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