25 Sep 2007, Amritapuri

The birthday preparations are in full swing. Last night everyone was working on the other side of the backwaters to clear the venue. The whole area was, and still is, covered in mud. Only through hard work and grace will it be fit to receive all the devotees on the 27th, otherwise it will amount to a Woodstock-like experience. With Amma things may seems improbable to the last minute but then the fresh breath of grace blows and everything falls into place. Like Amma says, difficulties are but the shadow of the hand of the Divine Mother getting ready to caress us.
There are a lot of devotees and sevaks already gathered and different groups are having meetings here and there about their respective duties. I really enjoy the excitement and bustle before Amma’s birthday, even the crowds. So much devotion hovers around that I feel it’s purifying to be here at this time.
Amma arrived on the stage for bhajans hand in hand with one of the older ashram residents, a very sweet old lady that has become almost like a child. It’s a very endearing sight, seeing Amma walk her by the hand to the stage. The old lady sits with the children and seems like one of them almost.

Parasahasra Hridayangalil was really intense tonight with Amma repeating certain lines over and over again like she didn’t want the song to end. And I’m sure no one else wanted it to end either. I was transfixed on Amma and the grace and beauty of Her form throughout the song. Bliss!
At the end of the bhajans Swamiji did the Arati to Amma, which added to the beauty of the evening. I really enjoy watching Swamiji worship Amma.
The songs tonight were.

• Govinda Gopala
• Parinamamiyalatta
• Gange Ginta Pavitralu (Kannada)
• Adi Parashakti
• Omkara Panjara Sukim (Telugu)
• Parasahasra Hridayangalil
• Man Re seekh prabhu ka nam (Hindi)Om Namah Shivaya
• Ul Uraikintra (Tamil)
• Durge Durge

Vishwanath