Kanha Shantivanam 10th July 2024

In the early hours of the morning, Daaji returned to India after a long journey. His flight LH752 from Frankfurt landed at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, just a few hours after a heavy downpour around 1.40 AM. 

A large group of excited and joyful abhyasis awaited Daaji's arrival. It was 2 AM when Daaji finally emerged, accompanied by a few abhyasis from Frankfurt on the last leg of his journey. As he stepped out, he greeted the eager faces near the gate with a few kind words. Those standing behind the barriers soon began to unfurl their banners, cheerfully displaying, "Welcome back, Daaji!". 

Noting the presence of many familiar faces, Daaji paused several times to exchange greetings, lifting everyone's spirits despite the long flight, which lasted over eight hours. His cheerful demeanor was a welcome sight.

He then got into a car driven by his son, Marg, and headed home with Pratima Ben. Kanha's atmosphere was jubilant even in the wee hours of the morning. Many abhyasis had gathered at the gate, eagerly awaiting Daaji's arrival. The pathways of Kanha were adorned with pretty lights, leading to his home, where his family was ready to welcome him ever so warmly.

After getting freshened up Daaji went to his swing and had some tea and snacks. Later he went to bed around 4:30 AM. Daaji rested till 11:30 AM catching up on the jet lag. Little later all three grandchildren were with him for the first time in months. They were seated in his lap with evident joy that lit up the little room! Only little Devki, the eldest of his grandchildren, was in school, at that time in the morning, so it was not the full circle yet. After giving the little ones the gifts he had brought back for them, he rested some more. 

Around 6 PM, a few abhyasis who were waiting for him, met him while he sat on the swing. Light banter kept everyone smiling as there was an ease of his presence for being back in Kanha. A little later, Daaji went for a walk in the garden. A sister who was going to Australia came to say goodbye to Daaji as she was leaving that day. This was followed by a quiet moment when they all meditated around 8 pm with Daaji after which practically everyone left in the gathering silence of a quiet Kanha evening leaving Daaji to rest for the evening. Daaji had dinner with some of them and then retired to bed.