$ for Mata's Cremation & Book of Poems

My birthday request this year is a donation for Mata’s cremation and memorial; or for volunteers to sponsor or organize printing her poems and biography; or taking her ashes to India.

The Budget details are listed below, but first, my heartfelt appreciation for your posts to pacify my heart in this loss of my dear Mother.

The heaviest of my regrets was failing to be there for Mata’s passing as she so feared - throughout her life. In response, many of you offered firsthand stories about this same regret. Surprised how many passed away once their loved ones had left the room. More than a dozen stories and most with the sense their relative could not pass until they stepped out of the room. These insights helped pacify my regrets.

Narayana Maharaj personifies the point. Dozens of attending disciples. All left for but a short time in those early morning hours, only to return after he had passed. This pattern may be more common than we realize.

The next day I saw Chandra and Sri’s post that Mata had passed away on Ekadasi. Very auspicious day by Vedic accounts. Patita-Pavana also posted his astrological reading 3 days later. The specific time of day of her passing was quite favorable for liberation as well. I now better appreciate the other side of Mata’s passing – the Lord’s own handiwork. Found a great deal of solace in this.

Hundreds of devotees also felt Prabhupada was right there to take Mata - personally. Her spiritual master was the greatest defining influence of her life and so, such sentiments are to be expected.

HOWEVER:

The Vedas say to take note that when you have multiple, unrelated people all say the same thing. It’s the Lord talking to us - loud and clear. Especially true when offered by sadhus – saintly people - as we have of the devotees here.

250 to 350 messages came flooding in. Had to wait a couple of days to read without tearing up, but finally read through them 2 and 3 times over the next week. Like a group hug for the heart – a kind of physical sensation to it. Such comfort in your beautiful posts. Thank you my friends.

And so to the tasks at hand:

This fundraiser and cremation is the last of Mata’s biz in this world. This offers a clear completion of the past for us both.

I find a new beginning in my birthday. A powerful new moon, and Chinese New Year. It's the year of the Year of the Dragon - that suggests a good year for me. Also happens to be Narayana Maharaj’s birthday too, the dearest of my Siksa gurus, and so there was the weekend of temple celebrations for him - further lifting my spirits between in all the feasting, dancing and chanting.

(Took GoFundMe a week to reactivate my account so MISSED posting this on my birthday, the 10th of Feb. grrrrr. However, it’s Valentine's Day, maybe more fitting.)

I do feel awkward requesting this basic help for Mata’s cremation. Taking Mata to the hospital canceled her hospice service of the last 3 years and so lost her cremation service along with it. Now need to do this ourselves.

Fundraiser Details:

• $1,700 - Cremation

We are skipping the additional $5,000 they require for a funeral service. We are holding one ourselves - below.

• $400 - Ceremonies & misc: (90% cheaper than the funeral home)

• $2,500 - Publish Mata's writings:

Volunteer or Donate. Some friends indicated they were interested in Mata’s writings. Happy to hand this publishing project over to them or will do it myself - should we find the sponsors. Had worked to complete this before her passing. I hired an author and so we have a small biography – now.

$3,000 - Financial Transition:

Our household budget is taking a $1,300 a-month loss without Mata’s income. I have been out of the workforce for 5 years as I tended to Mata – full-time for the last 3 years. Getting a couple of months' financial buffer will help my transition into work and career. This will boost my credit and so allow me to qualify for a second loan to complete renovations for a B&B ( which we are zoned for - rare on the Big Island). Otherwise, may have to sell the house. Hope to save it. It’s a Dhama, Holy Place, as host to dozens of sadhus - great souls.

• $3,000 - Sponsor My Writing:

I decided months ago to celebrate my 59th birthday as the official kick-off for my work as an author. Some of you have come to appreciate these humble efforts over the decades. This is your day to show your support.

Today is the threshold to completing the past 60 years as the Son of Jagaddhatri, aka Mata, aka Jean Prem. And so too, I now officially step into my role as an author.

Very moved by how many appreciated my care for Mata over this decade.

I originally looked forward to this day as my victory lap with Mata now tended to in her new (retirement) home or on her way to Vrindavan; a new partner in my writing work with Raghunomics and the financial stability of a full house of nice tenants. Instead, humbled once more, facing a very different but new life. Thank you for all those ever-patient friends there to lend a kind word and deed. Maybe more so those daring enough to consider joining me in this my new journey as well.

Once again, humbled by your affection and support.

Your servant,

Raghu Giuffre

PS. The last Fund Raiser was canceled by GoFundMe so never had the chance to respond then to the few who had responded.