Our relationship with nature!

799. Om rasa-jnayai namah: I bow down to Amma who knows all the rasas (sentiments)

Excerpts from Amma's address in the UN:

"There is a rhythm to everything in creation, an undeniable relationship between the entire universe and every living creature in it. The universe is like a vast interconnected network. Suppose there is a net. If it is shaken in one place, the vibration is felt throughout. Similarly, whether we are aware of it or not, all of our actions reverberate throughout creation—whether performed as an individual or as a group. We are not individual islands but links of a common chain.

Harmony exists when man, nature, and the power beyond both of them function as one. However, now we only give importance to human beings and their discoveries. Our lives today have no place for values. The general belief is that values are irrelevant and superfluous.

In order for any engine to function smoothly, it needs oil. The “oil” that helps us live without much friction is our values. These values are developed through spiritual thinking."

Om Amriteswariye namah!

There is a rhythm to everything in creation, an undeniable relationship between the entire universe and every living creature in it. The universe is like a vast interconnected network. Suppose there is a net. If it is shaken in one place, the vibration is felt throughout. Similarly, whether we are aware of it or not, all of our actions reverberate throughout creation—whether performed as an individual or as a group. We are not individual islands but links of a common chain. - See more at: http://amma.org/news/amma-delivers-keynote-address-unai#sthash.wB38bqt2.dpuf

There is a rhythm to everything in creation, an undeniable relationship between the entire universe and every living creature in it. The universe is like a vast interconnected network. Suppose there is a net. If it is shaken in one place, the vibration is felt throughout. Similarly, whether we are aware of it or not, all of our actions reverberate throughout creation—whether performed as an individual or as a group. We are not individual islands but links of a common chain.
Harmony exists when man, nature, and the power beyond both of them function as one. However, now we only give importance to human beings and their discoveries. Our lives today have no place for values. The general belief is that values are irrelevant and superfluous.
In order for any engine to function smoothly, it needs oil. The “oil” that helps us live without much friction is our values. These values are developed through spiritual thinking.
- See more at: http://amma.org/news/amma-delivers-keynote-address-unai#sthash.wB38bqt2.dpuf

There is a rhythm to everything in creation, an undeniable relationship between the entire universe and every living creature in it. The universe is like a vast interconnected network. Suppose there is a net. If it is shaken in one place, the vibration is felt throughout. Similarly, whether we are aware of it or not, all of our actions reverberate throughout creation—whether performed as an individual or as a group. We are not individual islands but links of a common chain.
Harmony exists when man, nature, and the power beyond both of them function as one. However, now we only give importance to human beings and their discoveries. Our lives today have no place for values. The general belief is that values are irrelevant and superfluous.
In order for any engine to function smoothly, it needs oil. The “oil” that helps us live without much friction is our values. These values are developed through spiritual thinking.
- See more at: http://amma.org/news/amma-delivers-keynote-address-unai#sthash.wB38bqt2.dpuf

There is a rhythm to everything in creation, an undeniable relationship between the entire universe and every living creature in it. The universe is like a vast interconnected network. Suppose there is a net. If it is shaken in one place, the vibration is felt throughout. Similarly, whether we are aware of it or not, all of our actions reverberate throughout creation—whether performed as an individual or as a group. We are not individual islands but links of a common chain.
Harmony exists when man, nature, and the power beyond both of them function as one. However, now we only give importance to human beings and their discoveries. Our lives today have no place for values. The general belief is that values are irrelevant and superfluous.
In order for any engine to function smoothly, it needs oil. The “oil” that helps us live without much friction is our values. These values are developed through spiritual thinking.
- See more at: http://amma.org/news/amma-delivers-keynote-address-unai#sthash.wB38bqt2.dpuf

There is a rhythm to everything in creation, an undeniable relationship between the entire universe and every living creature in it. The universe is like a vast interconnected network. Suppose there is a net. If it is shaken in one place, the vibration is felt throughout. Similarly, whether we are aware of it or not, all of our actions reverberate throughout creation—whether performed as an individual or as a group. We are not individual islands but links of a common chain.
Harmony exists when man, nature, and the power beyond both of them function as one. However, now we only give importance to human beings and their discoveries. Our lives today have no place for values. The general belief is that values are irrelevant and superfluous.
In order for any engine to function smoothly, it needs oil. The “oil” that helps us live without much friction is our values. These values are developed through spiritual thinking.
- See more at: http://amma.org/news/amma-delivers-keynote-address-unai#sthash.wB38bqt2.dpuf

There is a rhythm to everything in creation, an undeniable relationship between the entire universe and every living creature in it. The universe is like a vast interconnected network. Suppose there is a net. If it is shaken in one place, the vibration is felt throughout. Similarly, whether we are aware of it or not, all of our actions reverberate throughout creation—whether performed as an individual or as a group. We are not individual islands but links of a common chain.
Harmony exists when man, nature, and the power beyond both of them function as one. However, now we only give importance to human beings and their discoveries. Our lives today have no place for values. The general belief is that values are irrelevant and superfluous.
In order for any engine to function smoothly, it needs oil. The “oil” that helps us live without much friction is our values. These values are developed through spiritual thinking.
- See more at: http://amma.org/news/amma-delivers-keynote-address-unai#sthash.wB38bqt2.dpuf

There is a rhythm to everything in creation, an undeniable relationship between the entire universe and every living creature in it. The universe is like a vast interconnected network. Suppose there is a net. If it is shaken in one place, the vibration is felt throughout. Similarly, whether we are aware of it or not, all of our actions reverberate throughout creation—whether performed as an individual or as a group. We are not individual islands but links of a common chain.
Harmony exists when man, nature, and the power beyond both of them function as one. However, now we only give importance to human beings and their discoveries. Our lives today have no place for values. The general belief is that values are irrelevant and superfluous.
In order for any engine to function smoothly, it needs oil. The “oil” that helps us live without much friction is our values. These values are developed through spiritual thinking.
- See more at: http://amma.org/news/amma-delivers-keynote-address-unai#sthash.wB38bqt2.dpuf

Real love!

798. Om kavya-kalayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is the art of poetry.

I have so many thoughts swirling in my head about what I feel towards Amma. But sometimes, there really seems no correct way to express it all.

So I'm just going to put a little quote here by Amma.
“Real love is the complete absence of any negative feelings towards anyone.”

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Amma's celebration with compassion!

797. Om kala-nidhaye namah: I bow down to Amma who is the treasure house of all arts.

During Amma's 62nd birthday celebration, it wasn't just about dignitaries coming on stage and talking about Amma's charitable work. Amma once again showed us why She is the beacon of love and compassion.
Here's what Amma launched and did in just a day:(every detail is taken from www.amritapuri.org)
1. Each year on Amma’s birthday, the Mata Amritanandamayi Math helps couples having financial difficulty to have a traditional Indian wedding by providing all the requisite clothing, gold jewellery and feast, etc.
2.  Rs 100 crore for sanitation work in Kerala.
3. Keys presented to 130 homes and two inter-colleges built by the Math in various locations throughout India 
4. Boats of 13 fishermen that were destroyed in storms and other tragic circumstances, are being replaced. The Math is also also providing Rs. 100,000 to help widows who lost their husbands at sea  
5. Amrita Hospital to present another 375 beneficiaries with certificates for free surgeries. This will comprise: 200 totally free heart surgeries, 150 totally free brain surgeries and 25 totally free kidney transplants.  
6. Clean drinking water provided to all the residents of Komalikudi, in Idukki, Kerala.

7. Clean drinking water to the entire village of Guptapada Village in Jala Kurda.

8. Clean drinking water to the entire village of Harirampur in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, involving bore wells and a raised tank of more than 10,000 litres.

9. The Math has provided complete electrification for the village of Komalikudi, Idukki, Kerala through a combination of hydro and solar technologies.

Even on this day, Amma's thoughts were only with Her children. Amma prayed for those who had died recently in the Haj stampede and then prayed for all those refugees who have fled their homeland. 

His Excellency Francois Richier, Ambassador of France to India, summed it up very well: “It's a very special day of course because it is Amma’s birthday. It's also a special day for me because it is the first time I have come to this holy place. Thank you Amma so much for all that you do. You’re not only taking care of the poor and needy, you’re also taking care of those who suffer in their hearts and in their souls… for all that you have done for humanity, thank you so much.”

 
Om Amriteswariye namah!

Happy Birthday, Amma!

796. Om kama-rupinyai namah: I bow down to Amma who has a desirable form

To our Mother, Guru, Guide, Friend, Leader: HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMMA!!!
 On the occasion of Amma's 62nd birthday, Amma spoke about bringing out the best in ourselves, to help society: 
“The world is going through a phase of intense turmoil. Every day, we hear news of refugees fleeing to other nations to save their own lives. The stories of their suffering will melt anyone’s heart. Amma wishes that all her children will be able to love, forgive and accommodate others. We also see the economies of so many countries crashing. The effects of climate change are threatening all of humanity. It is said that 22,000 children are dying daily due to poverty. We hear about such deaths so regularly that our ears have become desensitized. We may say, ‘So sad,’ but then forget about it. However, mere words of sympathy are not what the world needs. What the world needs are hands that are ready to serve selflessly. Seeing the extent of the pervading darkness, one should not withdraw, thinking, ‘What possible change can my efforts make in this situation?’ If we can light the lamp of faith and love in our hearts and walk forward together, then we definitely can bring about a change in society.”

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Everyday, a celebration!

795.  Om kama-dhuge namah: I bow down to Amma who fulfills all desires

I fell in love with this picture and so had to share the picture and an excerpt from the article connected with it:
“For me, Onam is not something to be celebrated one day a year—making sure everyone has enough food and clothing. It is meant to be celebrated throughout life. Everyone must make every day an Onam celebration. Celebrating just once in a year… that doesn’t mean anything to me. To understand this principle, you have to understand spirituality.
“Today’s world believes the greatest relationship to be the relationship between a child and its mother. But in my world, it is not; the Guru-disciple relationship is. Because When you understand spirituality, you understand the principle. When you understand the principle, you become expansive. You lose your sense of ‘mine.’ My mother, my father, my child, my relatives…. In the Guru-disciple relationship, everything becomes ‘Yours’ [the Lord’s]. The ‘I’ disappears. Only the Atman exists. Love and serve others as your own Self. When the left hand is in pain, the right hand comes and consoles it. It is with this bhava [feeling and attitude] that we must live life. This is the principle behind Onam.
“Two plus two is always four—never five. No one can make it five. The sun rises in the East, and sets in the West. It doesn’t do the opposite on Onam. So there is nothing new on Onam. Amma doesn’t feel like Onam is a special day. May people have the mind to love and serve others and celebrate life every day—not just on Onam. This is Amma’s vision.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Lessons from Mother nature!

794. Om kala-malayai namah: I bow down to Amma who wears all sixty-four forms of art as a garland.

When I think of the continuing haze in Singapore, I realise what we're messing with nature. And one day there might be a backlash that might just be too severe for us to bear. May we all have the grace by which we can realise our mistakes and correct them before it is too late:
"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." 

Om Amriteswariye namah!

On meditation..!

793. Om kapardinyai namah: I bow down to Amma who is the wife of Shiva (the one with matted hair) 

Just when I decided to give meditation another go, Amma's Daily Quote facebook page in the last week has this:
"Don't try to still your mind by force when you sit for meditation. The thoughts will rise up with ten times their original force if you do that. It is like pressing down a spring. Try to find out where the thoughts arise from, and control them with that knowledge. Don't place the mind in any kind of tension. If any part of your body is tense or feels any pain, the mind will linger on that. Relax every part of the body, and watch your thoughts with absolute awareness. Then the mind will subside by itself. Don't follow your thoughts. If you follow them, only your body will be here; your mind will be somewhere else."

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Gathering grace!

792. Om samarasya-parayanayai-namah: I bow down to Amma who is immersed in a state of steady wisdom

From the archives of Matruvani of 1998 on Grace:
'Effort alone cannot bring about a positive result; the element of God's grace has to be there as well. Whenever there is an opportunity for you to help others, either physically with your talents, or financially, or in any other way, it is always good to do so. That is another way of getting God's grace. God's grace is the most important element in bringing about a positive result in all the actions that we do.
Still, it is important to perform our actions at the appropriate time. If we don't do that, the result may not be positive. For example, I am sowing seeds and expecting a good harvest. I know that the seeds will need a good amount of water, but the town where I live is a drought-prone area, therefore I don't have enough water. Then one day there is a heavy rain, and the whole village is flooded. Suppose I think that because my crop will need a lot of water, I should sow my seeds now. What will happen if I sow may seeds when the whole town is flooded? All the seeds will be washed away. We have to wait for an appropriate time.'

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Peace Day!

791. Om satya-jnanananda-rupayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is truth, knowledge and bliss

AMMA SAYS:
"Amma often feels that it would be so beautiful if—like in some child’s game—instead of shrapnel, bombs scattered chocolates and candy, or spread a beautiful fragrance, or illuminated the sky with all the colors of the rainbow. If only the flashes of destruction were flashes of compassion. With modern weapons, targets can be pinpointed with deadly accuracy. If only we could reach out compassionately to the poor, the hungry and the homeless with that same precision!
"Let us stand together and show the world that compassion, love and concern for our fellow beings have not completely vanished from the face of this earth. Let us build a new world of peace and harmony by remaining deeply rooted in the universal values that have nourished humanity since time immemorial. Let us say goodbye to war and brutality forever, reducing them to the stuff of fairytales. Let us be remembered in the future as the generation of peace."

Om Amriteswariye namah!

True happiness!

790. Om paraparayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is both para and apara

I love reading quotes by the Dalai Lama as much as I wish to follow Amma. And given below is one of the nicest and most important sayings by His Holiness:

“I believe all suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their happiness or satisfaction. Yet true happiness comes from a sense of inner peace and contentment, which in turn must be achieved through the cultivation of altruism, of love and compassion and elimination of ignorance, selfishness and greed.”

May we learn to eradicate this ignorance and achieve true happiness!

Om Amriteswariye namah! 

She's there for everyone!

789. Om nistraigunyayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is devoid of the three gunas.

Instead of words, I will post pictures today.

Young, old, male, female, animal. Her love for everyone is soaked in compassion.
Om Amriteswariye namah!

Maybe...!

788. Om jayat-senayai namah: I bow down to Amma who has an army which is only accustomed to victory

It's been a curious day. A day where I have wondered about Amma's love for me. Does She? Does She not? Is She even aware of my existence? Am I praying to a God? Can She even hear me? Are my prayers falling on deaf ears? Maybe it's time for me to re-look and re examine my faith. Maybe it's time to look for a God who makes me feel happy instead of one who puts me under the dark cloud I seem to be walking under. Maybe it is time to look for a God who loves me unconditionally. Maybe it's time to seek a God who puts me through situations only so that I can come out victorious rather than throw me into situations where I'm unable to find an explanation to my predicament. Maybe it is time to finally find a master with whom I can repose complete faith. Maybe it's that stage in my life where I need to find a more forgiving Guru. A Guru who will protect me fiercely and never allow anything bad to ever happen to me.

Maybe it's just time I understood Amma better.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

The perfect experiences!

787. Om tripuresyai namah: I bow down to Amma who is the Goddess of Tripura.

I enjoy reading what others have to say about their experiences with Amma. It just feels so right to know that so many others the world over have felt my happiness! I found this site and the recollection of her meeting with our Mother reads so well:
"Coming to her as a 40 year old woman truly has been different from any of the trips in my 30’s. My first trip I was literally crawling up to her on my hands and knees sobbing in a blind haze of tears. The soundtrack to this movie of my soul’s passage was the quickening beats of the Tabla drums and beautiful Hindu Chants swirling around my ears.

I had no idea what I was doing…yet it felt more right than any other decision I had made so far in life. The only thing that made the sobbing and whirling in my head cease, was her beautiful sandalwood rose scented hug and her raspy voice whispering, “My daughter, my daughter, my daughter” directly into my soul.

It was as if at that moment, the soil of my life was tilled, the seed was planted, and I was finally ready to grow this seed into who I chose to be, instead of feeling like I was a casualty of the cruel whims of life and love."

What a difference Amma makes to countless lives every day. And with Amma, it's not a miracle She's performing. It's Her nature to envelop each of us in sheets of unending compassion and love. I hope to stay bundled in that love for ever!

Om Amriteswariye namah! 

Looking back into the past!

786. Om mantrini-nyasta-rajya-dhure namah: I bow down to Amma who has entrusted Her regal responsibilities to Her mantrini (minister)

And Amma sums it up so beautifully!:
"What is past is past. If you fret about it, you will lose whatever strength you have now. Right now, make a firm decision that you will not make such mistakes again. That is what is necessary. Then your pure actions will cleanse your mind. Your desire to be good in thought and deed, and your effort in that direction, show the purity of your mind. At the time of your earlier actions, you didn't know that they were wrong; but now that you know they were wrong, you are trying to turn away from them. That is enough."

Om Amriteswariye namah! 

Guru-Shishya bond!

785. Om martanda-bhairavaradhyayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is worshipped by Martandabhairava

Amma speaks about the Guru-Shishya relationship rooted in complete faith:
"The true shishya (disciple) considers his Guru to be God Himself. The Guru Gita says that devotion to the Guru is one of the highest virtues of a seeker and cannot be obtained by those whose minds are impure or unfit for it. The shishya is protected by his Guru from all the dangers that he may face in both his worldly and spiritual life. It is said that even if God is angry with one, the Guru can save him, but if the Guru is displeased with one, then even God cannot shield him. But the greatness of the Guru is such that he never loses patience with the erring disciple.
The relationship between the Guru and sishya is the most unique of all human relationships. Its beauty has to be experienced to be understood. The shishya should have unswerving devotion and unshakeable faith in the Guru. Realising that the Guru does everything for the welfare of the disciple, the seeker should strive to cultivate complete obedience to the Guru. He should completely surrender himself at the feet of his Guru and serve him with humility and devotion. The grace of the Guru will spontaneously flow to such a disciple. A disciple should never find fault with his Guru. It is said that the deep faith that the disciple has towards his Guru will itself help him attain the goal."

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Do good even in death!

784. Om prana-rupinyai namah: I bow down to Amma who is of the nature of life.

Please read this article from the amritapuri archives (2004). It's about organ donation and very important advice from Amma:
"On this meditation day, Amma was asked a question about the posthumous donation of organs to scientists and hospitals. “Does it effect the soul, whether the body is buried, cremated or donated?” the questioner wanted to know.
Amma replied that what happens to a body after its death only affects that body, not the Atman [the Self], which is eternal. It is better to donate the body’s parts after it dies, She said. If a body is burned, it becomes ash. If it is buried, it becomes food for worms. If you sign it up for posthumous donation, it can give sight or save a life.
Amma told everyone that they should think of how happy the patient who receives the organs will be when their life is saved by a new heart, a new liver or a new kidney. She asked everyone to imagine the joy of the blind person who is finally able to see do to someone’s donated eyes. How happy will his family be? She asked, mentioning that they may even be rescued from a life of destitution,
Amma said that people who donate their organs gain great punya [merit], so it is not only helpful to the receiver but also to the soul of the donor. She told of how recently at AIMS, the Ashram’s super-specialty hospital in Cochin, the doctors were able to use nearly every donated organ of a man to save others.
Then Amma told a story about a doctor whose father died. The doctor removed all his father’s organs before the body was cremated. He did it, Amma said, because he had the awareness — the awareness of what the body is, what it does and the potential of its parts after death.
You are not the body, Amma reminded everyone, and besides the donation is after your death. What do you care what is done with the body once it is dead?
Once again, Amma was reminding Her disciples that they have taken upon themselves a life of renunciation, a life of a sacrifice, a life of living for others. Our bondage begins with the false notion that we are the body. If we cannot reject the body even upon its death, then where are we?"

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Turning God-wards!

783. Om pranadayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is the giver of life.

It's funny. I was thinking of death when I saw that today's mantra was about life. Amma's magical ways to change our thinking from the negative to the positive. After reading Amma's quote about being essentially satvic, I need to turn more God-ward and seek the peace I am so looking for:
"When we are steeped in the pains and pleasures of this world, we do not think of the Lord of the Universe, who bestows everything on us. When we experience creation, we do not remember the Creator. We are bewitched by the maya (delusory power) of creation. As a result, we lose a great opportunity to experience supreme bliss. It is difficult for someone who is predominantly tamasic (dull) or rajasic (action-oriented) to discover the divine principle hidden in creation. Such a mind pursues creation as an inexhaustible mine of material pleasures. On the contrary, the attention of a person who is predominantly satvic (calm) turns God-ward."
With a realised Master like Amma leading us, it can't be that difficult to leave this material world behind and turn truly God-ward. After all, the only constant in our lives, is Amma! When everyone else lets go of us, Amma will always be there by our sides.

Om Amriteswariye namah!

In support of women!

782. Om parakasayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is the transcendental ether (which is the material cause of creation)

The fact that Amma's thinking is so advanced, is non refutable. And with these sayings, I know that if there is any hope for women for building a better tomorrow, it's within the arms of Amma:

The greatest strength of women lies in their innate motherhood, in their creative, life-giving power. And this power can help women to bring about a far more significant change in society than men could ever accomplish.
 
In truth, no external power can possibly obstruct woman or her innate qualities of motherhood — qualities such as love, empathy, and patience. It is she, and she alone, who has to awaken herself. A woman’s mind is the only real barrier that prevents this from happening.
The limitations women think they have are not real. Women need to muster the strength to overcome those imagined limitations.

The right circumstances and support of others will certainly help women to awaken and arise. But this alone is not enough unless they draw inspiration from those circumstances and find strength within themselves. Real power and strength don’t come from the outside; they are to be found within. And courage is an attribute of the mind; it is not a quality of the body.
Women are not inferior to men on the basis of intellectual power or ability. Women have the willpower and creative energy to do any type of work. Whatever the form of action, women can attain extraordinary heights, and this is true especially on the spiritual path. Women have the purity of mind and intellectual capacity to achieve this. But, whatever they undertake, the beginning should be positive. If the beginning is good, the middle and the end will automatically be good, provided one has patience, faith, and love.
 
Om Amriteswariye namah!

Cleaning up the world!

781. Om pratyag rupayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is the indwelling self.

The following is from an article in The Guardian:
A Hindu spiritual leader has donated $15m to build thousands of toilets in villages along the Ganges in an effort to cleanse India’s holy river from the pollution caused by the country’s open defecation crisis.
Mātā Amṛtānandamayī Devī, known as Amma (“mother”) to her followers, made the donation to prime minister Narendra Modi’s stuttering push to ensure all Indians are using toilets by 2019, saying it was “one of the most important tasks of the hour”.
In Hindu spirituality the Ganges is a source of purification, the holiest body of water on Earth. People living on its banks bathe in it and drink from it every day. This month during the Kumbh Mela, tens of millions of Hindus will cleanse themselves in its waters. But Amṛtānandamayī told the Guardian these acts of necessity and devotion expose people to danger.
“The river is a symbol of the ancient Indian culture. But only some of what is called the Ganges today is the original pure water. The rest is sewage and factory waste,” she said. “People still have the faith that the Ganga is the Divine Mother herself and has healing properties. As such, millions go there to bathe and drink the water. Due to pollution, this can cause sickness.”
More than 600 million Indians have no access to a toilet. This exposes them to disease, indignity and danger. More than 200,000 children under the age of five die each year from diarrhoea and almost half of under fives have stunted growth (pdf) as a result of exposure to faecally transmitted infections.
On accepting her donation, India’s finance minister Arun Jaitley said: “Every poor person on the banks of the Ganga must have a toilet so that we can keep the environment clean and the pollutants of the households don’t get into the Ganga itself.”

Embracing the World has just completed cleaning up the Pampa river in Kerala. With Amma's very generous donation, finally the Ganges will also be cleaned out. And this is what Amma does. Uses every bit of the money that comes to Her through donations to the Math, by channeling it to every possible humanitarian activity. That's all Amma cares about. Wiping away our tears and putting a smile on our faces. Thank You Amma!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Taming the mind!

780. Om visvato-mukhyai namah: I bow down to Amma who faces all directions

I have taken the following sayings by Amma on the mind, from amritapuri.org. Some days when the mind meanders too much, one needs to read this and dwell on them...and then find the solitude to rest our restless minds:

“One doesn’t progress in sadhana if the mind is restless with thoughts. It’s like rowing a boat in a river covered with seaweed.”
*
“Just as a wild horse is put in a pen and tamed, we have to tie the mind to some ideal and tame it. The mind is a collection of thoughts. Negative thoughts come up because it is time for them to disappear. Learn to see the thoughts pass through your mind like what you see while looking from the window of a moving train.”
*
“Try to stand back as a witness to the thoughts in your mind, like one standing on the bank of a river, watching the water flow.”
*
“The thoughts of the mind are like the waves of the ocean. One cannot stop the waves by force. But when the ocean is deep the waves subside. Similarly, try to concentrate the mind on one thought, instead of trying to stop all thoughts by force. The ocean of the mind will become deeper and it will become quiet. Even if there are small waves on the surface, it will be peaceful.”
*
“The mind is like a cat. We may take care of it with a lot of affection, but the moment our attention wanders it will stick its head in the pot and steel some food. Manasa puja is a method to keep the mind fixed on God.”
*
“The bee looks for honey wherever it goes. But a fly prefers to stick to excrement even in a rose garden. At present our mind is like the fly; we have to try to make it like the honeybee.”
*
“Before the seed is sown, the land is cleared of grass and weeds. In the same way, clear the mind of all the external things and then direct it to God.”
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“The thought of God will become firm only in a pure mind. The broken stones are washed before they are used for making concrete.”
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“People build large palatial houses and commit suicide inside! If luxury could give us happiness, why would people die of depression? Peace and contentment entirely depend on the mind.”
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“How can you fully experience spiritual bliss without fixing the mind totally on God? If you mix your dessert with other dishes, can you fully enjoy its taste?”

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Science of prayer!

779. Om virajase namah: I bow down to Amma who is without rajas

Amma on the science of prayer:
"When true surrender dawns within, we will awaken and arise. Our state today is that we have knowledge but lack awareness. We may see things, yet we don’t really see them. We may hear things, but we don’t really listen. The reason for this is that our mind is never present in what we see and hear. There is a bhajan that goes, “O Lord, I have come with folded hands before you. Please, listen to me.” The real meaning here is that it is we who—through the heightened awareness of prayer—need to see and listen. Currently our mind is never in the present; it is always wandering this way and that. Although God is within us, we are not in God. Many things in the world bind our mind. To bring the mind back to God, prayer can be extremely useful.
If you were to fall into a deep pit and there were no one around to pull you out, imagine the intensity with which you would call out for help. Such intensity should be there in our prayers. We should call out to the Divine from the bottom of our heart, with a child like innocence. Prayer, chanting one’s mantra and meditation are different ways to awaken the Divine within us."

Om Amriteswariye namah! 

The cosmic whole!

778. Om virad-rupayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is in the form of the cosmic whole

When I read of terms like the cosmic whole, I think of Shiva. And then the association between Shiva and Shakti, who for me, is Amma.
Amma was once asked a question: (the following is taken from this site)
Can Lord Shiva be called “Mother”?
Amma: "Yes, of course, He can be called so. It is said that the “I” has become the father, mother, child, brother, sister and all. Everything is Him alone. You call Him, giving any name. One will say “palu,” another will say “milk,” and yet another will say something else. Whatever the name, there is no difference either in the color or taste of the milk. God can be called both as Father and Mother. You were told that He is the Father, weren’t you? He is the real Father who disciplines you by removing the ego and correcting you, and He is also the real Mother who looks after and protects you lovingly, compassionately and affectionately. Both are two different facets of the same God. Both aspects are unique. That is what manifests through a Perfect Master (Satguru), the perfect balance of both Divine Fatherhood and Motherhood. Everything is pervaded by the Supreme Self. He who has realized this can manifest any aspect at any time by Self-will."

Thank Goodness for Amma in our lives. She plays the role of both, our mother and father. She is the perfect balance in every way. She is, the cosmic whole!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Power of silence and meditation!

777. Om viraradhyayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is worshipped by heroic persons

2 very important quotes by Amma about silence and meditation:
‘Children, to observe two hours of silence daily is very beneficial.  It will help our spiritual progress greatly if we are able to observe silence for one day in every week as well.  One may ask, ”Aren’t there thoughts in the mind even while observing silence externally?”  Consider the water in a dam.  There are waves in the water, but no loss of water takes place.  Similarly, when we observe silence, our energy is minimally lost, even though thoughts may go on in the mind.  It is through talking that we lost more of the vital force.  The life span of a dove which always coos is short, while the silent tortoise lives for a long time.  Chanting God’s names is not an obstacle to the vow of silence.  Silence is avoidance of worldly thoughts and talk.’ 
Just before going to bed, we should meditate for at least five minutes while sitting on the bed, then bow to our deity or guru.  When doing so, we can imagine that we are holding on tight to the feet of our deity, and we can pray with all our heart: ”Dear God, kindly forgive all the wrongs I have committed today, knowingly or unknowingly.  Give me the strength to resist repeating these mistakes.”  We can imagine that we are lying with our head in the lap or at the feet of our favorite deity or our guru, or we can imagine that the deity is sitting next to us.  Let us glide to sleep while chanting the mantra.  By doing this, we will keep the remembrance of the mantra unbroken during our sleep.  Children also should acquire this habit.’

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Amma, a celestial being!

776. Om mandara-kusuma-priyayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is fond of the mandara flowers.

Dr Wayne W. Dyer had once met Amma. I have always respected him as someone who has had great insight into human behaviour. "When you squeeze an orange, you'll always get orange juice to come out. What comes out is what's inside. The same logic applies to you: when someone squeezes you, puts pressure on you, or says something unflattering or critical, and out of you comes anger, hatred, bitterness, tension, depression, or anxiety, that is what's inside. If love and joy are what you want to give and receive, change your life by changing what's inside."
When he met Amma, this is what he had to say:
"I AM immersed in a sea of divine love with a living saint, Amma. There are no words to describe the inner glow I felt as I was held, hugged and loved by this celestial being who walks among us. I sat next to her for over an hour observing her embracing hundreds of people, and I will forever feel the inner glow."

Dr Dyer, you are no longer with us. But for us you will always be Amma's child. 

Om Amriteswariye namah!

God incarnating in human form!

775.  Om meru-nilayayai namah: I bow down to Amma who resides in the Meru mountain

On the occassion of Sri Krishna Jayanthi, Amma said:

'The literal meaning of the name Krishna is “he who ploughs.” The Lord is he who uproots the weeds of impurities from the human mind. Another meaning of for Krishna is “he who attracts all.” Krishna drew to himself not just the gopis, but all of humankind, as well as the birds, mammals, plants, trees, stones, thorns and everything else in nature.
In response to the maternal devotion of his mother Yashoda, the Lord became a mischievous child. In response to the romantic devotion of the gopis, the Lord became the divine dancer who played his flute and danced the ­rasa-leela. In response to the devoted friendship of Arjuna, the Lord took up a whip and became a charioteer. Even though Krishna knew he would be humiliated, he went to the Kaurava court as an emissary of peace....The avatara of Lord Krishna was ordinary, yet extraordinary. He was human, yet divine. He was completeness itself.
It is to make humankind understand this supreme truth that God incarnates in human form. Only if God incarnates in human form can we begin to grasp this truth. Just as a policeman disguises himself as a criminal to catch criminals, the Lord joyfully plays his divine leelas with us in order to uplift us. He comes down to each person’s individual level to uplift them.
From the moment that he was born into Kamsa’s prison, to the moment he was killed by the hunter’s arrow, every action Krishna performed was sweet, attractive and aimed at cleaning the human world of its impurities. The prison that the Lord was born into symbolizes the prison of desires that is currently binding our hearts. If we cultivate awareness of the Lord’s presence in our heart, we will be able to release ourselves from all the bonds that imprison us. May the baby Krishna forever play in our hearts. May the wisdom of his words continue to enlighten our path every day."

Om Amriteswariye namah! 

The glory of Sri Krishna!

774. Om mahatyai namah: I bow down to Amma who is great

The following of from an article during the Krishna Jayanti celebration in Amritapuri in 2008:
Amma stressed the infinite potential dormant in human beings and the power of their free will. “We can become like Sri Krishna; we can become like Kamsa,” Amma said. “We can become like Rama; we can also become like Ravana.”
Amma then spoke about the glory that was Sri Krishna. “Life is not mathematics, science, logic or philosophy,” Amma said. “It is a continuous flow of experience. We can transform our lives into an experience of spreading happiness to one and all. Sri Krishna’s life was the perfect example of this. If all our infinite, innate auspicious qualities were to take the form of a human being, the beautiful result would be Lord Krishna. He expressed the infinite power inherent in humankind to its fullness. It is for this reason that he is glorified as the Purnavatar—the complete incarnation of God. Sri Krishna was both ordinary and extraordinary at the same time. He was human and yet not human. He was complete in all ways.”
Amma concluded her talk by stressing the importance of innocent love and faith, saying that their birth in the heart of the gopis was in fact a greater miracle than Krishna’s lifting of Govardhana Hill.
“We need to transcend logic and firmly establish ourselves in innocent love and faith. We need to look at life through such eyes. Then all experiences will become blissful, like amrita [nectar]. That is the message of Lord Krishna’s life. … Sri Krishna’s words and actions demonstrated the different facets of life, the secrets of para-dharma and apara-dharma⁴ , and the subtleties of action, inaction and enlightened action. To understand Sri Krishna’s message, we need unwavering love, devotion and faith.”

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Pure love!

773. Om patali-kusuma-priyayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is fond of the patali flower (the pale red trumpet flower)

This is how I feel about Amma....and these are Amma's words about Love:
“Love just happens. Nobody thinks about how to love, or when and where to love. Nobody is rational about love. Rational thought hinders love. Love is a sudden rising in the heart. Love is an unavoidable, unobstructable longing for oneness. There is no logic in this. It is beyond logic. So do not try to be rational about love. It is like trying to give reasons for the river to flow, for the breeze to be cool and gentle, for the moon to glow, for the sky to be expansive, for the ocean to be vast and deep, or for the flower to be fragrant and beautiful. Rationalisation kills the beauty and charm of these things. They are to be enjoyed, experienced, loved and felt. If you rationalise about them, you will miss the beauty and charm and the feelings they evoke. Sit by the seashore. Look at it. Feel its vastness. Feel the rising up and down of the waves. Feel and be amazed at the creation and the creator of such magnificence. What good will it do you to rationalise about the ocean?”

I love You Amma! And I'm spell bound by just how much love You have in Your heart for Your million children, who draw their main source of love from You and You alone!

Om Amriteswariye namah! 

Oneness with the world!

772. Om duradharsayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is difficult to control

A question asked by a devotee, that Amma answered beautifully:
“Amma, what sort of attitude and understanding should one have to the various experiences one undergoes during meditation? How much does one’s mental attitude affect how we experience these? For instance, at one time it might be a joyous experience of motherly love and, at another time, something very impersonal, like forces of nature, like little flashes of lightning and strong gusts of wind acting upon one’s being… What role does the Guru play in all of this? Why do many people go insane or become delusional and egoistic and only a few safely make it to the Goal?”
Amma told the woman that such experiences arise out of innocence. And that although one can take encouragement from such experiences, that they should not be given much importance.
“Because of one’s innocence one may have such experiences; one may feel motherly love, see divine lights or feel a cool breeze… But you should go beyond all such experiences,” Amma said. “You are on the path to realizing your oneness with God, with the Self. While travelling on a path, we see many things around us. But if we stop to see these things and forget our goal, we may never reach the goal.”
Amma said that all experiences are at the level of the mind and that the goal of spiritual life is to go beyond the mind. She said ultimately such experiences are much like dreams and, as such, they should only be given the same importance as a dream.
“The real important thing is the control we have over our mind in all situations,” Amma said. “If someone becomes angry at us, we should not react and become angry also. We should reflect, ‘Whom am I becoming angry at?’ In such situations we should remember that it is all the Atma, the Supreme Self. We should think, ‘The consciousness that is within me is within that person also. Can consciousness become angry? And if all is one, to whom can it express its anger?’ We should give more importance to the Self and not the body.”
In response to the part of the woman’s question regarding the Guru’s role in such experiences, Amma said that the Guru is like a mirror, reflecting whatever mental shortcomings one has. Amma said, “When you find yourself reacting in a negative way to different situations, you should contemplate upon the workings of your own mind, remind yourself of the Goal, and then rectify your behaviour. We should take every situation that comes in life as an opportunity for us to learn.”

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Amma, the perfect master!

771. Om duraradhyayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is difficult to worship

Amma is probably the most wonderful Guru who makes it so easy to follow Her. Amma never asks us to pray to Her. Amma always asks us to pray to God. If we make Her our God, that isn't Amma's doing...or maybe it is...because She makes spirituality and divinity so easy to reach out to! She is actually quite easy to worship. But Amma serves us with the attitude of a servant serving a master. In Her words:
"As long as there is strength in these hands to reach out to those who come to her, Amma will continue to give darshan. To lovingly caress people, to console and wipe their tears until the end of this mortal frame – this is Amma’s wish"
That's Amma for us. Always doing every action for Her children. Always making sure that Her children are happy and contented and get what they desire. Thank You Amma...and now I miss Her ever so much. 6 more months to go before I see Amma again. A long, long wait to see my perfect master and Guru!

Om Amriteswariye namah!

Invoking grace!

770. Om priya-vratayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is fond of vows.

An article from Matruvani about Amma's thoughts on spirituality and God's grace..

"Spirituality is not confined simply to sitting and meditating; it also includes the way we behave towards other people. Without making the right effort, if we go on praying, "Give me grace give me grace," Amma says we won't get it.
Amma tells a very funny story about this. There was a great devotee of the Lord who was very poor. One day a strange idea came to him. He thought, "I want to be rich." So from that day onwards he started to pray to God, "O Lord, please make me rich." In his city they had a monthly lottery. The man would pray, "O Lord, with Your grace, this month I will win the first prize." But when the lottery was drawn, he didn't even get the last prize, never mind first prize. He was a little bit sad, but he thought, "Next month there will be another drawing, so hopefully I'll win that one." When the next drawing came, again he didn't win anything. He started to get upset, but kept praying. Several months went by and still he didn't win anything. One day he became very angry and started shouting at God, "Lord, why don't you hear me? Can't you hear my prayers?" Then, all of a sudden, he heard God's voice say, "My son, of course I know your problems and can hear your prayers, and I am very eager to help you. But you could at least buy a lottery ticket?"
Likewise, if we simply go on praying, "O Lord, please give me Your grace," it's not going to work. We always pray for grace but we never put forth the positive effort required, which Amma says is a must. Without God's grace, the world cannot become fragrant. It cannot become complete and full."

Om Amriteswariye namah!