It has begun. That is, over two thousand children have arrived in Amritapuri for a personality development camp. Every corner of the ashram is bustling with life and enthusiasm, like it should be. That’s what an ashram is about. It is refreshing to have so many children around. We can learn a lot from them as Amma says. One of the most important things in spiritual life is innocence, humility and a beginner’s attitude. Without these qualities one’s spiritual life will ultimately atrophy or turn into a farce and mockery. It is always a good took take a look at one’s own life and see if these qualities are being nurtured and protected. Amma keeps repeating this often to us, but how seriously do we take it? Maybe we think it’s an old cliché and not really so essential. But why do all the great masters keep repeating this?

Today I watched the children approach Amma with their questions and felt how much beauty there was in their interaction. I pray and hope to be able to cultivate such childlike qualities or maybe I should say bring them out, since all of us just little children at heart waiting to be loved and recognized. We just look in the wrong places.

The children are very well behaved and clearly of a spiritual samskara. I’m looking forward to this week to learn from them.

Amma came straight for bhajans. She was in a sweet bhava and the songs were really touching:

Nandakumara Vanditarupa

Chentalir Padangal

Ennile Enne

Mere Hridaya Sree Rama Base

Nin Ormakal Matram

Enaikakka Unaiyantri

Om Namah Shivaya

Vanamali Kanna

Jai Jai Janani Jai Ho Teri

Vishwanath

7 May 2007