Om Nama Shivaya.

I would like to share this with readers of the website.  Amma visited the Canadian Ashram prior to the public program and retreat.
What a wonderful treat Canadians had when Amma arrived in Canada on July 19, 2008.
Amma arrived on Canadian soil at approximately 9p.m.  At about 10pm, Her car drew up at the Canadian ashram grounds.  Before Amma’s arrival, there was a heavy downpour which lasted for hours.   It was as if the Yamuna river as flooding again as on the night Lord Krishna was born.   This time, Canadian soil and roads were being cleansed in preparation of Devi.

Devotees were busy decorating the Ashram in anticipation of Amma’s arrival.  The ashram kitchen was a hive of activity as the women folk went about busy as bees preparing food to be served upon Amma’s arrival.

It was a night full of excitement and anxiety.   For many of us we have been hungry for Amma’s physical form since last July.   Several times we heard people whisper Amma was arriving at 8pm, and then at 9pm ect.  Finally at 9pm, we received a call from Swami saying that they had just crossed the border.  The program at Boston was delayed and Amma left late, hence the wait.

At 10pm the Goddess arrived and was greeted by all Her children.  Devotees lined the pathway to the Ashram with oil lamps to invite Amma. As she walked into the Ashram, rose petals were sprinkled on the ground.

Amma walked into the Ashram, smiled at all of us and sat down at the altar to do puja.   She performed the most simple yet beautiful puja I have ever witnessed.  The prayers were something like this “God as You are my provider, please look after me and I trust that whatever You do, is for my good.  Make me not want nor seek as I know you will watch over me and ensure that I have enough to sustain”.  It goes on and on but I think it just said what all of us say to God (Amma) in our daily prayers.  The puja was followed by a bhajan with Swami Ramakrishna on the harmonium.

After the puja, Amma turned around and asked for prasad to be served.  At this point, someone said that we had actually prepared a meal.  Amma looked at the Swamis and before anyone knew what was happening, the Swamis were in the kitchen and in position. 🙂   Amma then sat at a table in the kitchen and plates went flying from Amma  to devotees hands.  It was just like when Amma feeds us at retreats.  Although She was tired, She was full of compassion and served us food knowing our hearts have been waiting for Her arrival.

Amma then sat and spoke with all Her children.   She told us to live in truth. That is one of the most important things in life.  In fact, She said, that should be our daily mantra.  Devotees also asked Amma if she liked the Ashram and She said yes.   As she was talking to us, someone walked up to Amma and asked her to wear some sandals as the floor was cold.  To this, Amma said ” I am  a village girl, I grew up without sandals and shoes.  So it is alright, I am comfortable without them.   Amma wears shoes and sandals to please Her children.  Also you cannot go into some places without shoes or sandals like hotels and airports; that is why Amma wears them”.   I just thought that it was so beautiful and needed to share.

Amma then walked through the area and looked around the Ashram.  As it was late at night, She was unable to walk through the grounds.   We were made to understand that Amma returned to the Ashram before leaving to India and saw the entire property.  She also left many instructions.  Looks like there will be no lack of seva 🙂

At about midnight, Amma and the Swamis left for the hotel.  All of us gathered around Her car and some of us were hanging out of the Ashram windows and bid farewell to Amma.  After all, in a few hours we would be back in her arms as the public program was scheduled to start the following morning.

Thank you Amma for blessing us and our new home in Canada.

At Amma’s lotus feet,
Maalanair