I was thinking of Shanti while I watched the convention this evening, and wanted to share my responses with her..  Then I realized we had not exchanged ideas i a while - and now I know why.  I lost my dear friend. My condolences to her family, you must all miss her sorely.  I cannot even imagine. MY love and support for however you remember Shanti. 

Uttara Asha Coorlawala

For the Celebration of Shanti's Life, there was a song planned for the program we were not able to include due to the complex technology on site.  Carol Maillard, a dear friend of Shanti's and founding member of Sweet Honey in the Rock,  sings "Do What the Spirit Say Do". 

Shanti relished songs, chants and music to the utmost. Thank you Carol for this beautiful offering. 

What can one say about Shanti that hasn't been said? To say that she was and is an embodiment of profound love and compassion still does not express all that she was. Her love was a healing balm. Her laughter, her light, and her faith enough to cut through the deepest sadness or uncertainty. Her enthusiasm and passion absolutely infectious. To spend time with Shanti was a lesson in what true love and commitment is all about. I have enough memories and reminiscences of Shanti to fill volumes. She has been one of the dearest people in my life. Her love and her laughter will sustain me always, and she will always be my Mom. I miss her.

My deepest love and support for Vaishnavi, Shiva, Stacey, and Vinnie. 

I got to BE close to Shanti only once and I still feel the power and tenderness of that night.

I was in the Bay area for a workshop, staying with Vaishnavi's family for the weekend, and Shanti was also visiting. She had just returned from the video store with 5-6 videos, taking votes on which we would watch.  I didn't care. I was happy to be "home" with them when she was there.

I remember being cuddled in on the couch between 3 generations of women - something I never got to experience in my own family - watching Something the Lord Made. Luna was a young Yashoda, curious and full of questions about the injustices Vivien Thomas was enduring. There were lots of video pauses. Sweet, honest, deep conversation. I couldn't believe my good fortune to be cradled next to Shanti, listening. Included in the wisdom and warmth of her love. 

Thank you, Shanti, for all of your gifts to all of us! My life has been so greatly blessed by friendships with your children.

I met Shanti in the fall of 1978 at the Siddha Yoga Dham of Philadelphia. I had graduated high school a few months prior and was pursuing my earnest quest to know God and Guru. I was smitten by Shanti’s captivating effervescence, enthusiasm, and love for God the instant I met her. As an emissary for Baba Muktananda, it was Shanti who first administered the Shaktipat touch during my first intensive there in Philadelphia. My life was never the same since as my journey in grace began. 

In the years that followed, I enjoyed sharing countless hours of Seva at that old Philly center, and Shanti became my spiritual mentor as I navigated through those earliest Sadhana days, and I considered my second mother, my Guruammaji. 

In my life, now 46 years later, there has never been anyone as inspiring and unique as our dear Shantiji. There was never an uninterrupted moment of reverence, love and respect for her. I am so grateful this profoundly excellent embodiment of grace, love, passion and devotion crossed paths with me. There will never be another Shanti. The Lord indeed broke her mold. To say I will miss her can never be adequately expressed in words. Yet, I remain joyful that she will forever remain in my heart, and meeting her again is always just an inward breath away. 

I love you, Shanti. Thank you for your gracious great gift of just being you. 

Pranams.

Atri Curley

shanti you were a great gift.   You were a steadfast warrior in your love of life, God.  Yiur children are a great legacy.  The roses you sent months ago remain  perfectly/.  In gratitude.  I love you.  ShriLekha  Gilmore