As much as one would want to grieve in private, I understand that this experience is not only mine to have. Richie Havens has passed away, and later, when the dust settles, I can process the fact that my father is gone. Maybe after I share a little I can go and be quiet with it all.
My Father gave everything he had for the purpose of spreading beauty and love. The exchange of love that he shared, through his music, with listeners was unconditional, and every person he has ever touched should know that what they felt during their own personal exchange was genuine. He still loves you. Unconditionally.
Now, today, as the world grieves alongside me and the rest of my family, I can feel the inter-connectedness of the hearts on this planet. This is one of those experiences where I could not possibly feel alone if I tried. I feel fortunate to have the gift of such love and support.
Energy moves faster than matter, so it makes perfect sense that the weight of the world's grief is tangible and heavy right now. But so is the love. He gave so much to so many, and now we, his whole family, global and relative, can feel that love coming back.
I am sure that this is exactly how he knew it would be. In this time of my family's need, we are embraced by the whole world as though he asked you all to take care of the hearts of those he loved. As one of those people, I feel it working.
Know that he loved everyone of you, and so we all have big responsibilities to each other and our global community to keep his love alive. In all of your support, I feel that his life's work has been accomplished. Thank you all for that.
As a student of Tibetan Buddhism for the last 20 or so years, it gives me great comfort to know that my dear teachers are saying prayers for his swift return, there is a lamp burning for him in the shrine room at Karma Triyana Dharmachakra that will burn for the traditional 49 days of his bardo and the prayers abound. The connections and friendships that he made in the Dharma community were very special to him.
Om ah mi dewa hri
I feel fortunate to know he remains in so many loving hearts. My deepest gratitude and humble thanks to everyone for reaching out and holding us in your hearts during this extremely difficult time.
Let us take this opportunity to continue his work spreading Love and Peace, through Music and Art.
If you ever wonder how to honor him, love, honor and educate the children in your life.
Put a book in a child's hand and tell that child that it is from Richie Havens. It would mean a lot to him.