Isn't it ok to cry for God?

10 August 2006, Amritapuri At the beginning of this past summer tour in North America, one of the most touching scenes involved a small girl, Amritavarshini. During the retreat in Seattle, this young girl came to Amma with tears in her eyes and the sincere desire to serve the world {news} This seven year old girl Amritavarshini is here with her mother on their first visit to Amritapuri. They are here for two weeks. Amritavarshini is running around the ashram in her beautiful indian dress, skirt and blouse. You also see her sitting behind Amma for bhajans.

The following is a brief interview conducted with Amritavarshini today:

Q: Why are you here?
A: I want to know and feel India.

Q: How do you feel now?
A: I feel at home.

Q: So the US is not your home?
A: (shrugging her shoulders) No, there is a difference

Q: What do you think about the Ashram?
A: I never thought the Ashram would be something like this, i thought it would be something simple, with maybe a few huts, but here it's like "WOW!" (making an expression of surprise at the immensity of this place)

Q: What are you doing while here in the ashram?
A: I am learning archana. So far I have just learned the Dhyayamo prayer. I wanted to get my archana book blessed but wasn't able to during darshan. So I waited outside Amma's room for her to come after darshan. Amma took my archana book and flipped through the pages, and she stopped right on the page with the Dhyayamo prayer and asked me to read it. I was so happy, because Amma stopped on the only page I knew!
I also got a mantra from Amma.

Q: Who is Amma? A: I don't know, but my thought about Amma is that she is THE mother, the mother of everything. (The blueish-green eyed girl was so confident and clear in what she was saying.) Q: What is Amma doing? A: There is a light bulb in everyone, Amma is reaching out and turning it on. That is the way to peace. Q: What is the most joyful / interesting experience you've had here? A: I went to Amma's room and I saw all gods and goddesses... Q: You mean you saw their pictures or statues? A: No, no, I could feel their spirits, like I was in heaven.

Amritavarshini has written a poem on Amma.

There is a goddess and her name is Amma
Amma Amma Devi, Amma Amma Devi

She is the mother of the universe
She showers love upon her children

She makes us laugh and she makes us smile
She wipes away our tears and sorrows

She gives to all, poor and rich
She is Krishna, she is Devi

She is the light and she is the love of the universe
Amma Amma Devi, Amma Amma Devi

Upon inquiring with Madhurima Laccoss, Amritavarshini's mom, about how her daughter extraordinary maturity and spiritual inclination, Madhurima said that she herself was not sure, but proceeded to explain how Amritavarshini first "met" Amma:

"Three years ago, I was driving with Amritavarshini in the car and had just acquired a picture of Amma. Looking at Amma's picture, Amritavarshini began to cry. Surprised by this, I asked my daughter, 'Why are you crying?'

"Amma is so beautiful."

"So?" to which Amritavarshini replied, 'Isn't it okay to cry for God?'."

—Sakshi