Our Mighty Amma!

222. Om-balayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is supreme in might

Imagine a time when history will document Amma's life: a Goddess on earth who consoled and gave hope to millions of people all over the world!  Such is Amma's might.

The poverty in the world is disconcerting. I am currently in a place where the magnitude of suffering is so high. And then I think of what Amma has done. The lives She's changed. The numerous homes Her teachings have impacted. How can we ever take Amma for granted and place Her on the same level as an ordinary being? She is over and above all else in the world. She is the supreme might that can literally move mountains. Her charity work is nothing short of moving mountains. We are privileged to have Amma in our lives. And hopefully we will never forget that.
Om Amriteswariye namah! 

My super strong Amma!

221. 0m maha-viryayi namah: I bow to Amma who is supreme in valor

Amma is the sweetest, most loving mother in the whole entire world.  She is the only reality in a life full of maya. And Amma is such a stellar example to me of valor. When Amma was a young girl and immersed in God, She was cast aside by the family and taken to be different. She was beaten and went days without food. During such times, animals were Amma's friends. Despite the brickbats, Amma stood firm in Her faith. She was unshakeable. And thus was Her divinity strengthened. 

Om Amriteswariye namah! 

On the right path!

220. Om mahaisvaryayai namah: I bow down to Amma who has supreme sovereignty

Amma rules every bit of our lives. From the moment we wake, to the second we fall asleep, it's always thoughts of Amma that cajole, console, guide and walk with us. She is the ultimate word in decisions. I know of people & instances where chits are put at the altar for Amma to decide.
To me, such lives lived are amazing. It gives very little room for us to commit moral mistakes. How possibly can we, when Amma is there at every step? Isn't She truly a Guru in every sense? When we live our lives with correct morals, our bad karma washes away, Thank you Ammo for being so supreme in my life.
Om Amriteswariye namah!

Amma, spiirtually wealthy!

219. Om maha-bhogayai namah: I bow down to Amma who has immense wealth

Amma is an extremely wealthy Goddess. She has an immense bank. Of kindness, goodness, grace, compassion and love. It's a bank that the universe refills ever so often. In the book Messages From Amma, I found some absolute gems. On 'opening the heart', Amma says: Spiritual practice doesn't just mean sitting in lotus position with your eyes closed, but also serving the suffering, offering a consoling smile and loving words.

Amma never just sits in a lotus position doing spiritual practice. For Amma, spiritual practice is reaching out to each of us and wiping away our tears. It is ensuring that each of us goes home happy with Her hug even if it means She will sit in one place for 22 hours without a second of relaxation. It is consoling us and being omnipresent in our lives even if it means Amma does not have Her own personal life. Everything is for Her children. As is this immense wealth. If wealth be taken in the literal term, the ashram sees great pouring in of donations, all of which go into funding charitable activities. If wealth be taken in the figurative term, then Amma has all the wealth in the world. And Her generosity is such that every second of the day She is ensuring that we are partaking of this great Universal wealth of happiness and joy.

Om Amriteswariye namah!  

Amma: sunshine on a cold day!

218. Om maha-ratyai namah: I bow down to Amma who is boundless delight

Today I had an important thought which needed some introspection: Do I love Amma or do I love the concept or the thought of Amma? While it was blasphemy for me to even think this, I didn't sweep it under the carpet. I wanted my mind to be very clear. So I dwelled on it for a bit. And the answer was resounding. Amma is not just a person we meet once or twice a year and pray to everyday. She's an experience. She's an emotion. She's a feeling. She's a reason. She's an answer. She's hope. The love She exudes is so incredibly strong, you can't walk away from it. We hang on to Her for different reasons. For me She's the shade on a hot day. The umbrella in the rain. The spot of sunshine on a cold winter morning. She's everything I seek.

When I think of what all is happening around Amma, I remember the times I went through in late Nov and Dec, when a woman decided to malign me. I'm human and so I felt a deep sense of hurt and fear. I crumbled under the pressure. And my biggest shade, was Amma. For a person of Amma's stature and power, She is truly so humble. Even at this time, Amma is displaying only humility. The following words are so touching. Amma, you truly are divinity on earth!

Amma’s Response to the Allegations Against the Mata Amritanandamayi Math
[Said by Amma during her the Brahmasthanam Festival, Puthur, Palakkad – 22nd February 2014]

“Every year the Ashram [The Mata Amritanandamayi Math] submits its accounts without fail. Every
thing is being done as required. Some people are now trying to create misunderstandings, making
various claims and misinterpretations. If we had the millions that they allege, I would have already
wiped out poverty, both in India and throughout the world. That is my desire. No religion or any
specific community donates to the Ashram, nor do we collect any membership fees. What we have is
only because of my children’s self-sacrifice.

“This is an organization that does service. It’s an organization that helps people to cultivate servicemindedness.
After the earthquake in Gujarat [2001], the Ashram reconstructed three villages there.
Now, when the Ashram builds houses for the poor after disasters like the tsunami, even people 85
and 90 years old come from those villages to offer their service.

“Whatever be a person’s level of comprehension, whatever be his perspective—he will believe that
alone to be right. This is the way most people think. We have sight, but lack insight—this is the
situation we are seeing now. I have never asked anyone to serve me. I am serving everyone. I am
simply a mother serving my children. We are not stealing or begging from anyone. Nor is anyone
sitting idle; we are working hard and serving others. I only eat once a day. On some days, I may not
eat at all. Regardless, every single day, I sit for hours on end and meet the devotees. Back in my room,
I read hundreds of letters sent to me from all over the world. There are institutions to manage. I lead
the children in meditation and give question-and-answer sessions. Here, no one sits idle. I have no
hesitation to do any kind of work.

“I am not blaming anyone. I am just speaking about my children’s self-sacrifice and surrender.
Because of that, we have been able to accomplish various things. Many people are making allegations,
but none of these people are coming down to help society. That’s sad. Amma doesn’t ask anyone to
believe in God. ‘Does God exist?’ is not the question. ‘Do suffering people exist?’ That is the
question. ‘How can we relieve their suffering?’ Amma is ready to come forward and wash the feet of
anyone who puts in sincere effort to that end.

“This Ashram is a centre of peace. I put my faith in self-surrender, selfless service and love. This is
what I am teaching my children. I am an open book. All the rumours that are being spread are
untrue. Because certain desires of theirs went unfulfilled, they have started making all sorts of
allegations. Someone, somewhere, with an agenda is trying to stir up religious conflicts, making
people fight each other, trying to start a war. My prayer is that goodness fills up everyone’s hearts and
that everyone’s mind becomes filled with virtue. My children, please pray that you develop the
strength to forgive and forget. Within and without, there is agitation. I don’t know where we are
headed. May everyone’s mind be filled with only virtuous thoughts.”

[The above message was given by Amma in Puthur, Palakkad, during the Brahmasthanam Festival
there on 22nd February 2014.]

Om Amriteswariye namah!

She holds the power of the universe!

217. Om maha-saktyai namah: I bow down to Amma who has great power

Amma can move mountains in order to change the world. Which being EVER has reached out and embraced 32 million people? Who has ever reached out and wiped the tears of millions and made a difference in so many lives? Who can reach out to us when even we have given up on ourselves? Who has stood by us when the world turned away? Who has magically made events fall in place when the future seemed bleak? Who has made things happen just when we placed our entire faith at Her feet?

Amma changes lives and that in itself is an act of great power. The very fact that the crowds have swelled over the years shows Her spiritual power. If Amma was just an ordinary Guru, She wouldn't have the massive following She does. She wouldn't have the hordes who come to just get a 10 second hug from Her. Because these are no ordinary hugs. They are life changing circles of love. She's enveloping us in Her spiritual bliss. She's allowing each of us to take away a small bit of Her spiritual power. A power that allows us to transform ourselves and the world around us.

There is power needed even for a seed to sprout. So can we imagine what power must vest with Amma who transforms people and lives every day? It's as if the Universe has finally found the time to put it's feet up and rest, because divinity in the form of Amma has taken over quite ably.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

The purest of the pure...!

216. Om maha-sattvayai namah: I bow down to Amma who possesses great sattva.

In all of the world, there can be nobody who possesses more sattva than Amma. She is the very essence of purity. Each action of Hers is from pure intention to do the most amount of good for others. The purest sight is to see Amma with children. In all the programs I have attended, the most enjoyable times are when Amma spends it in the company of children. It is beautiful, littered with rare moments. The children have no qualms about reaching out to Amma, laughing n playing with Her. Similarly Amma also has no qualms about being one with the kids. She plays with them, hugs them and enjoys each of their little gestures. Every onlooker has a smile on his/her face because the purity of that moments is so incredibly strong!

Amma's seed of transformation in this world is legendary. We have never hesitated from putting our children in front of Amma because we know that it is the right thing to do. Our children will always stay on the right path. And why shouldn't they? When Amma is guiding them, when Amma is setting the tone of their future lives, what is it that we as parents need to worry about? Our children are with the purest of the pure. And it is this purity that makes Her the divine power of the world.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

A letter to someone who needs help...

215. Om maha-mayayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is the Great illusion

There are some things in life which are not worth mentioning. Like a certain person's accusatory book about the ashram and about Amma. I don't wish to read the book or know about it's contents. I read an article that told me everything I didn't really want to know in the first place. I would rather NOT dwell on the negative. Because when I read the article and see the commotion around me, I feel sorry for this author. So here's my letter to her. I would like to add a disclaimer. I am writing this of my own accord. I am one among millions who loves Amma and will be an Amma's child for life.

Ms GT,

Om Namah Shivaya! I hope the greeting reminds you of some of the basic things you learnt in the ashram.
You stepped out of Amma's world (which has a willing and happy population of approximately 30 million, I'm guessing!) and decided to write a book. You have apparently written sordid details about the goings on in the ashram and of your life there etc. Well, here's the simple truth. I don't care what you've written. You may well dismiss me as being quite unimportant in your scheme of things and flip my declaration over. Your misled supporters could well overlook a lot of us. But I really don't care about you or what you have written. I don't care what happened to you in the ashram. I don't care when you left, in what state you left, what you did thereafter or even what or where you are now. The only thing I care about is the safe knowledge that at every step of my life's journey, the only pure truth I have known, is Amma. 24 hours of my day is spent under the umbrella of Her grace. I have redefined my life in accordance with the spiritual principles taught by Her.
She makes me want to be a better person. If a bad thought comes to my head, I apologize to Her first. Simply because I owe Her that much. If Amma can sit for 22 hours continuously and only care that Her devotees were sitting out in the sun waiting for Her, then the least I can do is do my bit in making the world a better place. Like Amma is doing. Every second, every day, week after week, for years. Amma is solely responsible for bringing happiness into the lives of millions of people. Try making one person happy. It is no easy task. Amma reaches out and envelops each of us with Her unending stream of love. She is the GREATEST PERSON TO HAVE EVER WALKED THIS EARTH!

The article I read mentioned you saying that Amma was putting up a spiritual front. Ironic then that I should be writing this on this mantra day! Amma is a great illusion. She truly is. She shows us Her human form whereas in actuality She is the divinity that throbs in each of us, in the entire universe!

So GT, here's my thing: I don't care about you or your thoughts or experiences. And yes, we non-carers may well be insignificant to you. But here's the beauty of it all. We're important to Amma. She cares about us. And we love Her. We are crazy about this beautiful Mother. We absolutely adore Her! Do us a favor please, GT. Sit back and shake away all those goading you on. Sit back and think of Amma. Really meditate on Her form. Think of the millions of lives She has touched. Think of the oceans of tears She has wiped away. Think of the lives She has magically changed for the better. Then see it all in perspective. Can a book wipe away all the good Amma has done? And more importantly, should we really care about your little fictional grouses?

Om Amriteswariye namah! 

Destroyer of sin!

214. Om maha-pataka-nasinyai namah: I bow down to Amma who destroys even the greatest of sins

Amma has conquered every vice in the world purely on the basis of Her unending love. She's like a sponge, wiping clean the world and taking away the evils in and around us. She has the power to cleanse the worst thoughts and the most evil deeds. She can destroy in us the greatest of sins. And Amma does all of this only because She knows that when it is time, we will not be able to face the wrath of karma. So She takes it away and destroys it before the law of the universe catches up with us! Each embrace that Amma blesses us with is Her selfless way of taking away our bad karma and of removing every thick and thin layer of vice surrounding us. She can see what we can't. She can feel even the slightest of vibrations, whether negative or positive. And as She hugs us, I shudder to think just how much negativity Amma must be coming into such close quarters with. Maybe for our darling, sweetheart Amma's sake we need to make a pledge: be as happy and joyful as possible when we go to Amma. 

The past year has been a tumultuous one for me. I have been through a tough roller coaster. I just can't wait to see my Mother. Just so I can crumble in Her arms and cry. Not out of sadness but an overwhelming sense of relief! And the greatest desire to hold on to the One who makes life worth living!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

In prayer to Amma!

213. Om pujyayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is the greatest object of worship

With Amma, my search ended. To be honest I wasn't searching. More appropriate would be the usage of the word 'meandering'. I prayed wherever I found myself. In a church, I crossed myself and prayed. In a temple, I softly said the prayers my mother had taught me as a child. In times of trouble, I just thought of a universal God and prayed someone was listening!

And then I found Amma and my ambivalent feelings towards God ended. I now knew God. I had met Her. And I had fallen in love with Her. She was a wonderful person who loved me right back. When I first melted in Her arms, I felt I had reached home. I was safe and life would never be the same again. She changed everything in my life: my perceptions, my perspective, my attitude. As time has gotten on, my life is becoming more and more Amma-centric. It's the most perfect way to go from teenage to the 30s and now middle age. A common thread of Amma devotion has got me umpteen friends. I have become a part of an ashram which feels like a wonderful safe haven. I look for Amma everywhere. I seek Her out many times a day. I feel Her warmth and compassion at the most unlikely of times. But not a day goes by when I don't whisper a prayer of gratitude. That the universe thought me worthy of knowing the greatest person on earth: Amma. To me, She is the greatest object of worship. When my mind bows down in prayer, I can only think of Amma, a powerhouse of compassion, love and grace. My darling Amma!  

Om Amriteswariye namah!

The only truth!

212. Om maha-rupayai namah: I bow down to Amma who has a great form

When everything is said and done, the only truth remaining with us will be Amma. When our friend has deserted us, when fate has turned a cartwheel and when the future has decided to sulk in a corner, the only one absolute truth will be Amma. Forever, our Guru, philosopher, friend and guide. She will always be there ensuring that we are protected by the blows of time. Practically, in a year we see Amma for perhaps 3 days. And yet how amazingly strong is Her connection to us that we can live those 3 days for the next 362 ! Those 3 days define the remaining year for us till we see Her again. Some of Amma's children aren't satiated with those 3 days and are lucky to be able to go back for more. They will travel and visit Her wherever She is. What incredible grace they enjoy!

Each time I see Amma, I try and take in each and every bit of Her. I make mental notes of Her form. Amma's beautiful hands, sometimes upturned during meditation (during which I exult in Her calming presence!); Amma's lovely hair, sometimes untamed, like a spiritual halo; Amma's feet which can be glimpsed every once in a lucky while. There is SO MUCH beauty in Amma's form. Beauty not of the beauty queen variety but just a softness, an unseen charm. Innocent. Pure. I close my eyes and ensure that I remember it all. I know I'll only see Her a year later and this mental picture needs to last me that long. For whenever I am subdued or happy, I know I can sit quietly and dip into my memories. That is when I can think of Amma's wondrous form. That is when I can imagine an embrace, Her soft hands assuring me. Her calm, lilting voice consoling me. I feel Her gentleness. Like a calming, cooling breeze on a hot day. And then I know She's there taking care of me, comforting me. All is right with the world.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Amma, everyone's beloved!

211. Om mrda-priyayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is the beloved of Mrida (Shiva)

There are facts I discover about Amma every day. Here's something I read in amma.org: "Amma has never asked anyone to change their religion. Only to go deeper into their values or faith, and live by those essential principles."

And here are some beautiful quotes on love from Amma: 
"Love is our true essence."
"The more you give, the more your heart is filled. Love is a never ending stream."

"When love overflows and is expressed through every word & deed, we call it compassion. That is the goal of religion."

“Love one another without any expectations. Then, there is no need to go anywhere in search of heaven.”

"May your thoughts, words and actions arise from love.”

"If we have love and compassion in our hearts, then we will wholeheartedly serve those who suffer from lack of food, clothing and shelter.”

"Be like the honeybee who gathers only nectar wherever it goes. Seek the goodness that is found in everyone."

“Real love is the complete absence of any negative feelings towards anyone.”

“Love is the only medicine that can heal the wounds of the world.”

"You can only feel love by expressing it." 

Amma is the beloved of Shiva and every God. She's also the beloved of all Her children, all Her millions of children who totally adore Her. I have many talks with Amma through the day. I tell Her everything that happens. I cry to Her, I laugh and confide in Her. I get angry with Her. I discuss decisions with Her. She's my best listener. She's my guide at every step. When I go to the Shivan temple and see the Devi kshetram, it's so beautiful! I feel Amma's overwhelming presence there. Why wouldn't I? After all Amma is the beloved of Shiva. And of Her 32 million children. 

My Goddess of true wealth!

210. Om maha-laksmyai namah: I bow down to Amma who is the great Goddess Lakshmi

The beautiful Goddess Lakshmi represents wealth in our lives. True wealth isn't about hoarding money as it is about a strength of character that allows us to reach out to others. True wealth should be measured by how much we are able to give to those who need it. To those for whom that money will mean a difference between life and death, hunger and food, disease and wellness, poverty and a roof above their heads.

Amma's Trust is known to be one of the wealthiest in India. Every bit of the saree that Amma wears is used to raise money. There are so many ways that the ashrams around the world raise money. And every cent and paise raised goes towards the innumerable charitable activities. Amma is supporting suffering women, children, orphanages, hospitals, hospices. After the 2004 tsunami, new houses were built, boats were given to fishermen who had lost everything. And it wasn't just restricted to Kerala. Amma's charitable footsteps span the world. Everything the trust earns is used to feed the hungry and educate the poor. There is charity in every brick of Amma's ashram. Amma Herself is the most charitable human being EVER, giving of Herself to Her children as much as She does. There are so many lessons for us to learn. We hoard, we save and we question a cent that leaves us for another person's benefit. But as the old story goes, when we die, do we carry any of our wealth with us? Amma is the true Lakshmi because She gives of Herself and gives away the wealth She has to benefit each and every one of us. I remember reading a Deepak Chopra book that stated that currency comes from the root word 'currere' that means to flow. Money is meant to flow. When it does, it expands. Just as Amma's charity proves. The more She gives out, the more will reach Her from the universe for the greater good. I hope we are always blessed with the grace to do charity in as many ways as we can, as taught by Amma.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

  

Most beautiful soul!

209. Om maha-devyai namah: I bow down to Amma who has the immeasurable body

"The entire cosmos is Her great body. 'Her body is immense and cannot be measured by any instruments. The root maha means worship; therefore She is called Mahadevi': according to the Devi Purana. Devi cannot be measured by words, mind or intellect and is worthy of worship in all possible ways.
Mahadevi is the wife of Mahadeva (Siva). Also, She is Mahadevi as She is the greatest (mama) of the Goddesses."
The Thousand Names of the Divine Mother by TV Nayarana Menon.

I have said it many times before and I say it again. To me, Amma is the most beautiful body and soul in the world. She reminds me of the 'most beautiful hands' story wherein the girl who helps everyone is deemed to have the most beautiful hands. Amma is like that. A body that has been sacrificed for everyone else's good; hands that have reached out and embraced 32 million people can be nothing but the most beautiful hands in the world. She has sacrificed all humanly known material comforts so that you and I are happy. She has given up Her sleep so that we may sleep better. She has given up eating proper meals so that we may fill our stomachs. Our eyes are kept dry only because She prays for our constant well being and peace of mind. She works to fight off our bad karma. She's the spiritual shield around us who will always ensure our safety.

I love you Amma. In a thousand ways. In awe and respect....

Om Amriteswariye namah!  

My Guru, Guide, Goddess!

208. Om mahesvaryai namah: I bow down to Amma who is the wife of Maheshvara

Amma is the wife of Maheshvara, another name for Lord Shiva. Amma is our leader, our Guru and guide. That She is our God, is but an obvious fact being stated. Whoever we pray to and look up to and know will protect us is our God. For me, it is simply and irrefutably, Amma. Amma has taught me many things, whether directly or through Her life as a shining example. This morning I woke up to a new thought: I would not say or think badly of anyone. It was just a thought that popped in my head as if it needed to be there. I suspect my reverend and darling Mother planted it there. A few hours have passed and it seems to be working!

Amma ensures that we surround ourselves with only good habits. She cleanses us of our bad habits and vices and drapes us with good habits that should be followed. I found an interesting article that speaks about the reasons we must chant our mantra everyday. If we have taken a mantra from Amma, we must absolutely chant it every day. It's like our own protective cape. I must admit Amma, that I forget to chant it everyday but I must. Maybe it's a new resolution I need to take! Every which way that helps think of Amma every second of the day can only be beneficial and brilliant!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Shiva's perfect Shakti!

207. Om manonmanyai namah: I bow down to Amma who is Shiva's Shakti

This is the beauty of this mantra and every mantra that allows me to see the blissful union of Shiva and Shakti. The Shivan temple has Devi in it and every visit there allows me to enjoy the beauty of Shiva and Shakti. It's the perfect union that keeps the world in balance. Shiva is in Himself such an incredible God with His matted hair and His tandav and the abode up in Mount Kailasa. Shakti is the perfect partner, creating. The creator and the destroyer. Yin and Yang.

Shiva and Shakti are represented in nature all the time. And in our lives. All we need to see is the balance.

Amma to me, is the perfect representation of the balance in the universe. She is calm, collected and joyful at all times. Whatever be the situation or the story, Amma's equanimity is unshakeable. We can go to Her with any story and Amma will never judge. Nor will She come up with a solution. She will make us find the solution and thereby empower us. There is so much beauty in Amma's perfection! And joyfully, we are Amma's creation too. Which means we are perfect beings too. Now all we need to do is believe in ourselves wholeheartedly just as we believe in Amma and ensure that whatever we speak and do has to be worthy of the Goddess who is Shiva's Shakti.

Om Amriteswariye namah! 

Meditating on this wondrous form!

205. Om sarva-tantra-rupayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is the soul of all the tantras

This mantra is explained very well in the book on the thousand names of the Divine Mother by T.V Narayana Menon:
"Devi is the goal of all tantric paths. All the paths laid down by the sastras merge in Her, just as rivers in the ocean. The easiest and most readily available Tantric method is meditation on Her form from head to toe.
The various tantras have been described as parts of Devi's body. Kamika Tantra is described as Her feet, Yogaja as heels, Karana and Prasrta as toes, Ajita as knees, Dipta as thighs, Amsuma as back, Suprabheda as navel, Vijaya as stomach, Nisvasa as heart, Svayambhuva as the bosom, Anala as the three eyes, Viragama as the throat, Ruru Tantra as ears, Makuta as the crown, Vipula as the arms, Candrajnana as the chest, Bimba as the face, Prodgita as the tongue, Lalita as the cheeks, Siddha as the forehead, Samtana as the earrings, Kirana as the gems, Vatula as the garments and all the other Tantras as hair on Her body."

Meditation on Amma's form has to be the most beautiful mental relaxation exercise one can do. From Amma's head to Her toes. In every part, a spiritual beauty that surpasses even the most wondrous images from nature. Just meditating and reflecting on Amma is enough to transport one into a blessed zone. I find it very difficult to close my eyes and meditate when in Amma's actual, physical presence. How can one close one's eyes when the most stunning and beautiful person is on front of us? When God Herself is sitting in front of us? I drink in Her image and exult in the feeling of unadulterated happiness that fills me. Will I ever see anything so beautiful? Amma's form is pure. She is the single most loved form for me. In Her lie my dreams, my hopes, my spiritual quest and my happiness.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Our karma, Amma's dharma!

205. Om sarva-yantratmikayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is the soul of all yantras

"A yantra is a symbol which represents a deity in the form of a picture, or as a cakra (figure) or syllables. Devi is the support behind whichever deity is being invoked."

"Where Amma encountered people in need, she brought them food and clothing from her own home. She was undeterred by the scolding and punishment she received from her family for doing so. Amma also began to spontaneously embrace people to comfort them in their sorrow. Responding to her affectionate care, they began to call her Amma (Mother).

Amma was deeply affected by the profound suffering she witnessed. According to Hinduism, the suffering of the individual is due to his or her own karma — the results of actions performed in the past. Amma accepted this concept, but she refused to accept it as a justification for inaction. Amma contemplated the principle of karma until she revealed an even more profound truth, asking a question she continues to ask each of us today. “If it is one man’s karma to suffer, isn’t it our dharma (duty) to help ease his suffering and pain?”
With this simple yet profound conviction — that each of us has a responsibility to lend a helping hand to those less fortunate — Amma moved forward with confidence in her life of service and compassionate care for all beings, uniquely expressed by the motherly embrace she offers to all who seek solace in her arms." From the ABOUT AMMA section at www.amma.org

The beauty of that phrase cannot escape anyone. "If it is one man's karma to suffer, isn't it our dharma to help ease his suffering and pain?" This is the basis of Amma's unending philanthropic activities and Her life changing embrace. This is what drives Amma's relentless compassion towards all of us. This is what makes Her seek even the lone taxi driver outside a hall, after a 12 hour darshan, just so not one of Her children is turned away. She is the most approachable humanitarian leader. She is the magician who weaves Her spiritual wand and makes all of our dreams come true. She is the guide, mentor and Guru leading millions of people around the world with just one ammunition: unhindered, uncolored love. If any one can move heaven and earth to make the world a better place, Amma can!

"Amma says that love expressed is compassion, and compassion means accepting the needs and sorrows of others as one's own." 

Om Amriteswariye namah!

I only know Amma!

204. Om sarva-mantra-svarupinyai namah: I bow down to Amma who is the essence of all the mantras

The mantras celebrate divinity in its highest form. Each mantra celebrates an aspect of Shiva Shakti. An aspect of the beautiful Devi. Each mantra talks about Devi as being the divine, as being the greatest object of our worship, who leads us onto the right path. Who rewards and protects. Who is the ultimate Mother to all Her devotees.

Amma is the essence of all the mantras. Each word that is said with reverence to the divine is an offering to Amma. Each prayer that assimilates everything beautifully spiritual in the world is in actuality an oblation to our most wonderful Mother. Mantras are still the highest form of language. Even our mere words are our tokens of devotion to the Mother who turns the pages of life for us. Amma is the sum total of all the mantras. From Sri-matre namah to Sri Lalitambikayi namah...every breath is Amma. She is after all the auspicious Mother. The Empress of the Universe. The Divine Mother Lalita.

I only know Amma. I look for Her everywhere. In beautiful flowers, trees, soothing breeze. So if I should find her in beautiful mantras, it's an added reward of knowing the Sri Lalitasahasranamavalli!

Om Amriteswariye namah! 

Respect. As Amma would want us to...!

203. Om sarva-mayyai namah: I bow down to Amma who pervades every living and non-living thing

Respect. For everything around us. That's what this mantra implies, as Amma pervades everything: living and non-living. But in these times, we barely have respect for another human being, leave alone animals and non-living things. The only way we can learn to show respect for every thing around us is by knowing that God is a presence all around us. God pervades each and every atom surrounding us and within us. Then why do we allow negative emotions to creep in at all? Why is there a thread of negativity running all through society? Why is there scant respect for others ? Wouldn't life be so much easier to live and breathe if we just appreciated everything around us, see God in everything and let live?

Imagine a world where everything was perfect and happy for us? Now if only we could widen that vision to include everyone else! Much like Amma does. Only in Her world, each of us is there. And She's constantly giving, every second of the day.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

The only constant: Amma!

202. Om sarveswaryai namah: I bow down to Amma who rules over all the living and non living things

Amma's messages are on twitter (and I only just discovered this!!) I found some priceless gems here: 
"If you try to run away from your shadow, you will simply collapse due to exhaustion. Face the difficulties of life through Love and faith."

"If we let go of our likes and dislikes, we will become fit vessels to receive the God’s ever flowing grace."

"Never forget that you are never alone on this journey. God is always with you. Allow Him to take your hand."

I love this last one particularly because it is so reassuring. It's like one of those things you have heard growing up but have never seen. You meet people who tell you this and you meet people who don't believe. And somewhere in this realm of living, you need to form your own decision. It isn't clear cut like a formula. But the beauty is that it really is more clear cut than a formula! If there is one certainty in this world, it is that Amma is always with us. She may not be physically present by our side in Her form, all the time. But She actually is present in the form of faith. Our faith, is Her. The more we show it, the more we have Amma in our lives. For someone who rules over living and non living things, Amma is the most incredible being on earth. To put it simply, She rocks my world!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

In the circle of Amma's love!

201. Om sad-gati-pradayai namah: I bow down to Amma who leads into the right path

I found Amma in my late teens. For children who now know of Amma from their very birth, their entire life is so beautifully set. From their first word to their first step to the first solid food to their initiation into learning, Amma graces everything. Such a child will always know the beauty of prayer, the wonder of Amma's hug and the power that lies behind receiving Amma's grace. For them, Amma is a way of life. For us, Amma  is a Guru, a God. For them, Amma is Mother. They chant Her name before an exam. They run to the altar to offer Her their certificates. Their badges. Their triumphs. Their follies. Such children will find it so much easier to face the everyday rigors of life because they are able to effortlessly surrender themselves to Amma. There is no doubt. They know Amma is there for them. Like the milk they've had since birth. It's a certainty.

Blessed are these children. They truly are the children of God. Amma has encircled them within the magical ring of Her unending Love. And with that, She has put them on the right path. Forever.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

The source of it all!

200. Om sarva-mangalayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is the source of all that is auspicious

It's been 200 days since I have immersed myself in the Sri Lalita Sahasranamavali. 200 days of getting closer and closer to understanding Amma and yet what an ocean away from really ever knowing Her. Who can truly understand the universe? It's like knowing the boundaries of the sky. Amma is ethereal, unexplainable. We can't ever put Her doings under a microscope because these are miracles we are looking at. Something that begins from love and ends in love and sustains itself on a steady flow of grace. She is the epicenter of spirituality. She is the centre of our universe. She is the only truth I choose to know. While everything else is truly an illusion and cannot be relied upon, Amma is the one rock steady truth that will never change. For She is the beginning, the middle and the end. The source of everything that is beautiful and auspicious in this world.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Divinity that shines forth!

199. Om sarva-sakti-mayyai namah: I bow down to Amma who has all the divine powers

She is the Empress of the universe who holds our heart strings in Her hand. She has single handedly changed the lives of millions of people. The Amma wave that has swept the world has cleansed so many who have been touched by it. So many people have stopped detrimental behavioural patterns. So many have changed routines to include a prayer and a more spiritual bent of mind. So many have erased old burdens to give place to Amma in their hearts. So many of us have suddenly become aware of the power of unconditional love.

We mere mortals find it difficult to keep friends and please everyone. Amma doesn't hand out gifts to us. Apart from the prasad, there's nothing physical She gives us during darshan. There is no car, no house, no nothing. But there is the promise of a life changing embrace that asks no questions and wants no answers. All Amma wishes to do is to accept us the way we are. To take us into Her fold and keep us safely there. To always ensure that we stay on the straight spiritual path and don't meander off into the jungle of samsara. To do this for one or two people, is incredible. To do this for a hundred or so, is extraordinary. To do this for millions, is truly divine.

Om Amriteswariye namah! 

Our perfect Guru!

198. Om samanadhika-varjitayai namah: I bow down to Amma who has neither equal nor superior

Excerpts from Amma's message on New Years: “Just by turning the pages of our calendar, nothing is going to change. It is the impurities of anger, lust and jealousy within us that turn “good times” into “bad times.” We need to have a higher goal in life. Imagine a ship is sailing on the ocean with its sails angled to perfectly catch the wind. But if the captain does not know which harbor he is to dock his ship, he will just keep on sailing. Without a destination, no matter how fair the sailing, it will all be in vain. It is our goals that give us enthusiasm, strength and energy. They make us alive.

“We need a daily routine to help us towards our goal. If spirituality is our goal, we will try to nurture good thoughts. We will try to do good deeds. We will not brood over unnecessary thoughts. We won’t become jealous seeing another person’s success. We won’t be bothered about the various things going on around us; we will only try to do whatever we can. We will read spiritual books and attend satsangs.

“Death is constantly in front and behind us, like a shadow. Our body is like a rented house. At any moment, we could be asked to vacate. Instead of leaving kicking and screaming, we should be ever ready to leave with joy and laughter. Before death overpowers us, we have many important tasks to complete. Life is an opportunity to look back and evaluate our progress and, at the same time, to look forward and focus on action. Why have we embarked on this journey of life? What is our goal? Are we moving along the right path? Or have we lost our way? The dawn of a new year is a time for self-introspection and firm resolves.

“We bathe every day to stay clean. Enthusiasm is like a bath for the mind. It’s not enough to feel enthusiastic and cheerful only on New Year’s Day though. We need to maintain this feeling throughout the year. When we wake up in the morning, we wash our face and prepare ourselves for the day. No one wants to appear dirty or ugly. This is usually the first thought of our day. But we need to clean our mind as well. We need to wipe away the dust of our negativities. Then, not only our lives, but also the lives of everyone around us will become beautiful. If this is our attitude, the entire world will thrive as if a new spring is awakening."

This is the reason Amma has no equal or superior. She is beyond such ratings. Amma knows exactly what makes the world live from one day to the next. She knows what it takes to wake up to a new dawn. Amma knows everything. Because She is EVERYTHING!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

A compassionate hug!

197. Om sandra-karunayai namah: I bow down to Amma who shows intense compassion.

Amma's compassion is truly what makes Her so close to our hearts. She is so intensely compassionate, She will never judge us or turn us away. We can go to Her with any prayer, any wish, any desire. If asked with the purest of intentions that is worthy of a divine being like Amma, She will always grant it to us. We need to ask with faith so that Amma can answer with faith. When we ask with faith, we are assuring Her that we know what faith is and that we can be trusted to have what we really desire.

But Amma is so compassionate, She would grant us our wishes anyways. She will reach out to us in times of need and ensure that we are well cared for and cushioned against the blow of destiny. She will change destiny if required. Once under Amma's umbrella, we stand protected by Her love. We stand buffered by Her overwhelming and intense compassion. Amma has hundreds of charities that reach out to the poor, the lonely, the suffering. She will always find a place for each of us in Her heart. Sit quietly and star gaze as Amma gives darshan. See Amma with those working through physical or mental disadvantages. The intense compassion etched on Her face is a lesson for us. If we could show even a hundredth of that compassion, we would be hugely instrumental in making this world a better place. For now, all of us are just happy to be recipients of this beautiful compassion that Amma shows towards us. May we all continue feeling the grace.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

In Amma we trust!

196. Om sarvajnayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is omniscient

omniscient: one who knows everything.

Amma is the omniscient narrator of our story. She is the omniscient God who is unfolding every road bit by bit in this journey called life. And because Amma is omniscient, we should realise that therefore Amma will only do what is good for us. Events as they unfold only happen for our own good. A missed opportunity, a late bus, a difficult period at work. It's all there to build up some missing piece of the puzzle in our lives. Amma sees the bigger picture and can see what's around the corner for us. So She knows what's needed. And because She knows for sure, we need to trust Her doings for us always.

"vishwasam tannene rakshikyu". These words leap out at me now ever so often. How many times I have sung these words emptily! "It is purely faith that will save us". Faith in our Guru, our God, who loves us, cares for us and will only do what is right for us. In Her, we trust. We should. For there is never another being who will love us as much as She does. And towards Amma we will have blind faith. Because She knows exactly where She's taking us.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Towards a cleaner heart!

195. Om dosa-varjitayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is free from all faults

Amma who has always walked the path of selflessness, has dedicated Her life to creating a better world for us. I read this beautiful story of Amma cleaning the streets of Kolkata.

"20 Jan 2013, Kolkata, Bharata Yatra 2013

After sitting for almost 12 hours of continuous darshan during the last day of programs in Calcutta {news}, Amma still wanted to do more for her children.

During the darshan, at about 6:00pm, she announced that the road had to be cleaned and in this way the ABC would be launched in Calcutta. She sent brahmacharis to inspect the area that was to be cleaned and procure the necessary equipment for the cleaning operation." The article went on to describe how Amma led the entire cleaning up procedure throughout the night and that when Amma left the next morning for Odisha, the road was spotlessly clean. The picture above is from that night. Isn't this exactly what Amma does with our hearts too? She may be occupied with a million other things but She will always find the time to cleanse our hearts and keep us free from all faults. She will not care about sullying Her hands so long as it means that She has left a spotlessly clean heart behind. And going by the picture, Amma will do whatever it takes to create a heart that is never capable of dirt. A heart that will always remember the time it was made clean in the hands of the most wonderful Mother ever! If every hug of Amma's is really a massive clean up exercise to remove each speck of vice from our lives, we owe Her a deep debt of gratitude. I hop each of us can one day see ourselves as spiritually clean individuals who Amma can look upon and smile with genuine pride. We owe Her this at the very least! 

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Awaiting Your arrival, Amma!

194. Om duracara-samanyai namah: I bow down to Amma who stops evil customs

My powerful Mother who ensures that evil customs are stopped through the world. With a mere glance, Amma can stop even one thought out of line. She is the power behind the surge of spirituality amongst Her devotees. Many of us who followed religion blindly now have a well lit path. Our eyes have opened to customs that create good in society. Religion for us is no longer a photo at an altar. It is about going out and donating blood. It is about cooking food and feeding the hungry. It is about giving up a part of our salary so that a have-not somewhere can have. The day we are able to understand that the world is all about giving and sharing, we would truly have realized what Amma is all about. Hands outstretched whether to give a hug or to give a helping hand, Amma is a giver. Her vastly generous heart only knows how to make us, Her children, happy. This is what makes Her ever so beautiful. Her selflessness.

While saying my prayer today, I realized just how badly I was missing Her. And just how badly I wanted to see Her. I wonder if She knows how many tears I have shed just missing Her deeply. This creates a pain which is sometimes almost unbearable. To paraphrase the bhajan originally dedicated to Krishna: when will You come, Amma when will You come? Tired eyes await Your visit. Just so that I can sit by Your feet and pour my burdened heart out to You. Once I get that embrace before which I will certainly cry my despair out, a sense of relief will finally wash over me. But till then, the tears just don't seem to stop, Amma. Please come here super fast. Your daughter is waiting. Impatient and Alone.

Om Amriteswariye namah!