| We have created this page because the main focus of Ikologiks Center for Global Studies is the celebration of "Life" or "Ankh Consciousness." We inner-stand that those that depart from this plain of consciousness due to illness, accident or old age have not really departed. The ancestors remain always with us in our hearts and minds, until the day comes when we join them in the transition. These pages will celebrate the lives of those leaving us since 2005, and beyond, rather than throughout history. |
| On Behalf of the IAIAS, Inc. WE WISH TO EXPRESS OUR HEARTFELT PRAYERS & LOVE to the Worldwide Devotees of BHAKTI-TIRHTA SWAMI Founder of the Institute for Applied Spiritual Technology Our Beloved Teacher & GURUDEVA made his transition from this world on June 27th 2005. May LORD KRSNA Grant Him Everlasting Peace! |
Reflections by Adisaji on the Life & Times of Bhakti Tirhta Swami (Gurudev)
the total benefit of others, without concern for one's own self interest."
suffering from a life-threatenting illness in 2004, I was filled with a deep and profound sense of sorrow and confusion. Somehow, I thought and reasoned, he would survive his suffering or a miracle would grant him ample time to spend many more years among his devotees. However, as I received the reports from the USA (Gita Nagri) they grew more ominous and I realized that our dear Beloved Gurudeva's departure was imminent. I had recently failed to see him in the year prior to his departure (2004), while I was in the USA on sabbatical from teaching duties in South Korea. But, due to a conflict in our mutual schedules and Gurdeva's declining health we missed each other by only a few days. Consequently, I feel extreme sadness knowing that we will never be able to embrace one last time. In 2005 my teaching duties in South Korea were again absorbing so much of my time that I could not keep up on Gurudeva's health status. In fact, I had not checked the IFAST website since March of this year and had no idea about the postings on his declining health at www. BTSWAMI.com. Therefore, it is indeed a miracle, lila and part of Gurdeva's special grace that just three days prior to Gurudeva's departure something made me check the website. I felt chills run down my spine as I realized that B.T. Swami wanted to say good-bye and let me witness the joyous moment of his reunion with his Beloved Spiritual Master Srila Prabhupada and Supreme LORD KRSNA. Therefore, I feel especially blessed to have observed (even though thousands of miles away) the passing of Gurudeva at the website. This offering via the Internet was made possible by the loving devotees at Gita Nagri. I know I speak for all the supporters of the International Academy of Ikologiks & Advanced Studies, Inc. when we give honor and pay tribute to Gurudeva with our upmost LOVE and JOYOUS KIRTAN -- Guru Maharaj Ki Jai!!
Baba Ur Deon Solek -- "Adisaji" International Academy of Ikologiks & Advanced Studies, Inc. |
Monday 27th June - 14:59
The Journal of the Glorious
Departure of His Holiness Bhakti-
tirtha Swami. June 27, 3:30 – 4:00
His Holiness Bhakti-tirhta Swami passed away from
this world, and into the loving embrace of Srila
Prabhupada and Sri Sri Radha Syamasundar at 3:35pm
this afternoon. Gurudeva’s passing was so graceful
and peaceful, as if he slipped out by the gentle hands
his helpers to board his chariot.
Sangita Prabhu noticed a change in Gurudeva’s
breathing pattern and alerted Brahma- muhurta Prabhu,
who immediately came and sprayed Radha Kunda water
around Gurudeva and applied Tulasi from Krsna-
Balaram, Radhe Syam, and Gaura Nitai to his tongue.
Srila Radhanatha Swami had left the room briefly. He
was altered, and sat down next to Gurudeva. Shortly
after that, Gurudeva gave a very gentle breath, a kind of
release. It was so slight and graceful, so much so that
half the people in the room didn’t notice it. It was his
last breath.
After this Sangita and Madhvacarya checked his vital
signs. And minutes latter confirmed that Gurudeva had
indeed made – “the perfect escape”
As the final check of Gurudeva’s vital signs was
happening the kirtana intensified, and grew in the
minutes it took. When the confirmation finally was
expressed, the kirtana roared, rising up with emotion.
So many of the devotees started to clap along with the
kirtana, with their hands over their heads. The devotees
were crying, embracing one another, expressing their
feelings of celebration and sadness. Then Kalpavrksa
Prabhu loudly chanted the prema dvanai pranam for
Gurudeva and for Srila Prabhupada.
The kirtana continued in Gurudeva’s room for
sometime. Initially devotees in the living room stayed
there, but then after five minutes they stared filing into
the room, and naturally a queue formed, allowing
everyone to have a final darsan of Gurudeva in his bed.
Gurudeva’s expression was so sublime, like he was in
divine rapture – in awe, in gratitude, in love. The
processional through Gurudeva’s room continued for
ten minutes, and then concluded leading out into the
living room. From there the departure ceremony
continued with Vrakesvara Pandit leading the devotees
in Sankirtana, circumambulating around Gurudeva’s
room and the Institute House. Inside Gurudeva’s room
everyone except a small group assembled to assist
Brahma-muhurta and Radhanatha Swami in the
Samadhi Samskara process, which is currently going
on.
We will continue to send updates and pictures
throughout the full duration of the departure
ceremony. The processional bringing Gurudeva from
the Institute House to the temple will begin at 8pm, est.
All glories to the most sublime departure of that great
general of Srila Prabhupada who deeply touched the
lives of so many thousands and brought Srila
Prabhupoada’s transformation throughout the world.
May his legacy be carried by us, leading us to meet
with him again in kind.
His Holiness Bhakti-tirtha Swami Maharaj Ki Jai!!!
The Journal of the Glorious
Departure of His Holiness Bhakti-
tirtha Swami. June 27, 3:30 – 4:00
His Holiness Bhakti-tirhta Swami passed away from
this world, and into the loving embrace of Srila
Prabhupada and Sri Sri Radha Syamasundar at 3:35pm
this afternoon. Gurudeva’s passing was so graceful
and peaceful, as if he slipped out by the gentle hands
his helpers to board his chariot.
Sangita Prabhu noticed a change in Gurudeva’s
breathing pattern and alerted Brahma- muhurta Prabhu,
who immediately came and sprayed Radha Kunda water
around Gurudeva and applied Tulasi from Krsna-
Balaram, Radhe Syam, and Gaura Nitai to his tongue.
Srila Radhanatha Swami had left the room briefly. He
was altered, and sat down next to Gurudeva. Shortly
after that, Gurudeva gave a very gentle breath, a kind of
release. It was so slight and graceful, so much so that
half the people in the room didn’t notice it. It was his
last breath.
After this Sangita and Madhvacarya checked his vital
signs. And minutes latter confirmed that Gurudeva had
indeed made – “the perfect escape”
As the final check of Gurudeva’s vital signs was
happening the kirtana intensified, and grew in the
minutes it took. When the confirmation finally was
expressed, the kirtana roared, rising up with emotion.
So many of the devotees started to clap along with the
kirtana, with their hands over their heads. The devotees
were crying, embracing one another, expressing their
feelings of celebration and sadness. Then Kalpavrksa
Prabhu loudly chanted the prema dvanai pranam for
Gurudeva and for Srila Prabhupada.
The kirtana continued in Gurudeva’s room for
sometime. Initially devotees in the living room stayed
there, but then after five minutes they stared filing into
the room, and naturally a queue formed, allowing
everyone to have a final darsan of Gurudeva in his bed.
Gurudeva’s expression was so sublime, like he was in
divine rapture – in awe, in gratitude, in love. The
processional through Gurudeva’s room continued for
ten minutes, and then concluded leading out into the
living room. From there the departure ceremony
continued with Vrakesvara Pandit leading the devotees
in Sankirtana, circumambulating around Gurudeva’s
room and the Institute House. Inside Gurudeva’s room
everyone except a small group assembled to assist
Brahma-muhurta and Radhanatha Swami in the
Samadhi Samskara process, which is currently going
on.
We will continue to send updates and pictures
throughout the full duration of the departure
ceremony. The processional bringing Gurudeva from
the Institute House to the temple will begin at 8pm, est.
All glories to the most sublime departure of that great
general of Srila Prabhupada who deeply touched the
lives of so many thousands and brought Srila
Prabhupoada’s transformation throughout the world.
May his legacy be carried by us, leading us to meet
with him again in kind.
His Holiness Bhakti-tirtha Swami Maharaj Ki Jai!!!
| A Personal Reflection on B.T.Swami by Adisaji Maina Omar (Baba Ur Deon Solek) |
- "Writers, often say that history is so important! To
remember the road we have traveled is helpful to those
who will come after us. In this spirit I think it is important to
share some of my own experiences with B.T. Swami and
the community of devotees he embraced for so much of his
life on this earth." -- Adisaji--
- I first had the privilege of meeting B.T. Swami in 1989. It was actually the
same year the IAIAS, Inc. was founded and incorporated in Washington, DC
as an outgrowth of the Ecologics training programs (1979-1989).
At that time, this warm and passionate brother was commonly known as
"Swami Krsnapad" (formerly, John E. Favors). This humble and courageous
spiritual warrior was rapidly gaining recognition throughout the DC area as a
man of compassion, fortitude, and loving service to all human beings. Those
who basked in the warm shade of his aura resided worldwide, from South
Africa to Kosovo, from Russia to Ukraine, as B.T. Swami evangelized around
the world on behalf of Srila Prabhupada, founder of the International Society
of Krsna Consciousness (ISKCON).
When I had my first audience with Gurudeva in 1989, it came as a result of
his two faithful servants at that time Vrajalila and Enkendra Dasi. These two
devotees assisted unselfishly (among others) in organizing the newly
founded IFAST (Institute for Applied Spiritual Technology). IFAST was first
located in a house on 16th street near the Carter Barron Amplitheater of
Rock Creek Park (Washington, DC). It was at this location that I had the
opportunity for an audience with B.T. Swami along with Tanya Strivers (co-
founder of the IAIAS, Inc.). In my first encounter with B.T. Swami he
appeared to me as a humble man. Yet, he maintained an intense focus that
seemed at times authoritative. I attempted to perform pranams at his lotus
feet -- but, he immediately asked me not to citing it was not the custom. He
spoke with me as a close brother would during our first meeting. In the brief
session (one hour) we shared expressions and ideas about our mutual
goals as represented in our different organizations and concluded we could
certainly work together. Tanya and I were both elated and a few pictures
were taken. Later, Tanya departed the IAIAS,Inc. to live in Belize, but
maintained close ties with devotees of BT Swami over the years.
During the period from 1989 to 1991, the members of IFAST and IAIAS, Inc.
began to share many joyous moments working together in the DC spiritual
commu nity. I was often asked to speak at IFAST seminars or events in the
Washington, DC area. For example, I spoke at a forum that IFAST
sponsored at Howard University and even on one occasion was asked to
introduce "Swami Krsnapad."
In 1990, when the new video/documentary about Ikologiks entitled
"Ecologics: The Silent Revolution" (Directed/Prodcuced by Skip
Calloway/Ajamila) premiered in the home of Keith Crawford, PhD (an IAIAS,
Inc. former member) in Washington, DC. The room was filled with several
members of IFAST. Later, in 1991 the President of the IAIAS, Inc. Skip
Calloway (Ajimila) departed the IAIAS, Inc. to affiliate with the devotees of B.
T. Swami. These were some painful times for me as I slowly watched my own
cherished students departing to associate with another path/teacher. I must
truly admit that I had some jealous moments and personal hurt entered into
me seeing that many of the students of IKOLOGIKS were being recruited
into the ISKCON/IFAST orb. In retrospect, I am glad that those who needed
the special guidance and direction of the Vaisnava community or ISKCON
were able to benefit from association with B.T. Swami and his devotees.
This great lesson helped me to learn detachment and to see that 'God is the
doer and we are merely the instruments' seeking out the Grace of God. In
fact, I now realize the IKOLOGIKS Darshana (Philosophy) while seemingly
different/opposite to the Vaisnava, Bhakti and Vedic traditions (embraced by
B.T. Swami and his devotees) was nevertheless fully harmonized with those
teachings whenever we performed kirtana or bhajana in fellowship together.
In 1991 at the time of the 1st Gulf War (Iraq) the IAIAS, Inc. sponsored a
"Pro-Peace Rally" on the campus of American University (Kay Spiritual
Center). The program was offered to actively employ applied spiritual
technology principals (prayer, chanting, meditation, etc.) in seeking a just
end to this tragic war. We prayed for a lower number of casualties and a
quick end to suffering of the Iraqi people caused by this conflict. I recall how
the members of IFAST under B.T. Swami were so supportive and helpful in
assisting in this program and many of the other subsequent activities we
sponsored. I always felt the presence of B.T. Swami in all these events even
though he was doing missionary work in Africa and parts of Europe on
behalf of ISKCON and IFAST at the same time.
In the spring of 1992, the IAIAS, Inc. organized a special conference entitled
the "Black Survival Encampment." I recall asking B.T. Swami to speak at the
conference and he enthusiastically agreed despite his numerous other
worldwide duties and commitments. Tragically, the event was poorly
attended and canceled. Gradually the other work of the IAIAS, Inc. also went
into decline during the period from 1993 - 1996. The work of the IAIAS, Inc.
was largely abandoned by2000 as community interest was drawn elsewhere.
I remember witnessing the successfulness of entities like IFAST that were
accomplishing similar goals in the spiritual community. I felt that perhaps the
Most High was saving the Dharma of Ikologiks for a latter time in history and
quietly ended my own teaching efforts in 1999.
In April 2002, I would have my final personal audience with B.T. Swami. I
visited the Gita Nagri farm in Pennsylvania in celebration of my 47th
birthday. I will never forget the LOVE & WARMTH showered upon me from
the moment I arrived the first night at Gita Nagri (after a six hour drive from
Washington, DC). I had not seen many of the devotees of B.T. Swami for
several years. But, I felt when we embraced each other it was like we had
never been separated. I was given a special room in the house of Ekavira
and Vrajalila under a special request by B.T. Swami himself. I was there to
celebrate my 47th birthday (April 4th) at Gita Nagri and to have an audience
with B.T. Swami if permitted. To my surprise and joy B.T. Swami personally
directed the devotees to prepare a splendid birthday celebration for me in
his own residence with cake. We all sat and watched the viewing of a special
new video on the life of Srilia Prabhupada. It seemed such a blessed way to
spend my birthday.
On my final day at Gita Nagri, B.T. Swami met with me for almost three
hours. We chatted informally like two old friends. We both realized the great
need and serious task of bringing forth "spiritual warriors" in this Kali Yuga
(age). We reflected on the dark days that may await humanity should we not
'RETURN TO GODHEAD.' When it was finally time to leave each other we
both exchanged gifts. I gave him a copy of 'Ultimate Mental Power' and
he gave me a package of personal items that once belonged to Srilia
Prabhupada. I was so thankful for having been so blessed to receive these
cherished items. Then upon leaving his residence I again tried to offer
pranams, as I had attempted over ten years before. But, to my surprise he
pranamed back to me and we both laughed. Then we both hugged with a
very strong embrace. I promised him that one day soon I would return to
Gita Nagri. However, somehow I knew that this was our farewell and we
might never embrace again. I was in tears as I drove down the road. I
remember the power of that embrace. He seemed to LOVE me so much
despite my never having become an official devotee, or member of ISKCON.
It spoke volumes of his spiritual nature and the deserved title of Maharaj
and Gurudeva that now fits so aptly to his legacy. When we TRANSCEND
DOGMA, IDEOLOGY, AND RITUAL, AND MERELY, EMBRACE THE
NECTAR OF DIVINITY ITSELF -- LOVE, THEN WE CAN OVERCOME, the
barriers of isms, or my "truth" versus "your truth." That day I knew we BOTH
had accomplished just that in our embrace!
When I was leaving Gita Nagri I left a pair of my sneakers on the front porch
of Vrajalila's and Ekavira's home. I told them "keep them for me, fore one
day I will return 'home'." That day has not come yet! But, somehow I know
our BELOVED GURUDEV is smiling and watching over me now, preparing
for the day when I will return. I hope the sneakers will be waiting. But, if not,
then I will remain barefoot on the sacred grounds that was an abode to a
GREAT MAHATMA, MAHARAJA and SOUL, B.T. SWAMI KI JAI!!!! HARE
BOL! HARE KRSNA!
OM SHAKTI RA, OM SHAKTI KA, AMEN OM NAMAHA
"Adisaji" (Baba Ur Deon Solek) 7/4/05
Bhakti-Tirtha Swami was born John E. Favors in a pious,
God-fearing family. As a child evangelist he appeared regularly
on television. As a young man he was a leader in Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr's civil rights movement. At Princeton University he
became president of the student council and also served as the
chairman of the Third World Coalition. Although his main degree
is in psychology, he has received accolades in many other fields,
including politics, African studies, and international law.
Bhakti-Tirtha Swami's books are used as reference texts in
universities and leadership organisations throughout the world.
Many of his books have been printed in English, German, French,
Spanish, Portuguese, Macedonian, Croatian, Russian, Hebrew,
Slovenian, Balinese and Italian.
Bhakti-Tirtha Swami directly oversees projects in the United
States as a senior member of ISKCON's Governing Body
Commision (particularly Washington D.C., Potomac, Maryland,
Detroit, Pennsylvania, West Virginia), West Africa, South Africa,
Croatia and Bosnia. He also serves as the director of the
American Federation of Vaisnava Colleges and Schools.
A specialist in international relations and conflict resolution,
Bhakti-Tirtha Swami constantly travels around the world and has
become a spiritual consultant to may high-ranking members of
the United Nations, to various celebrities and to Several chiefs,
kings and high court justices. In 1990 His Holiness was coronated
as a high chief in Warri, Nigeria in recognition of his outstanding
work in Africa and the world. In recent years, he has met several
times with then-President Nelson Mandela of South Africa to
share visions and strategies for world peace.
In addition to encouranging self-sufficiency through the
development of schools, clinics, farm projects and cottage
industries, Bhakti-Tirtha Swami conducts seminars and
workshops on principle centered leadership, spiritual
development, interpersonal relationships, stress and time
management and other pertinent topics. he is also widely
acknowledged as a viable participant in the resolution of global
conflict.
God-fearing family. As a child evangelist he appeared regularly
on television. As a young man he was a leader in Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr's civil rights movement. At Princeton University he
became president of the student council and also served as the
chairman of the Third World Coalition. Although his main degree
is in psychology, he has received accolades in many other fields,
including politics, African studies, and international law.
Bhakti-Tirtha Swami's books are used as reference texts in
universities and leadership organisations throughout the world.
Many of his books have been printed in English, German, French,
Spanish, Portuguese, Macedonian, Croatian, Russian, Hebrew,
Slovenian, Balinese and Italian.
Bhakti-Tirtha Swami directly oversees projects in the United
States as a senior member of ISKCON's Governing Body
Commision (particularly Washington D.C., Potomac, Maryland,
Detroit, Pennsylvania, West Virginia), West Africa, South Africa,
Croatia and Bosnia. He also serves as the director of the
American Federation of Vaisnava Colleges and Schools.
A specialist in international relations and conflict resolution,
Bhakti-Tirtha Swami constantly travels around the world and has
become a spiritual consultant to may high-ranking members of
the United Nations, to various celebrities and to Several chiefs,
kings and high court justices. In 1990 His Holiness was coronated
as a high chief in Warri, Nigeria in recognition of his outstanding
work in Africa and the world. In recent years, he has met several
times with then-President Nelson Mandela of South Africa to
share visions and strategies for world peace.
In addition to encouranging self-sufficiency through the
development of schools, clinics, farm projects and cottage
industries, Bhakti-Tirtha Swami conducts seminars and
workshops on principle centered leadership, spiritual
development, interpersonal relationships, stress and time
management and other pertinent topics. he is also widely
acknowledged as a viable participant in the resolution of global
conflict.
HARE KRSNA, HARE KRSNA KRSNA, KRSNA, HARE HARE HARE RAMA, HARE RAMA RAMA, RAMA, HARE HARE HARE BOL! All Glories & Obeisances to SRILA PRABHUPAD & HIS DEVOTED SERVANT, B.T. SWAMI |
| You can read more about the memorial for B.T. Swami at www.btwami.com |
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