It was the year 2004. Soft, warm, summer air. Drawing long in the day the sun quietly dipped behind Mountain’s ridge as graceful sounds of clarinet and bass joined with giant oak trees in the Park of All True Things.
As rhythmical notes of “Pachelbell’s Canon in D” dissolved the edges of familiar things the great camel lifted his head to fix his gaze upon the musicians who had come that night to play for him.
Jingle Baba was enormous, about 16 feet from rump to nose. In his prime he weighed around 3000 pounds. In these final weeks of his knowing and instructive life he had slimmed considerably. The tall barn around him was a simple wooded frame with cement floor, beside a creek, beneath a handsome oak tree. It was very humble. Here in this barn within this familiar pasture Jingle Baba had grown up, raised a family, and deeply touched many lives. He was a truly unusual camel who’s story will be told in the chapters to follow.
Now in hospice care, unable to stand anymore, we tended to him day and night. Above him hung a drip bag with IV fluids. Before him we set up a large photograph of Adi Da Samraj, the principle figure in his life. Loving cards and flowers arrived regularly from admirers around the world and each of these were shown to Jingle Baba before being arranged on a nearby table. We hung some simple decorations in the corners of the barn and regularly played a variety of music for him. Sometimes we’d read to him. Bathe him. Often we’d meditate with him.
As people came and went from the barn, whether to serve him or to simply visit and sit, Jingle Baba, no matter how tired, always received them tenderly. It was extremely moving to feel the kindness and regard he gave to everyone.
On this particular night we had arranged a special concert. Pamela Gray and Bill Somers came to play for Jingle Baba, bringing their loving human energy and some luxury into the midst of his ending days.
Some of Jingle Baba’s closest friends also attended the concert. And while the members of his herd contentedly grazed the dusk-cloaked pasture Jingle Baba greeted the musicians with typical gentlemanly respect. As the musicians took up their chairs, brought out their instruments and began tuning them Jingle Baba stretched his long neck and massive head across the cool concrete floor. Under his body were thick rubber mats, foam cushions and inflated inner tubes for comfort. Some simple lights were set up so the musicians could read.
The concert opened and the music commenced. During the second piece Jingle Baba raised his head. He sat almost motionless like the still water of a deep lake, his dark eyes soft and alive. The music seemed to fill his being. He focused intently on the two musicians and the music they played. His appreciation was so sincere, strong, even studied, that Pamela and Bill continued playing for close to 90 minutes. When Jingle Baba’s energy and attention began to wane it was almost fully dark. This deeply magical evening in the company of such a gracious being widened everyone’s hearts with love and gratitude. Mostly in silence his dear friends said their sweet good-nights to the gentle giant and one by one moved off into the darkening evening, never to forget. His caretakers tidied the barn, tended to Jingle Baba’s needs, turned down the lights, embraced him and promised to return in the morning with more love, fresh hay and sunshine…
Chapter Two: Journey from London Zoo ….. coming soon.
earlier years, reveling in light snow fall...
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Beautiful expression of honoring and caring for a non human. Thank you.
Wonderful story. Jingle Baba was an exceptional yogi and devotee.
Oh wow, that brought a tear to my eye this morning!
Thank you. I’m really looking forward to reading more.
i still miss him…he was such a fully incarnate, loving , strong being…the epitome of life lived in freedom
Unconditional Love – these great Beings!!
When he first greeted me, that very first time, it was too much. His siliva was green from the alfalfa he had been eating. He brought his very large face with the greenish mouth ever closer. I couldn’t do it, I backed up and I know that I hurt his feelings, his extension of love. From then on I vowed never to do that to him again so on subsequent greetings I would take off my glasses, close my eyes and lean into the moment. I would always leave with tosseled hair, slightly slimed but always happy.
This reached my heart so gently. Thank you for sharing–it makes me want to hear more of this love story…
Thanks Stuart, very moving, full of feeling. This line “Mostly in silence his dear friends said their sweet good-nights to the gentle giant and one by one moved off into the darkening evening,”
Reminded me of the death of my Intimate Partner Whitlock Morris. I served him the last couple of years of his life. Towards the end he was in hospice care. He had a bell he could ring if he needed something. A few weeks before he passed, I was in the shower and herd the bell. I came out quickly, nude drying myself off, asking Whitlock, what I could do for him. He said he hadn’t rung the bell. We regarded one another silently, he lying in bed, me standing close by. The Love between us thick in the air, everywhere, no words were spoken as we spontaneously said goodbye with full feeling and love for each other, for Beloved Adi Da, for everything, the feeling did, does not end.
So much can be said with no words. Now feeling that depth of Love, moved to tears crying.
Thanks Jingle Baba.
Beautiful story about a beautiful and magnificent soul, and his good karma, to be served so consciously and elegantly by humans. What a joy to read!
Beautiful contribution, Loved the story!
Jingle Baba’s simply Being and Being Present to the Real around him is a lesson for me. Thank you for sharing this intimacy.
Thank you for this reminder of our great friend, whom I met across the fence one day. As his big deep breath vibrated the air luxuriously, I was totally enthralled by him. The hugeness of his physical being was reflected in his heart, as he allowed me to stroke him for a sweet while.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story of care and love for Jingle Baba. It opens the heart to those who read it.
Jingle Baba was a great friend, and a wonderful teacher. Throughout much of my daughter’s young life, we visited him regularly, in order to be embraced by his touch and breath. He is the Father of the Sacred Camel Herd and we will always love him.