Memoir (Part 4)

In July 2003, I visited “Prashanti Nilayam ” to participate in the Guru Purnima festival.

From spring to early summer of that year, I had experienced several falls, hurting my back and resulting in severe back pain. The long flight, during which I had to sit in the same position for an extended period, only aggravated my back pain, causing my legs to cramp and leaving me in a continuous state of pain. The bus journey from Bangalore to Puttaparthi was also harsh due to the persistent back pain. I felt a sense of relief when we finally arrived at Prashanti Nilayam amidst the ongoing agony.

Once room assignments were decided, I thought I would be able to rest my body. Upon entering the room and introducing ourselves to each other, I learned that one of my roommates was an orthopedic doctor. It was Dr. Naoki Fukasawa from Maebashi City. Despite being in an extremely busy period preparing to open his clinic in Maebashi in September, Dr. Fukasawa mentioned that he was able to make the trip. He had wanted to visit Baba for a long time, but it had not been possible, and ironically, he was able to visit during the busiest time before opening his practice.

During my stay in the ashram, Dr. Fukasawa took great care of me, helping with daily application of pain-relieving patches to my back (he mentioned that he had never actually applied patches himself as it is usually done by nurses) and transporting me to the darshan venue in a wheelchair. His assistance was truly a lifesaver during that time. Furthermore, upon returning to Japan, he took care of me all the way to Narita Airport, which was immensely helpful.

Top: Dr. Fukasawa and the author, etc.,
Bottom: Ashram and on the hill、July 2003

translator：Makoto Ishii