Death of a Loved One: a Conversation with Family Left Behind

Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things we go through in life. A few months ago we recorded episode #29 with Madhavendra Puri dasi as our guest, where she spoke about living with the terminal disease of ALS and facing death without fear.

This time we’re joined by a family who suddenly lost a wife, mother and grandmother, as Madhavendra very recently passed away. We feel very fortunate and humbled to be let into the inner world and feelings of a family that all live a yoga meditation lifestyle.

How is the ancient wisdom of yoga a source of shelter and great comfort for them?

And why, despite this being a challenging time, can they simultaneously feel great joy and love?

Highlights:

– 0:00 When Madhavendra Puri dasi left this world, it wasn’t a big drama but a wonderful transition

– 6:10 Madhavendra’s daughter Shalie shares her story of living as a hippie child in Australia before Madhavendra was introduced to the process of meditation and took a 180 turn

– 9:25 How Allan met and came to marry Madhavendra, and how he was introduced to meditation by her

– 16:17 Allan shares how he felt when Madhavendra had left; he lost companionship but is also emboldened to become more dedicated to the Bhakti Yoga process, inspired by her

– 23:20 Madhavendra’s health gradually got worse after being diagnosed with ALS. She did all she could to maintain a healthy body through diet and lifestyle, but she also did not go overboard; she trusted the higher plan.

– 33:51 What was Madhavendra’s key to success, for leaving this world happy and fearless?

– 40:09 Allan shares the story of Madhavendra’s last night in this world: Not wanting to disturb her, in his mind he begged her to forgive him for anything he’d said or done to her. And that morning she left her body.

– 46:38 Madhavendra walked towards leaving her body with a clear focus, never with anxiety or fear; and she succeeded with her goal

Recorded on June 11, 2022.

Read episode transcript on https://breakingtrail.life/podcast/49