My caring Mother!

404. Om bhakta-harda-tamo-bheda-bhanumad-bhanu-santatyai namah: I bow down to Amma who is the sunbeam which dispels the darkness from the heart of Her devotees

Amma is more than just another ray of light. She's the ray of light that holds hope in every particle. She's the ray of light that removes the darkness from our hearts and floods it with sunshine and happiness. Her love can reach into the deepest corners of our hearts and soul and fill it with joy. This is why when anyone meets Amma, we are overcome with a sense of euphoria. Amma does that to us, doesn't She? We feel so overjoyed, so exhilarated, so relieved like all the burdens of our hearts have been snatched away and thrown into some deep abyss by Amma. We know that when we stand in front of Amma and receive Her hug, Amma silently and quietly does a small exchange. It's like She's quickly trading a hug full of unconditional and overflowing love for all our troubles, our vices and our karma. Thank You Amma for being such an incredible Mother to all of us. Always protecting us and taking our troubles for Her own. Thank You Amma. Thank You Universe!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

A blissful union!

403. Om maha-kamesa-nayana-kumudahlada-kaumudyai namah: I bow down to Amma who is the moonlight gladdening the waterlilies that are Mahakamesha's eyes

Amma, your beautiful association with Shiva is something that gives divinity such a powerful glint. 2 powerful deities in a divine confluence merging the need to destroy the evil with the necessity to change with love. This confluence teaches us such an important life lesson. While destruction happens,  renewal takes place with a love capable of engulfing the whole world.  On this day of Ganesh chaturthi,  let us bow down in absolute surrender and reverence to Ganesha's parents: Amma and Shiva. They have together created He who is the destroyer of obstacles. He sets us on the right path but when lawlessness or vices take over the world,  these God's will aim to teach us. And then we can bask in the glory of the goodness that the most powerful union in the world can make possible for us.
Om Amriteswariye namah!

Servant of the Universe!

402. Om vidyavidya-svarupinyai namah: I bow down to Amma who is in the form of both knowledge and ignorance

Amma never, ever professes to be the Goddess of the universe or the Master. In fact, She considers Herself a servant who is fulfilling our wishes. Amma's humility is one of the most endearing things about Her. She dismisses Herself as just an ordinary person. Truth is, there is nothing ordinary about Amma. From Her wondrous countenance to Her extraordinary capacity for love, Amma is the universe's way of telling us is that however bleak the horizon may look from afar, the journey with Amma will create a rainbow along the way. Amma's all encompassing compassion will protect us in every way. There are twists and turns in our lives when absolutely nothing seems right. We can barely see beyond our problems and it all seems like an unending mountain to climb. Amma always advises us to surrender our problems to Her. My friend Joyotee advised me just that (like I said yesterday, Amma comes to us in many ways!) My friend said that all I needed to do was tell Amma that She would need to handle the problem as it was beyond me. And then to ride with the faith that truly, Amma would. Within this binding faith lies our Guru's grace. The day we are able to reflect this unquestioning faith, Amma's grace will naturally flow to us. May we find the strength to live on this faith and finally grow in the grace.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

In every way, it's Amma!

401. Om vividhakarayai namah: I bow down to Amma who has a multitude of forms

Some days Amma holds my hand in the form of my parents whose intense concern and undying faith in me helps me stay focussed on the bigger picture. Some days Amma presents Herself as a little child whose laugh laced with innocence is enough to set a burdened heart free. Some days She comes to me in the form of my little dog whose unconditional love towards me is a divine lesson on so many levels. Some days She quietly appears as my daughter whose profound insights keep me calm. Some days She presents Herself as my husband who provides comfort and ensures I am not feeling stressed. Some days She walks towards me in the form of my very beloved friend and soul sister, Bindu, who can make me laugh at any misfortune. Some days Amma sends me a message as Michael asking after my well being and making a difference to my tired day! A phone call, a smile, a gentle breeze, the pitter patter of rain, the caress of a falling leaf. Just about everything carries a message of love from my beloved Amma. She's surrounded me with some incredible moments and some incredible people. And every time Amma's reminder comes my way, I know I am feeling Her grace. And then I know that all is well.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

The all pervading Mother!

400. Om vyapinyai namah: I bow down to Amma who is all pervading

When we become Amma's devotees, there is no initiation into an order. Nor is there any ceremony that takes place. It happens silently, quietly. We stand in a long queue, wait for hours and then get a hug that lasts us just enough to wrap us in the deepest cocoon of compassion we have ever felt. That's the initiation and the ceremony right there. And then, we're hooked. We're Amma's devotees for life. Amma has taken us as Her child and will always stand by us. She will ensure that we are taken care of and protected. Every step of our way has to be a surrender to Her. Every action of ours has to be an offering to Her. If we remember Amma at every turn in our life, then this all pervading Mother of ours will pervade our lives and give it so much meaning, so much love. Amma is the life breath of this universe. Even a leaf moves only as instructed by Amma. And to such a Mother, we surrender every thought, every breath.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Amma's pot of gold!

399. Om vyaktavyakta-svarupinyai namah: I bow down to Amma who is in the manifested and unmanifested forms

All it takes is a moment to realise just what our faith and belief in Amma can do for us. Once we do that, then the world is truly our oyster. That's when we can clip the wings of spirituality on our backs and soar through the skies. At some level, our purpose becomes so clear to us. We trawl the internet looking for answers to life and the bigger picture rather than surrender entirely to the ultimate Goddess we are fortunate to have in our lives. Amma is our gateway to the universe and its many secret doors to happiness. We just need to ride on our faith and Amma will take us across the rainbow to the pot of gold which is all about God realization. Nothing material can ever satiate the spiritual appetite for inner peace that each of us craves. Like children crying out for food when hungry, we should cry out to Amma to grant us this inner peace through Her unlimited grace. When we focus all our energy only on the Highest Master, Amma will open the doors of perception for us. She will hold open the door to inner peace and love. All we need to do, is take that first step!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Amma's hand of grace!

398. Om avyaktayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is unmanifested

Amma manifests as everything beautiful around us and yet, on a metaphysical level, She remains unmanifested. How possibly can Amma definitely manifest in one form? There is something so sublime about Amma's presence in the world. She's our safety blanket at every step. Come what may, we know that at many levels Amma is taking care of us. We know that Amma's hand of grace is always on us and that Amma will light our paths with all of Her blessings. We know that She will softly counsel us to do all the good we can in as many ways as we can. When we surround ourselves with prayer and good deeds, we create as many manifestations of Amma as we can. And this makes us so much more spiritually richer! Because Amma is present in the good, if we do good everyday, we can help manifest Amma in our lives. When Amma becomes a constant in our lives, then our lives become more fulfilled. Amma is anyway a constant in the lives of Her devotees. We just need the understanding and the realization to acknowledge this truth. In a world underlined with impermanence, Amma's presence is the only truth we need to live with.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Everything from Amma!

397. Om mula-prakrtyai namah: I bow down to Amma who is the first cause of the entire universe

Everything is from Amma. Everything belongs to Amma. Everything is because of Amma. We need to trust the universe's plans for us. When we and everything surrounding us emanates from Amma, why would She spoil any of creation? Amma would only do good for the universe. Amma's untiring effort at cleansing our society happens with every hug. When we walk away from there, there's a ring of goodness Amma drapes us with. It's what Amma wants us to carry through with us and renew when we meet Her next. Like our own halo! And it probably is the halo of goodness and every other virtue. With every bad thought, every stab of fear, every mean word, we allow this beautiful Guru gifted halo to tarnish and rust. Amma wants us to know that we are protected. That's what the mantras are for: our suraksha kavachch. And yet we moan and groan that Amma isn't taking care of us. We ask for answers. We demand yet another miracle. We beat our chests and ask to be presented with more proof. All we need to look at is the suffering around us. If we can look up at our altar and see that Amma has graced our home, we are already blessed. For who could ask for saakshaat Devi Herself to be our God, Guru and Guide?!  

Om Amriteswariye namah!

For a sight of our supreme sovereign!

396. Om paramesvaryai namah: I bow down to Amma who is the supreme sovereign

After nearly 3 years of keeping it on a shelf, I finally pulled out the book Bindu had been telling me to read. I guess everything has to come by at its own time and pace. "Autobiography of a YOGI"
In the book I read some lines which could easily have been written for and about Amma. In the following passage, Swami Paramhansa Yogananda speaks about his first Guru/God, Lahiri Mahasaya:

"His picture had a surpassing influence over my life. As I grew, the thought of the master grew with me. In meditation I would often see his photographic image emerge from its small frame and, taking a living form, sit before me. When I attempted to touch the feet of his luminous body, it would change and again become the picture. As childhood slipped into boyhood, I found Lahiri Mahasaya transformed in my mind from a little image, cribbed in a frame, to a living, enlightening presence. I frequently prayed to him in moments of trial or confusion, finding within me his solacing direction. Ar first I grieved because he was no longer physically living. As I began to discover his secret omnipresence, I lamented no more. He had often written to those of his disciples who were over anxious to see him: 'Why come to view my bones and flesh when I am ever within range of your kutastha (spiritual sight)?' "  

This passage is meant for all those of Amma's children - me included - who cry because we cannot always see and be near Amma. May we also realise Amma's omnipresence!

Om Amriteswariye namah!
 

Divine footprints all over the world!

395. Om prasiddhayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is celebrated

A girl from a small village in Kerala has stood before heads of state and organizations like the UN. She has hugged millions of people around the world and changed the lives of so many. People have altered the course of their lives owing to Her grace. This once upon a time village girl has become a celebrated Guru, guide and philosopher to so many! Amma is now worshipped, followed and spoken about in virtually every country in the world. Amma is more than just a spiritual leader: She is a messiah come to save the world. Wherever there is darkness, Amma will be there to shine the torch of divinity. Wherever there is injustice, Amma will be there to tip the scales of spiritual justice. And wherever there is sorrow, Amma will be there to illuminate the path with Her grace. Our omnipresent Amma's divine presence is celebrated in Altars all over the world. She live sin each of our hearts as a Mother who cares deeply for Her children and will do everything in Her infinite power to transform everyone's lives for the better.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

The hope for ever!

394. Om prabha-rupayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is effulgence

Many words redefine themselves in the presence of Amma. Can anything define the word effulgence better than Amma's aura? The aura around Her is so incredibly strong that we can't help but be touched by it. This explains why people go into states of bliss when in the presence of Amma. This explains why we suddenly feel a deep sense of calm when we are with Amma. Everything seems so right with the world. You just feel that when you step out of the darshan hall, the same effulgence will exist outside too, waiting for us, to guide the path ahead. And this is what Amma does so successfully. She gives us the manna we all crave for: Hope! It isn't an empty promise either. This string of hope She wraps around us sustains us for a long, long time. We are able to hang on to these threads and live through thick and thin. And every time we take a step, we are aware that Amma has swathed us in the robes of Her love. This is enough to give us the spiritual courage to step forth. May we always be blessed enough by Her grace to walk ahead fearlessly into whatever the universe has in store for us.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Such a brilliant radiance!

393. Om prabhavatyai namah: I bow down to Amma who is effulgent

Isn't it wonderful how you can spot Amma in a hall filled with thousands of people?! It isn't just because Amma is the only one in pristine white....it's also because in a sea of life-wearied faces, Amma is the only one who is effulgent, with Her radiance shining through all over the city! The thrill one feels while approaching the hall is due to Her aura touching us, teasing us to come in and see our sweetheart Mother. The excitement of standing in that hall and finally getting to be with Amma! What sweetness there is in such a darshan. Within a day or two, the emotions turn bittersweet as you part with Amma and realize that the wait for the next divine moment may well be a year or more. But Amma makes every moment of our stay with Her so precious and right. Everything feels perfect. Everything unravels in the correct moment, almost as if touched by magic. Or maybe it is touched by magic...the magic and radiance of the most beautiful person in the world: Amma, reflecting all the joy and goodness in the world!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

My practical Mother!

392. Om srikanthardha-saririnyai namah: I bow down to Amma who possesses half of the body of Srikantha (Shiva), who is in the form of ardhanarishvara (half female, half male God)

That is really what each of us has within us: some male and some female qualities. When we forget the other part of us, we forget to show respect and compassion towards others and the harmony and balance in nature goes out of line. Life is all about keeping a balance. A balance of mind and heart; intellect and spirituality. When we allow anyone to rule, things may not go quite the way the universe has deemed right. Intellect without spirituality is meaningless. Spirituality without intellect will get us nowhere. I love the fact that Amma, despite being a Goddess with the power of the universe, is still so practical in Her approach. People who go to Her with medical problems will always be told to follow what the Doctor has said. A miracle isn't something Amma hands over and says will be the solver of all problems. That is for Amma to bestow on us as added grace. Amma prefers us to take a practical and correct approach to life. Weigh out options and not depend on Amma to give us a blanket protection without doing anything ourselves. Her advice is always simple. Amma's approach to us is also so uncomplicated. She never judges or sees us as anything but children who need Her love. And I'm glad that's how it is. For who would't want a mother who is practical and yet loves us ever so dearly?

Thank You Amma for just being.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

An unconditional love!

391. Om nitya-sodasika-rupayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is in the form of the sixteen daily deities

Thank You Amma for the many miracles You create in our lives. For all those times we wake up and everything seems so perfect. For all those times when we go about our daily life and You make our paths so much brighter with little blessings along the way. You enrich our lives with good thoughts and actions. You teach us everyday a small lesson in how to be a better human being. You show us the way to serve selflessly. Every second spent thinking about You, is a moment well spent. You have surrendered Your comforts so that we can lead better lives. The only thing that matters to You is our happiness and how much we chart our own destiny through our actions. Thank You Amma for Your unconditional love.

I hope some day we will learn the faith and have the grace to return in ample measure the love You shower on us.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Amma's grace...

390. Om nirvana-sukha-dayinyai namah: I bow down to Amma who confers the bliss of liberation

We live in such a tormented world. Every second, someone somewhere has set off in search of happiness. Almost everything we do is only to create a happy and fulfilling world around us. We want to have the ability to live our lives without fear, anger, jealousy or hate. We want to have the ability to spread the love. And yet when it comes to a matter of unconditional faith, we stop and question. Worse, we think we can do it. Or that things happen because we can make it happen. While we do 'will' many things upon us, it is also important to always remember that Amma's grace can actually change the course of our destiny. Let us only go forth with this knowledge at all times. When the faith is strong, we will be able to follow our dreams and reach the zenith of spirituality.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

My incomparable Mother!

389. Om nirupamayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is incomparable

Isn't this what thousands of Amma's devotees have been saying for the longest time?? Amma is truly incomparable. Her place under the sun as the compassionate leader of the world is cast in gold. The universe has never seen anybody like Amma. Amma is the river of love, constantly giving so much love to all of humanity. Amma is the very path of compassion unfolding in front of all Her devotees as the road to tread on. Amma is the very breeze of purity which cools each of us facing the harsh glare of reality. Amma is life itself. She is the sun of kindness and the stars of generosity. Every step of our life is a possibility because Amma has decided to grant us that grace. Amma walks with us every minute of every day, protecting us from harm's way and ensuring that we, Her children, are safe. Amma watches over us like a Mother protects Her offsprings. The universe has showered us with infinite grace in having Amma as our guide and Guru. May the blessing stay endlessly!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

The tsunami of compassion!

388. Om nitya-klinnayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is ever compassionate

This picture is totally representative of Amma's life. Each person in the family is clinging on to every possible part of Amma. The compassion on Amma's face speaks volumes about just how much of Herself She is always giving to us, for the betterment of humanity!
Amma has so much compassion in Her, that most times Her compassion just overwhelms you. The simple question we foolishly ask our mortal selves is: How can one person be so incredibly compassionate all the time? But we are looking at Amma as a person. Amma's ever compassionate nature comes from the fact that She has blended into all of creation. Amma has been able to look the universe in the eye and say to it that She knows the turning of the wheels; She knows the secret. In Amma's loving and compassionate embrace lie centuries of wisdom of always doing good to others. In Amma's unconditional love lie centuries of truth and honesty. Amma only knows one way of reaching out to all of us. We have all been blissfully engulfed in this love tsunami. When we get a hug from Amma, it is soaked in unjudging compassion. Amma will only see us as receptacles ready to accept Her love. And when we set our egos aside and become willing vessels, what a glorious journey that morning will be! Amma's love, Her compassion and a life dedicated to having unquestionable faith in Her!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Help us, Amma!

387. Om sad-gunya-pari-puritayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is fully endowed with the six good qualities.

Amma is endowed with everything that's beautiful in this world. Everyone who comes in contact with Amma makes the world a better place by becoming or at least working towards becoming a nicer person. Who can then not acknowledge Amma as the greatest Guru ever? Amma protects each of us, Her children, in the most beautiful way possible. The way Amma looks out for us, the way Amma ensures our protection and the way Amma ensures we only think spiritually, is all so indicative of an ever vigilant Mother. We're each Your weak children: weak as much in our spiritual health as in will. Please pull us out of the quagmire of material poverty and allow us to find the happiness we so deeply and maniacally seek. We know we will only find it at Your feet. Allow us that grace, Amma. May we always remember You and dwell on Your name through the day. And as You fill the world with Your divinity, please allow us a glimpse of it. Bless us Amma, so we may finally see the light. Uncover the secrets, so we may grow. So we may finally know what life is truly all about!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Amma's spiritual filter!

386. Om sad-anga-devata-yuktayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is accompanied by the deities of the six parts

One of the best things about having Amma as our Guru is knowing that if we learn the art of meditation and concentrate deeply on the energy surrounding us, we can feel Amma's presence very strongly in our lives. Amma never leaves us. It is our inability to feel Her presence. There are times I wish I could physically reach out and touch Amma. The best I will have to settle for is to deeply concentrate on Amma and then feel Her guiding me in every step that I take. We have so many things that happen constantly in our lives. We're being bombarded by several news, views and opinions every minute of every day. We have so much to filter. It's better that we use the spiritual filter of Amma's love so that we are able to look at this world in a kinder and less fearful fashion. Fear steps in when love is absent. And so this filter is really important. We may fear one thing or person but it's easy to slide in love towards another person or situation by thinking deeply about Amma. It's the only way every second turns perfect. It's really the only spiritual way forward.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

May all the beings in the world be happy!

385. Om saksi-varjitayai namah: I bow down to Amma who has no other witness

Thank Goodness we have Amma. Otherwise how easy it would be to question the concept of God in these times. These are times when planes fall out of skies and no one thinks twice before killing small children. We have collectively lost all shreds of decency and whatever it is that makes us superior, intelligent beings. At such times, we truly need the presence of Amma in our lives. We have to fervently pray for world peace and that something in the universe needs to click in place. Something that will allow all of us to become more loving, caring and compassionate towards each other. Along with our normal prayers, we must chant Lokah Samastaha Sukhino Bhavantu. May all the beings in the world be happy. And this is when we hold on to thoughts of Amma regularly. It is the only thing that will prevent us from inhaling the odiousness pervading the world.

May all the beings in the world be happy, Amma. Please help all of us realise the inherent goodness in each of us. Let not the world be divided because of religion and color. Please watch over us as we cross the bridge of troubled times. May we always enjoy Your unending grace!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

With faith, love and hope!

384. Om visva-saksinyai namah: I bow down to Amma who is witness to the whole universe

My beautiful Amma watches over each of us, this entire universe. Sometimes I look at Amma's pictures and I am convinced She is looking at me, watching me, following my every move. I really hope so, actually. IT's wonderful to think and realise that there really is a guardian angel after all and that it isn't just mumbo jumbo. There really is a divine being who watches over us and takes care of us. In these dark times, each of us needs an angel to be watching over us. At a time when humanity seems to be losing its humaneness, it is important that we realise a divine power cares for us. Even if that makes us behave ourselves and show more compassion towards the world, the universe would truly have achieved what it has set out to do. Reading or hearing the news is like allowing our hopes in humanity to take a battering. What world are we leaving behind for our children? And at times like these, we realise the importance of Amma in our lives. Through the madness and mayhem, if we can pause to say a prayer, a mantra and pray for world peace; if we can take time out to light a lamp and chant Amma's holy names, the world has hope after all. We, each of Amma's children, need to go forth like beacons of hopeful light. For that is what Amma would want us to do. In a time when each of us is fighting our own demons, the one thing that can keep all of us afloat is faith, love and hope. May Amma's grace touch each of us in this universe.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

The sky is the limit!

383. Om sadyah-prasadinyai namah: I bow down to Amma who bestows Her grace immediately

The one thing that we should really pray for, is Amma's unending grace. When Amma's grace touches us, our lives stay protected. Then, as the cute poster says: "My problems may be big, but my God is bigger."

Truly, Amma's grace will overshadow every problem in our lives. No matter what we are going through, it is essential to keep the faith and focus on the ultimate: Amma. Focus on the most positive influence our life has ever had, and continue on this journey of life. When faith is the over riding factor in our lives, what can possibly touch us? Imagine a life where all we can think is that Amma's grace will help us cross every sea/ocean/mountain. Just the very thought is sufficient enough to give us a boost of optimism and see us through it all. Faith in Amma....faith itself actually, is such a difficult thing to nurture and maintain. We have faith when the going's hunky dory. The minute something goes wrong, we look heavenwards and ask: "why me, Amma? Are you not listening, Amma? Why am I going through this, Amma?"
We never, ever realise that Amma and the universe has some beautiful plans for us. We are always being guided by these forces. When we show little faith, it's also our terrible ego playing up. If we don't believe in Amma, then we believe in our own power which is truly laughable. F.A.I.T.H. That extremely testing 5 letter word. But once we learn to cultivate it and give in to it, then the sky is truly the limit for the grace that we then allow to flow into our lives!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Our ultimate dharma!

382. Om rahas-tarpana-tarpitayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is to be gratified by the secret rites of worship

Somedays I look for something from Amma, which we can all share and enjoy. Today, I found Amma's answer to a question about whether there is only one dharma:

Amma says "For a spiritual person, the goal of life is to know the Self. Otherwise, what is the difference between a human being and a worm? A worm also eats, sleeps and procreates—doesn’t it? If the left hand is cut, the right hand soothes it, applies medicine and wraps it with a bandage. There is no sense of “other” there. A spiritual person moves like this in the world, seeing other’s pain and joy as their own. If a 1,000 pots of water are placed outside, the sun will reflect in each and every pot, but there still is only one sun. Similarly, a spiritual person understands that there is but one Self reflecting in each and every being.

A spiritual person understands the nature of the world, the nature of relationships and the nature of the mind. Even people who marry Miss Universe sometimes get divorced. When she got married, many suitors were sad. Then, when she is available again, they are happy. But the fellow who married her, he is happy once the divorce is finalized.

Once a man was visiting a mental hospital. One patient was sitting in his padded cell banging his head against the wall, repeating over and over again: boom-boom… boom-boom… boom-boom… The man asked doctor what was wrong with him. The doctor said, “Oh, he was in love with a woman named Boom-Boom, but she left him. Since then, he has been like this.” Towards the end of his visit, the man saw another patient who was also banging his head, saying boom-boom… boom-boom… boom-boom… The man asked, “Was he also jilted by a woman named Boom-Boom?” The doctor said, “No, this is the man that Boom-Boom ultimately married.”

So, happiness is not in the object. A spiritual person understands such truths.

Whatever dharmas you may have, whatever you may do for a living, your goal should be Self-knowledge and Self-realization. Strive for this. Be sure that your actions are never harmful to others.

Understand that everything is the Self and serve others. In order to purify the mind, selfless service is required. Then, grace will come to you. The impulse to help others is a higher state of mind. The beginning and end of spiritual life is compassion.

Have the attitude: “I am just an instrument; God is working through me. Whatever is needed will be provided by the Him.” Do all your actions—be it cleaning a gutter, taking care of your parents or social service—as worship. Accept everything that comes as God’s grace. In order to live like this, you must carry the flashlight of Self-awareness. In reality, nothing exist other than the Self."

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Questions to my Mother!

381. Om raho-yaga-kramaradhyayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is worshipped in secret through sacrificial rites

Amma, were You the white mist in the room that took shape and gave me hope?
Were You the ethereal being that seemed to reach out to me?
Were You the one who touched my hand?
Were You the one who whispered that everything was going to be ok?
Were You the one who made me feel a deep desire to be with You?
Was it You who made me cry out of an overwhelming desire to be in Your presence?
Did You make the ache unbearable and the tears hot?
Was it You who gave me a glimpse of a moment we connected?
Was it You who took my hand and assured me I was safe?
Did You embrace me as only a Mother could?
Was it You who gave me friends who've grown into family?
Wasn't it You who taught me to fold my hands in gratitude and prayer?
Wasn't it You who has taught me to take life one failure at a time?
Wasn't it You who has given me an unending ladder of success?
Wasn't it You who has taught me to keep the faith, always?

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Amma-magic!

380. Om bindu-mandala-vasinyai namah: I bow down to Amma who resides in the bindu mandala.

As I cycled today, I looked around and enjoyed the beauty of nature that was all a round me. The dark blue waters of the sea, the clear sky, the gorgeous trees casting long cool shades all around and the extremely soothing breeze. Everything from Amma's grace. Everything created by Amma is all around us. In anything beautiful, we find divinity. When we look at the beauty and grandeur of nature, we feel such happiness and contentment within. And that's the same as saying a prayer or feeling the divinity all around us. One of these days I would love to sit by the sea side and stare out into the vast expanse of the sea and say my mantra. That would be an incredible, magical connect with Amma and the universe. I think as Amma says, seeing Amma in everything and everyone truly is the best way to live life. It makes the whole business of living so spiritual. We see Her in situations, emotions, feelings, moments. And then magically, everything just gets transformed to being so connected with Amma. It would almost feel like a darshan! Wouldn't it just be so brilliant if we could live every moment wrapped in Amma-magic?!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Friend, Mother, Goddess, Witness!

379. Om odyana-pitha-nilayayai namah: I bow down to Amma whose abode is the center known as Odyana (Ajna chakra)

What is the core of our relationship with Amma? Somedays I do look at Amma as a friend I can tell anything to. Some days She's a Mother whom I run to for all the many ways I am hurting. Some days She's a Goddess who I am scared of. And some days She's a mute witness to every shred of pain in my body. Many a times I have wondered what the proper protocol with Amma is. When we meet Her or see Her, which avatar am I placing Her in? Is She my friend, Mother, Goddess, witness? What? When I am approaching Amma in the queue, if intellect rules, I find myself looking at Her as a revered Guru who thousands seek salvation from. But that persona is so removed from a personal sphere of affection. Can I love a Guru who isn't just mine but is the leader of thousands? Is the word "love" appropriate? I think I find it easier to love Amma. I find it easier to see Amma as a Mother. Someone I can hug, cry and laugh with and complain to. Someone I can incessantly babble to about the shortcomings of the world. And I know She won't berate me because a Mother wouldn't do that. Not my Mother at least. My Mother would patiently listen and cajole me into understanding; cajole me into giving up my anger; coax me into keeping aside my pain and praying for others.

Yes, Mother it surely is. The core of our relationship with our beautiful Amma.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Amma's respect for nature!

378. Om jalandhara-sthitayai namah: I bow down to Amma who resides in the Jalandhara pitha (Vishudhi chakra)

I found this in www.amma.org and it is an excerpt from Immortal Bliss. "There is an inseparable bond between man and nature. For man, there cannot be an existence removed from nature. However, because of his thoughtless actions, the equilibrium in nature is getting disturbed; the pulse of human life is becoming erratic, too. Air and water have become polluted. Rivers are drying up. Seasons arrive unseasonably. New diseases are spreading. If things continue this way, the human race is in for a monumental catastrophe.There is an underlying order to everything in nature. There is a place in creation for all creatures. The forest, river and mountain all have their dharma (natural duty). Nature has provided sustenance for all created beings. It has its own ways of recycling and reusing natural waste, thus preserving life. We don't need to do anything to maintain the beauty of forests, rivers and mountains. However, when human beings systematically plunder natural wealth for selfish reasons, the natural order gets disturbed. Nature's face becomes disfigured. Along with other creatures, human beings, too, will have to face the consequences...If we are not ready to change, nature will teach us. The only thing is, we may not be able to bear the brunt of the teaching. Mother Nature has blessed humankind with her bounty. But if we forget our responsibilities, if we give free rein to our desires, nature will retaliate. Nature's boons will turn into curses...We cannot delay anymore. We must make the right decisions and embark on the right course of actions."

Hopefully we will all learn to respect nature and realise soon enough just how much we need to give back to this planet. May Amma always guide us in this journey!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Amma's tidal wave of hope!

377. Om jayayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is victorious always and everywhere

The tides may ebb and flow; the moon will wax and wane; the world will see seasons. Through it all, Amma continues on Her path of love. Amma will give darshans to all Her children. The children in front of Her keep changing but Amma will always do what She is meant to do: spread the love and compassion like a tidal wave through the world. We live in horrible times. There's always bloodshed and gore. Humanity is taking a beating. Children are being assaulted and killed. We've lost all shreds of decency. We are unfortunately leaving this world rather shabby for our children. And in these dark times, the only hope for us, is Amma. She's like a beacon of hope, making us aware of our frailties and making us aware of the virtues we must embrace. Amma has possibly singlehandedly changed the mindsets of thousands. She has singlehandedly made us spiritually aware. Our days are filled with prayer and thinking of acts of compassion. We try and inculcate good habits in ourselves. She has singlehandedly made the world a better place; a place where we live on in the hope that Amma's darshan will sweep the dirt off this world and make it all clean, loving and full of Amma's incredible grace.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Accepting everything as Amma's gift!

376. Om srngara-rasa-sampurnayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is filled with the essence of love

I saw this lovely post on Facebook, with a quote from Amma:
"When we take prasad from the temple, we never complain that it is too salty or too sweet. Seeing it as a gift from God, we cherish and accept it, whatever it may be. Seeing this entire world as a temple and all your actions as worship, try to develop this same attitude with regards to everything that comes to you in life. Be it success or failure, criticism or praise, accept everything as God's gift and be happy and peaceful." - Amma

I know trials really upset me, Amma. I know that anything that sets me out of the usual road has me worried with a feeling of deep unease. I need this quote. I should learn to accept absolutely everything that comes my way as prasad from Amma. When we accept this, we realise that life's grand plans have all been etched in our destiny only by Amma. Would a Mother who is the purest form of love; who is filled with the essence of love ever hurt us? Would She ever have anything but the best in mind for us? We have to keep the faith. Do we trust Amma? Absolutely! Then why not just accept everything She sends our way, as a special gift for our growth?

Om Amriteswariye namah!

A strong strand of faith!

376. Om kama-pujitayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is worshipped by kama

When we become aware of Amma's role in our lives; when we begin to have and live in Amma-consciousness, a magical shift occurs in our lives. The days seem brighter, people seem friendlier, the world conspires to make things happen for us and everything just quietly falls into place. Amma's far away in another country spreading the love but there are singularly magical moments when you can feel Her presence so strongly beside you. At the other end of the spectrum is that deep rooted ache you feel when Amma leaves, or you really want to see Her. That's when the distance gnaws at you. And that's when the faith needs to kick in. That's when you take that strand of faith and leap with it over every possible hurdle in sight. Sometimes I feel the strand is very weak but it's the strand I pulled out. The tree is always there, big and strong. The strand we grab totally depends on how strong our faith is. When we are all-forces-ahead with faith, then the strand will be sturdy, strong and will allow us this leap. When the strand's flimsy, we will fall. Amma's love towards us is unwavering. She will always see us through. All we need to do, is hold on. Real tight!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Amma's presence is all around!

374. Om krtajnayai namah: I bow down to Amma who knows all of our actions as they occur

This is such a reassuring mantra especially for those out there like me who need constant reaffirmation of the fact that our Guru hasn't forgotten us! How many times we sit and worry and wonder if Amma knows what is going on in our lives. We then berate Her for not watching over us or not listening to our silent pleas. Everything gets set right only when we finally kneel in front of Her and She envelops us with the warmest of hugs. But in fact, Amma watches over us all the time. How else can we feel this strong connect with Her? I would like to think that every time I feel that really cool breeze on my face, it is Amma touching me gently in Her own reassuring way. I would like to think that when I feel the freshness of rain in the air, it is Amma quietly showering me with Her blessings. I would like to think that when the sun playfully shines through a canopy of trees, leaving the most breathtaking designs around us, it is Amma reminding us that life is actually all about the simplest of pleasures. Amma is there everywhere, including within us. The day we can actually connect with the Amma who lives within, we would have climbed a big rung of the spiritual ladder!

Om Amriteswariye namah!