Howard Murphet's Funeral - 5 October 2004

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Howard Murphet's FuneralLeura, NSW, Australia

Howard Murphet's Passing

Howard Murphet passed from his body on 28 September 2004 (the birthday of Shirdi Sai Baba).

His passing was peaceful while he was alone with his son Richard.

Howard Murphet played a remarkable role in bringing news of the Avatar to tens

of thousands of people throughout the world through his series of books on

Swami and His teachings, and his personal experiences with Him.

Howard was also active in the early establishment of the Sai Organisation in Australia.

Thousands of people treated him as a personal and loving friend.

On behalf of all Devotees in Australia I express our gratitude for a life well

lived, in helping so many along their spiritual path.

May his soul be at rest with the Giver and Receiver of all things.

Attached is a summary of the proceedings at the funeral on Tuesday, 5 October

2004 prepared by Chrystabel Carter, of Bathurst Centre, NSW.

Yours, in Sai serviceSgd. Neville Fredericks

Central Coordinator, Australia

Sathya Sai Organisation Australia & Papua New Guinea

"Coachwood"

1 Jamberoo Mountain Road

Robertson NSW 2577

 

11 October 2004.

Source: http://www.saiaustralia.org.au/release/225.html

 

Howard Murphet's Funeral5 October 2004

— by Chrystabel Carter,Bathurst Sai Baba Centre

On 28 September 2004, Howard Murphet's spirit left his body. As many of you

know, Howard reached the age of 97 years, and first came to Swami in 1965, on

his spiritual quest. On meeting Swami in a house in Madras, he knew he had

found his Sadguru. Since that time Howard has a written a number of books,

including the renowned Sai Baba, Man of Miracles. His funeral was held on a

sparkling spring day at Leura Memorial Gardens, in Sydney's Blue Mountains, on

Tuesday 5 October. Both his immediate family and his Sai family attended to

honour his passing, and celebrate his life.

Guests were invited to sign a memorial book before the service commenced.

Numerous beautiful bouquets of flowers were also brought to rest beside his

casket. Sita, his carer for the last 10 years of his life, handed out rose

petals for people to place beside Howard.

Neville Fredericks (Central Coordinator of the Sai Organisation in Australia)

led the service, thanking people who attended, particularly those who had

travelled long distances, as many people had made the journey from interstate.

He introduced all speakers and singers who participated in this celebration of

Howard's remarkable life.

Wendy Cameron sang a song of devotion; this was followed by two eulogies. The

first was from Howard' son, Richard Murphet. He spoke lovingly of the

relationship he developed with his father over the past 20 years, speaking of

their shared love of poetry. He read Howard's favourite poem, John Masefield's

"I must go down to the sea", as a tribute to his father. He also encouraged us

all to read "Mort D'Arthur", which deals with the death of the legendary King

Arthur, as Howard felt that King Arthur's death reflected an honourable way to

die. When thanking a handful of people who had impacted Howard's life, Richard

gave his first thanks to Sri Sathya Sai Baba, for the peace and contentment

that he brought to his father's life.

Ron Farmer gave a moving and personal eulogy, which was spoken directly to

Howard in the first person. He reflected upon Howard's spiritual journey, from

the Theosophical Society to Swami. In those early days Howard made many car

trips with Swami. Ron also spoke of his skill as a writer and his capacity so

late in his life.

Linda and Christian Mushelknautz sang the beautiful hymn "Amazing Grace" to

further lift our spirits. Following this, Arthur Hillcoat spoke In Memoriam,

talking of his personal experience and friendship with Howard. He drew

attention to the spiritual principle that we never die and that Howard remained

a part of each of us.

Krishnan Nair spoke of the profound impact Howard had upon his life in bringing

him to Swami. When Howard travelled to Malaysia to write one of his books,

Krishnan travelled to sit at his feet each evening to hear the magical and

wondrous tales and teachings of the Avatar Howard had met, Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

Lawson Sai Centre led two bhajans "Take my hand in your own" and "Bolo Bolo Sab

mil bolo". All attendees then sang the Asathoma Prayer. Blaise Murphet,

Howard's 20 year old grandson, lit a candle to represent the lighting of the

funeral pyre. This was a very touching and special moment.

Moyia O'Brien completed the service by speaking of her long friendship, and

reminding us of Howard's important role in bringing Swami and his teachings to

so many of us. After this, 9 Gayatri Mantras were played from a Prema Deval

recording. The Murphet family then left the chapel, followed by the guests.

To further celebrate Howard's life, all were invited to a wake at the Carrington

Hotel, Katoomba. Over refreshments that included Devonshire tea and sandwiches,

people came forward and told their own stories of their experiences with

Howard. Each of these people then lit a candle.

It was a fitting celebration for this extraordinary man who was instrumental in

bringing knowledge of Swami and his teachings to all of us here in Australia.

His family were touched to hear such a broad range of people speak of their

father and grandfather with such love and admiration.

Source: http://www.saiaustralia.org.au/release/225a.html

 

©Sathya Sai Baba Organisation of Australia and PNGhttp://www.saiaustralia.org.au/

 

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