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Q166: Being Nice?
Question 166: “What traits in someone’s behavior make you see him/her as being ‘nice’? How do you define ‘being nice’?” Please make your answer clear and brief (maximum 5 or 6 lines).
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Nature is our home, God in another form
12 Jun 2010, Sanramon At the end of darshan on Wednesday night (the last public program before the retreat), Amma practiced a new bhajan written in English by a German devotee. The following evening (Thursday), Amma sang this song during bhajans. The words beautifully convey Amma’s message about our need to restore the broken harmony between humanity and nature and how we need to care for our planet and all life forms. Nature is our home God in another form …….. ………… For us to survive we need to strive To care for all of life — Here at M.A.…
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Degree for a Master
So today is the 24th of May. Somewhere, on the other side of the world, our Mother is being feted with a PhD. An honorary degree in Humane Letters, by a major American University. Sounds nice. As one who has spent the better of my adulthood in Universities across the world, I am naturally drawn to the significance of this event. As one who has a couple of degrees, and has, more importantly walked away from a couple of others, it draws me to ruminate on the meaning of this historic event. Well a degree by itself doesn’t confer an…
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Sweetness to me is my Children
It was the end of Devi Bhava at San Ramon. For pleasing her many Amritapuri children who want to remain always connected to her, Amma came on a video call and even spoke to many. Such calls have been a huge gift to keep us connected to Amma’s presence and Love. Yesterday, the bell rang announcing Amma’s presence on screen. The whole Ashram seemed like ants scurrying before rain. Boys gathered at the Hall and girls in the temple. Video connections cracked with audio inputs from San Ramon in California. The sitting mats were places and various ages and colors…
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from San Ramon
July 6th, 2010 San Ramon – USA Normally, the hills surrounding M.A. Center would have turned completely brown a few weeks ago, but the longer than normal rainy season and cool weather has allowed them to retain much of their fresh green cover. Wide strips of newly blossomed mustard add bright yellow stripes along the verdant hillsides. In the distance, the cows announce their presence. In contrast to the deep blue skies, the earth’s beautiful pallet of color has come alive for Amma’s visit. Devotees from all over the world had been coming to San Ramon over the past two…
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Seattle 2nd night retreat
Amma continued to delight the hearts and souls of her children with the introduction of even more new bhajans which were created during the winter and spring. In the afternoon, Amma’s Seattle Children put on an inspiring play embracing Amma’s message that we should be content with our lives. Amma sang: Jai Ganesha Jai Ekadanta Murali Vale Vedana Kondor – (new – Malayalam) – a somber melody longing for Krishna – “From pain I created a bamboo flute, and my flowing tears formed a Yamuna River.” Devi Devi Devi (new – Kanada) – an upbeat bhajan whose main verse exclaims,…
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Q165: World issue?
Question 165: “What is the most important issue facing the world today?” Please make your answer clear and brief (maximum 5 or 6 lines).
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Seattle Retreat 1st evening
Amma arrived at the hall at exactly 8pm. Each summer tour, a bhajan supplement is released which contains the newest bhajans being sung by Amma along with new World Tour CDs. This year, there are close to 4 dozen new bhajans. Saturday evening’s bhajans were a mix of old and new: Dayakaro Tum Krishna Govinda Gopala Muralikayiloru Ganamundo? (new – Malayalam) “Is there any song in your Flute?” Tathi Tathi (new – Tamil) – the words Tathi Tathi are an affectionate reference to the sound of the soft quick steps of a toddler Pagalaina (new – Telugu) Om Namah Sivayaha…
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A letter written to Amma
This is a letter written to Amma by an ex resident of the Ashram. Sharing this for the benefit of Amma devotees. — My dear friend, Even though I address you in this way, to me you are beyond that. I recall, more and more, what you said to me when I left the ashram and when I spoke so many negative words about the ashram. You told me that if one sees what is sweet as bitter instead, it is because one’s intellect has become diminished. I did not understand that at the time, but today I recognize myself;…
