To be Amma's child!

314. Om rakendu-vadanayai namah: I bow down to Amma who has a delightful face like the full moon.

The full moon. A romantic notion of a large light in the sky that holds within it so much wonder. No one sees it as just a celestial body. In it's fullness and light, lie hope and beauty. Amma is never seen as a human being because She has Herself surpassed all human boundaries of mental strength, endurance, love and compassion. Each line on Her face reflects our joys and pain. We are forever etched in Her heart. Everything Amma does, She does for us. Her beautiful life is a dedication to all of humanity. She lives our pain and reflects our joy. Just like a Mother. Like the moon, She will always remain an enigma to most of us. A divine enigma whose purpose on earth is being fulfilled whenever any of us says a prayer of gratitude or does a good turn. For the nth time, how incredibly blessed we are to be Amma's child!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Amma's goodness reflected...!

313. Om ramayai namah: I bow down to Amma who has become Lakshmi and Sarasvati

Every festival that is dedicated to the female power of the universe, be it Lakshmi, Sarasvati, Durga, Shakti, Kali - every moment is a dedication to the compassion and love of Amma. She rules not by Her fist but by Her embrace. She never needs use of a crude word to get attention. Instead, Her words laced with genuine love and concern are always enough to awaken the deeper consciousness in each of us. We become more attuned to the spiritual world. Suddenly a lot of things lose their edge and it seems so much calmer to renunciate most material thoughts and think of Amma. I am lucky to know a lot of wonderful people who, through Amma, have decided to dedicate  their lives to the betterment of others. One such person Amma has given me the honor of knowing is Lalitha chechi who serves nature. She is a true nature lover who will walk the extra mile to make the planet a better place. She is always nice, kind and compassionate. She is the perfect example of the perfect devotee mirroring the teachings of the Guru. Lalitha chechi's hands are always working at serving either nature or other people. Some days, I wish I had Lalitha chechi's resolve and faith. Maybe one day, when Amma showers me with Her infinite grace, I will!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Just a matter of faith!

312. Om ranat-kinkini-mekhalayai namah: I bow down to Amma who wears a girdle of tinkling bells

Many years ago, I remember an incident recounted to me by an older relative. For some reason she was going to be alone at home one night and she was rather scared. I am speaking of perhaps 20 years ago, when everyone around me had only just begun to become Amma's devotees. This aunt of mine prayed to Amma fervently! She prayed that the night pass without any incident. at some point in the night, she felt herself feel very calm. And she heard the soft tinkling of bells. Like an anklet. Instead of worrying about it, she strongly felt Amma's presence. She felt Amma there with her, calming her down and assuring her everything was going to be ok. And that's exactly how the night went. I guess my aunt's faith could be heard in those soft tinkling of bells. And that's all there really is to it, isn't it? If we learn the very difficult lesson of surrendering everything to Amma, the little bells of faith and belief will ring out loud, drowning out all unpleasant noises life throws our way. Because when we believe in Amma, everything is just a matter of faith.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Amma, thank you!

311. Om rasyayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is to be enjoyed, who enjoys

There are some distinctive things I remember about Amma. Her beautiful eyes that look at you when She is  giving darshan to someone. Her incredibly soft and reassuring palm when we are lucky to place the prasad in Her hands. Her hair flying all over as the breeze from the fan reaches Her and yet they don't need to be teased down. Much like Her children, they eventually settle down on their own. How can I forget the showering of petals on us just after Devi bhava? She stands there showering not just the petals but also Her incredible compassion and love! Someday, in the annals of history, we will be known as the fortunate tribe of Amma's children. And I can never thank the universe enough for this!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

a joyful Amma!

310. Om ramanyai namah: I bow down to Amma who gives joy

One of the oft heard lines from people who have been to get Amma's darshan is this: "Amma remembered me!", "I wanted to tell Amma so many things but as soon as She hugged me, I forgot everything. I feel so happy". Tears streaming down faces is a very common sight. Devotees breaking down in a pool of relief and joy is something every venue witnesses. Amma's purity and innocence brings such an incredible amount of joy to absolutely everyone who comes in contact with Her. May we always have the grace to feel this joy and to exult in this universal cloud of happiness She surrounds Herself and us with!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Amma delights the mind!

309. Om ranjinyai namah: I bow down to Amma who delights the mind

Thousands of Her children cannot be wrong. There is something so magnetic about Amma. Just a mere glance of Her is enough to get our happy hormones working. It's enough to get us dancing on the clouds. It's enough to boost us with hope and the perennial feeling that life is good after all! Amma delights all of our senses. She makes a virtue not a diktat but something we want to imbibe. She makes a vice not a blackened and underlined villain but something we are happy to do away with. She makes the very business of living seem so much more do-able. In every which way, Amma delights the mind. She's a one woman spiritual army. Amma will move hell and high water to ensure that the world becomes a better place. She still has a child like innocence about Her. When in Amma's physical presence, it is virtually impossible not to be affected by Her overwhelming charm. Which is why when a year goes by and we don't get to see Amma, everything goes topsy turvy and the world appears bleak. May we always have the grace to see You and be in Your physical presence as often as possible, Amma!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Amma's unending magic!

308. Om rajiva-locanyai namah: I bow down to Amma whose eyes are like lotus, deer and fish

If there is one thing about Amma, it is that She is the most beautiful person in the world. Not just from the inside but also from the outside. She looks gorgeous. She has the most stunning face which one wants to constantly look at. It is mesmerizing in its quality. It has a magnetic quality that keeps you locked within it's incredible innocent charm. I love watching Amma. What a beautiful face devoid of even a shred of negativity. Each line on Her face throbs with compassion, love and kindness. On Her face is reflected absolutely every virtue. This is why thousands and thousands of people can sit spell bound, delving deeply into their spirituality, purely based on the universal Motherhood Amma emanates. Amma surrounds us with unconditional love. It is the love only our parents can give us. And as we stand in a queue, we know that that darshan we are about to get will change our lives. We know it will envelop us in a circle of compassion and strength. Because Amma's magic is always at work!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

My lovely and Delightful Mother!

307. Om ramyayai namah: I bow down to Amma who gives delight, who is lovely

Of course She does. When someone has the innocence of a baby and the wonder of a child, there is so much delight the person gives the world. Watching Amma give darshan is a lesson in humility. Amma will always be polite and loving to absolutely everyone. She will reach out and wipe away the tears of those for whom life has been a wall of barbed wires. And yet if you go to Her with a smile, Amma's smile only deepens. Her happiness increases a thousand fold and She radiates a child like glee. It is beautiful to watch. Amma will crack jokes, smile and there is so much happiness in Her midst, it truly is the equivalent of watching a happy baby. One can't but be smitten by the purity and the innocence. One can't help but be attracted to the delightful unadulterated happiness Amma reflects of the universe. In short, being in Amma's presence is to bask in everything that is finally right with the world. This is why even a thought of Amma so quickly brings a smile to our faces.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Within each of us!

306. Om rajnyai namah:  I bow down to Amma who is the Queen of Shiva, the Lord of all kings.

Every saturday when I visit the Shiva temple, I feel a strong sense of Amma's presence. She is, after all, the Queen of Shiva. And Shiva is the Lord of all kings, the Lord of our senses while Amma is the Queen of everything compassionate. This union of Amma or Devi and Shiva has to be the most complete one in the universe. The feminine and the masculine. The meeting of perfection. When I think of Amma and Shiva, I think the world of male and female is actually meant to be like that: equals. Because all the power of the universe could not be held in one body, it got divided into the masculine and the feminine. And Devi and Shiva are the bonding of that power. May Amma always rule as a Queen not only over Shiva's heart but over each of our hearts. For in actuality, She resides not in an ashram but in the goodness that is present within each one of us.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

To Amma, we are all equal!

305. Om raja-rajarcitayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is worshipped by the king of Kings

There may be a VIP line to meet Amma, but Amma Herself has never ever made a distinction between a king and a pauper or an "important" person and an ordinary person. To each, Amma presents Herself as a servant of their hearts. I find this so incredibly beautiful that when Amma hugs us, there is no regard - not even a micro second's hesitation - to color, race, creed, religion, social status, bank balance. There is one thing She cares about though - our mental well being and our state of happiness. That's pretty much the only parameter Amma uses when deciding whether it should be a hug or a prolonged hug! I still find it unbelievable that Amma's hug is technically only for 15-20 seconds. How is that possible?? In that moment one is able to live so many thoughts, the primary one being "please somebody talk to Amma urgently so I can stay here forever!" Standing in line for Amma's darshan is a great leveler in itself. You stand with people you have no idea about. Are they good? Are they rich? Are they clean? There is absolutely no time or space to make judgements. All one can think of is the Divine Mother. And I guess that is exactly how it should be for us regularly. No time to judge anyone. Just keep saying the name of God. For this God will never judge us. She doesn't care whether we are king or pauper. All She cares is that we unburden ourselves only to Her!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

My phase of questioning!

304. Om heyopadeya-varjitayai namah: I bow down to Amma who has nothing to reject or accept

I think my entire relationship may well be changing with You, Amma. I am now wondering why You are putting me through so much and making me undergo so much introspection and doubt. I am wondering what plans You have in store for me. You have never let me down but You are putting me through one of the most difficult tests. I want no one else in this equation except You and me, Amma. I know I should just accept everything as Your will. In this acceptance will ultimately lie my release from pain but I am finding it difficult to reach this level of acceptance. I hope I can achieve it soon enough. I hope I will be able to finally understand Your plan for me. I hope when I meet You, I can sit down by Your feet and ask You why You think it necessary to make me stand on grits and go through life. I know I may have come with a loan rather than a deposit as You always say, Amma. But please let this loan be repaid so I can enjoy the walk of life. All under Your grace of course.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Show me why, Amma!

303. Om hrdyayai namah: I bow down to Amma who abides in the heart

If You truly abide in my heart Amma, You will show me. You will show me why You are playing the route of my life as You are doing now. You will explain in Your own subtle way why I am undergoing a sense of abandonment from You. You will let me know why I am feeling so let down by You. Do I want You to change it all? Yes, because I don't have the heart to take it any more. So if You abide in it, teach me and show me how. Maybe only send me what I can take. I can't take so many things and I am finding it difficult Amma. I need Your help. I need Your hand. I need Divine Intervention. I am looking to the universe and asking the Divine to help. Where ever the Divine be. Outside or in my heart. Do not test me so because I fail. I get a 0 out of 100 on this one and I admit defeat. Now it is all up to You. Acceptance. Not resistance. I accept defeat at Your hands. I accept what is coming in my path and I will tell You I do not have the will to handle it. You did not make me this way. You made me with a softer will. So there! So handle it for me, Amma. Because I can't.

Om Amriteswariye namah!  

Ever in Her grace!

302. Om hrimatyai namah: I bow down to Amma who is endowed with modesty.

My sweetheart Mother, all I can think of is how many more days to go before I see You! And I keep praying (to You!) that absolutely nothing comes in the way of meeting with You. You are endowed with the finest qualities the Universe can ever have. Amma is more than just a God. She is the sum total of a wave of devotion. She is the very basis of the spirituality in thousands of people. My own relationship with You is so personal, so private, Amma. I reach out to You whenever I can. And I am grateful for all the opportunities You give me. Today I was reading a book that described miracles that have happened to so many people. I realized that under Your grace, we live with miracles every day. And yet our gratitude sometimes feels so incomplete. How can I show my thanks to You, Amma? How can I show my thanks to the universe for thinking me worthy of having You as my Guru? Ever in debt...

Om Amriteswariye namah!

The author of our lives!

301. Om hrin-karyai namah: I bow down to Amma who is in the form of the syllable hrim

Everything beautiful in the world originates from Amma. But then when I hear of something dark or bad happening around me, I wonder at Amma's will. It takes me all of my faith to push away the questions and stick to the belief. Why would Amma make something bad happen? Could it be because like a fairy tale, the good is just around the corner? And we just don't have the eyes to see it? Could it be that someday we will look back on the route our life has taken and realise that absolutely every footprint on it happened because Amma had a greater will for us? I think the one thing we, as Amma's children, can say confidently, is that 'regret' isn't an oft used word for us. Yes there will be events and occurrences we regret but being under Amma's grace, we commit to actions that have Her full approval. And thus there can be no regrets! Not when there is the Highest ever Master writing the storybook of our lives!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Everywhere, in every breath!

300. Om nama-rupa-vivarjitayai namah: I bow down to Amma who has no name or form

Anything said with reverence, is Amma. Anything prayed to with respect and soaked in goodness, is Amma. So can I feel Amma in a stone? Can I feel Amma in the wind? Is Amma present when I close my eyes and pray fervently for Het? Is She at our altar? Absolutely. Amma is not confined within one name or within Her form. Amma is everywhere. Wherever there is goodness and the right intent, there is Amma. Because Amma stays in a pure heart. Which is why if we are right, all we need to do, is keep the faith. When Amma lives within us, why do we need to worry? Amma will always make truth, honesty and hard work prevail!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

It's all Amma's will!

299. Om nada-rupayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is in the form of sound

Sound, light, grace. Everywhere and pulsating in everything. Amma;s presence is so vivid and yet so difficult to feel unless we are wholly and completely tuned with the world.

I came to know of someone having died today. She was Amma's child and while death never makes any sense whatsoever, the only way to look at it is to realise everything is Amma's will. Her will be done. Death is so final and so humbling. What use of the ego when even our next breath isn't a certainty? It's best to remain true to ourselves and to our creator. It's best to do all that we can in the best possible way. Live each day like it may well be our last. Or our first of many wonderful days. When our final tally happens in the hands of Amma, we should leave with a good, karmic deposit. A deposit that is a reflection of everything good we have ever done. Leaving absolutely no crinkles on the fabric of life. Just as Amma would want us to!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Amma's love for our soul!

298. Om narayanyai namah: I bow down to Amma who is the female counterpart of Narayana

Some of the stories in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series makes me think of Amma. Whether it be a miracle or a blessing from above or even the act of a guardian angel, everything is really just a reflection of what Amma does for us. Every day, in every which way, Amma is touching our lives. She is helping us cross the turbulent waters of samsara just so we can reach a place unhindered by ego.  Every day Amma keeps us under Her protective gaze and ensures we are protected by Her circle of love. Every day Amma puts little miracles on our shoulders so that we can bear the weight of life. Every day Amma works Her magic as we are allowed another step, another word, another breath. Absolutely everything in life is a miracle. When it is touched by Amma, it becomes a gift! For us, Amma's children, every day is a chicken soup for the soul kind of day!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

The creator of my world!

297. Om hari-brahmendra-sevitayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is attended by Vishnu, Brahma and Indra

Amma is the creator, preserver and destroyer. She creates goodness in each of us. She preserves the spirituality in us. She destroys all the vestiges of ego and evil in the world. And in these roles of Amma's, She is attended by Vishnu, Brahma and Indra. The powerful triumvirate serving the Goddess of the world.

Amma's healing touch transforms so many lives every second. As She creates, preserves and destroys, lives are changed for the better. Amma has the spiritual midas touch. Once Amma's grace enters our life, there is so much that changes and transforms. It's like the universe just aligns to make things connect and happen. All we need to do is walk the tight rope of faith. She will never let us down. I know there are times I have felt immensely let down and abandoned but I don't have the eyes to see Amma's greater plan. She has a better, nicer and a happier plan for me. All I need to do for now, is believe.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

This deep seated relationship!

296. Om anadi-nidhanayai namah: I bow down to Amma who has neither beginning nor end.

There is no beginning and no end. The only constant is that Amma's presence is a constant! She is always there. We are just too mortal to recognize this fact. So the times that we cry for Her presence, all we need to do is meditate deeply on Her form because Amma is waiting for us to feel Her presence. And the beauty of this mantra, for me, is this: there is no beginning to my relationship with Amma. I have always known Her. Even before my father informed me of a Guru; even before I physically met Her, I have always known Amma. As have all Her children. There is no "beginning" to our relationship with Amma. It's in the order of things. And happily, there never will be an "end" to this deep seated relationship either. We have always been Amma's. And we will always be Hers. We may try and end our relationship with Her whenever the winds go against us but that's as foolish as cutting our noses to spite the face. How does one end a relationship with oneself? How does one begin a relationship with oneself. Amma is in each of us. She's the good that lives within each of us. And the more good we have, the more of Amma we have!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Amma is my universe!

295. Om ambikayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is the Mother of the universe.

This mantra, to me, states the obvious. Of course Amma is the Mother of the universe. She is our spiritual Mother who ensures our well being every second of the day. She is the one who has fed us the milk of compassion and the food of love. Amma always makes sure we are clean in our minds and clean in our hearts. When She sets us on the path of life, She wants to make sure that we are capable of the goodness required to look at karma square in the eye. I also find it incredible that our behavior is a big reflection on Amma. Let us never give anyone any reason to question Amma because of our pettiness.

In exactly the same way that any Mother's heart constantly beats for Her child. so also Amma's benevolent heart beats for us. How can it not? We are Her children! And even when we stay away from our Mother, this strong umbilical chord that has been woven by the universe will always tie us to Her. Absolutely nothing can sever this mother-child tie. Unless it is the ungrateful child looking to break ties...! May we always respect the universe for giving us the most incredible Mother in the universe!

Om Amriteswariye naamh!

What a beautiful lesson, Amma!

294. Om bhuvanesvaryai namah: I bow down to Amma who is the ruler of the universe.

Bindu said something very important to me today. "Amma isn't here to do miracles. She's here to teach us how to live our lives"....which in itself is a miracle.

There was a whiff of a story many months ago about someone called Gail. The grapevine buzzed:.....swamini with Amma....ran away....making allegations...writing a book accusing Amma.

Accusing Amma? The Mother of the Universe? Our beloved Mother? No way! I remember giving the article a cursory glance and scoffing at it. And yet someone printed that book, someone took an interview, someone listened. There was a furore with groups of devotees and non devotees battling with the weapons of faith and non-faith. Some yelled, "Amma needs to be investigated!" while the believers said, "This is our Mother! A Goddess!" She'd been accused of hoarding riches and having a temper. Which was laughable because the real riches Amma hoards is Her incredible love for us. Her temper? Where does temper have space when there is so much love? And so there was noise. And a few ripples. And quietly through all this, Amma went on with what She is here for: offering solace and love to each of us.

Amma's taught each of us a very big lesson with this incident. We just need to continue doing our work. The obstacles will come and go. But our sincerity will always see us through. What a beautiful reminder of this glorious truth. Thank you Bindu. And thank you Amma for teaching us a very, very valuable lesson indeed.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

From one strength to the next!

293. Om bhoginyai namah: I bow down to Amma who is the enjoyer

I know the word "bhog" works with food but for me, it is Amma's love for life. Every minute of every day, Amma loves what She is doing. She loves Her children and will always do everything She can to ensure our happiness and peace. Amma's will is always to make Her children happy. The only way we can be happy is by following the path of renunciation. If not renunciating material goods, we must most definitely renunciate the space given to fear and hatred in our lives. These are vices that will reach in and strangle every shred of happiness from our lives.
It is this enjoyment that makes Amma laugh with abandon, give out so much love and genuinely think of all our well being. It is Amma's inherent innocence that makes Her so incredible pure. It is this purity that helps spread Her unending compassion.

May the faith continue to grow in us, From one strength to the other.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Amma is always there!

292. Om purnayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is always whole, without growth or decay

How can there ever be any decay in Amma? How can love decay? Faith can degenerate but not love. It'll always be around us, surrounding us tightly with Her grace and protection. Sometimes when doubt creeps in with its ugly head and whispers the vilest things, I sometimes listen. But when I understand that we have to learn to rise above these things, then Amma is there waiting for me. I can't take Your tests Amma. In fact, I would like to think You do not test. I would like to think that You help us live our lives in the most perfect way possible.

Is there anyway I can keep my faith in You unshakeable? Can I reach a state where I do not question, where I do not hesitate, where I do not feel a sense of abandonment? May Your grace always fill our lives.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Her mysterious ways!

291. Om purusartha-pradayai namah: I bow down to Amma who grants the (four-fold) objects of human life

It is interesting that the words I was looking for, came from someone who has been in the public eye for  attempting to discredit Amma:
“[Amma] only sees the good side of us all. Otherwise would it be possible for her to give darshan for hours and hours together as she does, accepting all as they come to her? It is not that she is unaware of our faults. She is very well aware of all the wrong that we have done and of all the defects in our characters, but she does not judge us for that. Through her compassion, she showers her grace upon us incessantly, loving us just as we are. If you could say, though, that Amma has any desire, it is that all of her children become pure, free from jealousy, greed and hatred. It is very easy to love those who are kind and loving to us, but what Amma wants, however, is for us to aspire to love even those who are cruel and dislike us. We should constantly try to feel her love within ourselves, flowing out to whoever comes before us, whether it be an animal, plant, friend or foe. When this expansion of heart takes place, we then experience God’s love in the form of peace and bliss within ourselves. This expansion of heart is the only thing that Amma expects from her children.”
—Gail Tredwell, San Ramon, California, USA, November 14, 1998

I was looking for an affirmation and I found so many. I am sorry Amma for having doubted You. I know You work in mysterious ways and whatever it is You have in store for me, I should learn to accept it wholeheartedly. Because a Mother will never give Her child sorrow. As I also learnt from this wonderful story!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Keeping the faith alive!

290. Om sakalagamasandoha-sukti-samputa-mauktikayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is the pearl enclosed in the shell made of all the scriptures.

Amma has in Her all the wisdom of the world. Being an Amma devotee and following Her every advice on living, is equivalent to knowing the wish of the universe and the wisdom of all the scriptures. She tests us in Her own way, quite widely. Some of us are lucky to go through more detailed testing because She knows that the wisdom that is then on offer to us is something only those who have been through fire are worthy of getting. In fact, even when She tests us by putting us in the fire, it is only because She is taking away worse karma that was possibly coming our way. At such times it is difficult to keep the faith but keep it we must. If we stay on that path of faith, Amma will know we aren't in this just for the short ride. Please keep us forever protected by Your grace, Amma. However busy You are. Please don't forget these children whose tears are smarting from pain.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

In surrender of the ego!

289. Om sruti-simanta-sinduri-krta-padabja-dhulikayai namah: I bow down to Amma the dust from whose feet forms the vermillion marks at the parting line of the hair of the Sruti devatas (vedas personified as Goddesses)

This mantra reminds me of Amma's programs and the times we go to receive Her at the airport. Despite numerous reminders not to bend down and touch Amma's feet, so many of us want to do it. So many people end up doing it or even just touching or kissing the ground Amma has walked on. It is our way of still holding on to someplace Amma has touched. It is our way of giving thanks to the universe for giving us someone like Amma! Caressing a petal from a garland Amma wore, touching the chair Amma sat on, dividing into minuscule amounts and savoring prasad that Amma distributes - these are just our own ways of showing our affection and unbridled love for Amma. And why shouldn't we? She is hope, fate, destiny. She is compassion, love, faith. She is our yesterday, today and tomorrow. We are happy that Amma is the order of our universe. One glance at Her, and everything is set right. So why allow the dust from Her feet to settle back to the ground when it can be lovingly put on the parting line of our hair? Maybe it's our way of also surrendering our mind-directed egos to Amma!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Amma's teaching!

288. Om punyapunya-phala-pradayai namah: I bow down to Amma who dispenses the fruits of both good and evil actions

When Amma dispenses the fruits of both good and evil actions, Amma isn't judging us. Just ensuring that our actions are rewarded justly. That we realise that our actions create a ripple in the world that will come back to us. As we do good, so will the good vibrations come floating back to us. When we do evil, the negative vibrations will find their way back to us. Everything is connected with spiritual strands. If we create tears, they will find their way into our eyes. If we generate laughter, they will upturn the corners of our own mouths soon. That's Amma's spiritual justice. Her cane for keeping us on the right road always. And as usual, Amma only does this so we are more self aware and only notch up positive points in the ledger book that karma maintains!

May Amma's grace always goad us to doing the right things.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

In the divine words of Amma!

287. Om nijajna-rupa-nigamayai namah: I bow down to Amma whose commands take the form of the vedas.

Everything Amma utters is the universal truth. I was lucky to find a book titled Messages from Amma, with some priceless gems in them. I find that if we follow Amma's words closely, there are very important life lessons hidden in them. These are the ways Amma wants us to live on a daily basis. If only we could constantly remember these. If we did, we would never walk down the path of vices or suffering, ever!

"If you take each step
with good thoughts in your mind
and a smile on your face
goodness will come
and fill your being.
Then how can God resist?
She will embrace you
and every moment will bring you
peace and happiness"

"Man egotistically claims
he can push a button
and burn the world to ash
when he doesn't understand
the power that moves his own finger"

"All of us are burdened
by the sorrow and pain of past experiences.
All of us have numerous festering wounds.
The cure for these wounds is
love and compassion for others.
Love is the universal remedy."

Om Amriteswariye namah!

I look unto You, Amma!

286. Om varnasrama-vidhayinyai namah: I bow down to Amma who established the order of the social division in life

Today I have had many chats with Amma. Sometimes I have lost my composure and questioned Her plenty. Sometimes I feel like Amma isn't really listening to me. Maybe I just need to find my own peace with Amma. Maybe I'm going through a period where I am doubting Amma's intentions for me. Is Amma listening to me? Does She know what's happening? Will She reach out and make it all right? Really, where is Amma? Why isn't She using Her infinite powers to make everything ok? Amma need not even pick up that magic wand. After all, all She needs to do is make a sankalpa and the world will right itself again. I'm going through a rough patch spiritually Amma. I have asked and begged but not got anything definitive from You. Today I am asking again. And wondering why You are silent despite knowing everything. You are the all knowing, all seeing Mother of the Universe. If I don't/can't come to You, who can I possibly go to?

I await Your answer.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

The Mother of all!

285. Om abrahma-kita-jananyai namah: I bow down to Amma who is the mother of everything from Brahma to the lowliest insect

I love seeing pictures of Amma with animals. There is innocence reflected on both faces. Amma anyways has the innocence of the entire universe. The animal, whether it be a dog, cat, bird or even a snake, sits quietly near Amma, enjoying the presence of the Divine. Beautiful stories about Tumban and Amma are a pleasure to read. A dog's innocent yet possessive love for Amma. How lucky is Tumban to be born a dog that Amma loves! Sometimes Tumban even sleeps in Amma's room! He walks the grounds of Amritapuri and can even be seen with Amma during darshan. How fortunate are the elephants and the cows that Amma has adopted?! When Amma was young and thrown out of Her home, it was many animals that came to Her rescue and looked after Her. Way before we humans had the intelligence, these animals knew of Amma's spiritual greatness! I think to have that level of luck, we must totally stay innocent. Not give in to any of the guile the world throws our way and keep with the express intent of 'staying gold'. Amma is everyone's Mother. She cares for each of us and loves us all equally. We just need the grace to have the mind to recognize this.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

The best support!

284. Om sahasra-pade namah: I bow down to Amma who has a thousand feet

Spiritual leader, humanitarian and visionary Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, known throughout the world simply as “Amma”, has served the world-community for decades, imparting wisdom, strength and inspiration. Through her extraordinary acts of love, inner strength and self-sacrifice, Amma has endeared herself to millions and inspired thousands to follow in her path of selfless service.
This is an introduction to Amma in embracingtheworld.org. 

Amma's gigantic footprints of love that span the earth, is what echoes the meaning of this mantra. Look at the number of people Amma has consoled, the number of lives She has touched. Amma has walked the earth ensuring the happiness of each of us. We always get our hearts desire when we leave the reins of our future in Amma's all knowing hands. Amma's entire life is a dedication to the happiness of Her children. She will walk miles to reach us and smoothen everything out in our lives. All Amma wants us to do is walk the mile of unquestioning faith. That mile where we, no questions asked, surrender every fate and destiny line to Her. Amma knows what to do with these twisted lines. She knows that life's blips will go away. The minor glitches will only show up a small curveball. What will actually endure and remain will be the faith we show at such times. It's so tough to keep it going. Ask me! My faith has been shaken a few times and I get into a verbal argument with Amma over it. I question Her. "Are You even looking out for me, Amma? Are You even watching?" "Do You really have the power to watch over me?" But when the bitterness settles down like dregs, I know Amma is the only gentle wall I can lean on. She is the support. She is my past, present and future.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Amma's watchful eyes!

283. Om sahasraksyai namah:  I bow down to Amma who has a thousand eyes

A thousand eyes through which Amma savors the beauty of this world and watches over the evil that unfolds; A thousand eyes that can see into the depths of our soul and feel our pain and happiness. Her eyes hold in them our lives stories. Everything is there seen and stored in those eyes. Amma watches over Her children, mindful of each of our thoughts and feelings.

Amma is the universal Mother. She has made such a big difference to all our lives. Today when I was walking in one of the most beautiful parts of this city, all I could think about, was how I could just sit there and chant Amma's names. Just a small space where I could sit and feel the massive expanse of Amma's beauty. We all seek Amma in our own way. We look for Her in every event, situation, space. We hope for Her at every corner of our life. Here's praying that Amma fulfills our every positive desire and wish and may we always be protected by Her infinite grace!

Om Amriteswariye namah!