Hari BolPlease accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Guru and Gauranga.Our beautiful, saintly godbrother, Kuvera Das, drew his last breath this morning at 7:14. As most of you know, Kuvera endured a disease known as ALS for about the last 10 years. This past Sunday he required hospitalization for shortness of breath and dehydration as he was no longer able to drink water. He was discharged from the hospital the next day but was readmitted last evening. He was found to have pneumonia, which on top of his profoundly weakened state, proved fatal.Upon seeing his critical state, his daughter and wife called many family and friends who rushed to his bedside. All through the night the the gathering of young and old, Muslims, Christians and all faiths, took turns telling wonderful pasttimes of the great impact Kuvera had on their lives. In each case the message was the same... Kuvera by word and deed inspired everyone to live with devotion to God. It seemed Kuvera raised/mentored a whole community of children. And the elders in the room cried and laughed at how Kuvera had increased their faith and focus in their spiritual life. It was an amazing night.Through the night Kuvera lay with his japa beads in his right hand and a picture of his guru, Bhakti Tirtha Swami, in his left hand. Through the night there were prayers read from the Bible, the Koran, and devotees led prayers and bhajans. Through the night the Maha Mantra and his gurus pranams were being spoken in Kuvera's ear. As the time for his transition came very near, sacred Ganges water and tulasi leaf were placed in his mouth and the Maha Mantra and the great sloka of Madhavendra Puri were constantly sung in his ears. While submerged in this sound, Kuvera left his body.Kuvera was a natural and gifted leader. He was simple, sweet and powerful, with a beaming smile. He was completely and totally committed to serving everyone, without regard to his bodily limitations. He is beloved by Bhakti Tirtha Swami and Radhanath Swami. He is loved by sooo many. He was also one of the most deeply compassionate souls I have ever met. Let me repeat, Kuvera's heart was an Ocean of Compassion. I humbly pray for his blessings that I may follow in his footsteps and one day be a success in my service to our Gurumaharaj as he surely was.Kuvera Das Ki Jaya!ys,Madhvacarya Das
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