Waiting for a Glance

Finally! The birthday celebrations are behind us...lot of chaos, ofcourse in a positive way i guess. Amma has her way of breaking down the ideas we have about ourselves and others, breaking down set patterns so that we come out of the attachment to our personality and stand free as the infinite...but its a painful process...

The last few days were tough, staying up all night working, few hours of sleep, dont know where to eat the next meal, finding our way through the crowds, going to the ayurveda building for tea! and so on...I just kept wanting things to go back to normal, for me to wake up at 4.30 and go to archana, attend the gita class, sit for the bhajans, the normal routine we are used to and love...it was a battle to keep my equanimity in all the chaos! Thats the training ofcourse...

Things are slowly returning to normal now at the ashram, yesterday amma came out for the satsang, after the meditation, she said she was busy and didnt want to answer questions but she wanted karkera achan to say a few words(she does this sometimes).

Normally Karkera achan, with his emotion on the mike always generates a lot of laughs, but somehow i was paying attention to what he was saying yesterday...he told a story:
The first day of Sri Rama's battle against the demon king Ravana at Sri lanka, the army of Sri Rama was tired from the battle against the demons, in the evening, in the calm setting, the army was sitting around Sri Rama, tired, wounded, hurting...and then Sri Rama looked at all of them with his beautiful eyes and all their hurt...physical, mental and spiritual was gone!
and then Karkera achan said, "thats what is happening here".

It really struck me because thats how i felt the last few days were, a battle to balance our physical and mental energies in all that was happening, and definitely i was tired, and sitting around amma during the satsang yesterday gave me the same feeling...
the feeling that i was sitting here and waiting for amma's glance, sure that it would take away all the fatigue...its true that self reliance is necessary,that we need to feed on our own strength, but is amma seperate from our own true self?

vikas.
september 30,2006.

After Birthday Bhajans

The birthday is happily over. There was just so much to do that I didn’t find time to write.
Today everything is almost back to normal, except that Amma will be leaving for Europe in a few days. A little Sad for those staying here but bliss for those waiting eagerly in Europe.
Tonight’s bhajans were nice and relaxed. As Amma decided to sing Ramakrishna Swami’s new song Sollariya Nin Pukazhai there was some commotion since he is already in South-America and nobody else really new the song. Swamiji sang it nicely and it was accompanied with a lot of laughter both from Amma and him. It’s a really sweet song.
The songs tonight were:


Bolo Bolo Gokula Bala
Ammayil Manasam Chernnu
Aruna Nirakkatiroliyil
Prema Ka Dipa Jala Do (Hindi)
Chilanka Ketti
Entamme Nin Makkale
Sollariya Nin Pukazhai (Tamil)
Jai Jai Jai Durga Maharani (Hindi)

Vishwanath
29 Sep 2006

Amma's Path

Amma's grace has allowed us to be with Her at Amritapuri these past three weeks. She has provided many opportunities to connect with the inner and outer mother.

Both my husband and I have had the seva of cleaning Amma's path. It is a job that is physically taxing especially during the persistent rains that we have had daily. My poor health at the time did not help either. Of course, there were also numerous challenges to the ego that really tested the ability to focus and respond from a spiritual perspective.

Despite the difficulties, it was very beautiful to work in areas close to Amma's presence. Of course, the best part of the job, apart from Amma cleaning us, was that it enabled us to see Her come out of Her room enroute to give darshan or to sing bhajans.

On the morning of Her birthday, we set out at 6:30am to clean the path. After three weeks of rain, lo and behold, it was a crystal clear, sunny day! I headed to the main hall expecting a difficult task in cleaning the path with the huge crowds that had gathered. Instead, I was greeted with many smiling faces eager to lend a hand. The place was buzzing with joy and enthusiasm. All the help meant that my tasks were reduced, so I went back to Her porch and helped decorate it with flower garlands. I was so happy! Thousands, nay, a hundred thousand or more devotees were gathered to honour our Beloved.

Just after 9am, Amma came out. Pink and white lotus blooms greeted Her as She walked down Her stairs. A canopy of beautiful flower garlands shaded Her as She walked towards the hall.

She beamed, more radiant than the sun, moon and stars put together. As She walked past to greet Her darling children, the Mother of the Universe purified and sweetened us with Her Divine Fragrance.

Om Amriteshwaryai Namah

Veena (Sydney, Australia)
28 September 2006

Divine Darshan

My wife and I have just spent three weeks on the sacred soil of Amritapuri. Many experiences, teachings, challenges, and wonders filled this blessed time.

I would like to briefly focus on 'Darshan'. It was a joyous blessing to experience Amma showering all of Her children continuously with Her Divine Grace. The physical darshan or 'hug' were moments of timeless completion. Just as blessed were the endless darshans that were also timeless moments of grace. A glance, a smile, a whiff of Her Divine fragrance, a feeling of Her presence within, a glimpse of Her beautiful face and dishevelled hair bobbing in the distance after hours of giving darshan. Her infections laughter and asides to those near Her. Her graceful and purposeful walk.

For me, these were all darshans – and to know this can be received anywhere, anytime is a gift from Amma that I am constantly grateful for.

May our Beloved Amma continue to shower all of us with Her Divine darshan every moment of our lives.

Om Amriteshwaryai Namah

Sagar (Sydney, Australia)
28 September 2006

A Cap for Humility

Amma was walking on her way to the stage for evening bhajans. Security guards were holding back the throngs of devotees and students who were pushing against each other trying to touch Amma. While walking, Amma’s arms were outstretched as usual to touch everyone within reach. Suddenly, she bent down and picked up something and gave it to one of the police officers. It was his cap! He lost it in the commotion.

I was too close to Amma. I missed the photo which i could have shared with you all.

How much humility we learn from her every move.

Dhyanamrita
26 September 2006

A Prophecy of Amma's Divine Birth

Dear Sisters&Brothers, Some of you remember the world has celebrated Amma's Golden Jubilee Birthday (Amritavarsham 50) for 4 days in Cochin in 2003 and was live on the internet throughout the Globe.

There was a prophecy of Amma's Divine Birth.
Just before His leaving of this world, Swami Vivekananda made a prophesy about a remarkable person who became the light of the modern world.

Just before leaving His mortal coil on July 4th 1902, Swami Vivekananda gave a short discourse to an Indian audience in which he said, I quote “You all rejoice that you belong to a race of the great sages. But until those who belong to the upper classes help to uplift the downtrodden and until exploitation ends, India will only be a grave. May Mother India step forth anew from the humble dwelling of the peasant! May she appear in the HOUSE OF THE FISHERMAN! May the song of New India echo and reverberate amidst mountains and in forests and valleys”.

How strange is it, that is what exactly happened on September 27th, 1953, a STAR was born in a HUT in a FISHERMAN'S FAMILY in a remote fishing village, Vallikavu (Amritapuri) near Kollam, North of Trivandrum in God's Own Country (Kerala)

Dr.Pakirareddy
England, UK
27 sep 2006

A Connection Day

It was dawn and I was about to drive down to the Ashram from Trivandrum. As I quickly scanned the morning newspapers,before I hit the road with my family, I was pleasantly surprised.All the prominent newspapers today carried pictures of Amma with a shovel working along with sevaks clearing the Ashram premises which was flooded due to a heavy downpour the day before. I thought :Oh what a birthday-eve celebration for Amma.Here She was toiling in the rain and slush,despite Her impossible schedules-- so that the premises were hospitable enough for her children coming in to Amritapuri for the birthday celebrations

As I entered the Ashram, what struck me was the expansiveness of the whole place --it looks a bit more spacious and festive with lovely canopies all around to protect Amma's children from the elements.While She would not hesitate to brave Nature in all its fury,She has ensured that all of us ,Her children, coming to the Ashram are not inconvenienced

As I started exchanging pleasantries with acquaintances whom I had lost touch for long, I realised that the birthday has become a focal point of connecting for hundreds of people who havent met for long--thanks to Amma's magnetic influence of bringing communities and peoples together.And while all of us are moving around doing multitude of tasks and enjoying the blissful atmosphere--for Amma it is one more day of selfless service.As thousands upon thousands queue for darshan,Amma flows on ceaselessly as She has been doing for the last 35 years .

For Mahatmas like Amma ,a birthday is not just another day of merriment and gaiety--it is a Connection Day.Guiding people not just to connect with each other;but subtly igniting the spark to connect with the Supreme

Sushil Kumar
26 sep 2006

Birthday tribute

I woke up this morning listening to the Lalita Sahasra Nama chants through the loud speakers. It’s not from the ashram sound system. It’s coming from the village.
I have heard Bhagavatam reading over the loud speakers from the village. But not Lalita Sahasranam. What is it?
The villagers are paying their tribute to our beloved Amma on her birthday.
Wow.
It’s a wonder that these villagers now started praying for Amma.
Dhyanamrita
26 September 2006

A birthday wish

“Mother”—the word is incomparable.
No other word is equal to this one.
It is pure and full of auspiciousness.

It is said that we cannot see God.
We can only experience Him.
But, Amma, when we experience your love and concern,
we feel that we are before God.
So we are the fortunate ones.
We see God in your form.
And experience His love also.

Amma, you are really great!

We pray for you long life.

—Amma’s child from Pune, Lokesh (8 years)

Sunrise in Amritapuri

Kumbha mela

The festival of Kumbha mela in the north of india is world famous...and now, the kumbha mela of south india, the birthday celebrations of our beloved mother and guru, mata amritanandamayi(mother of immortal bliss) is going to take place over the next 3 days, 27th ofcourse being the main day.

The kumbha mela tradionally is a religious festival where hundreds of thousands of people come together at the places where the "nectar of immortality" is supposed to have spilt over from the vessel of the Gods...Here, in amritapuri, we find the entire vessel itself!
On the occassion of the kumbha mela, the devotees take bath in the holy ganges, a dip in that river during that occassion is supposed to be most auspicious...

There is a song by one of the ashram residents, "Gange ginta pavitralu" which means "she who is purer than the river ganges"...truly so. Amma once described herself as a big river whose presence was available to all those who are willing to make use of it...during this birthday, everyone who is present is going to get a dip in it.

There are going to be tens of thousands of visitors and around 5000 voulenteers for this birthday!I think all these people who are going to be coming to the birthday,consciously or unconsciously realise that this is the celebration of this is presence of immortality on earth...
we have our own kumbha mela! All are welcome!

vikas.
september 25,2006.

Ishwar Tumhi in Hebrew

The bhajan hall is starting to look like the birthday venue that it will be in a few days. The lights, sound system, seating, and everything are geared for a large happening.
Tonight along with Amrita-TV, there was also a crew from Israel who are making a kind of reality-TV documentary about two Israelis coming to meet Amma.
Amma sang the song Ishwar Tumhi in Hebrew to make her Israeli children happy. I saw some of them seated in the crowd and they really looked blissfully happy, singing along with Amma in Hebrew. It was really delightful.

The songs tonight were:

Hare Murare
Pelava Kaiviral
Adiyil Parameshwariye
Idamilla Talayunna
Ishwar Tumhi (Hebrew Version)
Sarva Vyapiye
Kannindallade (Telugu)
Om Namah Shivaya
Mera Pranam He (Hindi)

The new song Pelava Kaiviral is really nice and I love the lyrics:

I long to walk together with You, along the vast open space of consciousness.
Happy and excited I will take hold of your soft fingertips.

By swimming across the ocean of time I will at last reach the kingdom of love.
May my mind become as soft as a flower
when caressed by Her eyes that resemble peacock feathers .

Please shine a ray of light in my eyes so that I am guided steadily along this lonely path of life that is like a forest.

Just like water and fire, so are the body and the Self different from one another. Let me lose the weight of the notion “I am the body” and salute Your feet.

The Vedic knowledge, the consciousness, is the truth within me; it is the ocean of bliss. Through the light that flows in my meditation I explore Your ocean of love.

Vishwanath,
25 Sep 2006

no logic

Sunday night 8.30 pm, amma's still giving darshan, lots of people left, i made my way upto the stage thinking i could sit around her for about 30-40 mins, normally when the crowds are so much i try to avoid sitting around amma for long because the outsiders also would be yearning for the same chance, but i thought i could sit for sometime and get up.
I got a good spot, right behind amma luckily as someone got up as soon as i got there and the helpful stage monitor made sure i got the seat!

So i was Sitting there,not trying to focus on anything other than mother in particular, but 2 western men,one of them holding a big camera in his hands caught my attention, i watched the guy without the camera signalling desperately to someone beside me, he was holding something in his hand...what was it? Amma's prasad! He had no idea what to do with it, didnt know what it was, and the woman next to me, who was supposed to know then guided him(all through hand signals!) to eat the chocolate and then put the vibhuti(sacred ash) between his eyebrows...the whole thing was ofcourse very funny for me as an onlooker but made me reflect on the difficulties the westerners, especially the europeans(since many dont speak english) have to go through to get here, the southernmost part of our country!

Now logically reasoning it out, why would an european, come all the way to a south indian village to meet a person who knows neither english nor his european tongue? The power of Love. Obviously.

Reminds me of the incident during bhajans when amma emphatically announced, "can there be logic in devotion? Definitely not! Devotion transcends logic."

vikas.
september 24,2006.

Birthday Approaching

Since yesterday it has felt like the birthday is really closing in. Amma gave darshan all day and so didn’t make it for bhajans.

The whole ashram is preparing for the event of the year. The bridge building and road construction seva is going on full swing. The brahmacharinis were clearing the southern entrance to the ashram from all kinds of debris according to Amma’s instructions until 2 o’clock in the morning. Building of the festive arches and temporary shelters are well on their way.

People are starting to pour in. Tomorrow we will have to vacate our rooms to make space for the devotees. That is Amma’s wish.

Today Amma is again giving darshan as I write this (10.00 pm) and will probably continue late into the night.

Just now it started raining really hard. As far as I remember, it always rains heavily before Amma’s birthday. It really purifies the place on many levels and I believe that it’s in accordance with Amma’s sankalpa that nature acts like this.

For Amma the birthday means more work than for anybody else. It is really her way of gifting her children even more than usual. She turns everything and anything into a gift for the world. She is actually rebirthing us all.

Vishwanath
24 Sep 2006

God's Country

I love my seva. Each week, I take Ashram visitors on a boat trip along the backwaters near the Ashram. Along the way, I serve them chai and snacks.

We depart from the Ashram boat jetty and trawl north to a Kali Temple a few kilometers north of here where the backwaters meet the Arabian Sea. It is a colorful, joyful, and extremely interesting adventure which surprises me each time I go.

On the way, we pass a Catholic church. The tour leader and boat operator, John, shuts down the motor and we stop. One can hear the birds all around and a quiet peacefulness prevails.

John tells us this is where Mother learned embroidery in her youth. The priest there told us of Mother's frequent visits and how he recognized Her great spiritual nature even at such a young age.

As we journey north, we pass many colorful fishing boats where the fishermen trade their catch of the day. Hundreds of birds are attracted to this place. We watch the brown and white eagles dive for fish, and enjoy the white egrets flying overhead with their feet hanging down like little yellow boots.

In the middle of the backwaters, we cruise past a small island where the tsunami had wiped out most all of the houses. Here, the Ashram rebuilt all the homes as part of Amma's tsunami relief efforts.

Halfway along our trip, I serve chai and snacks and everyone enjoys the floating tea party.

One of the special moments of the trip is finding the school of jumping fish. As we approach the area, I tell everyone that if they clap enthusiastically, the little silver fish will start jumping and flying out of the water. I am always praying that they will appear so as to not disappoint anyone. Sure enough, sun-lit silver streaks start leaping out of the water on both sides of the boat. Children squeal with delight and begin clapping even faster and louder. It is so very joyful and amusing.

By now, the village children on land hear our clapping and as we approach the boat jetty, they run to welcome us. As we disembark, the children grab our hands, and we begin following a path through the tropical palms to an old Kali temple.

We stop and gather around John who captivates us with his knowledge of Mother's teachings, temple worship, and history of Kerala. Then we enter the temple through a narrow wooden carved door into a courtyard. We watch as the pujari performs a special ceremony to the shining Kali inside the shrine.

We return to the boat accompanied by the children who stand at the edge of the water - some waving and holding their hands together in humble salutations, while others are jumping in the water and making faces, prompting us all to laugh as we float away.

We depart with a feeling of having a greater understanding of the rich culture of this country.

As the sun sets on the natural beauty of Kerala's backwaters, it is easy to comprehend why this is called God's Country.

September 23, 2006
Meenakshi Van Nostrand, USA

walking into a perfume factory

Yesterday in the engineering college, i walk into a classroom and after a while i saw a picture of a little girl on the
wall with something written beneath, so i started reading it. Apparently the students of that particular class are all together sponsering that
girl, who is 5 yrs old, has no mother and father is absconding...so everyone puts in 10 rupees per month, collected on the first week of the month, which is ofcourse very less for an indivudual but when 60 odd students pool in, it definitely helps ease the little girl's condition and maybe her education.

Incredible, i was very moved by the gesture, all this the students had done on their own without being asked by anyone...where does the inspiration come from?

Amma gives the example of walking into a perfume factory and although one is not conscious of it, one comes out of there smelling wonderful...isnt that whats happening here?

vikas.
september 23,2006.

No it's road seva!

Bridge seva has started again today! No. it's road seva!
I was at the ashram and had some free time so i decided to sit for sometime around mother before i could get back to my work at the engineering college, but as i was making my way towards the kali temple, i heard amma make an announcement on the mike, it
wasnt very clear, so i went up and asked around and was told mother wanted all the bramhacharis and bramhacharinis to go make a path towards the bridge which involves a lot of filling work, so lot of carrying of mud involved...so changed into something old, went there, i saw everyone there already...its the hot midday sun, and here i find old ladies and men (devotees) and ofcourse us renunciates already there, surprising how we are willing to go beyond bodily comfort just to do something for mother.

Vikas
23 sep 06

Nanda or Nandakumara?

The bhajans began on a funny note as Amma was negotiating with Ramu (keyboards) and Swamiji whether the first song was to be Nanda Nandana or Nandakumara Vanditarupa. For a moment there was like a ping pong game going on as to which one it was to be. I announced the first, then the second, and finally it was reverted back to the first. Everyone in the audience laughed heartily at this little Leela of Amma.

Nanda Nandana
Prapancham Engum
Radhaye Tozhare
Yadupati Manahari
Oru Nimisham Enkilum
Namah Shivaya Om
Orutulli Snehamen
Amma Amma Taye

O Mother, for the satisfaction of my life won’t Thou give a drop of your love to my dry and burning heart. Why, O why dost Thou put burning fire as fertilizer to this scorched creeper?

Tonight Amma sang only old songs. Her Bhava was so intense and palpable.
I am without words.

Vishwanath
22 Sep 2006

Thank you Amma

Today there was satsang with Amma. It was quite funny…Amma looked so simple…
It is easy to be carried away from the different situation that happen in the Ashram.
There was an happy atmosphere, everyone enjoied the spontaneous way Amma had in communicating with a resident that asked Her a question…
There was a deep intimacy between them…the closeness that comes from an inner relation. The resident wanted to leave the family for good to stay for ever in Amma’s presence, but Amma did not agree, She pointed out that her dharma is still in the family life, that her family needs her support and love, then the situation became a fast interaction of Malayalam talks between them, and the translator could not follow and was lost in the middle. As I do not understand Malayalam, I was just watching the situation, where basically everyone was laughing at every sentence Amma told and every sentence the devotee replied….

Still even if attracted from trying to understand what was happening I tried to dive deep within and remember that we live in the presence of a Divine Being that has decended on earth by mere will, love and compassion to help us. Even if many time I do not understand what happens I felt once more so greatfull just to be there, to have such a blessed life in being physically close to Her, to have this amaising possibility to see Her every day.

Thank you Amma to have entered in my life, to have conquered my heart, to have given me devotion and longhing for the Divine…

Stefano, Italy
22 Sep 06

Singing with / for Amma

The evening bhajans have been the highlight of both my stays in Amritapuri. When She sings, it seems that Amma reveals a little more of what She truly is and there is an overwhelming sense of being in the presence of the divine. It crossed my mind one day that it would be a great honour to sing bhajans for Amma, as many of Her children do during the long hours she spends giving darshan. I dismissed the idea, since I would only be staying at the ashram for three weeks and in any case, I am not such a wonderful singer. Anyway, I reminded myself, I get to sing bhajans with Amma every evening and that is a huge blessing in itself.

The following day, my roomate, who was about to return to Ireland, told me that she had been asked to translate the bhajan "Where Can I Go" into Irish, so that Amma could sing it at the Ireland programme during her European tour. Since she was about to leave the ashram, she did not have time to record it for Amma. She wondered whether I would be able to do it?

And so it was that I found myself in the Amritapuri recording studio, singing a bhajan for Amma in a language I had not spoken for ten years, while She sat giving darshan in the temple above me. I felt an unmistakable flash of Her love hit my heart as the recording began, leaving me in no doubt that She was there, as always, watching this play unfold. In Amma's presence, there are no chance events or simple coincidences. She shows us again and again that when we surrender at Her feet then all things, even our smallest and most trivial wishes, are taken care of.

Áine, Ireland

Stream of devotees

Tonight Amma continued giving darshan throughout the bhajans, since there were so many devotees and students from her different institutions.

Swami Amritatmanandaji sang a powerful set.

So many people arrived today and are still arriving. Outside my window there is a stream of people along with parked cars and busses. It doesn’t look like tomorrow will be a quiet day with just Amma and the ashramites.

Vishwanath

21 Sep 2006

Swirling into the Light

Yesterday, as usual, I was doing my IAM on the roof of the ‘S’ flats. After I finished, I remained there to watch the sunset while Amma sang bhajans in the hall below. There is this flood light at the edge of the roof. For the past few nights, I have been taking quite an interest in watching the bugs that start swirling around the light as it gets darker.

Since I had my camera with me, I decided to try to take some photos. With Amma’s Grace, and many different settings I was able to capture a few nice shots. Afterwards, as I was viewing the photos, it made me think of all the devotees who flock around Amma. Some fly head on into Her, others swirl around at a distance ‘checking out the scene’, others fly in the opposite direction. I think I’m like one who swirls around at a distance, but then every now and then, flies head on, then bounces back off into the world. It may be strange hearing this from someone who’s been living and travelling with Amma for the past year and half, but it’s really an internal experience. Anyway, I pray to Amma for the day when I really do fly head on to Her and remain there - forever in Her service. I know in my heart that She is doing everything in Her power to make this happen – for me and for everyone else.

Sri Pati, USA
20 September 2006

Black Beauty

Yesterday, a new baby calf was born in the Ashram cowshed. Lakshman, one of the 'Gopals' taking care of the cows of Amritapuri, was there. He took the newborn and caressed it like a little kitten.

Dhyanamrita

Unparalleled selflessness

After giving darshan all day and even holding a question and answer session for a batch of students Amma came directly for bhajans at 6.30 pm. She walked on to the stage her sari stained with the make up, sweat and tears of the devotees, but still looking vibrant as always. Again we were blessed with bhajans that lasted longer than usual. With anybody else you would imagine that after such a day, one would at least sing a few songs less and take some rest instead. But with Mother it is never like that. Sometimes, at least for me, Mother’s selflessness is almost scary. My own self-centeredness stands revealed with no excuse to hide behind. Then again, that’s the beauty of life around Mother – you can never pretend to be anything you are not, at least not for long. Mother’s presence and actions make you see and once you’ve seen there is no turning back. Just the fact that Mother never, ever takes even a moment for herself is something absolutely astounding and never heard of before. Who can do such a thing? Ponder that.
The songs tonight were:

Shyama Sundara Madana Mohana
Karuna Nir Katale Nin
Omkara Swararupini
Rote Jag Me (Hindi)
Gange Ginta Pavitralu (Kannada)
Om Namah Shivaya
Aldbhuta Charitre Amara Vandite
Bandamuntu Sontamuntu (Tamil)
Kannindallade (Telugu version)
Everyone In The World
O Meri Pyari Mayya


Aldbhuta Charitre Amara Vandite still always sends shivers down my spine. It is among the first songs I ever heard Amma sing. It is one of her old songs. The power behind it is immense and really sweeps your mind away. The lyrics are in the form of a prayer:

O Thou to whom the celestials bow, Whose tale is wonderful,
Grant us strength to be devoted to Thy Feet.
We offer Thee all our actions done in the darkness of ignorance,
O Protector of the distressed.
Forgive us for all our impatient utterances, Ruler of the Universe.

O Mother, Please shine in my heart like the rising sun at dawn and give me a mind having equal vision devoid of the differentiating intellect.

O Great Goddess, the Cause of all actions both sinful and virtuous, the liberator from all bondage, give me the protecting sandals of basic virtues on the path of release, the essence of all principles.

Vishwanath
20 sep 2006

Come, sign up for Seva

As one of the Seva Coordinators, my task is to sign up Western visitors and residents for various positions needed to keep the Ashram running. On any given day, these can range from veggie chopping, to cleaning the toilets, to trash removal, to sweeping the path Amma walks each night from her room to the Bhajan hall.

With Amma's 53rd birthday just over a week away, there will be lots of additional work needed. Which means we have to start organizing and planning now. So tomorrow, the signs go up inviting everyone first to a general orientation meeting, then to come select their seva. I hope they all come - and I hope that all the positions get filled.

I also pray to Amma for lots of help.

Generally, there are two of us at the Seva Desk - me and Dayalu - but he had to leave town unexpectedly for a week. Luckily though, there are many experienced veterans - and hopefully, Amma will hear my prayers and all will go smoothly.

So, anyone planning to come to Amritapuri for the birthday, don't forget to stop by the seva desk to sign up....

Sri Pati
September 18th, 2006
USA

Long bhajans

Tonight Amma came down for the bhajans already at 6.30 pm, half an hour earlier than usual and continued right past 8 o’clock. She sang 11 songs all in all:

Jai Ganesh Jai Ekadanta (Hindi)
Sri Krishna Saranam
Vilical Vili Kelkkan
Karala Mala (Shyam Radhe Bolo)
Parasahasra Hridayangalil
Andela Ravali Adugula (Telugu)
Virahatti Patarunnen
Om Namah Shivaya
Lord Of Vrindavan
Om Hari Om (Tamil)
Jinki Karuna Hai Apar (Hindi)

Amma was giving instructions left and right on how to keep the new song Andela Ravali going, which seemed like it would topple any moment – a very beautiful song otherwise, but which maybe requires some more mileage to run smoothly. At one point Amma picked up the hand cymbals and started giving the correct talam, or beat. Almost everyone got their share of Amma’s motherly scolding. Even I got a few fiery looks even though I thought myself to be fairly innocent in the matter, but then again maybe not. In any case the bhajans were powerful as anything tonight. A surprise to me was Virahatti Patarunnen not so often sang by Amma. Parasahasra Hridayangalil always kicks butt, please excuse the expression!

Vishwanath
18 sep 2006

Luv in Vallikkavu

I decided to go to the concret seva at the Amrita Setu and take some shots to put up on the website. The work was in full swing. I shot some pics.

Seeing the work and enthusiasm of the people, there was an irresistible pull. I switched off my camera, hung it around my neck, took the shovel and started off. I felt like becoming brick in the bridge of compassion of Amma.

The bridge is Amma’s compassion for the villagers.

Most of the newcomer Brahmacharis and devotees were wondering… ‘How come he is doing it so fast and efficiently?'
Probably they don’t know the history of the ashram….
In the early days, Amma and the Brahmacharis were doing all the concreting work for the main ashram building and for the A flats. That too involved all the unloading and carrying of the materials and cement from the boat for the concrete work across the backwaters. There were no machines for concreting. Everything was done manually.

Last night at 3.am I met Mr. Luv (or Lavan in Malayalam) under the bridge. He is the engineer in-charge of constructing Amrita Setu. We had a 15 minutes discussion about the bridge. He thought that the next days concrete work would be over by 4 pm.

Btw, an interesting thing..
Remember? Sri Rama constructed the bridge to Sri Lanka. Monkey Neelan was the engineer.
Now Amma is constructing the bridge across Vallikkavu backwaters. Luv is the engineer.
( Luv is the name of Sri Rama’s son.)

Sri Rama had monkeys for the seva; Amma has her children.

Dhyanamrita
17 sep 2006

Like one of Rama's Monkeys

The word was out last night! Sunday morning, all the ashram residents
would be doing 'bridge seva'!Amma's request ! I decided i'd go and join
in...

the seva was due to start at 9.30 am...i got held up for sometime due to
some unavoidable circumstances...around 11.30 i got ready to leave for the bridge, before i left, i told a bramhachari who works with me, 'today i'm going to build the bridge, like one of rama's monkeys!', he laughed and said goodbye.

when i got to the bridge, i saw the hospital doctors sitting there,
totally grey from the cement! they had started at 9.30, so they were
pretty dirty and exhausted by that time...i was immediately warned about the 'dirt' situation and was told to wear old clothes.

i ran back to my room, changed into an old t-shirt and ran back to the
construction place, Gurudas swami told me to start working on the other side(AICT side) of the bridge, when i got there, i was greeted by all my fellow bramhachari brothers, some of them wearing shirts, some of them without shirts, all of them flexing their non existent muscles!
I laughed and started working, we were supposed to carry sand and stones, so that it can be mixed with the cement...so an hour passed by, 1 pm, tired, looking around for some water, and there it comes, unfortunately, it is "chudu vellam", hot water! The tradional answer from kerala to people who ask for water! i decided to work without it, waiting for it to cool down...meanwhile, it had started to rain, rains have been pretty unpredictable the last week or so, unfailingly making it at the wrong time always...but today it was welcome, it was pretty hot so far, so rain was a welcome change. We all took shelter for 5-10 mins, the rain then slowed down and then we continued again.
Dhyanji came with his camera to click pictures of us, most of us were
pretty embarrassed and we joked saying that we dont look at our photogenic best today!

after sometime, it was snack time! sudhamshu came with some biscuits from the bakery and everybody started digging in, nevermind that our hands were dirty! Then to our good luck, shraddhaji came with some juice for everyone! Hail the lord! We all drank a lot of juice, then got back to serious work, the climate was pleasant, most of the people who came with initial enthusiasm had left, so it was just us 15 or so bramhacharies continued...2.30! shouts all around, everyone looks up with surprise! The concrete laying was finished! The combined efforts of all the people involved, although slow and clumsy, was able to accomplish finishing the work which would've otherwise taken quite a lot of time. This is just like amma's example that although all of us maybe zero watt bulbs, you put 100 of them together and you can read really well!

Anyway, the rest of the day will be spent recovering, around amma
ofcourse, as she will be on the stage all day giving darshan, so planning
to spend the rest of the day over there... around her, recovering,
smiling, ....

vikas.
september 17,2006.

Giver of pure love and devotion

Amma walked on to the stage looking so robust and majestic, like She really meant business. And She did deliver a set of powerful bhajans:

Nanda Nandana Hare
Ellamirikkilum Illatirikkil
Ajivanantam Bhajikyum Nyan
Sundara Kanna Kanna
Anantamayi Patarunnorakasame
Badi Duvidha Me (Hindi)
Vennai Unda Vayinal (Tamil)
Om Namah Shivaya
Jai Ma Ambe

It is always a delight to hear Amma sing Anantamayi Patarunnorakasame. Somehow the song has some uncanny power to stir something within. I guess that’s Amma’s sankalpa working through the bhajans. Sometimes I think how lucky we are, being able to attend Amma’s bhajans. In fact how lucky Amma’s children everywhere are on every level. By virtue of their faith and yearning for the Divine She has taken form among the living and is showing us the way. Now is this a miracle or what?

Anantamayi Patarunnorakasame:

The sky is vastly expanding, vibrant with enthusiasm, the inner being awakens. O Mother, Ambika, Eternal Virgin, Blissful one, The Immaculate!

Never again allow this suppliant to succumb to temptation. The pains of my heart are growing with the passing days; are you aware of it, Goddess of my heart?

Do I not have a Mother? Tell me o Blissful One, Tell me!

I seek neither bliss nor anything else; give me only pure love and devotion

Vishwanath
15 sep 2006

Krishna everywhere

Today is Sri Krishna Jayanti. I was thinking that maybe I have become enlightened since all day I have seen only Krishna everywhere, but no, it is all the ashram kids and the devotees toddlers that have been transmuted into little baby Krishna’s. They are so sweet and act as a great reminder of how we should also become innocent and childlike in order to attract the Lord to us. Amma has been in such a playful mood all day, surrounded by so many children. The bhajans tonight were:


Jai Ganesha Jai Ekadanta
Varalunna Hridayattil
Pati Pukazhtuvan
Mukhi Asude prabhuche Nam
Sarva Vyapiye
Ambe Galanu
Om Namah Shivaya
Ushakala Neram
Jai Jai Kali Ma

Vishwanath
14 sep 2006

why i am not forgetting?

"amma yennulloru namam orthidave romancham akunnatenthe?"

oh what a bhajan tonight! amma sang with a full voice.
"ammayennulloru namam orthidave" i love it so much.
these lines are not just written out of imagination by the poet, but they are born out of real experience of his love-bond with amma.

i used to look at the sky and sing
"neelambhudihi yilum neelambudhathilum swetambaramthilum nokki.."
looking into the blue sky, blue ocean, white sky, i stand with my hairs on end.
when i see these i think about you amma. oh kali.. oh shyame.


in the love i forgot everything -
"dahavumilla vishappumillannaho snanadiyum vittu poyi"
- to eat, to drink to sleep at times and and to even meet the calls of nature.. i forgot.

what a love for the divine!

i used to sing this song and cry.

when i could not feel the love, i used to sing with some alteration to the lines.
"ammayennulloru namam orthidave romancham akathatenthe?
amma en amma ee chinthayil innu njan ellam marakkatha tenthe?"
why are my hairs not standing on end when i think of your divine name?
why i am not forgetting everything in the thought 'amma amma'.

once i even sang like that in front of Amma during darshan. it was before joining the ashram. Amma was giving darshan in the hut with about 10 people around her.

later, after many years, amma told me that she tied me to herself after i sang that song. even though she loves me otherwise, this song was the hook for the divine.

Dhyanamrita

12 Sep 2006

Ammayennulloru Namam

Tonights Bhajans were:

Nanda Nandana

Azhikullil Dinakaran

Ammayennulloru Namamorttitave

Pannagabhushana Paramadayalo

Tiruvati Teti Vanten (Tamil)

Vanimani Mate (Hindi)

Amma sang the song Ammayennulloru Namamorttitave, which I don’t remember hearing that often. For a moment I thought she wanted to sing Ammayennullora Tenmozhikkokumo and was about to announce, but then Ramu made sure that I got it right. And what a nice song it is:

Why is it that my hairs stand on end when I happen to remember the word ‘Amma’? Why am I forgetting everything else when I think of my Mother?

What is my mind pining for and why is my body trembling when I look at the blue sea, the blue clouds and the white sky?

Vishwanath

12 sep 2006

Morning in Amritapuri

"Jaya Jaya He Mahishasuramardini Ramya Kapardini Shailastute..." Village crows continue their own version of the chant while Ashramites line up for chai after morning Archana. Roosters crow, and waves crash against the rocky breakers. Another day begins in Amritapuri.


Sri Pati - USA

9 September 2006

Bhaktavatsale Devi

As a result to requests I post the lyrics to Bhaktavatsale Devi here. They are of course very approximate. Writing Malayalam with roman letters and without proper transliteration codes is only indicative of the correct pronunciation. Anyhow as Amma says, if the child does not know how to intone “mother” correctly, it does not mean that she will not respond. Singing along with a recording of Amma singing this song is good way to familiarize oneself with the song.



Bhaktavatsale Devi Ambike Manohari
Bhakta janartti tirppan shaktayayimevum devi -

O Devi, O Ambika, Beauty Personified, O Thou Who art
Affectionate towards devotees, may Thou dwell here in order to
End the sufferings of devotees!

Matavayatum niye tatanayatum niye
Matula bhratakkalum gurunathayum niye

Thou alone hast become the Mother, Father, Uncle, Elders and Guru

Ennall ikkanunna sarvvayum niyanennu
Ennute guru arul cheytatorttirunnu nyan

Not only that... I have sat listening to my Guru who says that
Thou art, in fact, everything that is seen

Ni tanne sarvvasvam en dinata tirppan shakta
Ni tanne ellattilum naraya verayatum

Thou art everything, powerful enough to end my misery, the tap root of all

Ni tanne sarva bhutanathayayi nilkkunnaval
Ni tanne sarvasvavum kattu raksikkunnolum

Thou standest as the Ruler of all beings, Thou art everything
and its protector as well

Visvasichevam bhaktya stutichu bhajikkunnen
Visvaika nathe ninne kanuvan asikkunnen

Believing this, I am praising Thee with devotion, O Goddess of the Universe,
I desire to see Thee

Etra nalayi ninne kanuvan asichu nyan
Ittiri neram polum tettate bhakikkunnen

Since how many days have I been desiring to see Thee? I Am praising Thee without losing even a moment

Ennil nin entenkilum tettukal sambhavicho
Ennute dukham tirkkan ishtam illayi kayalo?

Did some mistake happen on my part or is it that Thou hast no mind to end my sorrow?

Ennakakkambu ventu vennirakatte enno
Onnume ariyate sambhrantayakunnu nyan

Or perhaps Thou wishest that my inner self get burnt to ash.
I am getting confused…I know nothing

Dinarayi mevunnore santvanappetuttimum
Dinavatsala yallo niyamme mahamaye

O Mother, The Great Illusion, art Thou compassionate to the afflicted,
consoling those who dwell in misery?

Ammaykku makkal ellam tulyam ennulla satyam
Ulpuvil darichatu mithyayayi bhavikkyumo

Will the truth which I keep in my heart, that all the children are equal to the Mother, become false?

Nyan onnapekshichitum enne ni trikkan parttu
Dinata tirppan alpam karunyamritattinayi

In order to end my misery, I will request a little of the nectar of Thy grace pouring from the glance of thy holy eyes

Nin mukham kani kanan ninnati kalil vinu
Janma saphalyattinayi varatte yacichitum

I will fall at Thy feet in order to see Thy gracious face and beg for the boon of the fulfillment of life

Nin arikattu vannu vinu kenapekshikkum
Enne ni upekshichal ennute gatiyentu?

Coming near, I will beg of Thee, what will be my fate if I am forsaken?

Dinarekkattitunna nin tirumizhikkale
Kanumarakename manasakkannil sada

O Protectress of the afflicted, I must see thee in the eye of my mind always

Ajnanakkuriruttil pettuzhalunnor enne
Vijnana dipam katti kattu rakshikkename

Showing the lamp of knowledge, save me
who is groping in the darkness of ingorance

Sarvasvarupe devi sarva mangale ninne
Sarvada kanikanan kattu rakshikkename

O Devi, Who art everything, the all-enchantress, save me
so that I can see Thee always

En manakkannil ninne kanikandanandippan
Nirmala bhaktya nityam ninnute namam oti

I Worshipped Thee with pure devotion by singing Thy Name always in order to gain Thy blissful sight in my mind’s eyes

Kanmasha nasiniyam ninneyum bhajichu nyan
Immahitalam tannil nalennikkazhiyunnu

Worshipping with pure devotion Thee who art the destroyer of sin,
I may enjoy the sight of Thee in my mind’s eye

Torate nityamoti aradhana cheyyuvan
Karyunya mundakane ambike bhagavati

Ambika, Bhagavati, be compassionate so that, always worshipping Thee,
I may enjoy the sight of Thee

Kannunnatellam ninte komala rupamayi-
kanuvanulla bhagyam tarane narayani

O Narayani, bless me with good luck to see everything as thy own form

cheyunna karmam ellam satkarmamayittiran
i ezhaykkekitane karunya piyusham ni

Deign to give the nectar of Thy Grace that all of my actions may become virtuous

ennute karnnagalil kelppatu sarvam ninte
dhanya namangalayikkittirkkane kartyayani

O Katyayani, let whatever I hear become Thy blessed Names

ennute bandhukkalayi ninnute bhaktanmare
ennarikattu nityam kanumaraketaname

May I see thy devotees always near me as my relatives

en duritangal ellam enne vitta kaluvan
nintiru namamritam aushadham ayitane

May the nectar of Thy Holy Name be as medicine
to cure of all my miseries

trippadaseva cheyyan enikku varameki
ammayam ninmarukil enneyum cherttitane

Granting me the boon of serving Thy Holy Feet, O Mother, keep me near Thee

trippada patmangale sevichu vanitunna
tvadbhakta samuhattil cherkkane karunyabdhe

O Ocean of Mercy, let me join the group of Thy devotees
who live serving Thy Holy Lotus Feet

adinathayam devi trailokyanathe ente
atanka shantikkyayi nyanita vanangunnen!

O Primal Being, O Devi, Goddess of the three worlds, where must I go to get relief from my misery?


Vishwanath
11 sep 2006

Amrita TV is back

After being absent from the bhajan hall for sometime, Amrita TV was again present tonight filming the bhajans. Lights, cameras, and all sorts of equipment were aimed at the stage bathing Amma in light. I thought to myself that is their anything Amma will not put up with for the happiness of Her children? So many people will be able to enjoy Amma’s profound bhajans in their own homes. Who still says technology is a bad thing?

Amma sang the following tonight:

Vraj Me Aisa
Amme Yi Jivente
Muka Ganam
Kasturi Tilakam
Katinnu Katayi
Bholanatha Re
Where Can I Go?
Amma Amma Taye

Vishwanath
11 sep 2006

Morning Meditation

Recently, Amma requested that Her Western devotees meditate together by the sea from 6:30-7:30am and 5-6pm daily. After morning Archana and Chai, a number of Westerners can be seen making their way to the seaside. We take a path that goes through some of the neighboring village, and along the way are local vendors selling coconut milk, snacks and tea. Villagers can be seen sweeping their walks to start the day, or waiting for the bus.

Scattered along the shoreline, we sit in meditation. Some do the IAM Technique, others salute the sea, while others simply sit with eyes closed. There is an abundance of sounds and sights that are conducive to meditation; the waves crashing against the rocks, a distant rooster crowing, the morning sun softly shining through the trees, and the dew drops poised perfectly still on the pine tree needles. Focusing intently on any one of these can turn thoughts inward when the mind wants to wander off. And of course, there are also plenty of distractions.

Today, as I sit cross-legged on a cement block, I feel the concrete against my skin, cold and hard. A fairly inexperienced meditator, I am easily distracted and I become acutely aware of each fly that lands on my arm, hand, or cheek. I don't want to break my concentration, so I try not to brush it away. But inevitably, my hand comes up and gently shoos the fly. I return to the sound of the waves and feel drawn inward - until another fly lands and I am distracted again.

This goes on for the hour I am there. I question when I will reach a place where the mind isn't drawn away from meditation by even small distractions. Amma says to keep our eyes firmly on the goal and move forward. I will continue to practice in hopes of quieting my unruly mind. I open my eyes and see the beauty around me and feel that with Amma's Grace, anything is possible.

Vimala - US
11 sep 06

Rain in Amritapuri

Though the rainy season has supposedly passed, here in Amritapuri, it seems to have never ended. When I first arrived on August 14th, it rained every night for a week. Long, steady downpours that leave ankle deep puddles all over the Ashram.

After that week of downpours, there seemed to be a break. But then it started again two days back. Just when you thought it was safe to hang your laundry on the roof – another downpour. ‘A second rinsing,’ joked an Ashramite.

Tonight, it poured just after bhajans while dinner was being served in the Main Hall. Westerners lined up for the canteen meal, hovering under the ledge of the hall, trying to stay out of the stream of water that was dripping off the roof. Those who ordered food at the Cafe got soaked trying to walk the few feet that separated the cafe from the dining area.

In the midst of all this, Amma had quietly walked to the new bridge which is being built across the back waters. The downpour had subsided, but it was still raining steadily. I ran there, only to see as Amma was walking back to Her room.

There were maybe a dozen people around Her – hardly anyone knew that Amma was out and about. A Brahmacharini was holding an umbrella trying to keep Amma’s body dry. But only Amma could protect Her feet from the water that had formed in puddles on the sandy ground. I watched as She tried to avoid the water. While chatting with those aroud Her, She would gaze ahead, then downwards, make an assessment of the situation, and plan the driest path. In slow, confident, and graceful steps, Amma walked back to Her room.

September 8, 2006
Sri Pati - US

Amma the Unpredictable

Today as Amma was coming for bhajans, She took a detour to the east-side of the bhajan hall where the Indian Shop and the two story building adjacent to it have been recently demolished to make more space for Amma’s upcoming birthday crowds. “Demolished!”, some people who have not yet heard about it might exclaim. It is actually quite nice, since the bhajan hall gets better air-circulation now. The shop is newly located at the side of the temple where the old library used to be.
Anyway, Amma went to see the site before coming up for bhajans. I don’t know what plans She has in mind for that space. We will see soon enough I guess. I love seeing the ashram grow and develop. It’s like watching a living organism take shape.
After Amma came up the ramp and I scrambled to get all the cables out of the way because usually She does not enter the stage from this side. She came in with one of Her mischievous smiles like She was saying: “I come and go as I please children, I am always watching your actions and might come at any moment, from anywhere. Are you ready?” Hands down, Amma continues to be unpredictable. That’s the beauty of it.
Amma sang:

Nanda Nandana
Samsara Dukha Samanam
Hridaya Nivasini Amme
Bandamontu Sontumondu (Tamil)
Pannaga Bhushana
Mor Mukut Vale (Hindi)
Ennile Enne Tirinnyu
He Amba

Somehow a very interesting selection, ‘Hridya Nivasini Amme' just blows me away with its sublime beauty and strength.
Ramu who plays harmonium, got his ear twisted as a scolding by Amma for starting Jai Ambe by mistake instead of He Amba.
I also announced Jai Ambe wrong first.
I also want Amma to twist my ear!

Vishwanath
8 sep 2006

Another try

Arriving for the first time at Amma’s Ashram in India after 35 hours with hardly any sleep, two delayed flights, and a two-hour dirve on Indian roads was quite a shock. When somebody asked me for my first impressions I mostly answered: “Crowded, plain, and even though I have my Mom with me, I feel completely lost.”

The Orientation Tour on the first day was a good start, but many more questions appeared and I had to look for information on my own. I felt like taking the next flight back home.

The situation somehow changed when Amma gave me my spiritual name, which was always a good topic for starting conversations. And even though drying dishes wasn’t my favourite Seva, in the end, it meat lots of fun and wonderful conversation with others who were helping.

Amma’s energy was fascinating, especially when I was sitting near Her – giving Prasad, or just watching. But it often was so crowded that I preferred to stay in the background. I had wonderful experiences, met amazing people, and would also recommend the Backwaters Tour. I’ll probably give it another try.

7-9-2006

Nistula S (20) Germany.

What can I say?

Om Namah Sivayah,
I am spending a few weeks here in Amma's Ashram.
I'm asking myself: "What can I say?" I feel it impossible to put into words anything that happens in this 'magic' place on the planet. There's not even a second of wasting time. Amma takes care of each one's precise necessities at every moment. Sometimes, you get a sweet smile from Her and some other times you may get a look from Her right into your eyes. Meanwhile, She puts you in situations that are difficult for you to manage and She also sends some people you have problems communicating with, to let you see how your mind reacts. This way, the ‘vasanas’ show up so you can see them.

Right now, I’m sitting under one of the big trees by the main Temple. In front of me, there is this never ending queue of Indians waiting for Amma’s Darshan. It’s amazing!! They’re all ages. From very old ones to very little babies whose patient mothers hold them for hours until they get to Amma’s arms. I can’t describe the feeling I get while seeing Her taking care and embracing so many people with such generosity, happiness, and love....

I came on July 29th with my 16 year old boy Daniel, affected by Downe’s Syndrome. I think Amma has given us a lesson through him – What society refuses as a retarded person, to Her, is the most beautiful human being in the world. No ego. Just love and innocence. He’s feeling at home here under Amma’s protection, love, and joy. We’ll go back home to Catalonia (Spain) next Wednesday. However, we don’t feel sad because we know we’ll take Amma with us into our hearts so She will continue taking care of Daniel and myself.

Om Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu

Maria – Catalonia, Spain
7 Sep 06

Two Prayers

I’m a left liberal academic from the USA who never dreamed I would ever be at a school where the day starts with the chanting of prayers, an act that is at the source of intense American political and cultural tension. At Amma’s University, however, the 8:30 AM prayers come from the heart of Sanatana Dharma, the teachings so the Eternal Wisdom. They seem so natural and so obvious a way to begin the day. Two of the prayers are the Shanti mantras that are chanted on Amma’s tours in which we ask to be lead from untruth to truth, from darkness to light, from death to immortality and where we pray for the happiness of all beings. The last prayer of the morning is the one where we express the eternal infinite fullness of creation. Two other prayers are not commonly said on Amma’s tours, but are perfect for a school setting. One goes like this:
Om! Sahanaavavatu Sahanau Bhunaktu Sahaveeryam Karavaavah: |
Thejasvinaa Vadheethamastu Maa Vidvishaa Vahaih: ||
Om! Shaanthih Shaanthih Shaanthih. Om!

May He, the Supreme Lord, protect us both,
The teacher and the student. May He nourish us both.
May our study be thorough and fruitful.
May we not hate each other.
Om ! Peace, Peace, Peace


The other prayer is another call for auspiciousness. It goes:
Om sarveshaam swastir bhavatu
Sarveshaam shantir bhavatu
Sarveshaam poornam bhavatu
Sarveshaam mangalam bhavatu
Meaning:
Auspiciousness (swasti) be unto all; peace (shanti) be unto all;
fullness (poornam) be unto all; auspiciousness (mangalam) be unto all

A bird chirping, a cow mooing, and a lion roaring are so natural and in tune with the universe and so is the chanting of the mantras that begin the day at Amma’s university.

Mukunda Cohn

Amma came early

I was sitting outside my room above the bhajan hall when I saw some white saris moving at the speed of light towards the stage which usually of course means that Amma is coming or going somewhere. My sisters, the brahmacharinis have a sixth sense of some sort, I feel. Amma was arriving for bhajans unusually early at around 6.10 pm, having finished darshan already. Quickly grabbing everything I ran down and made it just in time. Sometimes I feel that Amma wants to break routine in order to test the awareness of the ashramites. I remember long time ago when this kind of unpredictability was a hallmark of ashram life here in Amritapuri. I always kept everything ready, even at night, because Amma might any moment call for something, like a night meditation on the beach, some sand seva or just for something fun together with Her children. Nowadays Amma is so busy that She does not have so much time for these kind of things, but still sometimes She finds time for little surprises like going swimming with everybody.
My mind is wandering; I was supposed to write about the bhajans.
Amma’s hair was ruffled after giving darshan for so many hours. She was in a very sweet mood and the ruffled hair made her somehow look even more beautiful in my eyes.
Amma sang the following:

Jai Ganesha Jai Ekadanta
Viraha Ki Badal (Murali Bajate Ana)
Manasa Vacha Karmana
Keva Bhavama (Gujarati)
Mere Vich Ram (Punjabi)
Adi Parashakti (Tamil Version)

Swarna who plays the keyboard was still on her way back from the institute on the otherside of the backwaters, so Sathya played for the first two bhajans. He was clearly enjoying himself, ornamenting the raga with some interesting sounding licks. Swarna came up in time to take over for Manasa Vacha Karmana.
There was a new Gujarati song called Keva Bhavama.
After singing Adi Parashakti, Amma ended the bhajans at around 7.30 pm.

Vishwanath
7.9.2006

Damayanthi Amma

Swamiji is pushing Damayanthi Amma, the mother of our beloved Amma, through the ashram grounds to darshan.

Dhyanamrita
4 Sep 06

Life is a celebration

it's Onam. all over Kerala people are joyously celebrating Onam.
children... they spend their days plucking flowers and running around after dragon flies, arranging the courtyard with flowers...
with new dresses they swing on the trees...

here also in the ashram we have one swing next to amma's room. almost all the swamis have used it at least once. The 'grown ups' watch the 'children' with wonder.

i remember what amma always says: "we have to be childlike, we should cultivate that innocence..."

with amma every one becomes a child.



The 'grown ups' watch the child with wonder


Dhyanamrita
4 Sep 06

children swings

Children swinging near Amma's room

Dhyanamrita
4 Sept 06

Orphaned in this world?

Again Amma was greeted by the cheerful sound of Her children from the Parippally Orphanage. The whole front of the hall was teeming with little ones who are so full of enthusiasm when they come to Amritapuri to see their own Amma.

Jai Gopalaka Jay Hitakari
Arundu Cholluvan
Omkara Swararupini
Tirumukham Darshanam (Tamil)
Kannir Katalukal
Hail To Your Glory (English)
Gange Ginta Pavitralu (Kannada)
Shiva Shiva Hara Hara
Ambe Jagadambe

Somehow Amma’s voice was so clear and full of strength tonight. I mean that sometimes, because Amma has to speak day and night to devotees and disciples, Her voice really suffers and can at times rather hoarse. Tonight Her voice sounded to my ears like it was crystal clear. A little bit like I remember it being ten years ago.
After bhajans the Parippally children were again lined up waiting for Amma to come down the ramp. It so touching to see them trying to hold Amma’s hand and hug Her. They are a good symbol of us all, orphaned in this world, trying to return to the source.

Viswanath, Finland
4 Sep 06

Onam present

A cat gave birth to two kittens and is happily settled in one of the brahmachari dormitories.






This reminds me of something that Amma says about devotion. Devotion is of two types. One is like that of baby monkey and one like that of a kitten. A kitten is happy wherever the mother places it. If it is suffering at all, it will just cry. Then the mother cat will come pick it up by the scruff of its neck and place it in a better location. The mother knows what the baby needs.

A baby monkey will hold on to its mother regardless of the situation.

Which type of devotion we have is up to us... just as long as we are a devotee it doesn't matter which.

Dhyanamrita
4 sep 06

Spiritual name

It is nineteen years since I first met Amma. On that occasion, in
Paris, we all asked her for a mantra, which she freely gave; but having a
spiritual name was never an issue for us. I was from time to time
bothered by being unable to explain my Christian name (Anthony), which can
be traced back to Roman times but has no known meaning; but as it did not
occur to my friends to seek a new name I thought no more about it.

So it was quite a surprise to find myself in Amritapuri this year
considering whether to ask Amma for a name. I had no idea of the
procedure, but resolved to ask Her to give me a name; and so I went up in
darshan. Amma said: "You sit later for name." This meant waiting until
darshan was ending and all those wanting a mantra had been attended to.
Four or five of us, all Westerners, were waiting for a name. Amma
apparently consults a book together with one of the brahmacharis and
announces the name, which the person concerned has to repeat out loud.

So now I have a new and much longer name, Dayakaran -- which means Giver of
Compassion or Source of Compassion. I have written it on my food card,
and sent messages to friends and family announcing it; but it will take
some time for it to sink in and for me to appreciate its significance. As
one of the swamis explained, if the name seems unfamiliar or
inappropriate, "that's the whole point: you have to live up to it."

DAYAKARAN (from the UK)
3 Sep 06

Evening Amritapuri

Just as every day is a celebration with Amma at Amritapuri, the sky adds a colorful backdrop for every evening.

Bhaktavatsale was sheer bliss

As Amma walked onto the stage tonight She was greeted by a cheerful “Om Amriteshwaryai Namah” from the children of Her Parippally orphanage. Amma looked happily down at the little girls in the front row smiling radiantly.
I often look at the children that come near Amma and wonder at their innocence, wanting desperately to imbibe some of it, but the past still weighs on my shoulders. Still I am hopeful, seeing how the people who have been around Amma for a long time, have become very childlike in a positive sense.
Today Amma sang the following:

Sirme Mayur Mukut
Tapta Manasam Ullilenthum
Aldbhuta Charitre Amara Vandite
Shyama Varna Sundara bala (Hari Bol Hari Bol)
Bhaktavatsale Devi Ambike Manohari
Om Namah Shivaya
Sarva Vyapiye
Ananda Janani Atanka Samani

There were some funny moments as Amma started singing a Radha’s new song Sarva Vyapiye, but who wasn’t present on the stage like she usually is. So Bhavani had to start singing it instead, without actually knowing the song, and with the lyrics nowhere to be found. After a little while Amma noticed what was going on and started laughing looking back at Bhavani. Considering all that, despite the confusion it went pretty well.

Watching Amma sing Bhaktavatsale Devi was sheer bliss. I could see the tears of devotion roll from the corner of Her eye. This particular song especially seems to send Amma into ecstasy every time She sings it. The energy around Her during this time is very intense, She almost seems ooze purity and holiness. I’m sure everyone in the hall felt it deeply.

Vishwanath
1.9.2006