ISKCON Theater Star Rasajna Dasi Passes Away
Rasajna Dasi, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada who inspired many through her creativity and devotion, passed away in Austin, Texas on December 28th. Her last days were spent in the company of her husband Greg Schroen and other loving family and friends, chanting Krishna’s name by her bedside.
As she breathed her last, her friend Sumati Dasi placed a sacred tulasi leaf, dust from Krishna’s birthplace Vrindavana, and water from the sacred lakes Radha Kunda and Shyama Kunda on her tongue. A recording of Srila Prabhupada chanting played in the room.
Rasajna’s sister and her friend Sumati performed the final bathing rites, anointing her with Narasimha oil from the holy town of Mayapur and marking her body with prominent tilak. She was dressed in a yellow sari, and as Sumati reported, looked just as radiant and beautiful as ever even in her final repose.
View Videos of Rasajna:
Rasajna performing at the New York Ratha Yatra 1976
Rasajna recounts Srila Prabhupada arriving at Brooklyn airport in April 1973.
Rasajna remembering Srila Prabhupada - Los Angeles 1975.
Rasajna receives 2nd initiation - Vrindavana 1975.
Born Andrea Sittler in Germany, Rasajna Dasi had studied theater first in her homeland and later in New York City. She performed internationally with the Munich Bach Choir for five years and acted in thirty productions during her nine years with the Player’s Workshop in New York.
In 1972, she appeared in the role of the screamer in Franco Zefferelli’s production of “Cavaleria Rusticana” at the Metropolitan Opera House. Life was going well for Andrea—she was just on the brink of a very successful career.
But in 1973, she renounced it all for Krishna consciousness, joining ISKCON and taking initiation from Srila Prabhupada.
Rasajna continued to act, however, simply using her talent to portray Krishna’s pastimes and inspire devotion in others; and in so doing, she realized that this was the pinnacle of her career. When she played the lead female role in the Brooklyn temple’s production of “Krishna Kidnaps Rukmini,” Srila Prabhupada, who was in the audience, commented, “All the players were good, but Rukmini, she was the best.”
After the play, as all the actors were removing their make-up, Prabhupada’s servant Mohananda came and told them that Prabhupada had said, “This is better than reading my books.” And later, while giving class on the Srimad-Bhagavatam, he advised, “All my disciples should act in plays because when you play the part of any of these characters, you get the feeling of what it’s all about. It becomes more real.”
Impressed by Rasajna’s talent, Srila Prabhupada often sent her to perform for ISKCON’s annual festivals in Mayapur, attended by devotees from all over the world.
In 2003, Rasajna recalled, “At the 1977 festival, although he was sick and not giving lectures, Prabhupada would come to see our plays and then go back to his room.
“I remember we were doing a portion of the Ramayana, and I was playing the demon Ravana’s sister Surpanaka. When he saw me coming up the stairs in the back, Srila Prabhupada started clapping and laughing. During the exchange between Surpanaka, Lord Ramachandra, and Lakshman, he was laughing hard and slapping his legs with both hands. I looked out for just a moment, and all the devotees were watching him. He was the only one who was watching the play. Then he stood up and gave a standing ovation. It was ecstatic.”
For eighteen years, Rasajna performed for her beloved spiritual master at Rathayatra festivals and other events throughout India, England, Spain and France. She also became famous for her popular dramatic readings of Krishna’s pastimes.
Later, she performed Indian classical dance and recorded “Vandanam, Offering Prayers,” a chanting of ancient Vedic mantras with accompaniment on bamboo flute, tamboura and tabla.
For the last decade of her life, Rasajna lived in Austin, Texas, with her husband Greg. Opening her home to the local devotee congregation, she held gatherings for which she would cook and do her famous dramatic readings.
She had been in good health, and so when she was diagnosed with cancer in October 2009, it came as a shock. Yet even as her health steadily decreased, say those close to her, her spirits remained strong.
Messages of concern flooded in to Rasajna from those around the world whose lives she had touched. On December 19, not much more than a week before she passed away, she wrote, “I want to express my deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support through calls, emails, gifts and cards that I have received from so many of you around the planet. You have touched my soul and have given me strength to know how much I am loved! I am very sorry that I have not been able to talk to or see more of you personally, but I feel your support.”
It was clear where Rasajna’s mind and heart lay during her last days. “At this time I ask that your prayers be focused on helping me to have faith and courage, and to experience the highest Prema Bhakti (Love of God),” she wrote. “As you pray for me, I invite you to allow the power of divine prayer into your hearts as well and let your path to be enlightened through the medium of prayer and devotional Kirtan”¦ May Lord Chaitanya continue to dance in my heart and may Krishna's flute bring sweetness to my ears.”
Three days after her auspicious passing, a memorial service was held for Rasajna at her home on Thursday December 31st. For those who were not able to attend, we include a memorial of Rasajna from her Godsister Rukmini Dasi below. ISKCON News also welcomes others to recount their memories and appreciation of Rasajna in the comments section following Rukmini’s article.
Remembering Rasa
By Rukmini Dasi
Every devotee will remember Rasa as someone they would wish they could emulate in so many ways. She was one of eight children, a middle daughter of a family of intellectuals---brilliant and talented people. Yet she often said that she was the ugly duckling. Beautiful Rasa, an ugly duckling? Never! And yet what a swanlike devotee she grew to become! She was an immensely talented actress [Prabhupada said she was "the best!"] with the finest sensibilities, and yet she was always kind and inclusive to everyone. Anyone who ever performed with her remembers her as a caring and wise mentor and director. She was the one who would wake the asram, walking gracefully through the still sleeping devotees, singing softly with a tamboura like a feminine goddess form of Narada. She was the one who would always want to massage the back, and the feet of her god-sisters.
She cherished Srila Prabhupada [a couple of months ago she told me that when she watched him on one of the DVDs, how his eyes were like bumblebees, as he looked around at all the devotees]. She cherished all devotees, young and old [one year she read the whole Caitanya Caritamrita over the phone with a younger devotee who needed her friendship and thrived in her care]. And she cherished service to all devotees [cooking, acting, making all exquisite arrangements for their pleasure].
Her worshipful service was always personal to the nth degree. She never told anyone in Spain that when she dressed little Radha and Krsna in the cold stone building, first she held their little clothes over a heater to warm them up. Much later in New York, during a diffcult time, little Krsna came in the dream of a fortunate godsister asking her to thank Rasa for heating up His clothes.
She was genuine, down-to-earth, with an impish sense of humor, and always, her prideless service was on the level of the sublime.
In her last days, she was crying, saying that she wasn't really a devotee, that she had never done any service for Srila Prabhupada. Sumati and I were just shaking our heads, telling her that this is the attitude of a real devotee. Before Rasa became sick, Sumati had a dream that Prabhupada was carrying Rasa. How mystical it was that Sumati later became her caretaker, smoothing the path so that Rasa could take shelter of Srila Prabhupada without distraction. Toward the end, when Rasa hadn't spoken in over a week, her mother and two brothers came to see her. Prabhupada on CD was chanting japa near her bed. Sumati told Rasa's family that Rasa would be so happy if they would chant with Srila Prabhupada. They began to chant, and Rasa opened her beautiful eyes and gave them all a big smile.
She spent her final moments surrounded by dear devotee friends, their voices rasied in kirtan of Krsna's Holy Name. Surely Srila Prabhupada is carrying her, and all of us, and carrying what we lack, back to the lotus feet of her beloved Radhe Shyam.
My eternal, loving obeisances to you, my dear sister, Rasa.
Your indebted servant,
Rukmini
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Reader Comments:
dear mother rasajna
dear mother rasajna
You glistened when we met, and I am sure you glistened before that, too. It's just who you are! As I kept a close watch. Thank you for all the devotees that you inspired, trained, and encouraged. Thank you for being someone to look up to, and someone who didn't look down on others.
Thank you for being my Godsister and unconditional friend. I will never forget you.
Dear mother Rasajna even
Dear mother Rasajna
even though I never knew you personally or never met you , reading about you I feel very inspired. At my temple (soho , London)I am part of a drama group made up of teenagers and children.Raeding about you really pushes me on to make the most of serving Krishna through drama and to do the best i can for him. Thank you so so much.
your tiny servant
manisha Tribhangi
Dear Exulted God-sister, I
Dear Exulted God-sister,
I never was blessed with the good fortune of meeting you on this
mortal plane. But having just read a few of the tributes from your friends, I feel greatly blessed by your divine presence, none the
less. Such is the spiritual power of the pure, warm, caring, and, truly, loving heart, of an immortal, compassionate servant of our Srila Prabhupada, such as yourself. Hearing about your selfless
service has inspired me to try to follow in your glorious foot-
steps. All glory and honor to you, Mata Rasajna.
Unsung Heroine: Loud
Unsung Heroine:
Loud applause and accolades serve as the impetus of most performers. Not so in the case of Rasajna. Her heartfelt enactments of the pastimes of Krsna and Rama were solely meant for the pleasure of the Lord, Srila Prabhupada and the vaisnavas. When Srila Prabhupada visited the 55th St. Radha Govinda Mandir in 1976, Rasajna, Lohitaksa and other devotees put on a play entitled "The Age of Kali." I stood several rows behind Prabhupada who was surrounded by sannyasis. Rasajna played the part of "Sin" and was stunning to behold and moving to hear. Nary an eye in that small theatre avoided the black clad Rasajna. She swirled and laughed her way around the stage as if she owned it. She was amazing and Prabhupada loved the performance. Later we were told the sannyasis with Prabhupada complained about Rasa's performance because she was so alluring. Prabhupada chastised them and told them to go to the forest if they were agitated. Some saw the female form; Prabhupada saw the heart. On one hand Rasa was so attractive that you couldn't take your eyes off of her. But it wasn't a sexuality per se, it was her brilliant intensity of devotion that caused her to glow with enthusiasm, love and kindness. They say that the eyes are the windows to the mind. Rasa's eyes were always effulgent like the sun filled sky and gave you a peek into a heart that was clear and pure. She is my sister and I will miss that smile and warmth immensely, as will our entire Iskcon society.
Hare Krsna Rasa,
your brother,
Laksmi Nrsimha das
I met Rasa almost four years
I met Rasa almost four years ago when I first came to Austin. I had always wanted to study the Gita. When a friend mentioned a class, I was excited. When I met Rasa she was so warm. Her eyes glistened with joy. I enjoyed not only the classes but being in her loving prescence each week, tasting her wonderful vegetarian treats, and observing the beautiful way she decorated and maintained her altar. As a feng shui consultant I can say, Rasa had beautiful feng shui. She reminded me of the details and care of a deity/altar. I attended yoga classes at her home. We had sisters night at my house for months where she was able to decompress, be herself, share her thoughts in a sacred circle of loving women. We went for walks with and without my dogs. My most memorable moment was the day my beautiful yorkie was hit by a car and died. I was devastated. She was the first person I thought of although I have several friends. She was one of my newest friends. She offered to come by even though she was very busy. I said it was okay, I would just go home. I just needed to tell someone who I felt safe with. A few minutes after I arrived home, Rasa knocked on my door with a card and a rose. She hugged me and it was the very thing I needed. She listened to me and then I layed on the ground while she did some light massage on my head and shoulders and chanted over me. It was the most healing experience. It was just her nature to know what to do to help ease a person's pain. I have since written a book about the death of my pet and included this story. I will now dedicate the book to her. She was such a "light" person and I will miss her dearly. To her friends and family, may you be comforted in knowing how much she loved you and was loved. Love you Rasa.
Warmly,
Belinda Mendoza
I really miss both
I really miss both Lohitaksha das and Rasajna dasi. The both of them were unique and effective preachers. They were both so sincere. I only hope that Iskcon can replace devotees like this with their preaching. They were both priceless assets to spreading Krishna Consciousness in the beginning.
Our time with Rasajna was
Our time with Rasajna was limited to Texas during a sort of rebuilding period for her and for us around 1994-2001. She had come there to start a new life. In the beginning she was delivering papers and living in a modest airstream rv next to her brother's home. Soon, she spread her wings. She began working as a massage therapist and healer, networking with many new people including her soon to be husband, Greg. Not only did "Rasa" fan the spark of bhakti in his heart, but in all of ours as well by directing dramatic readings in Greg's home, cooking gourmet vegetarian feasts in his kitchen, and opening the doors of that home to many interested seekers.
My daughter, Nimai, benefited from hours in the kitchen with her. Rasa was her friend and confidant.
Over the months, I watched as Greg's home became transformed into a wonderful temple with beautiful deities, Bhagavad-Gita seminars, as well as become a clearing house for devotees traveling through the Austin area.
Rasa had this flair and elegance about her--a magnetism that she used to encourage others. She was the personification of a "bridge preacher". I went to many gatherings, dinners and parties in Austin and witnessed her bubbly personality always leading us into the light of Krsna's divine effulgence. We are all the better for having crossed paths with this empowered Vaisnavi.
She was ever the optimist amidst trying situations and was ever the well wisher to whomever she met. She will be remembered fondly in my heart. She showed me by example how to lovingly serve Srila Prabhupada in an environment that was sometimes hostile and, I am sure, sometimes lonely for her. She will be greatly missed.
Dear Mother Rasajna, thank
Dear Mother Rasajna, thank you.
Thank you for all the service you have rendered to Srila Prabhupada, his movement, and his devotees. Thank you for enlightening others through your service in Krishna conscious theater, and by your example of what a dedicated devotee looks like, talks like, and acts like.
Thank you for all the service you offered at our farm in Spain - it wouldn't have been nearly the same without you. Thank you for taking on the Spanish Theater program as director - not as an actor. Because you weren't interested in the limelight, you were interested in the highest service. As always.
Thank you for your sense of humor, your warmth, and your deep respect for others.
Thank you for all the devotees that you inspired, trained, and encouraged. Thank you for being someone to look up to, and someone who didn't look down on others.
Thank you for being my Godsister and unconditional friend. I will never forget you.
~Datta das
From the first meeting with
From the first meeting with Rasa 10 years ago, I saw and felt the Light that shone from within her heart. We connected in heart and Spirit as if we had known each other forever and we often sat sharing our spiritual truths, introspections, desires, food and massage.
Rasa touched me at a deep soul level as I watched her reach out to and touch many with her amazing Light as she cooked for us reminding us she saw God in each our hearts and she honored us as such the same as when she listened with her heart and soul.
As we would sit under the giant pecan trees at Barton Springs sharing lunch, I am grateful Rasa allowed me to see the lighthearted Rasa and caregiver, child, teacher, friend, artist, her heart fragile with concern, strong lion heart with faith, her trusting heart. We often laughed at our being so different in our spiritual practice yet easily accepting the other as we were, enjoying familiar comfort as Gods children.
I laugh remembering our sharing pineapple and coconut milk with pecans, it was magical to hear her laugh, see her smile and God's radiant energy shining out her brilliant blue eyes in gratitude as if she had been presented with an amazing gift.
My selfish heart misses her greatly, even though I am grateful she is free and at peace, doing her work on the other side of the veil and I know I will see her again.
In honor and acknowledgment of Rasa, her faith, love and obedience to God and her Light being...brighter than any I have seen, I agree to consciously share the Light she shared with me and others.
Rasa, rest in peace my beloved sister and friend, rest in the very hands and heart of God, receiving care as you cared for others. Love you much. Sherry AngelHands
I had gone to see Rasajna a
I had gone to see Rasajna a couple of days before the last time, her mother and brother were their visiting from Germany. Sumati was coordinating the visits and caring for her. I went in her room and held her hand, and she responded with a smile and was moving her arms up, so i chanted some for her at that time, i thought it may be the last i see her. I thanked her for being such a pillar and support of loving devotion to Srila Prabhupada, her Sunday programs were always wonderful, and her cooking was superb, she was always, "present" with enthusiasm. I left that day just thinking about her, and of all the memories of living in Spain, my wife was able to sew with Rasajna during the deity installation, they were wonderful times. So i reflected like this, on Sunday, Sumati called and asked if i could come and chant for her. I had to work all night on Sunday, till Monday morning. Raghava Chaitanya came by and we immediately headed to Austin to be there for Rasajna. We began chanting in her room, around 10:45am, her body was in a difficult state, but you could feel her presence and love. We chanted somewhat gently till 2:00pm, stopped briefly as Sumati asked if we would take a little prasad. The whole time we were thinking of her, and didn't know how close it was, she hadn't eaten or drank any liquids for 6 days, but Rasajna was always caring for others, it was like she waited till we took some prasad, just as she would do when we came to visit her when she was healthy. We all decided to go back into her room and chant for awhile more, her husband Gregg was with her too, when we entered, we noticed her breathing was different, short breaths and then a long deep one, Sumati began helping her and Raghava and i started the kirtan along with Gregg, and Sumati, strongly with intensity, we kept it going and watched her and felt her presence beyond that incapacitated body, Sumati went to get a Tulasi leaf from the Lotus Feet of Shyamasundara, her deity, she took her last breath in the middle of that kirtan, and both Raghava and I felt that she went out dancing with arms raised in her spiritual form along with Srila Prabhupada, this is what i felt even though my eyes were closed, this happens on another plane, Raghava said he felt Srila Prabhupad, he used to translate Srila Prabhupada's books into Spanish, he said she went out with Srila Prabhupada. It was a glorious passing. All glories to Srimati Rasajna devi, and All glories to Sri Guru and Gauranga!!!
Beloved sister and friend --
Beloved sister and friend -- You glistened when we met, and I am sure you glistened before that, too. It's just who you are! As I kept a close watch, you went on glistening throughout your life. Why should I doubt that you glisten still? Indeed, you will always be Prabhupada's Rasajna, elegant and bright. The journey from body to body cannot touch you. As Rumi wrote: "Everyone is so afraid of death, but the real sufis just laugh: nothing tyrannizes their hearts. What strikes the oyster shell does not damage the pearl."
Dear Mother Rasajna...your
Dear Mother Rasajna...your eternal light will shine always in my heart...you are the epitome of a magnificent vaisnava and beautiful ,graceful devotional dancer who danced and lived the gift within your heart...your loving memories and compassionate soul serves as a guide for me today....I know you are now dancing eternally for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada and Radha-Govinda! Jaya Mother Rasajna Ki!!!!
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