Amma’s Children Come Home

18, September 2003
In the quiet backwaters of Kerala, India, many unfamiliar languages may be heard of late amongst the musical sounds of the native language, Malayalam. French, German, English, Dutch, and Japanese to name a few are being communicated along the pathways of Amritapuri. Amma has called all of Her Darling Children to India and they are coming.

Amidst the gentle southern winds and ocean sounds, daily and nightly busloads are arriving from Trivandrum and Cochin, transporting Her precious sons and daughters. Many are coming from the West, a large number for the first time. All are coming to be with Mother.

A young woman from Australia, Annette Williams is such a traveler. Last year she read Amma’s most recent biography. “I had a profound spiritual experience; I just knew I had to see Amma”. With the Australian tour cancelled this past spring, Annette made the journey to India. After a long taxi ride from the airport, arriving in the dark of the evening, she walked into the ashram. Uncertain where to go she met a devotee in white who told her to stand right where she was. Looking ahead she was overjoyed to catch a glimpse of Amma walking to evening bhajans after only a few moments of being in the ashram.“ That’s when I knew I was at the right place and everything was perfect.”

As the devotees arrive and integrate into ashram life, the excitement increases. Morning Archana, the chanting of devotional prayers to Divine Mother, finds more and more voices daily. In the early hours of the morning the energy and inspiration is exceptional, filling the temple with women and the darshan hall with men. One western devotee commented, “I feel cleansed and healed each time we chant together. The more people arrive the more I realize we are all one.”

The devotees who have arrived are quickly integrated into the routine of spiritual practice and selfless service. A young resident of the ashram said she was overjoyed to experience the western influx. “It feels like a party! This must surely be what it is like to be with Amma in America. Amma is really happy.”

New and returning visitors are all unanimous in the attitude that they are taking part of something very large that will never repeat itself. What a lesson Amma is teaching us about living in the moment

Amma has expanded the walls, welcomed all, and through Her Grace, arranged this joyous reunion of East and West in Amritapuri. She is holding us, feeding us and protecting us in the beautiful bubble of Her light.

- Ananda Devi