My Honor and My Privilege

Periodically, PremRawat.com publishes first-person reflections from people around the world who are experiencing the benefits of practicing the techniques of Self-Knowledge as taught by Prem Rawat – a simple way to turn one’s attention from the outside world to a place of inner peace. This month’s reflection is from Perdeep Dhillon currently residing in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

On March 23, 2024 my dad, Prem Gill, passed away. This is a reflection from me for him, with gratitude.

It has been my honor and my privilege to have witnessed the effect that Prem Rawat has had on my dad’s life. I remember from the age of six- or seven-years old, watching my dad as he began his journey with Prem Rawat (whom we knew, growing up, as “Maharaji”).

Over the next 40 years, I watched my dad on a personal quest to get to know himself and live a life full of joy and peace. He practiced Self-Knowledge every day. His dedication was inspiring.

The Gill family’s last family trip together in Hawaii, January, 2024. Anuraj Gill (Prem’s son), Gurmeet Gill (Prem’s wife), Prem Gill, Tavish Dhillon (Prem’s youngest grandson), Perdeep Dhillon (Prem’s daughter).

My dad attended many of Prem Rawat’s programs all over the world and even had the privilege to be his driver when he came to western Canada. My mom, my brother and I all received Knowledge at various stages in our lives.

I remember many times in my life my dad giving a gentle and subtle reminder to keep in touch with oneself. Even now, I still feel and appreciate the reminders from him. He watched Prem’s videos at home, and although I didn’t always join him, I knew the voice I was hearing in the background was something special.

This gift that Prem Rawat has shared with our family has been received with much love and gratitude. But even more touching is what I witnessed in the final days of my dad’s life.

I knew the voice I was hearing in the background was something special.

My dad fell sick to multiple lung infections while traveling with my mom in India. My brother and I travelled immediately from Canada to be with him. We had seven days with him before he passed away. In his hospital bed in India, I played Prem’s videos for him as a reminder to stay in touch with himself. He gave a soft nod each time and a thumbs up.

Prem Gill with his three oldest grandchildren: Vidane Dhillon, Jayani Dhillon, and Amaarya Dhillon.

My dad fought hard for the seven days we were with him, but his time had come, and he knew it, as did we. He had a calmness, an acceptance, and a true sense of peace in his eyes. Although it was so hard to say goodbye to this amazing man, what brought peace to our family is that he understood something in this life. He practiced during the good times for this hard time at the end of his life, and he moved through it with grace.

He had a calmness, an acceptance, and a true sense of peace in his eyes.

Everyone who knew my dad and who attended his final celebration of life said what a kind and gentle soul he was – so peaceful and so loving. It is with my dad’s efforts and commitment to learning that he built this legacy for himself and for our family. And what a true guide he was blessed to learn from in his life for those 40 years.

Thank you, Prem Rawat, for sharing this gift with my dad. He lived a beautiful life to the age of 75, and I know he is at peace.

Prem Rawat

My dad’s passing was sudden and was a reminder to me of what is important in life. I was lost for many years. Caught up with the busyness of raising a family and keeping up with my career, I forgot about myself. Although trying to live consciously each day and enjoying each moment, I knew deep down that I had a thirst for more.

Thank you, Prem Rawat,
for sharing this gift with my dad.

What a joy it has been to reconnect to this message of hope and peace from Prem Rawat. I am inspired by how my dad lived his life and am thankful to have Prem’s guidance through my own journey.

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Reflections  Self-Knowledge