Jai Shri Mataji!
Tribute to Bill Brander 1939 – 2023
We share the sad news that our much loved and respected Uncle Bill Brander from Sydney passed away in late 2023.
His love of Shri Mataji
We are grateful to bear witness to a Sahaja Yogi of great and enduring faith. For his love of Shri Mataji and for the expression of the spirit of a true seeker. We celebrate Uncle Bill’s life as a committed Sahaja Yogi for the past 44 years. Uncle Bill was a Sahaja Yogi who lived quietly and was always faithful and committed to Shri Mataji. In particular, we are most grateful for his love as an Uncle and as an elder brother.
It is an occasion to remember and to give thanks for a humble decent man. A Sahaja Yogi whom many have known and have loved since the beginning of Sahaja Yoga in Australia.
Self Realisation in 1979
Uncle Bill received his Self Realisation in 1979, in Sydney, as part of a small group of dedicated Sahaja Yogis whom Shri Mataji entrusted with the task of helping Her establish Sahaja Yoga in Australia.
His life and personal example encouraged us to follow his example of commitment, to be the change Shri Mataji wanted to see in the world. To support and promote the spread Sahaja Yoga.
Uncle Bill dedicated his life to the greater glory of Shri Mataji and to do what he could helping reshape the world according to Her Divine vision.
Uncle Bill was a simple and good man, in whose life was revealed the divine spirit through Sahaja Yoga. His legacy was his lifelong commitment to, and his deep abiding love for Shri Mataji.
Uncle Bill’s faithfulness remains vibrantly alive in our memory. Greatness is not found in being renowned, in position or power, or in worldly material success. It is found in the quiet life, the simple life, one of humility and pure faithfulness. It is in the life such as Uncle Bill’s, where one is committed to Sahaja Yoga and devoted, without doubt or question, to Shri Mataji.
Bill’s life journey
Sometime ago, Uncle Bill shared some of his life journey in this interview which we recommend to you as a tribute to his incredible life’s journey and sharing his experiences with Shri Mataji.
Tribute to Bill Brander: Reflection of his life and experiences with Shri Mataji
Bill relating his first darshan at Shri Mataji’s Feet
“We arrived in India at night and there was a program with Shri Mataji we attended, we were up above looking down at the stage. Someone went down and informed Shri Mataji that the Australians had arrived and She sent the opportunity and the invitation for us to come to Her Feet.
For those who don’t know, in those days we could go individually because there was not that many of us, at time when She choose we could take Her darshan at Her Feet.
I could not get there quick enough! and I went to Her Feet … There was a hurricane of vibrations. They just shot up my back, up my spine. It was strong. Just rigid. It was power, and it stayed with me like that overnight and into the next day. It was a tremendous experience. And after that no one was ever to convince me that Shri Mataji was not God.”
The light and grace of Shri Mataji’s eternal love is now with Uncle Bill’s soul, guiding him and providing comfort of eternal rest and peace.
With deep respect,
Australian Councillors and Trustees
Dear Bill
Thank you dear big brother for helping in whatever it took to establish Sahaja Yoga in Atlanta. Thank you for always being available and so generous, humble, and surrendered to our Divine. Mother. Such a gentleman and so humble. May your soul rest in peace At Shri Mataji’s charan. 🙏🏻🌺
Indeed, Bill was lovely in every way. I met him in April 1981 when I received my Self Realisation from Shri Mataji in Sydney. In fact, the beautiful tribute to him can be applied to each “golden oldie” who has remained a strong, dedicated yogi through thick and thin, these last 43-plus years, and longer. Jai Shri Mataji !!!
… Much love to all, Jennie Mairie.
I have known Bill since he came to India in 1979. Had the pleasure of sharing his life in Atlanta for many years. We drove to several pujas and programs with him in his mini van. Everything he’s describing is accurate here. May his soul rest at Her Lotus Feet in eternity having completed his journey on this planet. Wishing you a fond farewell my dear friend, we will miss you. You lived your life with full humility and surrender to Sri Mataji and for that we applaud you.
Jai Shri Mataji 🙏
Thank you for sharing the news of our uncle Bill’s passing and his life with Shri Mataji and as a Sahaja Yogi. Beautiful vibrations reading the message.
Rest well uncle Bill. Thank you Shri Mataji for everything.