Arunachala Ramana

The physical death of my beloved husband[1] and spiritual, perfect companion for over 32 years was less unexpected than might have seemed to fellow devotees. He prepared me for it already in 1968, while in his usual good health, adding that his heart would give out, which actually happened in the end on 8 May 1970. Immediately after this warning he started preparing future issues of 'The Mountain Path' enough to cover the following year and editorials for another year. The present July 1970 issue carries his last editorial. After completing this tremendous work in a comparatively short time his health broke down. Several times he was on the point of death, I was hoping he would be with us till the end of next year and maybe fully recover as it would have ended another of his 4-year cycles to the rhythm of which his life’s pattern had run so far. But it was not to be. A doctor friend who was present with me till the end told me that to watch death taking place so beautifully and peacefully was a really inspiring experience which he will cherish throughout life. The last words I heard in his beloved voice were: “Thank you.” Humanly, the more lovable a person the greater the heartache and void for those left behind but here all one has to do is to turn to one's Heart and remember only his great Release – and then – serenity and peace take over.

He has not gone away, he is here!

– Lucia Osborne, The Mountain Path', July 1970