In Tokyo, white orchid stems leaned in a graceful arc from the edge of the stage toward Amma. In Kobe, delicate salmon pink rosebuds lined the stage behind her chair. The flowers seemed to reflect the delicacy and grace of the Japanese people as they came for darshan, falling like pearls into her lap.

For those used to the hustle and bustle of programs in the USA and Europe, the programs in Japan were an interesting change. The people here seem quiet and inward in their approach to Amma. During meditation, time there is pin drop silence as they sit in deep concentration with Amma. However, there is plenty of bustle in the bookstore, where the devotees avidly peruse the latest books translated into Japanese such as Purnamrita Swami’s new book and Swamini Krishnamrita’s Sacred Journey. It gives one a start to see the familiar books with striking new covers and the graceful Kanji script. The usual cast of characters working in the bookstore also is absent, replaced with locals.

The devotees also are entranced by all the information on Amma’s charitable activities. There is always a crowd watching the Embracing the World video. Japan is notable as the country that sends the most housebuilding volunteers to India. Large groups of students come every year to help build houses for those displaced by natural disasters or who are too poor to provide a home for themselves.

During darshan, the Japanese devotees also sing with a distinctive style. They alternate Amma’s traditional bhajans with their own unique compositions. They use some traditional Japanese instruments and melodies to create a haunting and memorable effect.

What will some remember from Amma’s Japan tour 2010? Heaps of rose petals at Amma’s feet after the Guru Purnima pada puja. Amma’s Devi Bhava mustard gold and scarlet sari and her outstretched hands embracing her seva children at the end of Tokyo Devi Bhava. And most of all, her most beautiful, soft, radiant smile as she beamed at the sea of faces gazing at her with tearful devotion.

– Rita