The morning of 12th February was filled with music by her favourite flute player, Chaitanya Hari. Hundred plus disciples of Osho gathered to celebrate her birthday at Osho Dham. Ma Yoga Laxmi is fondly remembered for the love she shared generously with her fellow travellers. She was a devotee totally surrendered to Him and His work. That was her only life.

The day progressed with dance and keertan in the dhyan mandir. We heard the long-time disciples; Ma Dharam Jyoti, Swami Atul Anand, and Swami Ravindra Bharti sharing their personal memories of Laxmi. They narrated engrossing episodes from her early life and her life with Osho.

Ma Jyoti remembers Laxmi as a firm optimist; she was the fund raiser and negotiator with bankers and politicians. Every evening in darshan she sat beside Him. She consulted Him for all major decisions. She managed the ashram, welcomed hundreds of visitors who came from across the world with live in her heart. Laxmi fostered celebration in the ashram because she knew that it is the climate in which ego drops.

She was a bundle of energy according to Swami Ravindra. Her reverence for Him overflowed in every conversation and task.

Recalling her working style, Swami Atul said that she always referred to herself in third person. And never used the word ‘I. This was symbolic of non-identification with her physical body. For her everything was a ‘happening’ and she was not the doer. The ego or feeling that ‘I am doing it’ did not exist. Because Osho was her lifeforce. Immersed in His work and with utmost acceptance, she shared His love and vision with everyone. During business meetings, she never failed to share humour along with His guidelines.

Did she retire from work? Sw Atul responded that she worked throughout till she left her body. After Sheela took charge of His work in Rajneeshpuram, the USA, Laxmi too moved there and lived in a few cities. She underwent an operation for cancer. Osho then asked her to turn her attention inwards as her body was weak. Unshaken trust in the Master saw her through all twists in life.

Swami Ravindra remembered that while Laxmi was unwell, a few friends occasionally visited her home in Mumbai. She was weak, but cuddled the last lap of life with full gratitude for Him.

Listening to these anecdotes of Laxmi’s strength, courage and trust, disciples left the dhyan mandir in gratitude. The day at Osho Dham was well spent and fully enjoyed.

Rashid Maxwell, has written a book on Ma Laxmi, titled ‘The Only Life’ – Osho, Laxmi and a Journey of the Heart. In this book he recounts her life with Osho. Rashd has spent many years in Pune Ashram and in His commune at Rajneeshpuram. He now lives on his farm in UK.