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