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Reflections on India’s Independence
Residents of Amritapuri explain what the day marking India’s freedom from British rule means to them. Br. Vinay (Daniel Grey Marshall), 27, USA “It means there is hope for humanity. For me, India is the spiritual heart of the world. If India had not regained her independence, there is a chance that her priceless heritage of Sanatana Dharma could have been lost forever.” Br. Anand Ramani, 36, India, whose B’day falls on Aug 15th “A day of chocolates, holiday, friends and family. A feeling of pride and love for India, mixed with deep sadness about the past 50 years, years…
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Without You
A lovely head of hair Shorn of its locks. An autumn tree Lifting its bare arms to the sky. Images of emptiness, Devoid of beauty A funereal march, Without you, days go by. Sunlight fades from The evening sky The colours leach out From the canvas of my life. A fallen leaf, I wander, Blown about by the wind Derelict, abandoned ship, I, Lie here with no wind in my sails. Destiny smile, was but A scream turned upside down! Brittle bottles of my hope Lie dashed upon the floor I bear this pain, Hope no more! A devout pilgrim…
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The ocean of Love
Why me, why me? The victim to be. Oh Mother! Is there no one, To help your poor son? Why sorrow? All mighty! Grasp me, without mercy. A little creature am I, And all I can do is cry. For without your grace, Mother, In this darkness, I shudder. Let thy Divine Grace be Bestowed on me, And from these bonds Make me free. Decrease my ego and free me Of my load. And uplift me to thy abode. — Akshay N. XII std., Amrita Vidyalayam, Kodungallur.
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Amma is singing to the Divine within Herself
Lalgudi Jayaraman, renowned violinist pays tribute to Amma 20 Aug 2003 Amritapuri received a special guest on Wednesday, the world-renowned Indian violinist Lalgudi Jayaram. Having had Amma’s darshan only twice before in Chennai, this was his first visit to Amritapuri, and he was blessed to perform for Amma during the morning darshan. Later in the evening, we had a chance to speak with him. What attracts you to Amma? “Her simplicity and love. Her unassuming nature and affection. There is Oneness in Amma’s Presence. She receives you as Her very own, and one’s mind and heart overflows with bliss and…
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In Sorrow Without You, Amma
Oh silver stars in the dark night sky, Don’t you see this poor one cry? When you shed your light on the Universal Mother Won’t you tell Her how I suffer? Oh shining moon, I envy you, How lucky you are too! You see Amma every night Won’t you tell my sorrowful plight? Amma is always there, In everybody and everywhere! But I can’t see Her, anyway. How can I see you in all things? Though in my ears, your voice rings. You must be there with me always. Till I see you, I’ll be counting the days. — Sukhitha…
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Good night Amritapuri
If I could paint a picture of Amritapuri right now I would color it in the golden light of dusk. Fill it with the sounds of the waves of the sea meeting the shore. Dotted with the lights of the fisherman on the backwaters, fishing in the old ways with net and lantern suspended on a long pole. The intermittent sounds of water taxis going to shore for the night, bringing the last passengers safely to land. Crows calling to their friends, good night, good night. Rhythmic ringing of the pujari’s bell in the old temple. Southern winds powering palm…
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Amma, She is a candle
She is a candle, Which shines so bright. So brightly she shines, Even in the dark, cold and windy night. She is the messiah of love, As pure and beautiful as a dove. She stretches her hands, And welcomes all, Her love knows no bounds. She is a mother, father, teacher and God, And all look up to her and chant, “O, Lord.” She tells us to gain mastery over the mind, And to chant mantra to purify the mind. O God, Bless us to serve and follow this mother, As she leads us along the path as the light.…
