Seeing off Amma – the episode of last minute Grace
It was just a few days ago that Amma had left Amritapuri for the Japan-US tour. To describe the emotion filled days before Amma’s departure for the tour is not so easy. Many eyes seem lost as they seeked her to fill up every ounce of memory before that embodiment of Love leaves on the US tour to see her children there. Amma is an embodiment of that very Universal motherhood. It is so wonderful to lose hours just gazing at that Mother.
The tour days mean many of us will miss Amma’s physical presence for the next 7-9 weeks. Just two days before the trip, Amma had sweetly spent time with us all in the swimming pool which left us floating in immense joy. Then came the final day, the day of departure. Amma was supposed to leave at 6am so many of us had gathered outside her room at 04:30am. There was a small crowd, some scattered in prayerful silence, others in joyful expectation, some chatting while others painfully sad-however all with one eager goal, to see Amma that morning. Even Archana was speeding up so as to meet up Mother. One by one the other wagons including those of Swamis and tour members travelling with Amma left the Ashram premises. The steps near Amma’s room saw multitudes of ashramites gathering to catch a glimpse of the Mother. A car was ready and waiting for the journey to Thiruvananthapuram airport. Suddenly a shout and then, a bout of yells “Amma Amma Amma…”. It was our Amma, she had just stepped out of the room and when everyone expected her to come down the stairs and get into the car, she did something wonderful.. Amma walked into the temple to give a last-minute Satsang. People filed in to sit close to Amma as is done every Tuesday.
It was a unique Monday morning. Amma started her discourse lovingly mentioning about how she wants a photo of all her children with their faces up so she could keep it with her while traveling. It was more like Amma misses us…than we miss her. Amma mentioned the importance of Seva and regular spiritual practices. Titbits of advices flew to all corners touching various aspects of the many children around her. Amma drew examples from her life telling how beautiful is Nature and how ideal it served as a teacher. She talked about love, compassion, righteousness, spiritual practices in her won unique simple way covering many aspects of the Sanskrit words prema, dharma and sadhana. Just minutes before the journey, it was her reminder of what we should follow as everyday practices while seeking the Grace of the Divine Mother. The tune of every word seemed leading us to do better for ourselves and the world. Through her simple words, Amma insisted that we go ahead in our Sadhana. Amma’s concern was that of the Mother- a loving mom who has sent her only child abroad for doctoral research. She insisted that we remain patient and put in more efforts in our daily practices. As Amma’s face carried the most enchanting smile, her eyes and words spoke of the deep concern for her children as they walked their steep road of spiritual advancement.
The smile of Amma is more than the description by any known set of words. As the warmth of that smile engulfed us in its loving embrace, Amma got up and started walking towards the car that was parked in front of the temple. After one more look at the morning gathering, Amma boarded her car and the last set of tour wagons started off towards the airport.
Such is our Amma. How much we miss her already!
— shyam
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