Amma’s Melting Pot of Languages at the Seva Desk

Each morning, at the Seva desk, we get a list of those who have checked in the day before so we can distribute little ‘Seva’ reminders to their room inviting them (if they wish) to help with Seva during their stay. The list is a veritable melting pot of countries, languages and cultures – 34 countries at last count, the majority from Europe. The list includes people from almost all continents except Antarctica and Africa (though I recollect seeing Kenya and Cameroon in the past).

This season, (Aug/Sep), there are quite a few people from France. In fact, in terms of numbers, they are pretty much equal to the Americans with just over 100 from each country. In terms of representation however, the Finnish always take the lead. Over 30+ people are here from a country of just 5 million. If an equal proportion of Americans came, there would be close to 1800 from the US alone.

Whenever someone comes to the Seva Desk, generally the first question I ask is what language they speak. Hopefully, (for me at least) it’s English, otherwise, my partner at the Seva Desk, Dayalu, who knows both Italian and German, takes over. If they speak French, I try to muster a bit of what I learned in Jr. High School and I attempt to explain the various Seva needs of the moment such as “Nous bezoin beaucoup des persons apres midi pour lavez les petite casseroles” – meaning: ‘We need many people in the afternoon to wash small cooking vessels’. It works for dish washing, but for waste collection or more detailed seva, I wind up thoroughly confusing them, in which case I have to locate a translator.

Dayalu and I are always challenged by visitors who don’t speak one of the languages we know. Luckily, there are a many bi-lingual people here who can be called upon to help in a pinch, or sometimes, there’s someone they are travelling with who speaks English and can translate. If there is no one to translate, we have to resort to an ad-hoc form of sign-language to demonstrate such tasks as Veggie Chopping or sweeping in the Temple. This often brings about a few laughs and we have a good time enjoying the puzzled looks on each other’s faces. Unfortunately, no one has yet to invent a universal translator like on Star Trek, but here in Amritapuri, the language of love (and laughter) works quite well.

Sri Pati
17 August 2007