Friday, August 30, 2013

Amma, the rainbow!

40. Om manikya mukutakara janu dvaya virajitayai namah: I bow down to Amma whose knees are like crowns shaped from the precious red manikya jewel (a kind of ruby)


A few weeks ago, I came across a website that had proudly positioned itself against Gurus around the world. And my only thought was: why would you go anti-beauty? anti-happiness? anti-everything-that's-wonderful-with-the-world?

I have known Amma for 24 years but I have only realized what it means to be Amma's devotee, a few rains ago. It has it's own share of responsibilities. It's not enough to get excited when Amma comes to our city, stand in line for darshan, buy trinkets and memorabilia of Her visit and then walk away from everything She taught us. What's the point of Amma sitting for hours giving darshan and sacrificing everything for us when we can't sacrifice our well fed egos at Her feet? What's the point of standing on stage and praying to Amma only to walk away and ignore the first person who really needs your help? Amma isn't a mere concept. She's a way of living!

As I go through my one-mantra--a-day journey, I find myself dwelling more on the positives of life. Even Amma's knees are shaped like crowns. And they're red from the manikya jewel. Everything precious. And larger than life. Each mantra is a celebration of Amma. Each mantra is reaching out to us and saying: celebrate life, for you are surrounded by so much wondrousness. Sure life throws an ugly wave every now and again but in the larger scheme of living, happiness really has to be our best foot forward. We owe it to ourselves. But more so, we owe it to the mother whose tireless effort at creating joy in the world cannot and should not go unanswered. If we truly care, we will not hold a filter to happiness. Why go through life anti anything? Let's do the journey in Amma's arms, pro life!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Amma, my omnipresent Amma!!

39. Om kamesa jnata saubhagya mardavoru dvayanvitayai namah: I bow down to Amma the beauty and softness of whose thighs are known only to Kamesha, Her husband.


I know of Amma's beauty. She's as beautiful as the white sands in a pristine beach or the tall, majestic, monolith mountains, or the refreshing smell of fresh earth just before a welcome rain. I know of Amma's beauty when I see the goodness She brings out in me. I know of Amma's beauty when millions of children the world over are happy to share a mother. I know of Amma's beauty when the  President of a country understands the true value of the mahatma he is standing in front of. I know of Amma's beauty when a wish that flits across my mind is granted. I know of Amma's beauty when She will only do what is right for us. I know of Amma's beauty when She gets me to meet incredible people like my spiritual siblings, Bindu and Michael. I know of Amma's beauty when I realize that how many ever lifetimes I live, I may never be able to fathom in it's entirety, Her true nature.

A few years ago when I went to Zermatt, I had the rare and very blessed opportunity to see the awe inspiring Matterhorn. As I stood staring at the resplendent mountain, I had the most incredible thought. I sat down and meditated. To Amma. And in the silence of the mountains, I found Her. In the beauty surrounding the majestic peaks, I felt a oneness with Her. The imposing Matterhorn. And yet, in it's ruggedness I felt Amma's soft presence. When the cool mountain air gently caressed my face, I felt Amma's omnipresence. And therein lies Her beauty. She's there. Every where. In every thing that's splendid, divine and beautiful. In the clear waters of a still lake. Or the little lavender flowers growing wildly on a swiss mountain. And like nature, Amma is the cradle of rest. Where I can repose my weary mind and know that She'll gently ease it back to happiness. Where I can unburden my worries and walk away, rejuvenated.

It is impossible for Amma's beauty to stay restricted. It's like the divine rays of the sun. Who's to lay claim to it? Thankfully, My mother is ubiquitous. Every where. Omnipresent.
And we're truly blessed for that!

Om Amriteswariye Namah!

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Amma, Krishna!

38. Om ratna kinkinika ramya rasana dama bhusitayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is adorned with a girdle which is decorated with many gem studded bells


On this wonderful day of Janmashthami, it is so beautiful to end the day with celebrating Amma. All day long messages have flown around. "Happy Janmashthami"

Krishna, the sweetheart amongst Gods, the maakhan chor. The naughty, mischievous God whose smile is enough to melt hearts. Who moved mountains for His devotees. Whose counsel is enough to lead a pure and virtuous life. And within a month, we'll be celebrating yet another birthday of Lord Krishna: what I might call Amma-shthami. The 60th birthday of Amma!! She's Krishna in every sense. Her mischievous smile that comes straight from the purest of the pure heart...each one of us who has been lucky enough to be around Amma while She has laughed naughtily: what a sight! I've smiled without knowing what Amma might have said or what She was laughing about. Her infectious laughter was enough to make me forget every thing surrounding me. And for that micro second, the only reality has been Her. Her laughter, Her beauty, her purity.
In essence, Krishna.

On this day when we surrender our consciousness to Krishna, I wonder why every other day doesn't get celebrated so? After all, every day dawns because the Gods have deemed it so. And with every new dawn comes new blessings! With every sunrise is a renewed sense of life. The first rays of the sun reveal what Amma and Krishna have in store for us. It also reveals Amma's and Krishna's beauteous forms. Splendid and resplendent. Shining with an aura of innocence. And a dollop of naughtiness. Her girdle shines with the many gem studded bells.

And thus begins our surrender to them.

Om Amriteswariye namah!


The redness of beauty!

37. Om arunaruna kausumbha vastra bhasvat kati tatyai namah: I bow down to Amma whose hips are adorned with a garment as red as the rising sun, which is dyed with an extract from safflower blossoms


I think it wonderful that Amma can be described in so many ways! There are thankfully enough words that can come close to capturing Her beauty.

Amma, on whose shoulders lie our secrets, joys and sorrows. How easy it is to reach Her altar and forget about every other person's presence! How easy it is to kneel in front of Amma and feel such an overwhelming sense of love, that the mere thought of Her leaving, hurts?
Amma, my majestic and stately mother whose mere presence not only awakens our subconscious but also cleanses our karma.
Amma, my darling mother whose ability to love is so enormous, She holds the world in Her arms.
Amma, my mother for whom devotees wait hours on end for one single hug. And a reassurance of a lifetime. And of course, a universal dollop of love.
Amma, whose only desire is to wipe the tear of every child's face.
Amma, in whose presence the mind calms and the desire to be good is so strong!
Everything about Her is magnificent. Larger than life. Nature is possibly the closest that can come to holding a candle to Her.
Amma's hips, adorned with a red garment: as red as the rising sun.
Because for Amma, nothing but the highest and brightest will do.

Om Amriteswariye namah! 

Monday, August 26, 2013

My mother's heart!

36. Om stana bhara dalan madhya patta bandha vali trayayai namah: I bow down to Amma whose abdomen has three folds, which form a belt to support Her waist from breaking under the weight of Her  breasts.

My beautiful mother, whose every part is worthy of worship and praise. She's a beautiful mother to millions of Her children all over the world.

Many years ago, my sister Bindu referred to Amma as her spiritual mother. I found the concept so brilliant. Till then, She was Amma to me. But to take Amma out of the "peetham" and seat Her inside your heart, just where a mother needs to be, gave the entire guru-shishya relationship a totally renewed meaning. Amma was no longer a guru I stood in line to meet. She was no longer someone I took a token to get a hug from.

And this was so relevant because I had been brought up on the concept of God as being a fierce, punishing God. But suddenly, Amma, (who was & is most certainly God in my life!) was not - could not - be a fierce punishing God. She was a loving "mother". Which meant I wasn't standing in a line to meet Her - I was awaiting my turn amongst my brothers and sisters, to be with our Mother. It wasn't a token; it was my little magical portkey to get to Her.

So now my entire relationship with Amma is a mother-daughter relationship. It changes as the years go by. It's gone from fearful love to reticent adoration. I still find myself filtering my thoughts around Her. But I've been taught by some people who I call "bridges to Amma", not to do that. For Amma is a destination: when you arrive at Her feet, that's where the unburdening begins. Like when we were little and our mothers held us close to their hearts. It was never their heartbeat that soothed us - instead, it was our heartbeats that got in time with theirs, that helped us. It's the same with Amma. When She hugs me, I can't hear Her heart beat. But when I feel a calm descend on me, I know my heart's beating in tandem with Hers.

And then, I'm with my "mother"!

Om Amriteswariye namah! 

Sunday, August 25, 2013

A simple love!

35. Om laksya roma lata dharata sumunneya madhyamayai namah: I bow down to Amma who has a waist, the existence of which can only be inferred by the fact that the creeper of Her hairline springs from it.
The first few mantras celebrate Amma's physical form. It is after all the form we worship and dwell on, during prayer and meditation. And what a beautiful form it is. I've always thought Amma's form is something undefinable. I've never seen a body like this nor skin like Amma's. It's almost unique in its color. Like everything else about Her.

Which is why I love Amma's logo. It's the simplest representation of everything She stands for. First, these simple lines. Which in itself represent everything pure and simple about Amma. It's Her true and only nature. And then the heart. That red heart that beats as a symbol of love for every one. And it's a heart that's open to every one. Its doors are never closed to any one, at any time. It's there. All we need to do, is walk towards it. And then the child. Us. We who constantly crave to be in Amma's arms and melt into Her shoulders. When Amma hugs us, we nestle in Her arms, cradling our dreams, aspirations, hopes, secrets, fears, worries to Her. And the logo shows Amma seated. Like She is while giving us darshan. Tirelessly, day in, day out.

Like the mantra, Amma's waist is also only inferred upon, in the logo. But it's from where Amma leans forward, to pull us fortunate beings, to Her. It's where we place our hands inadvertently during darshan.

Sometimes when life throws it's usual curved balls at me, I fall off the edge for a bit. And yet I am able to bounce back because I know I live under Amma's guidance and grace. She's uncomplicated. Like the logo. And through the most simple of all emotions: love, She's managed to show us that faith can truly work its magic in a myriad number of ways.

Amma, I love you. I love your physical form and the fact that it's my retreat when tired of life's tests. It's the form I think of when weary.
It's the only form I wish to know.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

For She is my true mother!

34. Om nabhyalavala romali lata phala kuca dvayyai namah: I bow down to Amma whose breast are the fruits on the creeper of the fine hairline that starts in the depths of Her navel and spreads upwards.


To me, this mantra signifies motherhood. From the umbilical cord to the breasts. From the time we are created by Amma to the milk of divine kindness that She feeds us, we're under Her care. And life, I guess, is really that simple.

Amma is the creator. Whether it's us, or events in our life - Amma is the creator of everything that happens. Good, or perceived bad, She sprinkles our path with unique experiences and as we go through it, She creates a new dawn for us. The good is of course always welcome and yet most often, it's also the time we forget Her. We are so wrapped up in the joy of the moment that we forget Amma. She who gave us that joy. During our perceived lows, we desperately reach out to Her. And yet, once again in many ways, forgetting Her. For if we truly remembered Her, we would realize that this moment is created by Amma for our growth. And if She can create that path, She can also light up the way for us and show us the rainbow.

Amma is the preserver. From Her breasts flows the milk of divine kindness. That unending flow of love and compassion that has changed many a life. It has helped millions of devotees reach in and understand that if Amma can love us, so can we love ourselves. When Amma asks us to see Her in everyone else, She's assuring humanity that we have the ability to love. Amma preserves the goodness in the world. When She hugs us, She is essentially enveloping us with the love that even Shiva vies for! And what a beautiful world Amma has created and preserved for us. When in Amma's presence, we are able to rein in all our negativities and dwell only on the positives. We are able to forgive and forget. We have the ability to laugh at our misfortunes and stack up our faith, like an impregnable wall. If only we could understand Amma's intent and take this further onto days when Amma isn't physically with us.

For we who are born from Her navel and have drunk from Her breasts, are truly blessed. We are capable of changing the world for the better, one kind word, one compassionate action at a time. In that realization lies Amma's happiness!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

   

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Encircled in their love!

33. Om kamesvara prema ratna mani pratipana stanyai namah:  I bow down to Amma who gives Her breasts to Kameshvara in return for the gem of love He bestows on Her


Shiva Shakti. Yin and Yang. The exchange of love between two divine beings.

What a beautiful circle of love they have, for Her devotees are encircled by this! We live well protected within this circle. And for Amma, everything is LOVE! Her grueling schedule of sitting in one place for hours hugging over thousands of devotees, can only be born out of love. Nothing but pure love can ensure Amma's overwhelming and selfless concern for us, Her children. It can only be attributed to love in it's purest form when Amma, after a tiring airplane journey still reaches out to each and every devotee at the airport; or wishes to ensure that after a 23 hour darshan, every one, even the policeman standing guard at the gates, has been given a loving hug.

Which love parallels this? The love between a husband and wife? A mother and child? Between siblings? Even the most purest of all loves, that between mother and child can sometimes be tarnished by external factors. But for Amma, nothing can ever come in the way. Not race, not religion, color, job, money, status, age. Nothing. If you are Her child, then that is enough for Amma to reach out and hug you. The hug sans ego, desire or passion. Just a deep love that asks no questions, requires no explanations and makes no judgments. When Amma gives of Her love, She does so because She cares about our next step. And the one after that. She cares about me well after I've left the hall and well after She's left the country.

But Amma never really leaves, does She? She stays on in that lingering perfume from dried petals. She stays on in the sacred ash powder sachet She gave me as prasad. Or that one sticky toffee I've been saving up for a thundering day. Or even in the tulsi bead mala I got blessed. Or the dinner coupon I forgot to use. Every thing's a reminder of you, Amma. When I get the good news I've prayed to you fervently for; when my face is caressed by the gentlest of breezes. Absolutely every thing.

May the Shiva Shakti love stay timeless.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Everything resplendent!

32. Om ratna graiveya cintaka lola mukta phalanvitayai namah: I bow down to Amma whose neck is resplendent with a gem studded necklace with a pearl locket.


Every year when Amma comes to Singapore, I revel in the opportunity to sit on the stage during darshan and take in Amma's presence. There's an undeniable aura around Her that pulsates with energy. It's not the usual energy one feels but a higher level spiritual energy. A positive energy that seems to enliven everything it touches. What else can explain that surge of happiness every time Amma is there?

This Goddess of mine gives me many moments of happiness. From the moment I know Amma's arrived in Singapore to the time She walks into the hall; when Amma starts singing; when Amma begins darshan: every moment is precious. It's almost bitter sweet in it's feel: There's the high of being in Amma's presence and the sadness that soon Amma will leave and we'll be alone. Rudderless. Which is where faith plays a big part. Faith. That five letter word which is the unseen bridge between us and Amma. A bridge we build with the bricks of prayer and belief.

And when it's finally time for Amma to leave: that moment when Amma looks at all of us lovingly, raises her hands in a gesture of blessing and takes that step towards the exit - it's the most heart wrenching of all. The devotees are wrapped up in a tight bind of sadness. You wish you could just reach out and make Her stay. You wish She'd turn back just that once and catch your pleading eye. You wish Amma'd walk back and hug you again. You wish....

But you know it's the impossible you wish for. And yet we know Amma's with us always. For She who allows gems and pearls to partake of Her resplendence, is really the very radiance of everything beautiful in the world. And She's thankfully, my mother!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

My raison d'etre!

31. Om kanakangada keyura kamaniya bhujanvitayai namah: I bow down to Amma whose arms are beautifully adorned with golden armlets


How lucky are these armlets! What karma must bring them to adorn Amma's arms. Arms that tirelessly and selflessly reach out and embrace us. As I write this, I realise I have never really noticed Amma's arms. How does one look away from the rivetting beautiful countenance of Amma's?? But surely how fortunate these golden armlets are! They sit, quietly exulting in their good fortune, undisturbed, on Divinity's arms. No volunteers to tell them when to leave Amma's stage; no time restrictions; no tearful goodbye as Amma leaves the hall.

And it wouldn't matter how the goldsmith carved them. However their curves, they would look beautiful on Amma's arms. Who and what wouldn't? A leaf bobbing by in a gurgling brook: would that not partake of the stream's beauty? To be anywhere even close to Amma is a blessing! She's the epicenter of Love. The very core of compassion and righteousness. She's everything that's right with the world. She's the reason I wake up in the morning ready to face an unknown day. She's the reason that silver lining lights up even the darkest of my share of clouds. She's the reason "faith" is the path to tread. She's the reason that destiny will correct itself. She's the reason that nature will surpass it's own brilliance. She's the reason that goodness is a desired virtue. She's the reason that compassion is to many, a part of life. She's hope. She's my silver lining. She's my raison d'etre.

And like the golden armlet, Love binds me to Her side. May it always be so!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

The perfect refuge!

30. Om kamesa baddha mangalya sutra sobhita kandharayai namah: I bow down to Amma whose neck is adorned with the marriage thread tied by kamesha



Once again, the binding of Shiva and Shakti. The ultimate force that destroys the unnecessary and renews life.

Life's journey is never easy. Even the very act of creation requires dredging up of the old, to rummage through, seeking inspiration and wisdom. Life's journey is never simple. The path is littered with complicated puzzles in which lie supposed answers. Life's journey is never straight forward. The path is about as straight as the next turn. And in this strange journey called Life, Amma stands as the perfect navigator. Like a mother would only desire the best for her child, so also Amma's happiness comes from ensuring ours. She creates the perfect pathway to happiness for us. Amma's hugs are meant to cleanse our past and light up our future. Her sankalpa helps us live through the storms and Her grace allows us to walk tough journeys under the umbrella of Her guidance.

She who is a consort of the powerful destroyer Kamesha, works in tandem with Him to shower us with Her blessings. He kills the unnecessary & She creates from within this; He turns to ashes the evil in a being & Amma lovingly dusts the ash away to polish the goal within. Every action of Amma is meant to better us, to help us grow as spiritual beings.

Amma, many a times when I traverse the tumultuous journey of life, I forget your blessings. I forget that you sit for hours on end giving darshan only so that I may have a better future. I forget that you tirelessly reach out to us every day, only so we can be better beings. In this journey of life, I hope I never forget my gratitude to you. For in your blessings that come from the abode of Shiva and Shakti, lies the perfect refuge.

Om Amriteswariye namah!




Amma's unparalleled beauty!

29. Om anakalita sadrsya cibuka sri virajitayai namah: I bow down to Amma whose chin cannot be compared to anything (because of its unparalleled beauty)


Yet another mantra that celebrates Amma's beauty. And this time, the message is succinct.

Unparalleled Beauty.

But of course! Amma's beauty cannot be compared to anything worldly or otherwise. What can we justifiably compare the brilliant rays of the sun to? Or the smell of fresh rain? Or the chance vision of a rainbow cutting across a rain drenched sky? Or that one small flower blooming through a crack, on parched grounds? Or the first drop of water for a thirsty soul? Amma's beauty is like nature: breathtaking; a beauty born of nature's superlative brilliance.

I find it very difficult to "define" Amma's beauty. It's like working at defining the hills. One can give it a dictionary definition as being a naturally raised area of land. But how does one aptly capture the enchantment of these rolling hills? Similarly, how is one to put into mere words that which cannot be defined, or worded, or even given parallels to?

Nothing can ever match the beauty that arises from purity, innocence and that deep, loving acceptance. Amma's very core nature is to love. She loves each of us, in equal measure. With a hug, She has conquered the world.

I bow down to Amma who is unparalleled. For the footprints She leaves in our heart, can never, ever be filled by anyone.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Sunday, August 18, 2013

That Divine Smile!

28. Om manda smita prabha pura majjat kamesa manasayai namah: I bow down to Amma who submerges even the mind of Kamesha (Lord Shiva) in the radiance of Her smile.



Lord Shiva: The ascetic of Mount Kailash, the destroyer of demons and egos, the Cosmic Dancer.

Amma: The Goddess of the world, the creator of virtues, the Universal Mother.

She's the dynamic shakti to Shiva's static energy. When He destroys, She creates. She's the light to His darkness.

Amma's has the power to reach out to Her million devotees across the world, with a mere smile. She smiles in different ways: the peaceful, calming smile that's enough to reassure and console; that naughty smile when She's having a good laugh at something someone said; that motherly smile as She listens attentively to everything you say to Her. Her smile is enough to melt our hearts. It's like a baby's smile. Innocent. Non judgmental. Loving. And in these virtues lies Her power to submerge even the mind of Lord Shiva. These facets have attracted millions to Her. We can sit in satsangs with people with whom we have, ostensibly, nothing in common. Nothing, except Amma. And that is enough to get us animated and have us talking about Her miracles, sharing our experiences around Amma and leaving with a new sense of kinship.

She smiles and we feel all our problems melt quietly away, almost apologetic for having been there in the first place. She smiles and it's enough to bring smiles on otherwise life-wearied faces. That smile has the power to unburden and rejuvenate. It has the shakti to simultaneously reach out to everyone in the hall and envelop each devotee in a blanket of happiness. Her smile is the refuge we are seeking at all times. It's the shade of the banyan tree where we can finally unburden our heavy bags and rest. It's the calm waters in which we can walk in, fearlessly, to feel a sense of renewal.

When Amma smiles, everyone around Her rejoices. Even looking at a picture of Her smiling is enough. Her smile sets off a chain reaction. The domino effect. From one weary heart to another, cleaning, cleansing, sprinkling a good measure of joy.

And if millions have fallen under its charm, what of Lord Shiva, the kind hearted Lord of the Lords? Amma's radiance is bright. So bright that even the divine cannot but bask in its brilliant glory!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

The sweetness of being!

27. Om nija sallapa madhurya vinirbhartsita kacchapyai namah: I bow down to Amma who excels even the veenas of Saraswati in the sweetness of Her speech


Children have a natural proclivity towards the basic essential virtues: kindness, compassion, niceness. It opens up their tiny hearts unblemished by adulthood. Within these virtues, they find a kindred spirit. The way God wanted the world to be. Purity at every level.

Little wonder then that children always flock around Amma truly like a Shepherd and Her sheep. Amma is the virtue magnet. She attracts all the good in us. And because children naturally are good, untarnished souls, we always find Amma with children around her. As She settles on the seat, children can be seen milling around Her. As Amma sings, they sit patiently, every once in a while throwing Her sidelong glances that seem to wonder what Amma will do next. When Amma gives Darshan, they watch attentively in the hope they will be next.

Amma's love for these little people is also well documented. And it's wonderful to see children reach out to Amma with so much of love. It's even more wonderful to see that children have the rare and blessed opportunity to have known Amma from before they entered the world.

Imagine a life where Amma is the only truth you have known since your birth.
Imagine a life where "Amma" was probably your first word
Imagine a life where Amma's soft hands taught you how to write your first words on a plate of raw rice.
Imagine a life where Amma's loving shadow stays cast on you even on days that burn.
Imagine a life where the sweetest voice, that can easily surpass the veenas of saraswati, whispered in your ears. And that sweet voice only assures you of one thing: "You are, therefore I am"

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Friday, August 16, 2013

For She is everything!

26. Om karpura vitikamoda samakarsad digantarayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is enjoying a camphor laden betel roll, the fragrance of which is attracting people from all directions


I bow down to Amma.

For my love for Amma can keep me focussed on Her all day.
For She sailed me through difficult times
For She gave me the wonderful daughter that I have
For every time I have wept tears of despair, She's been there to pat them dry.
For when my bestest friend in the world tells me she's leaving, I can only look for refuge in Amma.
For when I leave my parents side, I can only entrust them in Amma's care.
For She is the centre of the universe. And mine. 
For I was lost and She helped me find myself.
For when She took me under Her wings is when I finally realized I was alive.
For a day without gratitude to Her is like a canvas bereft of colors.
For the happiness I feel when I see Her, is immeasurable.
For when She smiles, the world smiles.
For when Amma showers Her grace on us, we are sure to walk the righteous path.
For when She places Her hand on our shoulder, we will never walk alone.
For Amma is tireless in Her work towards helping the unfortunate.
For Amma's love for each of us is equal and unconditional.
For I have never known anyone to leave Amma's darshan without feeling moved by the experience.
For now, after years of reaching out and comforting tired hearts, Amma has a following of millions. Her children. Us.
And no camphor laden betel roll's fragrance got us there. It was a heart large enough to hold a mother's love for each of us. A love untarnished by any conditions. For Amma, we're all Her children. And if we wish to be happy, She'll move mountains to make it happen.

For She is the beginning. And the end.

Om Amriteswariye namah!


Those buds of pure knowledge!

25. Om suddha vidyankurakara dvija pankti dvayojjvalayai namah: I bow down to Amma who has radiant teeth which resemble the buds of pure knowledge.


My spiritual mother has only studied up to Grade 4 or so. She grew up in a small fishing village, in abject poverty. Growing up, She had a tough life. She worked through the day, involved in household chores, after having been forced to give up on attending school. And yet today, Amma is the core of all knowledge. She's the source. Every thing pure and divine emanates from Her. Amma's wisdom is the distilled walk of the wise. What Amma says is the purest and highest unquestionable truth. Something we must follow, for no other path can illuminate our walk to the future.

Amma, as I exult in yet another mantra that celebrates your beauty, I realize how fortunate I am. That I know you, that I walk under the umbrella of your grace. That you have allowed me to be a part of your life, that I can rejoice in every word that you speak. That even the wisest words that leave you, brush past those radiant teeth. That I am in your world. That you are: my world!

Om Amriteswariye namah! 

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

The color of compassion!

24. Om nava vidruma bimba sri nyakkari radana cchadayai namah: I bow down to Amma whose lips excel freshly cut coral and bimba fruit in their reflective splendor


What is the color of Kindness? What hue is worn by Grace? What tint of white does Compassion cloak Herself with?

There are no colors that surround Amma, except during the rare and much looked forward to Devi bhava. Amma's perfectly white saree is in itself, an expression of Her purity. Even the blemishes left behind by us, Her devotees, seem to seek Her forgiveness. The only color I associate with Amma, is white. The whiteness of Her being. The whiteness of Her love. The whiteness of her benevolence.

Yet, there are colors straining to reach out to Her. Like the redness of rubies. Or the Crimson cut coral and bimba fruits. But every color pales in comparison to Amma whose cloak of compassion, is the immaculate. New beginnings. Light. White. No red can even hope to hold a drop to Her. How can a color that embellishes a stone or even a fruit, stand a chance? For these lips have consoled millions. They've spoken endearments like a mother to Her children. They've scolded those who may have looked to stray. They've promised a horizon to those looking to the future. They've answered questions about business, families, moral decisions and even seemingly minor issues like which school to attend. They've solved problems, issued forth answers, taken events to their rightful conclusion. They've stopped tears and created a world that believes in humanity.

These lips of Amma's: they've spoken the word of creation to us many times over. And yes, they may not be red. But Amma's brilliance can't be defined in a color. It has the power to burst through all levels of creation and overtake the universe. It has the power to wrap the world in silken sheets of compassion.

What chance did the fruit have, ever?

Om Amriteswariye namah!
    

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

In your ever loving arms, Amma!

23. Om padma raga siladarsa paribhavi kapola bhuve namah: I bow down to Amma whose cheeks excel mirrors made of rubies in their beauty


My token says G3. It's a long wait but a pleasant one. Between doing some volunteering, line monitoring, visiting the toilet and grabbing a quick lunch, I finally see the magic figure flash on the screen. The drill is well practiced. I keep my slippers to a side. Throw my bag impatiently under a chair. And begin chanting. As the line slowly snakes forward, the anticipation grows. It's the moment I've waited a year for! The months of having been away from Her chokes up my heart. I want time to be my ally and co-conspirator. Move slowly so I can take Her in as much as you allow me to. And yet, hurry up, so I may finally bow to Humility.

I'm now being told to kneel. Right in front of Amma. Two more to go but everything blurs. Amma's white saree is stained with tears, kumkum and secrets. Her beautiful hair is being blown gently by a nearby fan. The smile on Her face never waivers. Amma's listening, reaching out.

It's finally my turn. Time, stand still please. Tick softly, slowly. For I'm in the presence of the Universal Mother. And She's everything divine. Loan me some time with Her. Please. For it isn't everyday that She reaches out, hugs me with a love I've never felt with anyone else and then whispers words of endearment. But it isn't the words. It's the feeling. It's my face against her shoulder. It's Her strong arms around me. It's Her hair brushing gently against my face. That sweet aroma of roses. Of gentleness. Of motherhood. Of acceptance.

And of the softest skin resting on my face. Her lovely cheeks, whose radiance can outshine a million mirrors made of the brightest red rubies. Those cheeks that rest reassuringly, like a mother's on her baby's face. Whispering silently: "I got you here. I'll see you through"

You always do, Amma, you always do!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Monday, August 12, 2013

Everything celestial

22. Om tatanka yugali bhuta tapanodupa mandalayai namah: I bow down to Amma who wears the sun and the moon as a pair of large earrings.



Amma isn't just the master of everything on earth; her divinity is beyond the realm of the real. Amma towers over every part of creation. Wouldn't She? The creation can never be bigger than the creator. Amma lovingly moulded the earth, creating a sphere where humans would walk forth with kindness, compassion, honesty and understanding. And because She wanted our path illumined, She created a large ball of fire: the sun. She gave it an unending benevolence, to share it's light. And just so we paid our obeisance to the sun, the earth would rotate, cloaking a part of it in darkness. To give light to those of us who've lost our paths in this darkness, She created the moon. And the planets. And stars.

If this was not enough, She embraced us and engulfed us in Her love. She reached out to each one of us and said "You're never alone" It has never mattered to Amma that we may sometimes be ungrateful children who question our faith. It has never mattered to Her that most times we forget so easily. All She thinks about is how to give of Herself. Whether it's a crying child in Kerala, a concerned parent in America or a depressed soul in Singapore: Her compassion and kindness stays undiminished. She never questions if we are worthy of receiving Her love. She gives. For that is Her true and only nature.

Much like the celestial moon and the sun. An unending source of light, whether deflected or otherwise. An unending source of energy. Never questioning. And it is only right that these should adorn Amma's ears.
For in their selflessness, lies Amma's true creation.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Sunday, August 11, 2013

The Amma flower!

21. Om kadamba manjari klrpta karnapura manoharayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is captivating, wearing bunches of kadamba flowers as ear ornaments


This mantra had me at "captivating". It doesn't matter if Amma is adorned with campaka or kadamba flowers. For me, the very essence is that She is captivating. That these flowers are blessed to adorn Her.  That even a stray, forgotten rose petal finds it's special place on Amma's saree, nestling quietly, like a naughty child enjoying a few extra moments with the Mother. 

She captivates all of nature with her beauty and divinity. Even nature bows down to the creator in humility. For nature, more than us, knows the true value of creation. A dew drop cannot glisten on a blade of grass without Amma's grace. An oak sapling can't break through the seed without Amma's benevolence. So what use is the sweet fragrance of a Kadamba flower if it can't adorn Amma's ears?

With the same measure, Amma has captivated our hearts. And we should hope to be as pure as the many hues of nature, for a chance to be part of Amma's palette. It is from this palette that Amma paints the world in the most divine colours. Should I be the red and orange of the Kadamba flower? Or the yellow and white of the campaka flower? What flower, what color will please my all seeing, Jagad janani the most? What will ensure that I can be used for padapuja, when I can also lie gently on Her feet and enjoy a lifetime of bliss right there!

Dear Amma, my compassionate, ever loving Amma: If you were a flower, compassion would be a new fragrance.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

A radiance undefined!

20. Om tara kanti tiraskari nasabharana bhasurayai namah: I bow down to Amma who shines with a nose ornament that excels the luster of the venus.


The world can have it's superficial definition of beauty: tall, fair, petite. And Amma isn't any of these. And unarguably, She's the most beautiful person in the world. She's truly the definition of inner beauty that, unable to be contained within, has poured out and literally engulfs Her in an undiminishing aura. You can see it a mile away while standing in the darshan line; you can feel it in the last row when Amma enters the hall; you can hear it in every whispered word her devotees utter. 

And I call all of us, Amma's Army. We're not here to fight or defend. Our flag doesn't bear the authoritarian colors of a country; instead it bears the universal love of Amma. Our armory isn't stocked with the latest weapons: we only go forth with the compassion She has taught us. She takes away all our vices, hoping to instill every virtue known, in us. 

She hasn't just touched a hundred or thousand lives. She's sprinkled Her love and unending grace on countries; on millions of devotees all over the world. Her touch of benevolence isn't just for the rich: it's even more defined for the poor. She sits for hours on end, sacrificing every possible human comfort, to reach out and wipe a tear from a heart that's waited for years, to be consoled. She only gives of Herself, to every person who comes seeking a piece of Her.

And to this glorious mother: what a privilege for that nose ornament to adorn that exquisite face! For even an inanimate object cannot but reflect the radiance from within!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Amma, your resplendence is forever!

19. Om nava campaka puspabha nasa danda virajitayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is resplendent with a nose that has the beauty of a newly blossoming campaka flower


Resplendent. Beauty. Flower.
Some common themes through the mantras that celebrate Amma.

Every time I see flowers being showered by Amma or a garland of flowers or tulsi leaves being put on Her, my only thought is: How lucky are these flowers?! For anything living or inanimate that is touched by Amma, is blessed!! Imagine that flower that sits gloriously around Amma's neck, being made even more fragrant by Her divinity. Imagine the petals as they leave Her hand, chosen to convey Amma's blessings to Her multitudes of devotees.

Amma, you are my everything. I cannot start a day without you; nor can the sun set on my night without a word with you. For me, your resplendence isn't just about your face or your beauty. It's about the fact that I have never seen a tikka that looks more divine than it does on your forehead; I have never seen earrings that look richer than the simple ones you wear; I have never seen a nose stud that lends as much beauty as yours; I have never seen a whiter saree ever; I have never heard a more melodious voice; I have never felt softer skin. I have never craved for someone's presence as I do for you. I have never cried as much as I do for you.

In you I see everything beautiful and dazzling. I feel the possibility of the impossible. I hear the mute tones of grace.
And if I, a mere human being, can feel the luminosity of your presence, how does one take away the pleasure of a campaka flower being allowed to lend it's blossom to your beauty?

Om Amriteswariye namah! 

Thursday, August 8, 2013

My Amma whose beauty knows no bounds!

18. Om vaktra laksmi parivaha calan minabha locanayai namah: I bow down to Amma whose eyes possess the luster of the fish that move about in the stream of beauty flowing from Her face


Eyes, the gateway to the heart. Have I ever looked into Amma's eyes? Truthfully, never. The few seconds one gets in front of Amma, is spent facing the creator. How does one look the creator in the eye? It's mildly possible to take in Her entire form. Sometimes, to perceive the absoluteness of life, one needs to step back, close your eyes. And gaze.

And I have gazed at Her, for as long as I could and here's the thing: Her face holds within it the beauty of the universe. I see in Her the sun's rays twinkling in the sea waters; the rainbow caught in the leaping waterfall; the clouds moving like white silk scarves in the sky; a deer running gracefully across the glades; fish swimming peacefully, cutting through the waters, it's silvery scales catching the light. Every thing poetic about this world.

Amma's face is also a mixture of emotions. There's a baby's innocence, a child's lovable naughtiness, a teenager's eagerness, a young person's awareness, a middle age wonderment at life's varied paths, an older person's wisdom and the graceful realization that life was really just a blink of an eye. Her eye.

Is it my love for Her that makes me think of it as so? I think not. When I look at people I love, my vision stays limited. But with Amma, Her visage truly opens your inner mind. After all, She is the creative power of the universe. A creative power that reflects everything beautiful from the outside and within.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Only in your arms, Amma!

17. Om vadana smara mangalya grha torana cillikayai namah: I bow down to Amma whose eyebrows shine like the archways leading to the house of Kama, the God of love, which Her face resembles


I fell in love with the Goddess of Love many moons ago. Her face till date remains the most gorgeous, prettiest face I have ever seen. Her hugs are not airbrushed or photoshopped. Her love for us is not part of a PR machinery. Her compassion isn't a corporate tactic. What's there, is pure, unadulterated, untarnished divinity, compassion and love. For Her millions of devotees the world over. For us, Her children. 

Amma has said that there are many types of love. There's the love that exists between a parent and child; a husband and wife; between 2 lovers. And then there's the exalted Guru-devotee love. Where all the Guru aims to do is help the shishya through the sea of samsara to a state of bliss, a state of no-ego. What Amma does tirelessly, 24/7/365, is greedily reach out to us and envelop us in Her love. So when we walk away, we take a piece of Her, with us. The last time I saw Amma (and it always seems an ocean ago!) I walked away with a beautiful lingering fragrance and the nicest hug I had experienced in a long time. I also walked away with a feeling that I'd arrived home. Non judgmental love, as the one Amma showers us with, can do wonders: Help people walk the right rope of life. Aid us in our every day struggles. And show us through the doorways, to the very celestial house of pure, benevolent love. Only in your arms, Amma, only in yours!

Om Amriteswariye Namah! 


Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Even the moon...

16. Om mukha candra kalankabha mrganabhi visesakayai namah: I bow down to Amma who wears a musk mark on her forehead which shines like the spot in the moon


If I were to draw or paint Amma, this would be necessary to complete the picture. A musk mark on Her forehead. The explanation says: like a spot in the moon. Does it mean: the scars on the moon? For if it does, it's perfect. Even a scar, a mark can seem unblemished on Amma. The mantras that describe Amma's physical form are my favorite because it affords me the luxury of revelling in Amma's beauty.

Every thing about Amma is beautiful. Past and future mantras have and will dwell on her forehead, eyes, arms. Each of these is really a reflection of Her pulsating inner beauty, that needs to shine through, as beautiful arms, eyes, forehead. Something I, the untutored devotee, can dwell on, reflecting on the inner and the outer. For I do not have the eye or  the capability to take in such a divine beauty as never before seen. Even a musk mark on Her forehead radiates the divinity from within. As I meditate on Amma's form, I clasp tightly, prayer on my lips, to the bliss She emanates.

Amma, here's my prayer to you, on a tuesday evening:
May I always have the grace to see your true beauty.
May I always have your blessing to witness universal divinity that arises from you.
and May I always have your divine sanction to realize that even a spot in the moon vies to be a part of your forehead.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Perfection and the Moon!

15. Om astami candra vibhraja dalika sthala sobhitayai namah: I bow down to Amma whose forehead shines like the crescent moon of the eighth night of the lunar half moon.


There's something enigmatic about the moon. Ever since I was a child, I never tired of looking out at the moon. It was radiant and beautiful. It was where I turned to, for a breather from the pace. It was where I got lost in my imagination of the vivid. It was where I rested, staring at it endlessly, mesmerized by my friend in the sky.

And so I love this mantra. Yes, Amma and the moon. The radiance, the beauty, the place where I rest my dreams and my imagination. Amma's forehead shines like the crescent moon. Wearing a crown adorned with sparkling rubies, Amma's forehead shines like a crescent moon in a dark sky. That moon everyone looks up to, for light and comfort on a dark night.

I find every mantra celebrating Her beauty, so perfect. Every thing about Amma is so wondrously beautiful. Her smile, Her face, Her hair, Her crown, Her forehead. Everything that reaches out like water to the thirsty.

Amma, you are perfect! Or rather, Perfect, is You!

Om Amriteswariye Namah! 

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Resplendent like rubies!

14. Om kuruvinda mani sreni kanat kotira manditayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is resplendent with a crown adorned with rows of kuruvinda gems


It's Friendship Day. Now most such days are just a way of selling inane bracelets and cards. But to me it's my day to pay obeisance to my bestest friend in the whole world: AMMA!  I'm a lucky girl. Who has the divine Herself for a friend? Who has the world's most resplendent form for a mother and a best friend? Me!

She's the friend who listens, who lends a shoulder for me to cry on and who makes my ouchies go away. She, the Goddess whose very form shines with an overwhelming brilliance of red, as She sits on Her throne, adorned by a crown of red rubies. Everything red. Everything signifying courage, vitality, energy. And devotion. And Amma in Her resplendent form looks after me and gives me the opportunity to be a little bit nicer, a little bit more selfless and a little bit more compassionate, one day at a time.

Thank you Amma for being so enormously divine and gorgeously beautiful and yet be a mother and a friend to an insignificant someone like me. I hope I can shine with virtues, like the rubies on your crown, one day.

Om Amriteswariye Namah!

Saturday, August 3, 2013

She walks in beauty, like the night

13. Om campakasoka punnaga saugandhika lasat kacayai namah: I bow down to Amma whose hair  has been adorned with flowers like campaka


I read a poem and thought of Amma (for it could well have been dedicated to Amma):

She walks in beauty, like the night
of cloudless climes and starry skies
And all that's best of dark and bright
meet in Her aspect and Her eyes
thus mellowed to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies

One shade the more, one ray the less, 

Had half impaired the nameless grace 
Which waves in every raven tress, 
Or softly lightens o'er her face; 
Where thoughts serenely sweet express 
How pure, how dear their dwelling place. 

And on that cheek, and o'er that brow, 

So soft, so calm, yet eloquent, 
The smiles that win, the tints that glow, 
But tell of days in goodness spent, 
A mind at peace with all below, 
A heart whose love is innocent! 

Any mantra that explores Amma's beauty cannot stay specific to Amma's hair or Her face. For Her beauty is all encompassing. For me, Her beauty doesn't get defined by the campaka flowers that adorn Her hair. She is nature Herself. For She is the beauty of the campaka flower and the fragrance of every rose. She is the orchid that adorns a garland and the tulsi leaves that makes a garland spiritual and worthy of the altar. 


For me, Her beauty is defined by Her stream of endless grace; by the fact that I could be in a darshan queue with a rich man and a pauper and for Her, it is all be the same. For me, Her beauty is defined by the fact that our clothes, our shoes, our bags, our bank balance - nothing makes a difference to Her. All Amma cares about is that She should reach out to Her children, tirelessly, every day, year after year. 


How does Amma know what I want when I go to Her? Well, how does a mother know when a child is feeling hungry and what best to feed the child? For a mother's heart always knows. And therein lies the beauty. Truly, George Byron said it ever so well of Amma's captivating beauty: The smiles that win, the tints that glow.....A mind at peace with all below, A heart whose love is innocent!


Om Amriteswariye namah!


Friday, August 2, 2013

An Almighty Being!

12. Om nijaruna prabha pura majjad brahmanda madalayai namah: I bow down to Amma who immerses the entire universe in the red effulgence of Her form


In the spiritual realm and the aura of colors, red radiates courage, vitality, action. How blessed to be able to see Amma through this mantra! Our beautiful mother who reaches out to console with Her unending compassion, pulsates with something so almighty and potent - courage, vitality, action. Amma bathes us in that glorious form of Hers. Her courageous form that takes on the demons of our minds; Her form full of vitality that drives away the sloth of vices from us; Her form full of action that inspires us to wake up and do what it takes to make the world a better place. This form of Amma's throbs with a life that is to me all at once exciting, rejuvenating and reassuring.

So when we go for darshan, Amma must surely immerse us in this form of Hers. As She hugs us, She cloaks us gently in an unseen red because what else can explain that sudden spurt of energy and happiness we feel after darshan? Why else have we heard and seen and felt miraculous moments around Amma? Why else can a devotee go for days without adequate sleep and yet feel a heady tiredness around Her?

So many millions of people have had prayers answered and lives healed; future paths uncovered and purposes revealed; been set upon virtuous paths and fearless endeavors manifested. All because a compassionate and powerful Goddess in a saints garb, decided to lightly smear us with a sprinkling of red!

Om Amriteswariye Namah!

Thursday, August 1, 2013

The arrows of my mind...

11. Om panca tanmatra sayakayai namah: I bow down to Amma who holds the five elements as arrows


I thank Amma for my sight for She's beautiful! There's something so riveting about Her and the aura that surrounds Her. During a satsang, I find it almost impossible to close my eyes and pray. For how can I? God sits in front of me and I'm expected to close my eyes? A God so beautiful, I sometimes wish I could hold an image of Her forever in my mind's eyes.

I thank Amma for my ability to touch: When She hugs me, I can feel her overwhelming love. The bliss of reaching out and touching Her outstretched, soft hands. Even in that fleeting contact, there's an assurance: "I'm always there for you".

I thank Amma for my ability to taste: When the darshan is over, the hershey's kiss or the sticky sweet (or if I'm super lucky, an apple or banana!) that gets savored over as much time as I can make it last. The sweet just never tastes the same out of a shopping cart, ever!

I thank Amma for my ability to hear: Oh the blessing to be able to hear that unique super sweet voice of Amma's, during satsang, during bhajans and when She whispers the nicest blessings into my ear during Darshan! My bro Michael has likened it to a lullaby. A much needed lullaby to a tired mind.

I thank Amma for my ability to smell: That fragrance that lingers in a hall even after She has left the room! Or the fragrance of roses that seem to fill the air when She walks in. Or when we hug Her and leave, enveloped by the aroma of Her love!

Five subtle elements that Amma holds as arrows in Her hand. The five element rainbow that takes me to the sun in the sky: The sun that shines forth over the world's spiritual panorama, filling us with grace and bliss.

Om Amriteswariye Namah!