Amma gave darshan today to both the public and all the ashram residents, but when She came for bhajans She looked as radiant and fresh as ever.
The songs were vigorous and full of shakti.
At one point the little girl Sita wondered on to the stage again and stood in front of Swamiji staring at him and trying to snatch his bhajan books to herself. Everybody was laughing at the funny little imp, but she didn’t mind at all. She seems to be totally unselfconscious.

Tonight’s bhajans were:

Govardhanadhara Gokula Nandana
Azhikullil Dinakaran Marannyu
Devi Saranam, Saranam Amme
Karunamayi Devi (Kannada)
Chetuletti Vetukoneda
Namah Shivaya Om
Sarvavyapiyai
Jai Jai Mata Jai Jagad Janani

The classic song Devi Saranam was especially powerful tonight. It’s just one of those songs that just sweeps you away.
The last three lines are profound:

The millions of living beings are parts of the whole, like waves to the ocean.
This universe is designed in such a way as to help all beings attain liberation.

When one comes to know that one’s very life is naught but Thee,
One will get detached from the world like an actor who takes off his costume at the end of a good performance.

O Ruler of the world, protect me who has taken refuge in Thee,
By removing the sorrows and illusions arising out of attachment and aversion. I bow to Thy Feet!

Vishwanath
14 Dec 2006