8 June 2009

Today’s programs featured a wonderful classical violin and piano concert by Raushan Akhmedyarova (Violinist with the San Francisco Symphony) and Miles Graber (pianist and faculty member of the San Francisco Conservatory).   The performance included pieces by Massenet (Meditation from the Opera ‘Thais’), Saint Saens (Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso), and Bach (Concerto for Violin in A-minor, first movement).

A mixture of elder ‘grandmothers’ came for Amma’s darshan.  Two were Kanaka Maoli women from Kohawaiipaeaina (Hawaii) and another was a representative of group of elders called the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers.

Evening Bhajans were:

• Kripa Ho Teri
• Jai Gopalaka
• Arikil Undenkilum Ariyan
• Sankara Siva Sankara (new)
• Chesenu Talli (new)
• Kodanu Koti
• Jai Jagadambe Durge Ma

During bhajans, the words are shown on a projector screen so the audience can follow along.   At the end of Jai Jagadambe Durge Ma is a chorus repeating ‘Jai Ma, Jai Mai, Jai Ma, Jai Ma’ (Hail to the Divine Mother).   While everyone was chanting along, the screen showed only one ‘Jai Ma’ in the center.   The appearance of those two simple words felt like a testament to the entire tour.  Our praise of Amma who sits tirelessly for hours on end giving solace to all who come to seek her comfort, and who inspires countless people to find meaning in their lives through service.   May those words remain on display forever in our hearts and minds.

Sri Pati
San Ramon – USA