On the Passing of Bhakta Esa Khalief
January 14, 2021
Dear ISKCON Family,
Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
We are shocked and saddened by the sudden demise of our beloved friend and resident member, Esa Khalief, on January 14, 2021, at ISKCON Gita Nagari. Many of us are struggling to make sense of Esa’s passing.
Esa spent 14 months at ISKCON Gita Nagari and during his stay here he was always helpful, enthusiastic, and devoted to the process of Krishna Consciousness. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew him. The absence of his vibrant personality will forever leave a void in the hearts of Gita Nagari residents and community members.
Although we know the soul is eternal, death can still be a bitter experience. We are also reminded that many people in these times, including Vaishnavas, struggle with deeply personal issues that others may not realize. As a community, we must accelerate our shared efforts to provide support and understanding to those who are in need.
Please continue to pray for Esa and his family and friends. I thank you for your prayers, and your concern for the wellbeing of all the residents, community members, and friends of Gita Nagari Farm.
Yours in the service of Srila Prabhupada,
Dhruva Maharaj Das -Community President
ISKCON Gita Nagari
The following is a poem written by His Holiness Bhaktimarga Swami in the loving memory of Esa Khalief.
Esa, you’re gone, but you aren’t really
You’re simply moving on for a healing
It’s service you have become acquainted with
The rewards as such are clearly no myth
You spent much time where prasadam was made
For that you’ll jump up to a higher grade
You trekked a holy trail at a very good pace
With conviction and purpose all over your face
Perhaps walking was your actual calling
As natural as found in a baby’s crawling
While on that trek you held onto your beads
Knowing that chanting is the most noble of deeds
In your tasks you embraced a sense of duty
Just as in you’re rich, resonant voice that there was beauty
Like all of us you contended with a dark side
For you, Esa the rays of the sun were so wide
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