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Q96: Just 2 weeks?
Question 96: “The doctors inform you that you still have just 2 weeks to live. How would you ideally want to spend them?” To post your answer, click on ‘Add Comment’. Please think well before you answer, and make your answer brief and clear.
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Blue Sky, Blue Sari, Jewels
29 November 2008 San Ramon Dawn gave way to sunshine as Amma continued to give darshan through the morning. Dozens if not nearly a hundred people were standing outside the hall waiting for the first rayso of the sun to clear the hilltops to the east. A blissful serenity has befallen MA Center. As the sun rose higher, the blue sky was adorned with white streaks of clouds and airplane trails – instantly reminding one of Amma inside with her blue sari adorned with golden threads. Swami Ramakrishna was singing his set for some time when Swami Amritaswarupananda came for…
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Amma in Blue
29 November 2008 San Ramon Swamji was singing Jai Jai Satguru when the curtains opened at 9:10pm. Amma was absolutely stunning in a sky blue sari. Her face was beaming – a very peaceful and content beam. Swamini waived the camphor flame while we all sang Arati and darshan began. Those who ventured down to the dining hall for dinner found the Ashram shrouded in a fine mist. Fog had settled down on the Ashram – yet inside Amma had begun lifting the fog of maya from all her children – one by one, hug by hug. During the evening,…
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Twittering near Kalari
There is something very special about birds. Some of them so tiny, yet how they live beautiful lives! Singing glories, always singing glories. Always with the vast sky and the rest of the Nature. Wordsworth asks the Cuckoo, “Are you a bird or a wandering voice?” Near Kalari: There is a kind of tiny bird which twitters in a voice with such high frequency that it can wake people from sleep. It is half the size of our palm. I am sure we all know it. Though they are heard in the trees around Amma’s room everyday, for the past…
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Nothing happened…?
That morning I was late by more than half an hour to go to unlock and open the terrace door of the E Building. Many things could have happened: I would have come across many frowning faces, or would have heard sneering words…. But none of them happened. They didn’t seem to mind the delay. When I came down after more than the normal time, spending time with my favourites- sky, clouds and kites, my workmate downstairs concernedly asked, “How was it? Anything happened?” Meaning, ‘Anybody shouted at you?’ ‘No. Nothing happened.’ I said but soon I corrected my words…
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Thanksgiving with Amma
27 November 2008 San Ramon The second day of retreat in San Ramon fell on Thanksgiving. A day to give thanks for life, for food, for good health, for friends, family, and our livelihoods. But what a wonderful way to give thanks! How blessed are we to have Amma in our lives and to be able to spend this time with her. The day began with the skies still overcast. The ground was still wet and puddles were all around. But as the day progressed, the sun poked out from behind the low clouds. It wasn’t too cold. A number…
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First Day of Retreat – San Ramon
26 November 2008 San Ramon The San Ramon Retreat began. During the day, a light steady rain fell – which was badly needed – but which made things a bit messy around the Ashram. Many of us quickly found out that our sneakers or shoes had previously-unnoticed holes which were now making our socks and feet a bit damp. Even though there was no morning program, much work had to be done to prepare for the retreat. Early arrivals headed to the kitchen tent to help chop veggies and prepare dinner. The bakery was in full force preparing cakes and…
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Rocketting to the ceiling
Tuesday evening almost felt like Devi Bhava. The hall was so crowded for the last public program before the retreat that the ‘spinners’ (dancers who always congregate on the balcony) had to dance standing in place. There was not a spare spot to sit or stand – every available space seemed to be occupied. This is November in San Ramon – where everyone on this side of the Mississippi (and then some) gather to see Amma. Tonights Bhajans: Kripa Ho Teri Gopala Govinda Krishna Vasudeva Adbutha Charitre Ammana Divya Pahi Pahi Vilvittal Archittom Mat Bhavani Maheshi Ambe Evening darshan ended…
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Q95: Who came first?
Question 95: “What is your answer for this classical one: Who came first the egg or the chicken?” To post your answer, click on ‘Add Comment’. Please think well before you answer, and make your answer brief and clear.

