28 October 2007, Italy
Traditionally one does not applaud a bhajan. It is a prayer set to music. The intent of singer is not to perform for others, but to pray through song. Similarly, the listener is attempting to focus on God through the medium of the song, more often than not singing along himself. The prayer becomes as much the listener’s as the leader’s. But when Amma sings in Italy, the applause thunders forth regardless. Sometimes it is like the end of an opera; people whistle and shout and call out bravissimo, bravissimo! Often, there are standing ovations. The Italians simply can’t help themselves. They’ve been touched and want to show their appreciation.
In fact, when Amma finishes giving darshan in Italy, she gets a standing ovation—every time. They are celebrating her—her darshan, her smile, her life. Applause is how they do that here.
Often when Italians have Amma’s darshan, I hear them whisper grazie as they leave Amma’s arms. Again, according to Indian culture, “thanking” Amma may sound a little odd. But in reality could there be a response more appropriate? Amma is giving the most precious gift—the gift of transformation from agitation to peace. Perhaps, a heartfelt “thank you” is quite called for.
Tomorrow morning at the end of Devi Bhava, Amma will get a standing ovation as grand as is given in Milan’s famous opera house, Teatro Alla Scala. I feel it is appropriate. After all, haven’t the devotees just witnessed an atbhuta leela—a most wondrous play? Amma—whose true nature is the sakshi caitanyam, the witness consciousness—donning the bhava of the Divine Mother in order to uplift mankind. I too say, “Bravissimo, Amma! Ancora! Ancora!”
—Sachin
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