A LETTER FROM HOWWARD MURPHET...15.11.2007

November 20, 2007

"June Harris" saidharma

If you are going to send letters from Howard please make sure that the recipients know the facts. I read it as if the letter had just been written. Here are the facts. He was truly a lovely man.

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.

From: rgcjpDate: Tue, 13 Nov 2007 17:42:37 -0800 A LETTER FROM HOWWARD MURPHET...15.11.2007