A Polishing Walk

Some of Amma’s children have very unique ways of reaching Amma’s arms. One of them is Andrzei Makowski, a 61 year old retired police officer from Poland, who just walked 7000 kilometers by foot to reach Amritapuri. “I like challenges and risk in life,” says Andrzei, “I came to India four times before, but sitting in the plane for ten hours is very boring.” This is why on September 7th 2007 Andrzei set out with a 25kg backpack on his shoulders, a compass and map in his hand and a picture of Amma in his pocket to go on what would become the biggest adventure of his life. His 15-month-long pilgrimage took him from the city of Wroclaw in Poland to the Ukraine, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan and Kashmir before he finally reached Amritapuri on December 8th 2008.

On average Andrzei would walk 20 kilometers per day. But in countries like the Ukraine with temperatures of minus 20 Degrees Celsius and snow up to the waist he could walk only 12 kilometers per day. In some places the adverse conditions did not allow him to take bath for weeks together. Having been an athlete and sprinter in 100 and 200 meters certainly helped Andrzei to endure all the physical strain and hardships. But in situations when he was really reaching his limits, he would take out Amma’s picture from his pocked and glance at it for some time. The remembrance of Amma gave him the optimism and zeal to carry on, step by step, to reach Amritapuri. Maybe this is why Amma once gave Andrzei the name “Indrajit”, which means ‘the one who has mastery over the mind”?

Of course, Andrzei did not have any pre-booked hotels along his route. Most of the time he had to knock at people’s doors, asking shelter for the night. And when his compass and map failed to show him which road to take he always met someone who would show him the right way. “I believe in the goodness of people.” Andrzei says. “My experience proved me that money is not important, language is not important. What counts is love.”

Having been a strict vegetarian for eight years, circumstances sometimes forced him to overcome his likes and dislikes and accept the humble offering of chicken dishes by poor Ukrainians who gave him shelter for the night. If there was no chicken in the house, they would even go to the neighbors to get one. Andrzei says “I was surprised by the enormous friendliness and hospitality of people from different countries, cultures and religions. Sometimes the media and politicians give a distorted image of reality. They say many negative things of some countries and religions. But this is not true. I especially found Muslims in Iran, Turkey and Pakistan extremely helpful and kind.” Andrzei also visited many Christian pilgrimage sites on the way. In Kashmir he saw what is considered as Jesus’ tomb.

Andrzei also carried some pictures of Amma with him and gave them to people, whom he met along the way. Many people said they could feel Amma’s energy from the picture. They remarked how much love and beauty Amma’s image radiates.

He says he wanted to give a message through his pilgrimage: “In order to achieve peace, we have to cross all barriers of religion and nation. You have your Allah or Christ in your heart, I have my God in my heart, this God is one and the same. There is only one true religion, and that is Love.”

Andrzei, who speaks only Polish and a little German, had to literally overcome the barriers of language and religion in many ways: In Turkey he used German to communicate, in Iran he spoke Polish and in Pakistan only body language would work. India, he says he has been here four times, so he is familiar with her. Nevertheless he always found a way to connect to people.

All along his trip the media was very interested in his pilgrimage and intention behind it. In Turkey itself he had to give 22 interviews! When asked how he intends to return back home, Andrzei says that he would prefer to walk back to Poland – given that he will get another visa for Pakistan. Otherwise he might walk to Mumbai and then take a ship to Europe or – most boring of all options – fly back.

Asked, which one was the most beautiful and touching experience during his adventure, Andrzei cannot pic anything specific. “Every day was beautiful, because I met beautiful people every day. Every day gave me lessons in humility and faith.” Andrzei really turned his trip into a beautiful pilgrimage. His devotion and determination made his journey a truly spiritual one.  Just like we pray at the end of Amma’s guided meditation: May we take each step in remembrance of you. May our steps never falter. May we finally come to see you and lay in your arms for a while. Andrzei turned this prayer into reality, and reached Amma’s arms after 15 months of pilgrimage.

Having fulfilled his dream of reaching Amritapuri by foot, Andrzei now has a new mission: inviting Amma to Poland. He says: “Amma is giving big doses of love. Especially in the west people crave for love. Amma is the greatest power of love. In her arms, you loose yourself and find love. I have seen many people cry when they meet Amma. This opens up their hearts. In this way Amma changes the world. This is why I would like to welcome Amma to my country.”

I am sure the organizers of Amma’s European tour will be very happy to consider his request – under one condition: that Amma doesn’t have to go there by foot.

– Nath