Ashram Diary

Ashram diary moved to blogs.amritapuri.org

2007-08-28T22:55:00.000+05:30

Om Namah Sivaya,

This Blog has now been moved permanently from here. All of Amma blogs are now integrated into this one single site — ‘http://blogs.amritapuri.org.’ From now onwards, new postings will appear here.

In Blogs.amritapuri.org, the main page shows the 10 latest blog postings. You can also view latest posts in each category (With Amma, Ashram Diary, Amrita News, Amrita Darshan).

We welcome your ongoing contributions, comments and support.

Thank you!

See you there...

Namah Sivayah

Bhajans

2007-08-25T15:29:00.000+05:30

Yesterday Amma was meeting with the press for quite a long time.

In the evening the bhajans were:

Gopala Govinda Krishna
Karuna Nir Katale
Man Re Sikh Prabhu ka nam (Hindi)
Kalpantarangalkkum
Amme Yi Jivente
Mere Hridya Sree Rama Base (Hindi)
Ni Intri Verarumillai (Tamil)
Om Namah Shivaya
Jai Ma Ambe

Vishwanath
25 August 2007

at Amrita Niketan

2007-08-24T15:23:00.000+05:30

A visit to Amrita Niketan, the orphanage and boarding school for disadvantaged children at Parippally, is often a highlight for visitors to the Amritapuri ashram. The recent visit of 45 international visitors was no exception. The children gave the visitors their usual warm-hearted welcome. The older students were having exams, but the younger students were available to share their songs and dances with the visitors.

Everyone enjoyed the Adivasi (tribal) dances. These are the circle dances the children learn in their villages. They sing in call and response as they dance. Often the leader will create new lyrics on the spot. The children invited the visitors to join in and many of the group took them up on their offer. Some of the group caught on quickly, so the children began dancing in more complicated patterns until they all collapsed in laughter and exhaustion!

Soon it was lunchtime and the group was treated to a delicious meal cooked by the Amma’s bramacharinis who are serving the orphanage children. Many said it was the best meal they had eaten during their stay at the ashram.

After lunch the group had a little time to play with the children. A young boy with his pet baby chipmunk was a big hit and made a great photo opportunity. All too soon it was time to return to the ashram. The children and visitors walked hand in hand to the bus and a few tears were shed. I thought how quickly friends are made when hearts are open. The pure hearts of these children can’t help but touch all who meet them.

Rita S.

Celebration and Culture

2007-08-24T14:42:00.000+05:30

As I crossed the bridge going to my seva I knew something was up. Sacred drumming was coming from the direction of the Biotech Building and loud cheers rent the air from time to time. All the female students I saw were dressed in their best. Many were wearing the traditional white cotton Kerala sari, bordered with gold trim. Fragrant jasmine strands adorned their hair.

When I arrived at the building I was amazed to see a huge statue of Kali, two elephants with Amma’s picture on their backs and many costumd dancers. They were awaiting the arrival of the mythical, exiled King Mahabali. Every year at Onam the beloved ruler comes to visit his former subjects in Kerala to see how they are faring in this modern world. King Mahabali was arriving a few days early at Amrita University as the students will have a week’s holiday to spend celebrating with family and friends.

The holiday has the emotional resonance of Christmas. It is a time when families reunite, children receive new clothes and other gifts and all share a sumptuous repast on the last day of the ten-day festival.

Amma has stressed that a festival should be celebratory, but also reflect good culture. I decided to observe the celebration with this in mind and see if I felt the students’ festival reflected these values. By the end of day I was deeply impressed and moved by the wholesome, aesthetic, unified, deeply meaningful and joyous nature of the celebration.

A major theme of Onam is unity. I could see students from all around India and abroad participating together. Muslim girls dashed from event to event hand in hand with their Hindu friends. The celebration was a join venture of the Multimedia Department and the Biotech students who share the same building. Multimedia had really outdone themselves with the decorations, posters, the pookalam (traditional Onam flower arrangement) and all the arrangements. The Biotech students enthusiastically joined in all the games and competitions through out the day. The leadership and organizational abilities of the students were really impressive. They were held under the trees on a lush green lawn, reminding me of the Gurukula campuses of old.

Throughout Amrita Unviversity the festival was celebrated during the day. Seeing all this I wished that I could have attended a University like this when I was young. Seeing these young people I thought that India must certainly prosper in the future as these brilliant, energetic and cultured young people take their place in society.

Rita S.

Double Darshan

2007-08-22T17:24:00.000+05:30

Yesterday while Amma was giving darshan in the evening, everyone was captivated by a divine play. There was this small child (about five years old) who could only speak broken, yet very sweet, Malayalam. It (not sure whether it was a boy or a girl) wanted to come near Amma, so it started making loud noises and its mother tried hard to calm it down. Suddenly Amma looked at it and called it to sit near her. The child was extremely happy. It went and sat right next to Amma. For some time it kept looking at Amma intently. Since there was a large crowd of devotees, people were trying to move the child away, in order to clear some space around Amma so that the crowd could move easily. But this child was not ready to budge even an inch from there. Even if someone forcefully moved it away, it would shout at them loudly, come back and sit right next to Amma.

Amma was laughing at all this. After some time she asked the child to also give darshan. And instantly, the child started giving darshan. It was so full of innocence and purity. Those who were on the male side of the darshan queue were now getting the darshan from this small child and then from Amma. The child would first hug them just like Amma does and then it would loudly say something like “medi kutti” thrice, just like Amma says “my darling son” or “my darling daughter” . After that, the child would even give prasad like Amma does, putting it in the hands of each person who came to it. Of course, the prasad was imaginary. Amma was laughing watching this, and so was everyone around. This went on for quite sometime. The child would try to reach out to the next person in queue as soon as Amma hugged the person in front. Whenever the child uttered “medi kutti” loudly, everyone burst out laughing.

Due to this double darshan, the pace slowed down. Seeing this, some ashramites who wanted Amma to take rest, since she had been giving darshan for so many days continuously, were trying hard to move the child away. At this, the child would make faces and scold them in Malayalam saying things like, “Don’t touch me,” “Go away.” etc. The sweet thing was that the very next moment, it would smile at them also. Amma was giggling and laughing at all this. Seeing all this for long time, the father of the child became worried. He stood up in a repentative posture, as if very upset about the whole thing. Amma immediately turned towards him and asked him not to worry. She told the parents that once when Amma had gone to North America, there was a child, who came up to Amma and said, “Amma, you take rest for some time; now I will give darshan for a while.” Everyone laughed hearing this. The double darshan continued.

Even though Amma was not bothered and was thoroughly enjoying what was happening, the father was getting restless. He came near the child and tried to forcibly take the child away. Of course that didn't work. The child was glued next to Amma. It would make loud cries whenever its father tried to take it away. It would show a lot of anger and resentment on its face and say in Malayalam, “Don’t say Anything!” “I have to give darshan,” “Don’t bother me,” “Dad, go and sit there.” etc. Finally, the father gave up. Immediately the child smiled and said, “Accha [Dad], come I will give you darshan.” Everyone burst out laughing once again, including Amma. It seemed like this child was not going to move away. Anyway, the double darshan continued for about half an hour. Ashramites, parents and everyone else gave up because the child was just not ready to move away. However the devotees were thoroughly enjoying the double hug and imaginary prasad.

Amit
8 Aug 2007

Tuesday Bhajans

2007-08-21T21:12:00.000+05:30

Tonight’s bhajans were:

Manasa Chora Radha Krishna (Hindi)
Arikil Undenkilum
Dehachya Muralita (Marathi)
Anantamayi Patarunna
Mohalu Champpara (Telugu)
Oru Nalum Piriyatto
Om Shakti Om Shakti (Tamil)
Jai Jai Kali Ma

Vishwanath
21 August 2007

Mind, Speech and Action

2007-08-20T23:09:00.000+05:30

Through Mind, Speech and Action

Tonight Amma treated us to the following Bhajans:

Sri Krishna Saranam
Azhikullil
Jagadiswari Janamanaharini
Nirajanam (Telugu)
Bholanatha Re (Hindi)
Manasa Vacha
Enaikakka Unaiyantri (Tamil)
Jai Jai Janani Jai Ho Teri (Hindi)

The old song Manasa Vacha Karmana is just so beautiful that I could stay up a whole night listening to Amma singing it. The lyrics are so sweet:

Through my mind, speech and actions I am remembering Thee incessantly.
I am a miserable destitute. I have none but you, O Mother.
Give me some peace of mind lest I become a lunatic.
Please stop your tests, extend your hand and pull me up.
O Darling Mother, Please grant me a little relief!

Vishwanath
20 August 2007

Three Avatars

2007-08-20T15:07:00.000+05:30

Three Avatars: In Amma’s Presence

Only last week my mind was specifically drawn to one of the 1000 Divine Names of LalitaDevi - Karanguli nakhotpanna narayana dashaakruti.- meaning,
“Devi, from Whose nails rise the 10 Avatars of Lord Narayana…..”

The ten incarnations that find mention in the Dashavatara in the Bhagavatam trace a kind of evolution from lower to higher levels. While the list begins with a tiny fish that grew gigantic, the last ones, Sri Rama, Vamana and Sri Krishna, are incarnations of Vishnu in human form. God the Lord would not mind taking any form in order to protect His creation, is the message given. And according to the Name mentioned above, Devi is the One from whom descend these divine Incarnations.

We in the present times are seeing a most wonderful thing: While the Bhagavatam spoke of Lord Narayana’s (Vishu) descending, it did not mention Devi’s; and here we have Devi Herself descended for our benefit. Amma the Mother of Compassion had no rhyme nor reason to come to us, but it is only due to her compassion that is She amidst us.

These few months here in Amritapuri have been a sort of revelation to me. While a month (Karkitakam) was dedicated to the reading of Lord Rama’s glories, (refer to an earlier write-up) just as it culminated on the 16th, the next day preparations began for the celebration of the other of the Avatars, Vamana. Everyday pookkalams (flower designs) are drawn in several places of the ashram in his welcome. His celebrations end around the 27th, with Onam, and soon we will be celebrating the birth of the next glorious Avatar, Sri Krishna.

Amidst all this, Amma, the SarvaSakshi, or witness of everything, sits as the center of the Universe, doing what She has come to do, generously giving love and bliss, transforming hearts, to millions of Her children.

Sandhya

Melting Pot of Languages

2007-08-18T03:26:00.000+05:30

Amma's Melting Pot of Languages at the Seva Desk

Each morning, at the Seva desk, we get a list of those who have checked in the day before so we can distribute little 'Seva' reminders to their room inviting them (if they wish) to help with Seva during their stay. The list is a veritable melting pot of countries, languages and cultures - 34 countries at last count, the majority from Europe. The list includes people from almost all continents except Antarctica and Africa (though I recollect seeing Kenya and Cameroon in the past).

This season, (Aug/Sep), there are quite a few people from France. In fact, in terms of numbers, they are pretty much equal to the Americans with just over 100 from each country. In terms of representation however, the Finnish always take the lead. Over 30+ people are here from a country of just 5 million. If an equal proportion of Americans came, there would be close to 1800 from the US alone.

Whenever someone comes to the Seva Desk, generally the first question I ask is what language they speak. Hopefully, (for me at least) it's English, otherwise, my partner at the Seva Desk, Dayalu, who knows both Italian and German, takes over. If they speak French, I try to muster a bit of what I learned in Jr. High School and I attempt to explain the various Seva needs of the moment such as "Nous bezoin beaucoup des persons apres midi pour lavez les petite casseroles" – meaning: 'We need many people in the afternoon to wash small cooking vessels'. It works for dish washing, but for waste collection or more detailed seva, I wind up thoroughly confusing them, in which case I have to locate a translator.

Dayalu and I are always challenged by visitors who don't speak one of the languages we know. Luckily, there are a many bi-lingual people here who can be called upon to help in a pinch, or sometimes, there's someone they are travelling with who speaks English and can translate. If there is no one to translate, we have to resort to an ad-hoc form of sign-language to demonstrate such tasks as Veggie Chopping or sweeping in the Temple. This often brings about a few laughs and we have a good time enjoying the puzzled looks on each other's faces. Unfortunately, no one has yet to invent a universal translator like on Star Trek, but here in Amritapuri, the language of love (and laughter) works quite well.

Sri Pati
17 August 2007

First meeting....

2007-08-18T02:57:00.000+05:30

This evening, as I was walking towards the Bhajan Hall, I noticed a large group of westerners gathered in front of the main temple. Figuring they had just arrived and might need some help, I offered. Indeed, they had just arrived an hour ago and would be leaving around 7:30pm. They were all from Germany and were sad at having missed darshan – none of them had met Amma before. I gave them a brief introduction to the Ashram and managed to gather a few Embracing the World brochures even though the Information Center was closed at the time. I explained that Amma would be coming down for bhajans in a few moments and perhaps they would like to see Her come out of Her room.

So I brought them around to the front of Amma’s house where they patiently waited. I told them that Amma may not even come out for Bhajans, but they should wait and hopefully Amma would walk by on her way to the hall. As I looked at the group lined up on either side of the pathway, I wondered at how they would react to their first glimpse of Amma, and of course, how Amma would react to this large group of new comers.

After about 5 minutes, Amma came down the stairs and made her way through the gathered crowd. I was standing next to one of the women from the group. As Amma walked by, She briefly looked up at this woman, and with a beautiful big look of welcoming surprise, said ‘Ah!’, and with a huge smile, her hand gently stroked the woman’s face. Amma then walked off to the stage. Afterwards, I saw this woman beaming while recounting the event to her friend.

I’m sure this first meeting will be forever etched in this woman’s heart...

Sri Pati
17 August 2007

Thy Holy Feet

2007-08-17T20:55:00.000+05:30

Nin Tirupadattil – Thy Holy Feet

Today there was no public darshan so Amma came to bhajans directly from her room looking fresh and vibrant with many children around her.
The bhajans were sweet as always. The songs were:

Nandakumara Vanditarupa
Mauna Ghanamritam
Adi Parashakti
Makaranda Madhurya
Mithi Madhuri
Nin Tirupadattil Vinita Papi
Om Namah Shivaya
Amma Amma Taye

I haven’t heard Amma sing the song Nin Tirupadattil Vinita Papi very much in recent years. Very profound song with so nice lyrics:

This sinner has fallen at Thy holy feet and is crying with an aching heart. Kindly remove my fears and bring joy to my heart, O God.

Thou art not just hymns and songs, but the lawgiver who looks after human hearts.

I have no strength. The all-powerful One surely has mercy on the helpless.
Give me Thy blessing in the darkness of this earthly life.

Protect the boat of my life from being sunk in the waves. Give me strength to remember Thy Divine Form, O Lord!

Vishwanath
17 August 2007

3 great problems

2007-08-17T20:45:00.000+05:30

Jara, Mrityu, and Vyadhi (old age, death, and disease) are three great problems inherent to human existence. The scriptures speak of spirituality as the remedy for these. They prescribe living in a Guru's presence as the sole way out of the misery of life, which is full of limitations. These limitations are due to one's identification with the body-mind complex, rather than with the Atman.

Living with Satguru Amma is such a great fortune for all who have the Grace to do so. It is also auspicious to meet with death (Mrityu) in Her presence. The great poet Sri Ottur Unni Namboodirapad's memorable passing in Amritapuri (recorded in one of the Awaken Children volumes) is a highly inspiring account of such divine grace.

There are about 3000 residents here in Amritapuri of all age groups and nationalities. Living in the Ashram impacts all areas of our lives. We are taught to imbibe a point of view towards Jara, Mrityu and Vyadhi in a totally fresh, meaningful and benevolent way – thanks to Amma and Amma only. When one of us dies, we have the whole Ashram with us to bid 'bon voyage' to our loved ones. Amma constantly reminds us that death is not an end in itself, but a pause before the continued journey.

Amma sings bhajans like Manobuddhya, (which declares that all is Siva and nothing else) and tells us often in satsangs about the transience of our worldly existence and the permanence of the Atman. So when one of us departs, we do not beat our chests or cry to the skies on the day of the funeral as if it's impossible to return to our normal routines or live without them.

This evening Amma came out for the funeral of one of the ashram residents.
Amma attended to the funeral ritual Herself, which was held late in the evening. Surrounding the body, we chanted Amma's Ashottara (108 names) followed by the 8th Chapter of the Gita, which talks about the after-life. She blessed the body by kissing it softly. We then went to the seaside where the body was placed on a pyre, which burned in the midst of solemn and genuine prayers that the departed attains peace and freedom.

Death is a reality, and we learn to take it as such. All of us here, old and young have learned there is no needless mystery or terror surrounding it. Thanks to Amma.

sandhya
13 Aug 07

Independence Day

2007-08-15T00:11:00.000+05:30

Everyone knows it was India’s independence day on 15th August.

Amma came normally for bhajans and sang the following songs:

Gopala Govinda Krishna
Prapachamengum
Ushakala Neram
Man Re Sikh Prabhu
Nin Ormakal Matram
Awaken Children
Om Namah Shivaya
Jai Ma Ambe

It was India’s 60th independence day.
In the evening after the bhajans there was a program including the traditional Bharata Puja arranged by the students. There was also an exhibition depicting the 60 years of independence. The students had really prepared everything nicely as always with an evident love for their motherland – The first step in becoming a universal human being.

At the end of the program Amma gave an inspiring speech mainly on the topic of environmental devastation, global warning and the extinction of species, and the importance of counteracting them. She urged everyone to make a pledge to plant one sapling as often as possible to counteract deforestation. At the end of her speech there was a riotously fun version of the bhajan “Mata Rani” with many unable to contain themselves and starting to dance in bliss. When everyone retired to their rooms there was a joyful feeling pervading the whole place which really showed on all the faces.

A befitting and joyful celebration for the enduring freedom of this beautiful nation! May India for ever be free and inspire the world to ever greater spiritual heights!

Vishwanath
15 August 2007

Innocent Observation

2007-08-14T00:04:00.000+05:30

After a weekend of long darshans Amma came today for bhajans again. It was a really nice set with a few very new ones interspersed with a couple of classic ones.

There was one little Indian boy sitting next to me during bhajans who was staring at me for some time and then commenced make a very innocent observation. Suddenly he turned to me and said: “You know, you are very red.”, which is true because today I was out in the sun for a fairly long time and having fair skin I cannot stand strong sunlight. I said to him: “Yes, too much sun.” Next the boy said something that really made me smile. He said: “It’s a good thing that I’m already brown.” Isn’t that great? He said it with such innocence and confidence that I really couldn’t but wonder at his lack of self consciousness. I know this incident doesn’t relate to Amma directly, but it does touch on subject the subject of innocence that she likes to touch upon often and I just wanted to share it because it made me smile.

The songs tonight were:

He Gananayaka Siddhivinayaka
Krishna Govinda Gopala Ram
Varalunna Hridayattil
Niilanjanamizhi
Meri Hridaya Sree Rama Base (Hindi)
Aldbhuta Charitre
Chintakalkantyam
Om Namah Shivaya
Ni Intri Verarumillai (Tamil)
Jai Janani Jai Ho Teri (Hindi)

Vishwanath
13 August 2007

Thank You Amma

2007-08-12T13:11:00.000+05:30

"Thank you, Amma!" said one of the officers who attended the IAM camp at CISF [Central Industrial Security Force] Regional Training Centre, Arakkonam, Vellore District, Tamil Nadu. He said it had been a refreshing and relaxing experience. He said the course was like a capsule of yoga and meditation that would heal the ailing body and mind.

IAM classes were conducted for CISF jawans [soldiers] at Neyveli Lignite Corporation, NLC, Neyveli, Tamil Nadu. The classes went on smoothly in spite of the ongoing strike by contract labourers. The jawans came for the class after their security duty which had been extended owing to the strike.

Classes were then conducted at the Madras Port Trust. At the end of the course, one of the officers said, "Today, I feel free from tension. I am very grateful to Mata Amritanandamayi." One person suggested that this IAM should be made compulsorily for all soldiers. Said one jawan, "I have never experienced such peace and relaxation before."

The next IAM course was conducted at SHAR Centre, Sriharikotta, Andhra Pradesh. The commandant, eager to learn more about Amma, plied with many questions about her and the ashram. He expressed a desire to have darshan of Amma as soon as possible. Owing to his questions alone, the class got extended by six hours!

Classes were then conducted again at the CISF Regional Training Centre, Arakkonam, Vellore District, Tamil Nadu. We conducted one extra class for the jawans as there is a large number of jawans in this unit.

We could feel Amma’s grace flowing to all. She is the mother of all. She can’t leave any one alone.

Ajamrita

Nature Language

2007-08-10T15:53:00.000+05:30

Today Amma gave the first Q&A since returning from the Tour. After a meditation, read some of the devotees' questions. One question was about the disasters seen in nature. Amma said that the main cause to this was the over-population seen, and that that has caused people to look for cheap ways to increase crop turnout, etc., thus exploiting Nature in many ways. Amma also suggested many practical ways we can try to at least make a small change in this area.
At the end of the satsang, Amma announced that the satsang would be translated in all languages, and for nobody from other countries to be sad. Then Amma directed devotees from 6 different countries to make the same announcement with the mic, in their respective language. Everyone thought this was very funny.

Piyush,
August 10, 2007

Ever New Amma

2007-08-09T23:11:00.000+05:30

Amma came directly to bhajans after giving darshan all day. It is such an endearing and slightly heartrending sight when Amma comes for bhajans with her hair disheveled and sari smeared with tears and the makeup of devotees.

I don’t know, I’m repeating myself but why is it that I never tire of watching Amma sing bhajans? Will I go to my grave enslaved by her beauty? Probably, and I’m not complaining.

The songs were:

Radhika Manohara
Irul Tingi Valarunnu
Karunya Murte
Om Shakti Om Shakti (Tamil)
Padamulattile Pamsuvay
Manavu Nondiralu Amma (Kannada)
Om Namah Shivaya
Jai Jai Kali Ma

Vishwanath
9 August 2007

Bhilai melts in Amma's Love

2007-08-09T13:31:00.000+05:30

Bhilai melts in Amma's Love - IAM at Bhilai

IAM sessions were held from 15th July 2007 to 17th July 2007 at Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP), Chattisgarh.

Seven - time winner of the Prime Minister's Trophy for best Integrated Steel Plant in the country, Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) is India's sole producer of rails and heavy steel plates and a major producer of structural steel. The plant is the only supplier of the country's longest rail tracks (260 metres). Since there were a large number of soldier at BSP, we had to divide the troops into two groups – morning group and evening group. Roughly about 300 Jawans (soldiers) attended the program which spanned across 5 sessions.

The next morning, we started our session at 7 am. The Inspector introduced the IAM team to the Jawans. What was different here from other CISF branches was that the Senior Officers including the Commandant sat with us. Indeed it was quite encouraging for the Jawans to see their officers also participating in IAM with such zeal. Whenever we asked them something, the officers, as well as the Jawans, showed their enthusiasm by showering us with replies.

In the evening, we were supposed to start our session at 4 p.m, but when we reached there, the organizers looked worried. It was a Sunday. Everyone had been expected to be present for the evening session, but many were not there. Some miscommunication was there. The officers assured us that if we waited for about half and hour, everyone would eventually come. As we were waiting, we overheard a soldier saying – "I was on duty last night and could not get time to sleep much". After some waiting, we felt that the current crowd in the hall was getting restless over the delay, so we decided to go in. Then, an officer took the mic, and told the soldiers that they they were really happy that M.A.M is teaching this technique free of cost and that its representatives have traveled a long distance for the benefit of the soldiers.

For the next 20 minutes, time just was not moving at all while we waited. We told them what we had overheard one soldier talking about not getting sleep. Everyone started laughing. We then sang a lullaby for them. Within 3 minutes many of them were sleeping like babies! For 15 minutes they had a nice nap. When they got up, they started looking at each other in awe, surprised that they had actually slept. The waiting time was over. Everyone came in and the evening session resumed.

Next day morning the strength increased. The hall was packed. Some young soldiers who were also excellent sportsmen had joined us. The number of officers on stage also increased. About 5 officers were on stage with us. An officer said, "We are so lucky to have received the shower of Amma's Love through the IAM Technique."

On the final day, the number young soldiers who were also high class sports people, had also increased. Many of them had played at the national level and in the Asian games. One of them had even been the captain of the Indian team.

Before starting the IAM, we had a dancing session for about 5 minutes. Everyone present danced away in joy. After the IAM session, everyone's face looked so serene. Many of them were reluctant to open their eyes and come out of the meditative state. The Inspector said, "No matter how much money we have, or how much we roam about in a market, something like the IAM Technique, which is a token of Love from Amma, cannot be bought. The peace this Technique brings is invaluable."

Later, the Inspector took us on a brief tour of the Bhilai Steel Plant. This plant is one of the richest sources of income for SAIL (Steel Authority of India Limited). We were taken to a cabin which was high above the plant floor. From there we could see big red hot bars of iron that were being rolled over the moving cylinders then straightened by big machines and finally cut into proper shapes. Then these bars were passed onto another section where rails are made for Indian Railways. This plant started the "Long Rail Project" a few years back and we were told that it is the only project of its kind in all of Asia.

Thereafter, we visited the blast furnace. What we saw amazed us – molten red hot metal, gushing out of gigantic machines - like a golden bright stream of sun. This metal then gets separated into high quality and low quality metal streams. One could see this red hot metal flowing like water into a gigantic mug-shaped vessel.

Amit & Mohan

A Devotees Wish

2007-08-08T23:20:00.000+05:30

Last night before bhajans I was talking to one new Finnish devotee who expressed a desire to hear the song Mata Rani Ne Kripa Barsayi. I told him that Amma doesn’t sing it so often during normal bhajans, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer and during bhajans I saw him sitting in the hall with his eyes glued to Amma. The result being of course that Amma sang the song he desired. I think that especially in the beginning we have this kind of innocence and enthusiasm that connects us directly to Amma. It should always be maintained.

The song itself was great fun as always with Amma singing “Mata Rani Ki!” and the audience responding “Jai!”

There was one new English song called Awaken Children. I will try to get the lyrics and post them soon.

The bhajans were:

Manas Chora Radha Krishna
Chentalir Padangal
Ni Intri Verarum
Mata Rani Ne (Punjabi)
Tapta Manasam
Namma Vararu (Kannad)
Om Namah Shivaya
Awaken Children (Eng)
Jai Ma Ambe

Vishwanath
8 August 2007

Amritapuri Comes To Life

2007-08-08T01:36:00.000+05:30

Our dear Amma arrived back in Amritapuri around noon yesterday. Today she already distributed Prasad lunch. The bliss of receiving food blessed by Amma after a long time of separation is something that I won’t try to describe. And even more blissful is just basking in her presence and letting it purify and uplift one’s deprived spirit. There is nothing in the world that can come even close to being as holy and uplifting as Amma’s presence. There are some people who say that through esoteric tantric or yogic techniques, or through studying the scriptures one will gain the highest goal of life, but I feel that even five minutes in Amma’s presence is equal to lifetimes of such practices. Only in Amma’s grace do we really live and realize anything worth realizing. Outside Amma’s grace we may find a little intellectual satisfaction or some sense of vague feel-good but true immersion in the seemingly unattainable, unimaginable and Infinite Reality that is beyond all can happen only through Her Grace. But this doesn’t of course mean that Her Grace cannot come to different people through different means and ways.

Amma sang many old bhajans tonight. Maybe coming back to Amritapuri triggers memories of the old days in her mind when she used be able to immerse herself in divine moods and wonder around the coconut groves and ocean side completely immersed in the Divine. The songs tonight were:

Sri Krishna Saranam
Oru Nalum Piriyattorma
Kannante Kalocha
Amme Bhagavati Nityakanye
Bala Gopala Bhaja (Kannad)
Enaikakka Unaiyantri (Tamil)
Om Namah Shivaya
Jai Janani Jai Ho Teri (Hindi)

Vishwanath
7 August 2007

Clean Ashram

2007-08-07T22:45:00.000+05:30

For the better part of the last two weeks, the Ashramites had been cleaning, painting, and sweeping in preparation for Amma's arrival. The grime that had accumulated during the monsoon season was virtually unnoticeable as the Brahmacharis and Brahmacharinis worked day and night to make the Ashram pristine for Amma's return. Almost every square inch had been scrubbed, washed, and re-painted. Indeed, if one stood still for too long, one would surely have been painted as well.

sri pati

Ramayana in Kalari

2007-08-04T17:15:00.000+05:30

The heavy rains of monsoon in Kerala make it the wettest and gloomiest season of the otherwise too bright and sunny land. The Kerala month of Karkidakam or the lunar month of Ashaadha falls in the period between mid July and mid August. The astrologers opine that this time period is not auspicious for any endeavours. The vibrations of the time are not positive, say spiritual persons. People, especially the predominantly agriculturist population of Kerala, cannot stir out-doors; they have no work in paddy fields or on farms.

Masters prescribe the sole solution of intense prayers and austerities during the whole month. All over Kerala, in temples and at homes, people gather and engage themselves in pooja and prayers. To bide the time, everyday-reading of the holy epic of Ramayana is also prescribed.

The great Malayalam poet Tunjattu Ezhuttacchan, who wrote Adhyatma Ramayana. He recreated Ramayana in Malayalam in a popular sing-song style called Kilippatt, or the parrots’ way of recitation. It is this very famous text, which is read out in the Ramayana month.

The epic Ramayana has been a guiding light to the people of all times in the land of Bharat. Reading and re-reading it has enriched many hearts, filled and inspired them with righteousness, nobility and enthusiasm. Every episode in Ramayana interacts with the heart of the reader and holds a message or two. Ramayana is water spring of purity.

This is also a time of Amma’s physical absence in Amritapuri. The rainy sky weeps, pouring in torrents, with longing for Amma. Her children miss Her most when She is away on America tour. This time Amma is away in the USA, Canada, and Chile and Brazil of S. America, and for a little more than two months.

Here in the poetic setting of Kalari, every evening after supper, in the presence of many of Amma’s children, senior, western, and all - the Ramayana Parayana takes place. It goes on for the entire month of Karkidakam.

Ashram residents who had been reciters at other temples before continue the reading tradition here. Men and women and a girl student from the School of Engineering take turns in reading sections of the holy book everyday.

In Amma’s absence no festival is any festive for us. The young students are bored without bliss, as they have to wait for Amma for bliss. Such students, many in number, take active part in the bhajan singing following the reading. More enthusiastic participation is seen on weekends, holidays, and auspicious days like Gurupoornima and Kartika.

They sit equipped with all musical gadgets, and sing. They go on with the singing of the popular little song,

Ayodhyavasi Rama Ram Ram
Seetavallabha Ram
Patita pavana
Janaki jeevana
Seetavallabha Ram

for about ten full minutes, with ever increasing speed and rising pitch.

Everyday the program ends around 10 pm after the distribution of the Prasadam.

Sandhya

Inner presence of the Guru

2007-08-03T01:48:00.000+05:30

Today Swami Kaivalyananda answered a number of questions from the brahmacharis on the topic of the Guru, as we recently celebrated Guru Purnima. Here was one question; 'what is the importance of the physical closeness to the Guru, or living with the Guru?'

Swami said, 'if one has gained the necessary samskara from previous births and is able to be firm on the path of spirituality, then there is no importance to the physical closeness or distance of the Guru. What is important there is the inner presence of the Guru.

Some people stay in the physical presence of the Guru for a long time, they may even be disciples in the 'inner ring.' However, they never strived for that inner presence. Therefore, they never truly accept the Guru. They accept the Guru externally. Therefore, it is seen that those same disciples reject the Guru externally. After many years of living close to a Master, they leave. This is because they lack that inner presence.

Also, one thing we should understand is that 'Gurutvam,' the quality of being a Guru, is something that exists in the mind of the disciple. That isn't something that exists in the Guru. Why? Because we daily chant, 'Guru sakshat parambrahma.' Guru is the Supreme Brahman. There is no place for 'Gurutvam' there. Therefore, 'Gurutvam' is something that is manifested in the mind of the disciple. Without that, there is no Guru.

Then as to the subject of the physical closeness to a Guru, Swami said that that may be necessary for those who are infants (shishu) on the spiritual path. For them, they have no other means but to rely on the physical presence. But just because one is an infant, it doesn't mean that you can desire to always be that way. For example, a mother takes care of her infant, but that isn't so he can remain an infant forever. It is for him to grow up and become independent. No Guru desires their disciple to be dependent on them forever. Their only wish is for the disciple to become independent. Therefore, one cannot be stubborn, thinking, 'I will remain an infant forever.' Even if one does this, the infant will be growing up naturally. Therefore, though a spiritual infant has to rely on the outer presence of the Guru, as one progresses, that ultimately has no importance. Instead, what is ultimately important is the inner presence of the Guru.

At the end of the class, it was seen that there was a visitor; the ashram monkey! He entered near the Kali shrine, drank some of the oil, then sat near Kali. Then he found some fruits that are usually given to Swami after class and helped himself to a nice meal. It is said that Hanuman loves to hear satsang...

Piyush,
August 2, 2007

Ego or Guru?

2007-07-31T14:19:00.000+05:30

On most years for Guru Purnima, Amma will give a formal talk during the darshan program. This year, because Guru Purnima fell on a Devi Bhava day, there was no special talk in particular. But it so happened that Amma gave a few words to us in this subject, in an informal way.
When the webcam was brought to Amma so that all of us could speak to Her, all of Her children connected from different called out 'Amma!!!' This continued for some time, from Japan, then from San Ramon, etc. Finally, one brahmacharini said, 'Amma, today is Guru Purnima.'
Amma asked, 'what is Guru Purnima?' The brahmacharini said, 'it is when the full moon destroys the darkness in our heart.' Amma said, 'what darkness?' She said, 'the darkness of ignorance, Amma.' Amma said, 'so that ignorance (ajnana) hasn't left, has it?'
Then Amma said, 'without a disciple, there is no Guru.' Then to the brahmacharini, who had a broken arm, Amma said, 'your arm has broken, but not your ego. Which do you want, the ego or the Guru?'
The brahmacharini said, 'the Guru, Amma.' Amma said, 'there's no point in just saying that with the lips.' She replied, 'I'm not saying with just my lips, but with my mind, intellect, everything.'
In this way, in an informal way, Amma gave us some points to reflect on about our relationship with the Guru.

Piyush,
July 31, 2007

Grace through WebCam

2007-07-30T20:19:00.000+05:30

Co-incidences are no proof, but coincidences do help us in reminding things.

Amma’s divinity, Her Vishwaroopa, Her Universal Motherhood is dazzling before the eyes of millions the world over today. When She has pervaded every bit of Existence (for one who has an open heart, ie) there is no space left for Her to squeeze in any momentary thrilling event called ‘miracle’. No need, either.

Still, it is Her enormous Grace that She manifests, as cool shade or cool water for a weary traveler in the desert, when She shows Her Grace, in multiple forms.

When Amma was in Chicago, the Devibhava webcast started here in India on the 7-7-2007, at 7 am, and ended at 7-07 pm in India, Amma’s American children were excited at the coincidence Amma brought about. ‘Also note,’ they said, ‘Chicago is a 7-lettered word!’

More was to come.

Gurpoornima celebration at Amritapuri was a revelation of the kind:
That day Amma was in Santiago, giving Devibhava darshan. First time in South America. She was totally with the tens of thousands thronging for Her. Here we started the worship rituals at 3 am, with Homams, followed by the everyday Archana and singing of Ayigiri Nandini….The webcast link came alive; the webcam was showing Amma’s peetham, also waiting for Amma’s arrival.

Here, just as we prostrated before getting up for Arati, the Holy Feet of Sadguru Amma appeared on the screen as She ‘descended’ To Her Feet we did the prostration!…. Amma sat and we could now see Her full form.

Amma promptly started off the pooja. She lit the lamp in our full view, and thanks to Bhavani, Gautam, Do and all our brothers & sisters working for most meticulous castings, there, we could see the lit lamp as if it glowed in our hearts. The lamp Amma lit.

Even as Kali Mata in the sanctum sanctorum was shown Arati, the Homam culminated with the rising of blazing fires followed by Arati, there Amma was performing arati ! Her bells tinkled with the other two bells here! It was soon followed by the tinkling of bells in the Kalari. Arati and its little bells from every side was an exhilaration experience!

So well were we in Amritapuri connected to Her!

The next session was the last few hours of Devibhava darshan, after which Amma spoke to us. Amma was looking at the assortment of WebPages, showing Her children from other than Amritapuri. Japan, Germany, France, San Ramon, AIMS, Ettimadai and many more places were on line. That means, when She showered flowers on the little webcam, all these Her children had received them!
Amma the Universal Mother was connected to many many children.
(Sorry, this is only what is seen by the physical eye. You know ‘connections’ in fact cannot be seen and they are much more than can be counted)

Amma said, “Oh it is like a supermarket before me, a range (variety) of my dear children… I cant choose from…..I love all my children…” and showered Umma-ummma-umama…

Soon She came to the Ultimate Question: “Children, what do you choose: Ego or the Guru?”
All of us know the answer. But would the Guru be happy with our mere knowing?

Sandhya
30 july 2007