Today was the fifth day of the children’s personality development camp. The day was full of excitement as it started with Amma answering the children’s questions, then giving darshan to everybody, and after that took all the kids swimming.

After darshan Amma sang Mata Rani Ke, during which the children got up danced all through the song. The whole hall was just one big mass of dancing children. Quite incredible really. The whole ashram is just bursting with fun.

I was already up on stage ready for bhajans when I was told that Amma is calling the brahmacharis to join her at the pool. I couldn’t believe that after being at the pool with all those kids for so many hours she would still call us to swim with her also, but like said, we are children to her also. I ran up to get my swimming trunks and ran to the pool and there she was surrounded by the boys joking with them and pushing them into the pool one by one. I like that part so I ripped off my dhoti and shirt ASAP, went to Amma, touched her feet and next thing I know, she shoved me into the pool. It’s not only the children having fun. This camp just keeps getting better every day.

I’m sure that by the end of the camp the kids will go back home with the clear impression that spiritual life is not something dry and austere but really fun and full of excitement. This must be an unforgettable experience for them. It makes me very happy to be present to see their joy.

Amma did not come for bhajans tonight because of the swimming. Swami Amritatmanandaji sang an energetic set with the children clapping time and applauding wildly. The kids are so receptive towards everything here. It’s really inspiring.

Vishwanath

11 May 2007