Our attitudes makes our experiences bitter or sweet

27-29 June, Secaucus, New Jersey – America Yatra 2017

Amma held three days of programs at the Meadowlands Exhibition Center in Secaucus, NJ just outside of New York City. It marked the first time in many years that Amma has held programs in New Jersey rather than in New York City.

In her address to the assembled crowd, Amma pointed out that we play a greater role than we might realize in the happiness we experience as we go through life: “The circumstances of life will always keep changing. Change is nature’s unchanging law. However, it is we who make experiences bitter or sweet — our mind and our attitude. As long as we are unable to bring our mind under our control, sorrow will continue to hunt us down. However, once the mind comes under our control, then no problem or tragedy can devastate or paralyze us. In reality, the foundation of happiness is gratitude. When the mind becomes filled with gratitude, we will spontaneously become happy.”

A brief ceremony celebrating Amma’s 30th visit to the US was held just before the Atma Puja on the last night. Kathy Miller (Vatsala) welcomed Amma as Sadhu Chaitanyan garlanded Amma on behalf of all those who had first met Amma in the New York Metropolitan area 30 years ago. They each then offered flowers at Amma’s feet.

During the programs, local devotees put on cultural performances including traditional Indian dances.

The crowd erupted in applause when it was announced that there is now a new MA Center in New Rochelle, NY. Amma blessed two saplings which will be planted on the grounds of the new Ashram.

After Devi Bhava, Amma headed to the new Ashram. Located on approximately three acres, the Ashram sits directly on Long Island Sound and offers beautiful views of the water and nearby islands.

Amma led all the devotees in meditation and served everyone dinner before heading to New England for the next programs.

-Dass