Laughter All Around
3 Dec 2007, Amritapuri
For the first part of the webcast from Ann Arbor, we could only hear Amma’s voice as She gave satsang. But when Her image finally appeared, it was so close. The camera was sitting just to Her right and facing upwards. We couldn’t see Swamiji, but we could tell that there were some children on stage sitting around Amma.
At the end of the Satsang, Swamiji began to give the instructions for the Puja. Next thing we know, he burst out laughing. Then Amma burst out laughing. We could hear the audience cracking up. What was it? A little boy named Eknath was apparently repeating every word Swamiji was saying. Like a little parrot. We couldn’t hear him directly – only everyone’s reaction. Even while Swamiji was telling the crowd what was happening, the boy was mimicking him. Amma made a comment that it was because the boy was so focused and paying attention that he was able to do so. Such is the innocence of a child.
After Amma went inside the Mandapam and called for the laptop, there was more laughter. Usually, there isn’t much communication from the Brahmacharini side. It has been mostly the Brahmacharis. But today, we heard two Bri voices. They kept talking and talking. And Amma was responding. Almost everything they said brought out laughter from everyone – Amma, the Brahmacharis, the other Brahmacharinis. Even though I had no idea what was being said, I found myself laughing as well. A few times I tried to ask one of the Brs. what was being said, but the banter was going on so much and I didn’t want to disturb anyone, that I just wound up laughing along – laughter is so contagious. This went on for maybe 5 minutes or so before Amma had to go.
When Amma came out for Devi Bhava, She appeared to be wearing the same reddish-orange, Tangerine-orange, Sanyas colored sari that She wore a few cities back. Perhaps someone who was there could post a live ‘in living color’ comment.
– Sri Pati
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It is not sure this is the same Ekanath who was sitting beside AMMA at Amritapuri Kali Temple dias last year. AMMA was tellling about Ekanath to us. AMMA described Ekanath’s new interpretation: “Mathru Devo Bhava, Pithru Devo Bhava, Puthra Devo Bhava” Saying this AMMA burst out in laughter…
Om Amriteswaryai Namah! Eknath, also known as Darius, contributed his bouncing energy to all of Amma’s programs in Michigan.
I don’t know if it was the same Devi Bhava sari as previously, but it certainly was a rich reddish orange.
I was sitting at the corner of the room at the priority section with my husband. One of the first things Amma commented on as soon as she sat on the stage was that people on Her right would not be able to see. She immediately sent Swamini to check with the devotees and she confirmed to Amma that “yes – there was a viewing problem” It was so amazing to see how Amma thinks of all the small details and about our needs. She immediately instructed for a TV to be set up so that we could also watch what was happening. It was truly heart warming to watch Amma laugh on the TV screen and participate in the events of the night instead of just hearing Swamiji and Amma laugh!
Another note just to remark on Eknath…….this year in Toronto, it was really late and Amma asked Eknath if he was not tired. Eknath responded and said no, then Mother asked him…”have you eaten anything?” To everyone’s surprise, Eknath’s response was ‘have YOU eaten?” Amma then looked at all of us and commented that this is what true love is…..Eknath was concerned about Mother’s welfare. Many of us would have responded with a affirmative or negative response. How many of us would have asked Mother if She had eaten. I know I would not have. Each year, we learn so much from Eknath’s innocence. 🙂
Eknath is a truly amazing child. I have seen him in 2 retreats so far. He is never unhappy. He constantly keeps streching either edges of his lips with his two index fingers and that brings out an enunciated smile on his face. He does this to remind everyone to keep smiling.
The saree was the above abstruse color description but I would like to add that there was a lot of gold color embroidery on it, I mean much more than a regular silk saree, it nearly eclipsed the base color. Amma was “splendourous” cute Devi.
love amma