Thursday, July 03, 2008
Dada Harinathananda
Dada Harinathananda passed away on July 2, 2008.
Born in Guatemala in a humble family, he went to Davao, Philippines Training Center in 1987. After becoming an acarya in 1989, he was posted to Jakarta, Indonesia.
He worked as the Regional Secretary of Buenos Aires, Argentina from 1996 to 1997 during which he helped lead Eco Camps on our Master Unit in Cordoba. Then he came for six months to Sectorial Office in Sao Paulo and supported the office in the bakery and did pracar. He was posted as RS Berlin in mid 1998 for six months.
In 1999 he was transferred to Africa. He worked hard to support various projects through his fundraising and yoga class efforts. He organized the weekly mass feeding for about 800 children and women at the Sectorial office. He was well known among Nairobians as a great yoga instructor.
He was a very friendly person, with infectuous good humor. He inspired many, many people.
Didi Ananda Giitika wrote: "Our hearts are so very heavy today. I was at Mountain View Sectorial Office headquarters, and many children came in crying. Many children were sponsored by Dada Harinathananda; he did so on his own, and we don't even know who all of them are. A manager of a club called Body Heaven came to Mountainview to confirm the tragic news. He said Dada Harinathananda, who taught yoga there, was very generous, often bringing bread for all the staff. If ever he was late, he would always call the manager; when he didn't call today, he knew something was wrong."
"You will live according to His desire; you will die, too, according to His desire. Yesterday I told you to take the name of one only. Today I tell you to depend on one only, not on two. Death will not be painful for you, because in death too you attain Him. Merge with Him with all your love." (Baba, "You Live According to God's Desire")
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From: Dada Rameshananda lihokmindanao[at]yahoo.com
Namaskar
Really shocking news for me what happen to Dada Vratadhirananda & Dada Harinathananda
I worked with these two workers there in Nairobi for many years. It's really sad news to hear.
They were true and hardworking workers of Baba. Last email I recieved from Dada Vratadhirananda, he said, "I found my home now here in Africa". Dada Vratadhirananda was my acarya; he initiated me in my hometown Gensan, Philippines in 1982. He's like father to me.
When i worked with him in Nairobi, every time i got clashed by the obstacles, I went to his room and he advised me like a father. He was very compassionate, trying to do something for society....
Baba has a reason for this, their work here is over. They will be in another place with a different face... with the Grace of GURU. Om shanti, peace on the journey of thier soul.
Yours in Him,
Dada Rameshananda
Philippines
=======
From: "Bhaveshananda Avadhuta" bhaveshananda[at]rediffmail.com
Namaskar,
We are deeply pained to hear of the shocking news of the senseless killing of two of our beloved Dadas, Dada Vratadhiirananda and Dada Harinathananda and also the grievous injuries to Dada Aksarananda. There are no words to express our anguish over this sad loss. These brave dadas gave their lives doing their spiritual duty while going to do their Kapalik Sadhana. Our sincere prayers to our Most Beloved Baba who had taken them unto His Loving lap and will certainly Bless them with Higher Realms of spiritual existence.
Yours,
Bhaveshananda Avadhuta
=========
From: didi candrasekhara didicandrasekhara[at]yahoo.com
Namaskar. Thanks for writing. It is really extremely sad news for us. How is SS dada now? [He is recovering after surgery.]
Didi Ananda Candrasekhara
=========
From: "Parameshananda" parameshananda[at]gmx.net
Namaskar,
It is very saddening to read the news about our now departed Dadas this morning. I've personally known both of them as I always met them in sectorial office whenever I passed by on my way to and from India. Dada Vratadhiirananda used to take me in his room where he would take French classes from me. He used to read French books and learn French poetry. I remember him singing one Edith Piaf's song by heart. He also often took me to his school where he was planning to teach French at that time. He was like a compassionate father, always giving me lots of attention, advice and guidance. As for Harinathananda, we went on few occasions to collect food together. One day we also went to bookstores looking at yoga books, as he knew that I was also giving classes in Cameroon at that time. This news is really a very sad one. I bid farewell to them. Baba for surely knows why them at this time… Baba Krpahi Kevalam.
Yours in His divine Will,
Parameshananda
========
From: Rasatmakananda rasat[at]theamway.com
Namaskar,
When reading the header "most sad news" I was not expecting such news. At this very moment I don't know what to say, I knew both of them very well when working for years together in Nairobi. Harinathanandaji considered me the one who inspired him to become a WT when sitting in a taxi together in Bombay.
For me Dadaji was the key Worker for all the donations and collection for Nairobi Office.
Huge number of people in Nairobi know him. Whoever shot him, will get in trouble when the people get to know what happenend. Vratadhiranandaji is
same, a well known person. Its not only we Workers who are in shock -- the common people are as well. May Baba be with both of them.
Rasatmakananda
=========
From Dada Vishvarupananda:
Gosh, how heartless can people become? Their lives should have ended with more dignity.
========
A'c Prabuddhananda Avt
Namaskar . Its really very painful to know this Sad News that two of our senior and dedicated WT Missionary Workers left this mortal world under the attack of Anti-social elements remaining still in so-called civilised (?) society today. I know both of them well as most sincere Devotees of Baba named as Myrters. I worked with Vratadhiiranandajii in Brazil, GT Sector, and with Harinathanandajii in Berlin Sector. May their noble souls remain in absolute Peace on Baba's Divine Lap .
I also pray for the quick recovery from the injury of Dada Aks'arananda Avt who is in the Hospital , Nairobi, Kenya.
We have to work with multiplied speed and sincerity in order to remove all darkness and disparities remaining in present Society.
With regards, in Him,
A'c Prabuddhananda Avt
R.U, Sec (Qahira)
Namaskar
Really shocking news for me what happen to Dada Vratadhirananda & Dada Harinathananda
I worked with these two workers there in Nairobi for many years. It's really sad news to hear.
They were true and hardworking workers of Baba. Last email I recieved from Dada Vratadhirananda, he said, "I found my home now here in Africa". Dada Vratadhirananda was my acarya; he initiated me in my hometown Gensan, Philippines in 1982. He's like father to me.
When i worked with him in Nairobi, every time i got clashed by the obstacles, I went to his room and he advised me like a father. He was very compassionate, trying to do something for society....
Baba has a reason for this, their work here is over. They will be in another place with a different face... with the Grace of GURU. Om shanti, peace on the journey of thier soul.
Yours in Him,
Dada Rameshananda
Philippines
=======
From: "Bhaveshananda Avadhuta" bhaveshananda[at]rediffmail.com
Namaskar,
We are deeply pained to hear of the shocking news of the senseless killing of two of our beloved Dadas, Dada Vratadhiirananda and Dada Harinathananda and also the grievous injuries to Dada Aksarananda. There are no words to express our anguish over this sad loss. These brave dadas gave their lives doing their spiritual duty while going to do their Kapalik Sadhana. Our sincere prayers to our Most Beloved Baba who had taken them unto His Loving lap and will certainly Bless them with Higher Realms of spiritual existence.
Yours,
Bhaveshananda Avadhuta
=========
From: didi candrasekhara didicandrasekhara[at]yahoo.com
Namaskar. Thanks for writing. It is really extremely sad news for us. How is SS dada now? [He is recovering after surgery.]
Didi Ananda Candrasekhara
=========
From: "Parameshananda" parameshananda[at]gmx.net
Namaskar,
It is very saddening to read the news about our now departed Dadas this morning. I've personally known both of them as I always met them in sectorial office whenever I passed by on my way to and from India. Dada Vratadhiirananda used to take me in his room where he would take French classes from me. He used to read French books and learn French poetry. I remember him singing one Edith Piaf's song by heart. He also often took me to his school where he was planning to teach French at that time. He was like a compassionate father, always giving me lots of attention, advice and guidance. As for Harinathananda, we went on few occasions to collect food together. One day we also went to bookstores looking at yoga books, as he knew that I was also giving classes in Cameroon at that time. This news is really a very sad one. I bid farewell to them. Baba for surely knows why them at this time… Baba Krpahi Kevalam.
Yours in His divine Will,
Parameshananda
========
From: Rasatmakananda rasat[at]theamway.com
Namaskar,
When reading the header "most sad news" I was not expecting such news. At this very moment I don't know what to say, I knew both of them very well when working for years together in Nairobi. Harinathanandaji considered me the one who inspired him to become a WT when sitting in a taxi together in Bombay.
For me Dadaji was the key Worker for all the donations and collection for Nairobi Office.
Huge number of people in Nairobi know him. Whoever shot him, will get in trouble when the people get to know what happenend. Vratadhiranandaji is
same, a well known person. Its not only we Workers who are in shock -- the common people are as well. May Baba be with both of them.
Rasatmakananda
=========
From Dada Vishvarupananda:
Gosh, how heartless can people become? Their lives should have ended with more dignity.
========
A'c Prabuddhananda Avt
Namaskar . Its really very painful to know this Sad News that two of our senior and dedicated WT Missionary Workers left this mortal world under the attack of Anti-social elements remaining still in so-called civilised (?) society today. I know both of them well as most sincere Devotees of Baba named as Myrters. I worked with Vratadhiiranandajii in Brazil, GT Sector, and with Harinathanandajii in Berlin Sector. May their noble souls remain in absolute Peace on Baba's Divine Lap .
I also pray for the quick recovery from the injury of Dada Aks'arananda Avt who is in the Hospital , Nairobi, Kenya.
We have to work with multiplied speed and sincerity in order to remove all darkness and disparities remaining in present Society.
With regards, in Him,
A'c Prabuddhananda Avt
R.U, Sec (Qahira)
NEWSPAPER REPORT FROM The Nation (Nairobi)
4 July 2008
Michael Mugwang'a And Bob Odalo
Two foreign charity workers were shot dead by armed gangsters in Nairobi on Wednesday night.
By Thursday evening, the third victim of the attack was fighting for his life at the Kenyatta National Hospital in the city.
The three were shot at as they drove in their car just 100 metres from one of the charity institutions they run in Westlands, off Waiyaki Way, at 11pm.
The foreigners were in a two-car convoy of religious people heading for special prayers at the open grounds opposite Kangemi slums when they were attacked.
Runs charities
They are attached to the Ananda Marga Mission, which runs several charities in the country.
According to a witness who was in the second car, four armed men emerged from the roadside at a petrol station on the highway and stopped the vehicle.
The gangsters reportedly raised their firearms and ordered the occupants to hand over the car keys and get out.
When the driver appeared hesitant, one of the criminals shot him in the chest. Another gunman shot the passenger in the front seat.
The other occupant of the car opened the door and tried to flee but was followed and shot five metres away.
The gangsters then removed the bodies and drove off in the car.
The witness, who identified himself by his religious title as Dada Jaya, said their attempts to save two of their colleagues were futile.
They, however, managed to get the third victim to hospital alive.
One of the dead men was identified as Hugo, a Latin American from Guatemala going by the religious name of Harinathananda. The other is Juanito Porass, a Filipino going by the religious name of Vratadhiirananda.
4 July 2008
Michael Mugwang'a And Bob Odalo
Two foreign charity workers were shot dead by armed gangsters in Nairobi on Wednesday night.
By Thursday evening, the third victim of the attack was fighting for his life at the Kenyatta National Hospital in the city.
The three were shot at as they drove in their car just 100 metres from one of the charity institutions they run in Westlands, off Waiyaki Way, at 11pm.
The foreigners were in a two-car convoy of religious people heading for special prayers at the open grounds opposite Kangemi slums when they were attacked.
Runs charities
They are attached to the Ananda Marga Mission, which runs several charities in the country.
According to a witness who was in the second car, four armed men emerged from the roadside at a petrol station on the highway and stopped the vehicle.
The gangsters reportedly raised their firearms and ordered the occupants to hand over the car keys and get out.
When the driver appeared hesitant, one of the criminals shot him in the chest. Another gunman shot the passenger in the front seat.
The other occupant of the car opened the door and tried to flee but was followed and shot five metres away.
The gangsters then removed the bodies and drove off in the car.
The witness, who identified himself by his religious title as Dada Jaya, said their attempts to save two of their colleagues were futile.
They, however, managed to get the third victim to hospital alive.
One of the dead men was identified as Hugo, a Latin American from Guatemala going by the religious name of Harinathananda. The other is Juanito Porass, a Filipino going by the religious name of Vratadhiirananda.
This is Didi Ananda Ruchira's personal account of Dada Vratadhiirananda and Dada Harinathananda's funeral service.
Namaskar,
It was a wonderful and typical mixture of African & Ananda Marga culture. What was also wonderful was the vast mixture of people who arrived to say goodbye to our dadas at the funeral service of Dada Harinathananda and Dada Vratadhirananda on 7 July 2008.
The people of the community of Kangemi, where the dadas' work is centred, came early and in large numbers. The seats filled quickly and it soon became standing room only. The rich also came. What a mixture of people were there! The upscale ladies of the yoga classes, the old grandma with her orphaned grandson, the students from the school. Dada Harinathananda's sister (a margi) came accomanied by a margi friend. The margi remarked to me afterwards that as she sat and watched the crowds view the bodies, she was looking at their shoes. A few pairs of stylish sandals or exclusive fashionables passed then followed by pairs of feet barely shod in frayed sneakers or tire-rubber sandals. This ceremony crossed all strata of the society in a way that only Mission workers can unite. My estimate was about 500-600 people were there.
Our ceremony was well-planned, true, but with that touch of AM chaos that makes all our events so special to all of us, like a taste of home; it was moving, spiritual and tearful all rolled into one. When the bodies arrived from the mortuary, there was the typical African uproar of wails and tears. The crowd moved peacefully to view the bodies. But then, I don't know all, for I was also moved to tears. It's too too sad to see our brothers sleeping there.
The smallest of Academy's primary school children then arrived, having paraded from the Kangemi school. They were singing mourning songs and carrying placards. "The killers must be brought to justice" "Many of us could only get our education because Dadas paid our fees." "Goverment must make better security for us" and so on. They sang and many were weeping. After their songs, they sat.
Then there was another wave of wailing and chanting up the road. The secondary school kids arrived. Also with protest placards. Their beloved principal Dada Vrata was inside, they came to join in the services. They entered in a disciplined way and viewed the body, many wailing in expression of deep grief.
An opening prayer. Samgacchadhvam. A moment of silence. Songs. A government Minister got up to speak, he was moving in his words. Telling us about the shame such holy men should be killed in this way. I wondered where he came from, only to realise that he was a yoga student of "Dada Hugo". That's how everyone called Dada Harinathananda. "Hugo the Real Boss" was how the youth, musicians and artistes called him. Even by time I got up myself to say a few words, it's what I called him: Dada Hugo. Dada Harinathananda had moved far and wide. Literally thousands of peoples' lives were touched & inspired by him. He was outgoing, sociable, flamboyant. Indeed, in this last week, while recieving so many phone calls from his former students, supporters and youth, artistes, children, youth footballers, the most frequently repeated phrase was "He was my best friend."
Dada Hugo, Friend of All.
Dada Vratadhiirananda had his following too. Generally he was so much more quiet, more sedate, more introvert than Dada Harinathananda, he was not quite as well known among the upscale bunch, he moved quietly in other circles. The children loved him, he was fatherly and disciplined. He inspired so many of his students to strive for more and reach greater heights in their lives. His students were truly affected by his death. One mourner from the community said "He was a father to the fatherless, a friend to the friendless. Who will pay the school fees now? Many of us will not eat tonight, will not sleep."
Dada Vrata, Provider of Shelter to All
More singing from the students, more prayers, more eulogies. It went long beyond the scheduled 1 hour. Finally the moment came to carry them on their final journey. Or should I say it in true Kenyan spirit "the last matatu they'll ever take."
In Kenya the only crematorium is run by the Hindus, and they still do it in the traditional manner as an open flame pyre. About 150 mourners came along to this final event.
After that, I felt a great lift of spirits. As someone said, they have gone to their next posting.
In Him,
Didi Ananda Ruchira
(Ananda Marga, Abha Light Project)
visit: www.abhalight.org
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Namaskar,
It was a wonderful and typical mixture of African & Ananda Marga culture. What was also wonderful was the vast mixture of people who arrived to say goodbye to our dadas at the funeral service of Dada Harinathananda and Dada Vratadhirananda on 7 July 2008.
The people of the community of Kangemi, where the dadas' work is centred, came early and in large numbers. The seats filled quickly and it soon became standing room only. The rich also came. What a mixture of people were there! The upscale ladies of the yoga classes, the old grandma with her orphaned grandson, the students from the school. Dada Harinathananda's sister (a margi) came accomanied by a margi friend. The margi remarked to me afterwards that as she sat and watched the crowds view the bodies, she was looking at their shoes. A few pairs of stylish sandals or exclusive fashionables passed then followed by pairs of feet barely shod in frayed sneakers or tire-rubber sandals. This ceremony crossed all strata of the society in a way that only Mission workers can unite. My estimate was about 500-600 people were there.
Our ceremony was well-planned, true, but with that touch of AM chaos that makes all our events so special to all of us, like a taste of home; it was moving, spiritual and tearful all rolled into one. When the bodies arrived from the mortuary, there was the typical African uproar of wails and tears. The crowd moved peacefully to view the bodies. But then, I don't know all, for I was also moved to tears. It's too too sad to see our brothers sleeping there.
The smallest of Academy's primary school children then arrived, having paraded from the Kangemi school. They were singing mourning songs and carrying placards. "The killers must be brought to justice" "Many of us could only get our education because Dadas paid our fees." "Goverment must make better security for us" and so on. They sang and many were weeping. After their songs, they sat.
Then there was another wave of wailing and chanting up the road. The secondary school kids arrived. Also with protest placards. Their beloved principal Dada Vrata was inside, they came to join in the services. They entered in a disciplined way and viewed the body, many wailing in expression of deep grief.
An opening prayer. Samgacchadhvam. A moment of silence. Songs. A government Minister got up to speak, he was moving in his words. Telling us about the shame such holy men should be killed in this way. I wondered where he came from, only to realise that he was a yoga student of "Dada Hugo". That's how everyone called Dada Harinathananda. "Hugo the Real Boss" was how the youth, musicians and artistes called him. Even by time I got up myself to say a few words, it's what I called him: Dada Hugo. Dada Harinathananda had moved far and wide. Literally thousands of peoples' lives were touched & inspired by him. He was outgoing, sociable, flamboyant. Indeed, in this last week, while recieving so many phone calls from his former students, supporters and youth, artistes, children, youth footballers, the most frequently repeated phrase was "He was my best friend."
Dada Hugo, Friend of All.
Dada Vratadhiirananda had his following too. Generally he was so much more quiet, more sedate, more introvert than Dada Harinathananda, he was not quite as well known among the upscale bunch, he moved quietly in other circles. The children loved him, he was fatherly and disciplined. He inspired so many of his students to strive for more and reach greater heights in their lives. His students were truly affected by his death. One mourner from the community said "He was a father to the fatherless, a friend to the friendless. Who will pay the school fees now? Many of us will not eat tonight, will not sleep."
Dada Vrata, Provider of Shelter to All
More singing from the students, more prayers, more eulogies. It went long beyond the scheduled 1 hour. Finally the moment came to carry them on their final journey. Or should I say it in true Kenyan spirit "the last matatu they'll ever take."
In Kenya the only crematorium is run by the Hindus, and they still do it in the traditional manner as an open flame pyre. About 150 mourners came along to this final event.
After that, I felt a great lift of spirits. As someone said, they have gone to their next posting.
In Him,
Didi Ananda Ruchira
(Ananda Marga, Abha Light Project)
visit: www.abhalight.org
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