I have been at Amma's ashram now for almost one full week. The ashram is like a little world unto itself. There are various places to get food, one big auditorium, a large temple and a small temple, multi-story buildings with residential flats, a swimming pool, multiple bakeries, a tailor, three stores, an internet room and lots of other ancillary things you can do while here. It has been fascinating to watch how it all works and revolves around Amma...when she is here vs. away, when she is giving Darshan, etc.
One of the things I have enjoyed the most here are the Bhajans...an evening hour or two of singing devotional songs, led by Amma. She has a wonderful voice and fills the auditorium with so much spirit. I leave these evenings feelings as if I am walking on air. The other evening we were treated to a Kathakali performance as well. What an amazing dance form!
Late this afternoon a group of us leave to travel on her tour to two different cities here in South India. She will be giving Darshan to an estimated 100,000 people in Calicut, a city north of here. I have been told it may take her upwards of 24 hours to do so. It is amazing to see her do this...to give Darshan to so many people without having to take breaks. The energy she gives out is truly amazing. She has to be connected straight to the source to have that kind of lasting power.
I am not yet totally clear why I decided to go on the tour. The idea of spending more time with Amma is, of course, very exciting. Just to be in her vicinity is healing. It's more than that though. I am very intrigued with the idea of over 100,000 Indians waiting all day in the sun to have a few seconds of hug from Amma. Their devotion to her is incredible. I want to witness this devotion, this kind of faith in Amma's power to heal and to open the heart. I want to soak up the experience, yet stay open to everything that is happening.
I will be returning here to the Ashram on the 11th of January and after a day of catching up on sleep and doing some wash, I plan to travel on to Varkala for some beach time before heading home. The tour is quite grueling for us yogis who are joining her. The sleeping conditions are harsh and the hours long. I feel like I am leaving for a kind of boot camp...at least it is only for 5 days!
Hi Momma,
It is so amazing to read your blog. The beautiful descriptions really make me feel as if I could close my eyes and be there with you. I hope you have a wonderful trip with Amma! We miss you and love you SOOOOO MUCH!
Love,
Jackie
Posted by: Jackie | January 07, 2007 at 10:57 PM