One of the joys of the Europe tour is the glimpses of the unique and beautiful culture of each country.  Each country has its unique way of welcoming Amma.  Munich is always one of the most stunning.  In Munich, Amma stays in a room on the second story of the venue and comes and goes along a catwalk, clearly visible to everyone in the hall.   Or rather, she glides like a swan over the heads of the mesmerized devotees

Each entrance and exit was eagerly awaited, as this was such a unique opportunity to clearly see Amma, unobstructed by cameramen and security.  Each exit and entrance was different.  When she enters for a program, Amma generally walks purposefully, looking ahead to where the devotees are waiting to do the pada puja to welcome her in the traditional Indian way.

However, the first night, as she floated along the catwalk, she could see and hear the spectacular welcome the devotees had prepared.  Traditionally costumed devotees held an arch of greenery and flowers for Amma to walk under, with Danke Amma (Thank you Amma) emblazoned on the top.  This was in honor of the 25 years Amma has been visiting Munich.   As Amma approached, they sang a lovely song playing traditional German instruments.

Behind them the backdrop with the colours of the rainbow glowed softly. Shining in gold letters were the words-Einheit est Frieden (Unity is Peace).  Amma often mentions the rainbow in her satsangs, explaining how the beauty of the rainbow comes from its diverse colours blending in harmony.    That was the theme of Amma’s satsang that night.  She explained in depth how it’s the unity of hearts that makes society beautiful.  And indeed, in Amma’s coming and goings to and from the program we could see that beauty of the unity of hearts.

At the close of the second day’s darshan, Amma swept up the stairs and onto the catwalk to the rhythmic clapping of the devotees to the refrain of the bhajan, “Me Khedi…”  (“If Shyam can’t come, surely he will send a message”.)  But Shyam had come and the message was unconditional love!  Amma slowly drifted along the catwalk staring down at the devotees with a melting look.  Slowly reaching the her door, she stopped and reached out toward the crowd and with a few Mata rani ki Jai’s,  gestured to them and to her heart and entered her room after 10 hours of darshan.  There would be three more chances to see Amma come and go in Munich, and then-on to Paris!

Rta S

Europe Yatra 2012- Munich, Germany