21-25 June 2009

The programs in Albuquerque New Mexico consisted of one surprise after another.  First there was the last public evening at the end when Amma sang Khol Darvaza.  Then the first retreat night, as the darshan line trickled down to the last few, everyone rushed forward expecting a repeat of the previous evening.  Playfully, Amma smiled and said that She would sing tomorrow night.

With that sweet promise, we all went to bed, only to wake up for a cultural treat that began the morning program.  Even before Amma arrived for darshan, an announcement was made saying that there would be a special concert by Ustad Amjad Ali Khan – renowned Sarod musician.  For almost an hour, we were serenaded by his wonderful music. The concert was then followed by a young devotee who sang while playing a small harp.

In the evening, everyone had gathered outside for the Meditation, and Q&A session with Amma.   As Amma arrived, it began to rain lightly.   It then stopped,   But the paused lasted only long enough for one or two more questions, and soon it was raining hard enough for Amma to tell everyone to move under the outdoor pavillion which, by grace, happened to be right there, so we didn’t have to relocate inside.  It wasn’t a downpour, but heavy enough for anyone to get wet if one stayed out too long.

The Pavillion was big enough for practically everyone to stand under, but the food serving lines were still outside in the rain.  Amma sat just under the pavillion (which had been set up with tables and chairs), and with a few dozen sevites holding up plastic tarps over the food and plate preparers, She began passing out plates.

After heading inside, Sw. Poornamrita gave satsang until Amma came to the hall for bhajans.

Amma sang:

• Jai Ganesha Jai Ekadanta
• Krishna Govinda Gopala
• Ennute Jivita
• Mayyiji Menu Tu Cahidi
• Chesenu Talli
• Om Namah Sivayah
• Amma Untan
• Nammavararu Namagilla
• Ma Jai Jagadambe Ma

After bhajans, the cultural performances continued.

Native Mexican Aztec dancers from a group called Circulo Solar Ollin Xochipilli put on a performance in the traditional Danza Azteca style.  The three dances represented a specific energy or aspect of nature.  The first was the Mazatl (little deer), the second was for fire, and the third was in the Nahuat language which is native to central Mexico.

The second group put on two dances – the first from Haiti, the second from Mali.   The Hatian dance was called ‘Yanvalou’ and represented the movements of a snake through the water and it’s regenerative symbolism.   This was followed by a life-celebratory dance from Mail called ‘1988’. Next was a local Sufi group with whirling dervish dancers.

If the cultural events of the day were not enough, at the end of darshan, Amma fulfilled her promise to sing and the microphone was again brought.  Again, the crowd moved forward in anticipation, and Amma began to sing Meri Jhopadi!   Again, Ramanand lent his wonderful vocalizations at the end.

The last night was Devi Bhava and Amma wore a dark red sari.   In the early evening, news had spread of Michael Jackson’s passing.  During their bhajan set, the Ayudh youth group added ‘Will You Be there’ (by Michael Jackson) to their song list.  Some years back, a resident of Amritapuri had adapted this theme song from the movie ‘Free Willy’ to be sung by Amma’s international children. Amma loved the melody and inspiring words, and in the following months, She often requested that it be sung during Her darshan programs both in India and abroad.

Dallas is next…

Sri Pati
New Mexico, USA