This second “short inspiring story with Amma” probably took place about 5 or 6 years ago. It was the very first time that darshan was going beyond 9am in the morning. I remember this very clearly because we had to deal with the issue of whether to wait for darshan to end before we serve breakfast at the Western Canteen, or do it while Amma was still on the stage. Amma was giving darshan in the big auditorium and She had to walk past the canteen’s serving area on Her way to Her room.
Darshan finished at 9:15 and the huge line waiting in the canteen was not the food line this time; it was the long line of those waiting to have a last glimpse of Amma and maybe touch Her hands as she walks by them…
But, surprise, surprise: When Amma stood up, She headed in the opposite direction and no one had any clue what was happening. Where was She going? Amma walked fast and straight towards a destination that she seemed to know well… Past the building to the left of the hall (The boys’ side), past the cowshed and straight up the stairs into the women’s toilets!!!
Without speaking to anyone, Amma took a cleaning broom and headed towards a toilet seat. With her bare hands she had started cleaning the toilets!!! Seeing Her serious mood, no one dared stopped Her or offer to help Her. Without acknowledging anyone’s presence She concentrated on the task and worked there, from a toilet set to the other, for about half an hour…
Later, we understood that Amma was sad and upset that those whose seva was to clean the toilets had stopped doing it at 4am (like they normally do), believing that it was enough, not judging that the big crowds were still needing to use the toilets for many more hours…
I remember the very touching site of the 3 people that had neglected this seva assigned to them, as they came to the scene and stood speechless watching Amma. Their eyes were filled with tears and they didn’t even dare ask Amma to take over the job or help. Amma didn’t utter a word! She finished the cleaning and headed to Her room!!
Even today, when I recollect this event, I have tears in my eyes and feel my hair stand up…
What a beautiful, extremely powerful teaching and unforgettable experience Amma had inscribed deep into our inner being. This is how a true living mahatma acts: They lead by example the way into applying the highest spiritual principles in our normal simple daily lives.
With Amma we have an incomparable Mother and living Mahatma to learn from. A living Master, so much alive and so much full of Life, of Shakti, of generous giving.
Aum Shakti Aum
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