Robert Astrich

- September 23, 2009

Robert Astrich left his physical body on September 23th, 2009 during the Yoga holy days of Navaratri (worship of the Divine as Mother Goddess), and during the Jewish holy days of Rosh Hashanah. On this auspicious yoga day of Vijaya Dasami (celebration of good over evil), and on the holy day of Yom Kippur, I write in celebration of Robert and his life on planet Earth. To leave during the high energetic times (holy days) is auspicious.

I can see the flow in Robert's life leading him to this day. The flow of events that emerged is a compassionate gift from the universe to let us see it is destiny at play. When one embarks upon a journey and one is about to reach the destination, signs will be along the way: 100-50-10 more miles, next exit. In the same way, we can often see the signs it is time to leave the body. The last time I saw Robert was May 2009 when he was nearby for a coin show. He was en route to the ashrama when he called requesting to have time to ask questions about "What happens when one leaves the body; are they still aware on the other side; will they see their loved ones again ~ asking if he'd see Barb, his beloved wife". I eagerly said yes, we will speak on this tonight. This is the first time Robert had ever asked such questions.

When I hung up the phone, I told Mercury to prepare the sound system for chanting when Robert and the "coin boys," as I affectionately call them, arrive. I felt Robert had to hear chanting. It had been a long time since the last chanting session with him. Upon arrival, we gathered in the Devi Temple (meditation room). As always, Robert shared how his dear wife and children were doing. The love for his family was always first in his life. We would enjoy his expression of pure love for Barb and his fatherly protection for the children. Bob had such a caring heart. If he ever telephoned, it was in concern for someone he loved, from a family member to someone in the coin community.

It was rare for Robert to ask a question regarding yoga philosophy. Our connection was heart to heart. I don't even recall a question until the last night we met. He asked "What happens when someone dies? Will I know Barb? What will it be like?" We spent the evening on this topic only. He was relieved to know he'd see Barb again and again.

He became like a child with such curiosity and said "I am not afraid of death. I am actually curious about it and about what will happen!" With this said, we went to chant. I had his seat placed in front of me near the puja / altar. After an hour of chanting, as they were leaving to go, Robert began to recall the first time he attended chanting and the life-changing experience that took place in him. It was truly remarkable to witness the miracle of 'grace'.

Around 12 years ago, Robert was in the area due to a coin convention. Our ashrama was in Aptos at the time. At the request of Manu, Ahimsa, Jana, and others, Robert attended his first satsanga. He didn't seem too interested during the chanting. After chanting, I went to greet them. I spontaneously reached out to both of Robert's hands. Immediately his eyes began to tear as a big smile emerged. He began to dance throughout the room. This was so out of character for him. He said energy flowed from his feet to his head. The next day, Robert expressed that the energy experience enabled him for the first time to look at him self in the mirror and into the eyes of others. This opening continued for Robert.

There was a coin show in the area two months ago. Our paths did not cross. He emailed to say he missed our meeting. I ran across this email just the night before he left his body. Interestingly enough, I deleted it without a response. I had always responded previously whenever he wrote. After rest, shortly upon waking, I had a strong feeling to write this message:

When does man start to cry
Life's too short
The blink of an eye

Heroes take a stand in flight
Trouble scarce
When you feel no fright

Standing alone
Where the shadows roam
I see the Light shining ever so bright

Goodness flows
From the cornucopia setting
Morning's glory is setting the story.

Later in early afternoon, I read again this writing. I questioned "what does it mean", as it sounded like a man soon to leave his body; a man who is a hero as he conquered fear; facing the light. Then the phone rang. It was Manu, informing me that Robert had left his body. Then I realized the meaning of the message. When I informed students that a dear friend from the coin world left his body, many felt it was Robert. I asked how they knew. They each recalled his inquisitive questions on departure. For the past few visits, I was asking Robert about his check-ups. It seemed the prana was leaving. He said the doctors always gave good bill of health. Somehow I wasn't surprised, even though it feels his life is too short. Fortunately, Robert slipped effortlessly out of the body. It was fast without pain or suffering. If one has to go, then this is a blessed way.

Robert visited three times a year when he attended a coin convention. This made him part of the 'A Team'. The coin boys, who come each time, call themselves the A TEAM compared to those who visit less frequently. When he called between visits, it was only to check on the welfare of others. He shared the same birthday and birth year of the King of Rock, Elvis Presley. And he also was a king, a King of Hearts. And there he will remain, in our hearts, until we meet again...

~ Yogini Kaliji