Times are changing here in the ashram. Last night was Amma’s Devi-bhava in Helsinki, Finland, which happens to be my native place. But here I was Amritapuri participating in it with all my brothers and sisters thanks to the ever faster internet connections.
I haven’t witnessed Amma’s program in Helsinki for some years now physically and really enjoyed seeing many familiar faces getting hugged by Amma. I almost felt being hugged by Amma myself. In the night when I went to sleep I felt like I do after a “real life” Devi-bhava.
I couldn’t get sleep as I was thinking of Amma and Her ever new ways of showering Her grace. There She was in Helsinki fully occupied with the devotees there and yet still She was giving her attention also to all of us here in Amritapuri. This might sound like a small thing but for the people staying it makes a huge difference. The feeling that Amma is still with us even though She is far away, is easier to maintain when you can actually see Her and She talks to everybody. Last night she even had a web-meeting with the press brahmacharis! It has become kind of a custom already that at the beginning and end of the bhava-darshan She takes some time to “Skype” with everybody here. Oh, and the joy of it – like a few drops of rain on parched earth! This morning right after archana everybody was sitting again before the big screen enjoying Amma’s presence and Swamiji’s bhajans. What a blessed way to start the day.

16 Oct 2006
Vishwanath