Unfortunately, Mataji is in her final hours. This is from her daughter Kamini ...

She is ready to leave her body very soon. Please keep her in your prayers. She is asking everyone to do the following healing mantra-Sri Mrutyunjaya Mantra. She wanted to do 125,000 before she died and will not make it, but I told her I would ask everyone to continue it for her. The general translation is asking to be released from the bondage of the mind like a ripe fruit dropping from a tree.

The community here is chanting it as a 24 hour saptah. The words are:

> Om trayambakam yajamahe
> Sugandhim pushti vardhanam
> Urvarukamiva bandhanat
> Mrtyor mukshiya mamrtat

For people who do not know it, they can order a CD off the internet. Karunamayi has a beautiful one that Mataji is listening to.

Love, Kamini

---------------------------------
June 27, 2006
From: The Desai Family

Fond greetings from the Desai family to all of you who have been connected with us over the years.

We have received many inquiries recently regarding the health of our beloved Mataji. It is our hope that this communication will encourage all those who have known her devotion, service and loving presence over the years, to hold her in their thoughts and prayers during this time.

Although she has enjoyed robust good health for many years, Mataji has also been suffering for some time with hepatitis, which arose from a tainted blood transfusion. She contracted the virus during surgeries she underwent in the 1980s. In recent months, the condition has worsened and we are sad to report that she is in the end stages of liver failure. She is very comfortable at home here in Florida and is surrounded by her loving family- Gurudev, her children, brothers and sisters, and many loving devotees who are ensuring her continued comfort and care.

At her request and in her honor, it is our privilege to announce the establishment of the Mataji Living Legacy. This charitable fund will support two of Mataji_s personal projects to help provide:
1. viable livelihood and medical care for widows in her hometown of Halol and
2. educational material for schoolchildren at the Shri Kripalu Mandir in Malav.
Since the fund's inception in January, we have already collected 600 books and CDs for the school.

Many of you have taken the time to send flowers and cards to express your gratitude for the enormous inspiration Mataji has been in your life. Thank you. It touches her deeply to know the difference her presence has made in our lives.

We welcome your cards, letters or donations to the Mataji Living Legacy.
Please send any correspondence to:
Mataji Living Legacy
P.O. Box 5340
Salt Springs, Fl 32134

Flowers and packages should be sent to:
23855 NE County Road 314
Salt Springs, Florida 32134

In Bapuji’s love and light,
Kamini and Malay Desai

--------------
REMEMBRANCES FROM HANSA

Dear All,
Mataji is an angel, a rare and unique being. She is Amrit Desai's wife. And she was more . . . she was a Spiritual Master in her own walk of life. I was lucky to have the opportunity to spend time with her in the 80's and 90's.

Here are a few remembrances:
In the older days, we wore sari's for special occasions. Mataji would come and join all of us and teach us how to tie and tuck the many yards of fabric. I remember preparing for initiation and her hands quickly guiding the fabric to the proper places. Her love beamed as she watched our group prepare to dedicate themselves to the path of Kripalu (compassion).

She served Bapuji for many years, preparing his meals and cleaning Muktidhama, the house built in Sumneytown for Bapuji. Her service was her sadhana. We would talk about about how children and dedication to your Guru was a greater sadhana than any asana. Family was yoga off the mat. . . . and for Mataji, family always came first. Well, pretty close to first -- Bapuji was always first.

I met with her one time when life was really bleak. I asked her how she made it through such dark times. She pointed to her malas, and said she just did japa. Then she walked over and touched Bapuji's shoes. Tears welled and she returned to her japa. I watched as once again inner peace returned.

One time, I was in turmoil. I was living in Colorado and my heart wanted to move back to Kripalu. Yet, Spirit was guiding me to stay in Colorado. Mataji advised me to listen to Bapuji. She assured me -he would always be there. He was and is still my guide.

Mataji is steadfast. Her devotion radiates. The earth will feel an emptiness with her passing. Yet, I know her love will expand into the hearts of those she has touched. She is Prem, love. She is Kripalu, compassion. She is . . .
Jai Bhagwan
Hansa, E-RYT, LMT