Ma Jaya Memorial

Ma’s grace, again

Kashi Admin — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 19:50:39 +0000

Out of work for three months, I was experiencing a lot of self doubt, fears, and uncertainty. It was difficult for me to realize Ma’s presence continues in our lives. On 1/08, at 1:08, I received a call confirming I had a job, and knew I was blessed, by Her grace. I am so grateful to be reassured, again of ...Read More

Our Ma

Kashi Admin — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 03:29:49 +0000

In 1997, we moved to long island to live with my Mom. I asked Balaram once “what do you miss most?”

“Throwing the rice,” he answered …

Thank you, love you Ma!

xo Annapurna

Rev. Dirk Ficca

Kashi Admin — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 21:04:48 +0000

To the Kashi Community

Ma Jaya was a spiritual teacher, author, artist and humanitarian.

Most of all, she was a fearless pioneer.

Before it was fashionable in celebrity circles, Ma Jaya was an outspoken advocate for those struggling and dying with HIV/AIDS.

Before religious and spiritual communities found their ethical footing, Ma Jaya provided the moral imperative to care for those struggling and dying with HIV/AIDS.

Before national and global institutions got serious about the worldwide epidemic, Ma Jaya was drawing public attention to an HIV/ADIS crisis that stretched from New York City to Johannesburg to Delhi.

She did it with her words. She did it with her actions. She did it embodying the truth in the highest form possible: with her life.

And she did it with flair. She was one of a kind. Anyone who could address the august Board of Trustees of the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions and threaten to “bust their balls” if they didn’t take the HIV/AIDs cause seriously, and get away with it, has my ultimate admiration and respect.

The world was a more interesting place, a more compassionate place, a better place, with her in it.

Her legacy will live on.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kashi community as we mourn her passing away and celebrate her life.

In peace,

Rev. Dirk Ficca
Executive Director

The Parliament of the World’s Religions

Gurudev (Yogi Amrit Desai)

Kashi Admin — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 21:02:21 +0000

To the Disciples of Ma Jaya,
It is with a saddened heart that I learned of the Mahasamadhi of our dear Ma on April 13, 2012. Over our 30-year relationship, we always shared our common vision for serving humanity through the authentic voice of yoga. With joy in my heart, I remember her outgoing, energetic, fearless Kali-personality.
At a visit to Kashi Ashram a few years ago with my wife, Mataji, we were treated to a personal tour led by Ma. We were so deeply touched by her humanitarian heart, outreach to children and courageous efforts for those afflicted by AIDS. Her dedication to the Masters was evident in the many shrines on the ashram grounds, demonstrating the interfaith philosophy she embodied in her work and in her life. The numerous elegies to those who came before are a representation of her conviction that diverse spiritual paths all lead to Oneness.
My personal memories of Ma Jaya are of how very kind, loving and supportive she was to me. I had the privilege of speaking with her just nine days before her passing. I was inspired by her expression of profound love and support, even as her health was declining. Her illness had not affected her spirit, despite the challenges she was facing. As she was speaking to me, her voice suddenly changed…growing stronger with confidence and clarity. I was deeply touched and so grateful to be able to speak to her one last time.
Ma’s limitless enthusiasm knew no bounds, taking her message across the continents, for which she was repeatedly honored and recognized by the international organizations she created and supported. Her pioneering humanitarian work fostered and nurtured her singular vision for a global community. Ma’s hands-on involvement in her worldwide dharma played a significant role in teaching unity through multiplicity. The spirituality she practiced is an unparalleled model that will be an inspiration to others for years to come, as her spirit continues to guide and sustain the Kashi Ashram she founded in the early 1980s.
Although the continuance of her work is assured through her disciples, the absence of her physical presence leaves a void in the spiritual community around the world. It is a great loss for all of us.

Gurudev (Yogi Amrit Desai)

Vishwanath Heim

Kashi Admin — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 21:00:24 +0000

It is difficult to put into words what Ma meant to me. She was my everything. My guru (teacher), my strength, my wisdom, my sense of humor and the reason I am alive today. She loved me fiercely enough and taught me how to serve another human being, because without service I would be nothing. She taught me to love myself by loving me so unconditionally, until I had the capacity to do so, wow was she patient with me! Even when I could not commit to helping myself- she waited and waited. I will never forget one night in meditation she shouted out my name and said, “Vishwanath, you can spend the rest of your life depressed or you can love your Ma, so which is it?” I screamed out, “I love you Ma”. From then on, I knew one true thing, my Ma loves me, no matter what.

She was undoubtly the funniest, most spiritual woman I have ever met or will meet in my lifetime. She taught me to not be so serious and that it is ok to laugh, especially at myself. My heart is so saddened but that is my ego trying to take the joy away of knowing one fo the most unforgetable persons I will ever meet.

Ma always said to ride the breathe back to Kashi from whereever you are. Today, I choose to ride the breathe and be an active part of Kashi – her heart and soul.

All my love to my Ma, my guru who I pray to be at her feet always, Vishwanath

Julia Roberts

Kashi Admin — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 20:59:13 +0000

There are a few people in one’s life that create only the warmest and most powerfully positive impact imaginable.

Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati was one of those people to me and my family.

She was a beautiful person who shined with love and understanding in all ways.

Kashi Ashram was created out of her devotion to all who sought her wisdom and ideas.

Her transition was deeply sad news and yet, as with all she did, it has brought me even closer To her words and her teachings.

May we all look upon one another with loving kindness in her name and in the memory Of all Mothers that love and teach us all.

Julia Roberts

Christina Tascom

Kashi Admin — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 20:58:06 +0000

I cannot begin to express my extreme sadness for all of you and Kashi at this time. It is unfathomable to think of that place in the world where there is no Ma laughing and speaking in that great Brooklyn accent. Although I know she is still here in spirit, I know that you all will be so lost without her physical touch and special ways. Please pass on my love to all of your family at Kashi and if possible to tell Babaji as well. I feel so priveledged to have met Ma and spoken with her last year and so many years ago as well. I will never forget her.

My deepest condolences and prayers go out to you,

Christina

Rev. William Swing

Kashi Admin — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 20:56:30 +0000

My prayers today are for the inspiring and lovely soul of Ma. In peace, Bill

Rev. Mark Hallahan

Kashi Admin — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 20:55:22 +0000

My heart is broken as are your hearts, I’m sure, to know that Ma Jaya as we have known her is leaving this plane. My love and prayers are with you and especially with her. I am an Episcopal Priest and followed Ma for a time when I was part of United Spirit church in West Hollywood. I attended many Darshans and audiences with Ma. I credit her with directing me back to my roots and becoming a priest. I know she is in the arms of the Divine.

Blessings and God give you Peace,

Mark

Montreal satsang

Kashi Admin — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 20:52:55 +0000

It is with great sadness that we, as chelas of Ma here in Montreal, learnt of her passing.

To mention a few names, Atma Jyoti (Michele Blanchard, Director of the Aids Clinic….”Maison D’Herelle) Also Satya who runs a Yoga Center, Bevan Skerrat, who is now chaplain for the Natives in the Federal Prisons. and myself br. Ganga Kali Jaya Das (Ma gave me this addition) and here in Montreal they call me ‘brother Rolph.

Every person I teach and touch, carry with them, the breath of Ma as I teach what she taught me.

I worked 15 years in an AIDS clinic. Now also 18 years giving retreats to men in AA and drug abuse.

One day i asked Ma, “Ma, may I teach this breath?” she answered, “Yes my son, you can teach everything I taught you.”

In The Eastern Orthodox Church they celebrate Easter one week later than the Western Church and so this week-end Sunday Is Easter and because it is, then for them Ma passed on Good Friday and she celebrates the Resurrection with the Risen Christ this day! Jai Ma,

Ma never dies! She lives on forever in our hearts Ki Jai!

With Love, as always, Ganga Jaya Kali Das!