46. Om sinjana mani manjira mandita sri padambujayai namah: I bow down to Amma whose auspicious lotus feet are adorned with gem-studded golden anklets that tinkle sweetly
Many years ago someone was recounting to me how she had been scared to stay alone at her home at night. So she prayed fervently to Amma and at night she heard the soft tinkling of anklets. She wasn't afraid then. Because she knew it was the sounds of Amma, as Krishna. "Chilanga ketti odi odi vaayo..."
There are some things which we associate very strongly with Amma. The smell of roses. The fragrance of agarbatti that gets caught in my Amma doll. A flicker of the candle. Orchids. Lotus flowers that are the best to adorn Amma's feet. A rudraksha. The dried petals of flowers once used for Devi bhava. The holy water given out after the puja. A grain of rice showered on Her, that quietly stayed behind on a carpet.
Just so many wonderful reminders of Amma. My personal list is even longer. The bag I bought during Amma's visit. Perchance I open it, to be welcomed by a beautiful fragrance of vibhuti. And there it is. That one small, forgotten packet of sacred ash that She gently placed in my palm. As I pick it up, it smears my hands, as if playing "joy tag"! And it works! Or the soap nuts I bought from the Ayudh counter. The piece of silk cloth that was used a few years ago, for the pada puja when Amma entered the hall. Gentle reminders that Amma is there with me, all the time. I hoard my "Amma things." I can't bear to throw away broken bracelets bought from the Ashram shop. How can I? Each bead is a devotion to Amma. I can't think of getting rid of frayed lockets. Or distended rings. Anything that has ever been made with the intention of being dedicated to Amma is blessed enough to find a place in my heart and my home.
And in much the same vein falls the sweet tinkling of Her anklets. Soft sounds. Reassuring and calming. For when the storm is raining down in all it's fury, just the soft bells of Amma's anklets are enough to calm the highest of high waters. As the gentle sounds overpower the mightiest waves, Amma walks across our hearts. And each footstep speaks in unison: I love you!
I love you too Amma. More than I ever thought possible!
Om Amriteswariye namah!
Many years ago someone was recounting to me how she had been scared to stay alone at her home at night. So she prayed fervently to Amma and at night she heard the soft tinkling of anklets. She wasn't afraid then. Because she knew it was the sounds of Amma, as Krishna. "Chilanga ketti odi odi vaayo..."
There are some things which we associate very strongly with Amma. The smell of roses. The fragrance of agarbatti that gets caught in my Amma doll. A flicker of the candle. Orchids. Lotus flowers that are the best to adorn Amma's feet. A rudraksha. The dried petals of flowers once used for Devi bhava. The holy water given out after the puja. A grain of rice showered on Her, that quietly stayed behind on a carpet.
Just so many wonderful reminders of Amma. My personal list is even longer. The bag I bought during Amma's visit. Perchance I open it, to be welcomed by a beautiful fragrance of vibhuti. And there it is. That one small, forgotten packet of sacred ash that She gently placed in my palm. As I pick it up, it smears my hands, as if playing "joy tag"! And it works! Or the soap nuts I bought from the Ayudh counter. The piece of silk cloth that was used a few years ago, for the pada puja when Amma entered the hall. Gentle reminders that Amma is there with me, all the time. I hoard my "Amma things." I can't bear to throw away broken bracelets bought from the Ashram shop. How can I? Each bead is a devotion to Amma. I can't think of getting rid of frayed lockets. Or distended rings. Anything that has ever been made with the intention of being dedicated to Amma is blessed enough to find a place in my heart and my home.
And in much the same vein falls the sweet tinkling of Her anklets. Soft sounds. Reassuring and calming. For when the storm is raining down in all it's fury, just the soft bells of Amma's anklets are enough to calm the highest of high waters. As the gentle sounds overpower the mightiest waves, Amma walks across our hearts. And each footstep speaks in unison: I love you!
I love you too Amma. More than I ever thought possible!
Om Amriteswariye namah!
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