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Fragrance Mystery
This year my wife and I were unable to see Amma. My mother-in-law died on the week we had planned to go see Amma in Germany. Instead of going to see Amma, my wife and I were both at the mother’s bedside when she gave her last breath. We had never seen anyone die before… the experience took 3½ days. After observing her last breath and departure from the body we dedicated a puja to her. Our hope was that the death would carry her towards a peaceful reincarnation, as this life was not very happy for her. I had…
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Q33: New Year vow?
Question 33: “Do you wish to make a vow for the coming year? This is an invitation for you to make it here. You can either share what your vow is, or simply mention that you made one without saying it if you prefer.” ——————————— To post your answer, click on ‘Add Comment’.
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Are we there?
24 December 2007, Kodungallur During the last night’s program, we were told that there was a bus strike starting the next day and to pack and get on the bus by 2 a.m. I quickly did so and noticed my behavior as almost an unfamiliar person: no panic, no irritation, anger or even disappointment. This is Amma’s grace. She wants us to learn these things and in Her presence She gives us the direct experience through the power of Her own energy. A challenge is to maintain this ability after I leave, to sustain these new energetic vibrations she instills…
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So Many Countries…
29 Dec 2007, Amritapuri The scene here in Amritapuri brings back memories of Amritavarsham. There are more than 1000 International visitors here – a record for the season. They represent at least 50 countries and span all continents except Antartica. Countless others are coming just for one day. And of course, there are the thousands of Indians who come from all over the country to receive Amma’s darshan. Walking through the canteen, one can virtually tour the world. They come from as far away as South America, South Africa and China. From exotic places like Mauritius and Reunion. From Chile, Argentine, Brazil, Venezuela. …
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Tsunami Memories
26 Dec 2007, Amritapuri While I thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment during this year’s Christmas Eve program, I was also very aware of the fact that the anniversary of the tsunami was fast approaching. I remembered how I had experienced exhilarating joy watching the fire dancer during the 2004 Christmas Eve program, not having a clue that thirty-six hours later something so traumatic was going to happen. As I sat on the sand at the beach last night (Christmas Day), tsunami memories started pouring into my mind. Tears running down my cheeks I remembered…. * Being at a bhajan practice at…
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Q32: Why Lazy?
Question 32: “Why are we lazy sometimes? What do you do to overcome laziness?” ——————————— To post your answer, click on ‘Add Comment’.
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Innocent Devotion
25 Dec 2007, Amritapuri Last night during bhajans my attention was drawn to one little girl that was fully absorbed within while singing and at one point tears started flowing from her eyes during one of the songs. I’ve often been amazed seeing very young children crying devotionally during bhajans, both boys and girls. And I must say that it is very evident when a child cries because of devotion rather than something else. For one thing they remain with eyes closed and focused within, not asking for attention or help from and adult like in other instances. But I…
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Mindfulness
For the last few years there has been an eagle that perches in the Western canteen rafters, watching for an unsuspecting Westerner to be inattentive to their food, e.g. walking away to get something and leaving it on the table, holding it up in the air when talking, etc. Whenever it sees an opportunity, it will swoop down and grab the food from the devotee’s hand or plate. Yesterday it occurred to me that this is an incredible opportunity for us to learn mindfulness. If we stay mindful, we are much more likely to be able to eat what we…
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Blooming Buds
23 Dec 2007, Amritapuri Amma is walking from country to country like one does from one room to another of one’s house. Someone said, “While i was writing the news column for the a monthly Matruvani, I found myself writing along this pattern: One para I wrote on Amma in San Ramon, next one para on Amma in Michigan, next on Amma in London… I paused to see how many miles lie in between. The whole Atlantic Ocean in between! But a cake walk for Her. Anyway the next para on Amma’s return to Amritapuri… And well, is it then…
