In Suva sector, she worked in Hobart, Gympie, in Brisbane region and Nymboida, NSW, where she worked with Aboriginal youth. In 2003 she was posted to Perth. She was beloved by many Margiis and workers alike.
Didi was 61 years old when she left her body on 24 January 2015 at 7:25 at the WWD jagriti in Perth, Australia. She had struggled against cancer for about eight years. She used many alternative treatments and remained active until a month ago.
This is a link to a lovely tribute for Didi, made by Malinii. https://slide.ly/view/e4f7d8487f7cea88eac8be07114e0689
Here are more tributes people have written about her:
I was also saddened to receive news of her departure without a tribute to this most extraordinary woman and Didi.
I would like to add some of my personal reflections of Didi. Didi had an enormous and affectionate heart. I loved to listen to her stories from Africa where she had dedicated herself so wholeheartedly to her children's home that she set up. The children called her Mama Didi and she literally risked her life on many occasions in civil war and with malaria to stay with the children - when other aid workers were fleeing the country. Even when her lips had turned black with ill health Didi did not want to leave and did so only when her authorities insisted. Those children never left Didi's heart and she continued to send them care packages and raise money for them for years to come.
Of the acharyas I have listened to, it is Didi's stories that have touched me the most. Especially her stories of Africa - of the baby she named Krsna and several incidents she narrated of Baba intervening to save her from life threatening situations.
Didi was such a powerful example of a strong and courageous woman with a gentle and loving heart. I will always remember her as positive, extremely driven, fun and kind. One of the best people I have known.
Thank you Didi for the honour to have met you.
With love, Arpita xxx
At a big gathering at dharmacakra in Davao, Manila sector, tribute was also paid to Didi. On email and facebook, people from all over the world are writing about her.
Didi Ananda Bhaktidha'ra' requested her brother to do something for all Dadas and Didis that are sick.
We are sorry that we have lost a dedicated and devoted Didi who served His mission for 34 years. By His Grace, she fulfilled her mission and is now on His Lap.
We will be scattering her ashes today at CY O'Connor Beach near Fremantle, Western Australia.
Hope by His Grace we will all do something great for His Mission. At His Lotus Feet, Didi Ananda Ashesa'
Though I met Didi only a couple of times, she touched me very much by her kindness and devotion. She was incredibly active and energetic, often singing kiirtan and thinking of ways to do pracar. She had a "green finger" with a great knowledge of medecinal plants. Originally trained as a nurse, she later became deeply interested in all kinds of natural therapies. Through this interest Didi had a lot of contact with healers in Perth and many non-margiis would enjoy her company as well. Her family remarked that their mother was told by a psychic when Didi was young that "This child does not belong to you". One story I remember she told was that during the civil war in the Congo, machine gun fire broke out across the village. As she ran into the jagriti for shelter she saw that above the roof there were many luminous bodies holding hands in a circle and leaning over the roof to create an umbrella of protection over the building. She managed to get inside and, while there , a couple of other villagers knocked on the door for shelter. She hesitated then let them in. No bullets entered the jagriti and they were all kept safe.
Honouring her for all the service she did for Ananda Marga, Sisterly, Didi Ananda Nirmala
Didi, what an amazing creation of Parama Purusha you were! It was you who inpired me as a 19 year old to join Ananda Marga. When I heard your amazing and stories about Africa in my first Dharma Chakra, I thought, 'Yes! I want to be like that!" What a tantric power you had! And then, throughout my journey of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, we found ourselves living in various jagritis and projects together around Australia, you took loving care of me, cooking amazing food and doing everything in your capacity to help me get well, bossing me around the whole way and telling me how to fold my underpants. Nobody has ever in my life taken such care! And we laughed a lot too. I thanked the cosmic forces everyday that somebody was there to help me through, and you never gave up! You annoyed me sometimes with your bossiness, but in the end helped me to find me own power. I'm sorry Didi that I lost connection with you during your final years, I wish I had been more in communication. I will remember you always as a powerful, tantric, unique and vibrant soul and will always be grateful for all you taught me and the ways you supported me. Much love, (Purna) Prema
ReplyDeleteA great soul has left our midst, and I am deeply saddened for the loss of my dear, sweet friend; yet at the same time I am very grateful for the privilege of having known Didi Bhakti. My deepest condolences to all Didi’s friends and family, my heart goes out to you. I hope these words bring you comfort.
ReplyDeleteAs her trials in this realm end, I pray for God’s protection and guidance as she makes her way into the spiritual realm. May she continue to be of service, embraced by God’s light, in her beloved Baba’s care.
ReplyDeleteDidi lived with me for a time in Nymboida before she went to live in Perth. We bonded, and shared many joyful moments, working together raising funds for her Africa. Purna Prema, I was really inspired by the love and devoted efforts Didi showed in caring for you through your illness. We certainly were fortunate to have been permitted to spend this time in her company.
Didi loved being in Nymboida. I think it was a divine arrangement for her to be there, to guide others in the spiritual path, and raise funds for her beloved African children, but not only this, it was also Baba’s gift to her, as a kind of retreat place, or recovery centre. It was a healing place for Didi, also recovering from deep trauma, and the effects of malaria and it’s intense medication.
Every morning she would retreat to the little yurt, do her sadhana, and return via the garden with many green leaves, and vegetables for lunch. One day, skipping down the path in the morning sun, Didi reminded me of a young girl. She was beaming, and said “you know what Viniita? I feel so good here, I sleep really well, and have good dreams and meditation…I think Baba is allowing me to be here as a place where I can regain my strength and heal”. Her face was so youthful, relaxed and vibrant. She delighted in the garden, teaching me so much about healing plants and nutrition. I really believe Nymboida was Baba’s gift to Didi, as she was His to me.
As her mind and body was able to heal, she gathered her strength for many fundraising events in the area. Nymboida offered a much needed respite, but physical rest (as was Didi’s way), was not always on the agenda!!
Didi continued to work each day, early in the morning lovingly tending the garden, gathering leaves to cook a nutritious, delicious lunch, helping with housekeeping, or planning the next fundraising event, too many to mention here. One springs to mind though. It illustrates Didi’s uncanny ability to create amazing meals, and feed hundreds of people with very limited resources, truckloads of sheer determination, creativity and good cheer. It was always fun working with Didi.
We had a tiny stall (partly made from packing cases), at a local music festival, which attracted many happy customers. A lady told Didi her vegetarian lasagne was the best she had ever eaten! One day, we ran out of salt (my fault, Didi was an excellent planner). Didi found it so amusing that I had to go to the local pub and ask to borrow a “cup of salt”, since it was Sunday afternoon, and no stores were open. Although exhausted after a 20hour day, Didi was not bothered by this inconvenience, just giggling at me kindly. No matter how difficult or tiring, Didi was happiest doing service, and always finding something to laugh about.
Didi Bhakti was not only a great healer and wonderful cook, she was a great friend and teacher. Didi taught by example, with her practical spirituality. From her I learnt the true power of service, and that if we surrender to the Supreme, and apply ourselves in disciplined personal efforts, anything was possible. Her many anecdotes from her life experiences were inspiring examples. Though I fell short of the mark many times, Didi’s words and example, etched upon my soul, and will always be a guiding light to me.
Didi continues to inspire and guide us; her light continues to shine in our hearts and minds. I will always cherish the memories I have of my beautiful and special sister.
Who I am sure will continue her service in the spiritual realm. Thankyou Didi for the opportunity to call you friend, your adoring Viniita xx
“Listen, listen, listen to my hearts song …I will never forget you, I will never forsake you, I will never forget you “
With a heart like the sun, Didi Bhakti shone her loving light on all without discrimination, warming and nourishing those in her care. A true child of God, she touched so many with her generosity of spirit and, boundless positivity energy. Didi was the embodiment of love and devotion to me. I will always cherish my memories of her sweet bhajans and kiirtana, and of course her ever inspiring spiritual stories.
ReplyDeleteA great soul has left our midst, and I am deeply saddened for the loss of my dear, sweet friend; yet I am very grateful for the privilege of having known Didi Bhakti. My deepest condolences to all Didi’s friends and family, my heart goes out to you. I hope these words bring you comfort.
ReplyDeleteAs her trials in this realm end, I pray for God’s protection and guidance as she makes her way into the spiritual realm. May she continue to be of service, embraced by God’s light, in her beloved Baba’s care.
With a heart like the sun, Didi Bhakti shone her loving light on all without discrimination, warming and nourishing those in her care. A true child of God, she touched so many with her generosity of spirit and, boundless positivity energy. Didi was the embodiment of love and devotion to me. I will always cherish my memories of her sweet bhajans and kiirtana, and of course her ever inspiring spiritual stories.
Didi lived with me for a time in Nymboida before she went to live in Perth. We bonded, and shared many joyful moments, working together raising funds for her Africa. Purna Prema, I was really inspired by the love and devoted efforts Didi showed in caring for you through your illness. We certainly were fortunate to have been permitted to spend this time in her company.
Didi loved being in Nymboida. I think it was a divine arrangement for her to be there, to guide others in the spiritual path, and raise funds for her beloved African children, but not only this, it was also Baba’s gift to her, as a kind of retreat place, or recovery centre. It was a healing place for Didi, also recovering from deep trauma, and the effects of malaria and it’s intense medication.
Every morning she would retreat to the little yurt, do her sadhana, and return via the garden with many green leaves, and vegetables for lunch. One day, skipping down the path in the morning sun, Didi reminded me of a young girl. She was beaming, and said “you know what Viniita? I feel so good here, I sleep really well, and have good dreams and meditation…I think Baba is allowing me to be here as a place where I can regain my strength and heal”. Her face was so youthful, relaxed and vibrant. She delighted in the garden, teaching me so much about healing plants and nutrition. I really believe Nymboida was Baba’s gift to Didi, as she was His to me.
As her mind and body was able to heal, she gathered her strength for many fundraising events in the area. Nymboida offered a much needed respite, but physical rest (as was Didi’s way), was not always on the agenda!!
Didi continued to work each day, early in the morning lovingly tending the garden, gathering leaves to cook a nutritious, delicious lunch, helping with housekeeping, or planning the next fundraising event, too many to mention here. One springs to mind though. It illustrates Didi’s uncanny ability to create amazing meals, and feed hundreds of people with very limited resources, truckloads of sheer determination, creativity and good cheer. It was always fun working with Didi.
We had a tiny stall (partly made from packing cases), at a local music festival, which attracted many happy customers. A lady told Didi her vegetarian lasagne was the best she had ever eaten! One day, we ran out of salt (my fault, Didi was an excellent planner). Didi found it so amusing that I had to go to the local pub and ask to borrow a “cup of salt”, since it was Sunday afternoon, and no stores were open. Although exhausted after a 20hour day, Didi was not bothered by this inconvenience, just giggling at me kindly. No matter how difficult or tiring, Didi was happiest doing service, and always finding something to laugh about.
Didi continues to inspire and guide us; her light continues to shine in our hearts and minds. I will always cherish the memories I have of my beautiful and special sister.
Who I am sure will continue her service in the spiritual realm. Thankyou Didi for the opportunity to call you friend, your adoring Viniita xx
Ananda Bhakti Dhara was an extremely brave and dedicated Didi. She worked in Congo during the most difficult period of their recent history. There was a very brutal civil war for several years and death stared her in the eye every day. Only tremendous courage and deep faith in Baba helped her through that difficult period. That is why the Congo Margiis still have great love and admiration for Didi.
ReplyDeleteWhen I visited Congo in 2011 I met Krsna the orphan boy that Didi nursed from infancy. He loves her dearly, even though his difficult life has made him a difficult person to deal with. Only someone with the patience and motherly love like Didi could manage him. All workers who have spent time in Africa can never forget the powerful bonds of love that give one strength to deal with all of the other challenges of that Continent.
I worked with Didi in Nairobi in 1985-87 when she was managing about 5 schools in Nairobi city before she went to Congo. She was always cheerful, active, and service minded regardless of the external difficulties she faced. When I was posted to Philippines in 2000 I asked the Margiis what was the meaning of the original name of that country-Maharlika. They told me: small land with great spirituality. That is exactly what Didi was: A gigantic spiritualist in a small body.