavana. Instead, he asked me to help his mother to Vrindavana after his departure. Finally, he still said to me with comfort and firm conviction: “Do not worry, we’ll meet for sure.”
Trustfully following his great footsteps, and waiting for that specific day,
Your Servant,
Tattvavada das
