27 Oct 2009, Paris
Amma’s Paris program started off with the best of best days, a Sunday. To many here, Sunday is observed with the family and sometimes a little more time for inner contemplation and prayer. The French seem to enjoy the timing of Amma’s Paris program starting on a Sunday here at Paris with the very same feelings.

The first day, being a one day event, made the program much more exciting. Even tiny-tots with their parents seemed to enjoy the dynamics of big crowds. One could also notice a couple of animal friends amongst the visitors.

After a couple of press interviews, Amma talked with devotees to some of whom she would address starting with a beautiful “my dear child” and then go on to answer each of their multitudes of questions.

The Swamis bhajans rocked the floor and the French seem to enjoy the melody as they swayed from side to side in their seats. Some even started dancing by the side. Every bhajans would receive its special treatment from the crowd and that seems to be a speciality of Amma’s French children.

Amma finished darshan past midnight. As she climbed the stairs to her room, a group of young singers and one playing a guitar simultaneously took sides of the metal staircase that led to her room. They sang to a simple tune which plainly cried out “Amma”. Amma, after more than 13 hours of Darshan, stopped her climb, enjoying the call of her children. Her face wore an enchanting smile with a benevolent look that made the chorus go higher and higher. What a moment! All eyes were on Amma and on her expression as they observed love in action.

Today is the second day. Amma’s morning program got over around 4pm. Amma smile lit everyone’s face and filled everywhere around her. Even while going out for her evening program, without words, Amma’s eyes talked love to all around. A little boy, who was on the path even got a special kiss on his head as he held Amma’s bosom in a beautiful embrace.

The evening’s highlight was Amma blessing the local AYUDH members who had managed to even build a hut-sized bee-house made of natural products at the French M.A. center. Amma blessed the local green friends products and the new seeds for promoting green-awareness which has been one of her key projects as part of the green initiatives across the globe.

People remained enthralled as the bhajans started. Every bhajan would end with a “Ho” sound as a response from the jubliant crowd. When “Maiyyaji meno tu chahdi” hit the microphones, the whole crowd at the very end of the hall were on their feet, dancing. Many hands lifted up..in tune and the very moment would tell any observer how much Amma and her program meant to the many here. It even seemed that they did not want the last bhajan to end.

Amma is still giving Darshan and the program is mellowing. Another beautiful day is yet to finish.

– Shyam