8 Mar 2010, New Delhi

Amma’s first program in New Delhi was a public event at Mayur Vihar, a location one hour away by car from the Delhi Ashram. Traditional beats and music was downed in the awe-sound from the crowds of people who rushed to see her being welcomed in the traditional way. It was a simple start to a beautiful event.  As the program mellowed, Amma’s Satsang, Guided Meditation and Bhajans saw a sea of calmness and a dynamic sense of peace for many who had come from their various locations.

Amma’s Darshan started and the first people showed the joy of waiting by their eagerness to remain with Amma. One old lady was promptly telling the queue assistants that she wanted to feel Amma’s feet. Amma was smiling saying that the lady was trying to locate Amma’s feet as she reached her and in midst of the crowds and the super-quick Darshan. One man cried loudly when he almost reached Amma and his tears seemed unconsolable. Amma gave him more time by embracing him close and she pat his back down saying “Don’t worry! Come sit near me” He was given a seat near Amma and his crying had stopped and his face carried a smile half-contented half-embarrassed. Amma then gave him a loving look and a enchanting smile. He left in a while.

A group of Japanese students had come all the way to join Amma’s selfless activities by helping in home-construction work at Raichur. They had finished their assignment and had flown all the way to Delhi to meet Amma. Each of them courteously wished everyone around with “Namah Shivaya” and their instructor(Viveka Koichi) was telling Amma how special it was that even though they did not know the culture were adapting to prefer the highest forms of respect. Amma beamed at those children’s good-will and character. While the bhajans stopped in between two songs, there was huge chorus of Japanese saying “Namah Shivaya Amma” coming from the space close to the dais where all the Japanese students had gathered. Amma looked at them from the dais, and like a proud Mother said “Namah Shivaya” and then she said “Oyasuminasai” which meant “Good night (like when one is going to bed immediately)” Koichi, their instructor and guide who was nearby, called their attention and shouted out explaining that Amma had just asked them to have rest and go to bed. It was past 3am. Their sleepy faces broke into beautiful smiles and once again there was a chorus “Namah Shivaya” and then they left. Amma beamed with the smile that only true Mothers express when their children turn out to be victoriously good-natured.

Later that night, many people seemed to get their share of Amma through Darshan individually and when every single person who had come received Darshan, Amma got up from the seat. The crowds formed barricades on either side so they could touch Amma as she passed. Amma smilingly walked into the vehicle to drive back to the Delhi Ashram premises.

— Shyam