By the Grace of God and Gurus, the Paramahamsa Hariharananda World Memorial was dedicated on December 3, 2006, Baba’s Mahasamadhi Day, at the Mother Center in Homestead, Florida. Disciples from around the world attended the Inauguration, presided over by Paramahamsa Prajnanananda, honoring Gurudev’s auspicious Centenary Year 2006-2007 with a unique and beautiful garden commemorating his extraordinary life. Adorning the entrance to the Meditation Hall and placed literally at his holy feet, Baba Hariharanandaji’s garden Memorial emanates Divine Love. The lowering afternoon sun streamed brilliantly on Dedication Day with dappled rays of light tenderly touching everyone, but the light also seemed to emanate from the bricks and roses. The circular brick area, garlanded by fragrant rose bushes at every turn, reveals sacred bricks inscribed with Baba’s biographical information, teachings, and favorite sayings, for all to contemplate.

Forever-freeing knowledge awash in ever-present love, Baba’s Centenary Garden is simple. It represents the extraordinary ripple effect of Baba’s Divine Life living on eternally through his disciples. Spread out in concentric circles around ‘the first cause’ (an OM symbol made from river rock), it invites quiet reflection and meditation.

Mantras from the Upanishads for peace and blessings resounded from strong brahmacharya voices as Paramahamsa Prajnanananda blessed the beautiful Centenary Garden. Rose petals, coconuts, and incense were offered with deepest love. A Rabindranath Tagore poem was read from the Gitanjali with the touching line, “He it is who weaves the web of this maya in evanescent hues of gold and silver, blue and green, and lets peep out through the folds his feet, at whose touch I forget myself”…… Disciples encircled the Memorial and sang the song “In the Garden” as they slowly entered and circumnavigated the inner path to touch Baba’s actual footprints that had been displayed before a large photo. They also placed rose petals at Baba’s lotus feet while bowing for a few blessed moments before moving on to an extra special tour of the gardens led by Prajnananandaji.

A time capsule is planned for the second phase of the World Memorial and new bricks will be added in the future as new projects are dedicated in Paramahamsa Hariharananda’s holy name.

Humbly in Divine Love
Karen Johnson