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!