The next Mata Rani?

22 Jun 2009

Tonight was the last public program in New Mexico – the Retreat starts tomorrow.    During the evening program, archana had just finished and it seemed like darshan was going to end soon. Ramanand took the stage to perhaps sing a few bhajans.  It was going to be an unusually early night – 2am.   But then something happened.  There was a mad scramble.  Amma had asked for a microphone.   Then a harmonium.  Then tablas.  All were moved near Amma.  She was going to sing!

People ran in from the hallway, friends contacted their roommates who had gone to bed early.  They scrambled out of bed and to the elevators.  The crowd drew nearer forming a semi circle in front of Amma.  People in the back of the crowd stood on chairs to watch, others pushed their faces through the gaps.  A song sheet was brought to Amma.  The tablas started, and Amma began….Khol Dar Waza Sera….

Amma motioned for everyone to clap along.   She was radiant, beaming.  Like Mata Rani,  Amma was engaging Her children in a wonderful exchange of love and longing for the Divine Mother.  Towards the end, Amma was shouting out “Jai Mata Di” –  Victory to Mother – raising her hands in the air just like Mata Rani.  The crowd was in bliss, shouting out the same in response.  Then the Jai Mata Di was echoed by “Sherawaliye Maharaniye” – The Supreme Queen who sits on a Lion – and the exchange went on for what seemed like forever.  Amma motioned for Ramanand to add his wonderful melodic callings while we continued singing.   Just as Ramanand would finish, Amma beckoned for him continue on.  Again and again it went for some time.

Finally, it all came to a blissful end. For a moment, all was silent. Amma sat absorbed in absolute bliss – Her eyes closed.  It was brief – maybe two seconds.  One wished that She would sit there longer.  But Amma stood up, and, in what has been a tradition on this tour at the end of evening bhajans, She raised her hands up in the air and shouted out ‘Mata Rani Ki’… and we all responded with a resounding ‘JAI!!!’

– Sri Pati