Chapter 13:When Death is Unexpected - David & Lila

David

Lila

Lila’s passing was also a shock—not so dramatic as David’s sudden heart attack while he was out running in Italy—but nonetheless, stunningly quick. Only a few weeks elapsed between the diagnosis of lung cancer and her transition to the astral plane. On July 7, 2012, her birthday, she cooked her last meal, hung up her apron, and relinquished her role as Swamiji’s cook; then, at 2:00 a.m. on August 8, 2012, she passed away peacefully at Ananda Village, near Nevada City, California.

At a memorial service for Lila, Devi shared one of Lila’s favorite jokes. Anyone who struggles with growing older will appreciate the humor: “Two little old ladies were driving together through town and, as they came upon a red light, the driver passed through it nonchalantly. Her friend, the passenger, was quite surprised, but said nothing. “As they drove a bit further they passed through a second red light. This time the passenger was horrified, but once again she kept her mouth closed, hoping it was the last time they’d have to face a possible accident.

“A few miles further, though, after they had driven through a third red light, she was deeply worried. Turning to her friend, she shouted, ‘Gertrude, are you aware that you just passed through three red lights?’ “Gertrude, quite astonished, replied, ‘Oh, am I driving?’” Devi continued, “As Lila told this joke to friends and family she would laugh merrily! In a way, this little story represented her life, because the name, Lila, means ‘God’s play.’ Her life was not her own. Whatever was asked of her, her energy flowed from her center and always with the goal of making other people happy.

David

David chose quiet, inner growth at Ananda over the allure of ego gratification. And, after making that choice, he never looked back. His devotion to Swami as his spiritual teacher was the defining aspect of his life. Once, with childlike simplicity and love, he told a friend, “Although we rarely speak, Swamiji is my best friend.” David was, as I pointed out earlier, tremendously happy and fulfilled in Assisi. For the first time in his life he was able to pour his energies into serving Ananda completely, without reservation. Finally, his two lives had merged into one, lived entirely for God. His outer life became a beautiful reflection of his inner life. It was with that unified, uplifted consciousness that he was able to make his transition.

Lila

A few days before the end, Swamiji visited Lila briefly. Pulling herself together, Lila asked a friend who was present, “Does my hair look okay?” Despite extreme weakness and discomfort, Lila engaged all her will in the attempt to sit up for her beloved teacher. As Swamiji walked into the room, his first words to Lila were, “We’ll always be friends.” Then, “Thank you for all your service.” After a moment he said again, “We’ll always be friends.”Lila whispered, “Yes, Swamiji, no matter where we are, we’ll always be friends.” Then, touching her at the spiritual eye, Swamiji blessed her deeply for the last time.