Tribute to Mary Helen from Heinz

 

Dear Narad,

 

I had spoken to you on the phone when I was spending some fantastic weeks with John Lucas, who also sent me the mail with the sad news...I am almost a stranger to you but I came to know you and Mary Helen through your wonderful work as writers and as dedicated gardeners while often visiting the Matrimandir Nursery and the Gardens that you started there years ago...

 

You are both very spiritual people, and together you gave so much love and hope to so many people, showing the beauty of the flowers in a spiritual and pragmatic horticultural way.  This is a rare and remarkable oeuvre.  Your work was always rooted in spiritual ground.  You both found this ground first in India and through Sri Aurobindo and the Mother within yourselves...I believe.  Thank you for sharing your experience with others through your work.

 

You were a wonderful team, like Shiva and Parvati, his Shakti.  I wish for You Narad that you will find your Shakti again within every Flower that you see and that you will plant in the future.  I am sure that She will appreciate it...

 

My spiritual Guru says that death is a blissful experience.  To fight cancer so bravely as Mary Helen did for years with your devoted commitment allowed you, beside the sadness, to be aware and grateful for every moment.  A challenging precious gift for the whole family...

 

I hope to meet you one day in the future.  There is a lot to learn from you not "only" about plants.  I have very much respect for you.

 

If you visit India, Auroville, please let me know.  You are always welcome in our ashram, where you can spend some peaceful days (disturbed only by mosquitoes...)

 

With warmest regards for you and your family at this difficult time

 

Heinz Christian Tobler