14 April 2025, Amritapuri Ashram
Vishu, the Malayalam New Year, was celebrated with joy and reverence at Amritapuri Ashram. The day began with the traditional Vishukkaṇi, beautifully arranged at the Kalari. An array of fruits—from gooseberries to jackfruit—flowers, oil lamps, the valkannadi (metal mirror), kasavu mundu, and a radiant image of Sri Krishna filled the altar with symbolic abundance.
In the main hall, the Vishukkaṇi was displayed in a unique way, aligning with Amma’s message of environmental harmony. It featured saplings of native trees, representing Amma’s call for a greener tomorrow under the theme: “Vishukkai Neettam, Vishutha Neettam”—offering not just a token, but a responsibility.
In the afternoon, Amma blessed the saplings, distributed them to AYUDH youth and little children, and shared a profound Vishu message.
“Vishu is a symbol of the inseparable connection between man, nature, and God. It embodies the spiritual truth that it is God who manifests as both man and nature—there is nothing that exists apart from God. Religion, spirituality, and the rituals and practices that accompany them are deeply linked to the essence of the Self. One becomes a true follower of religion and a true devotee of God only when the light of the Self shines forth in daily life—through thoughts, words, and actions expressed as love, compassion, forgiveness, and patience.
When we celebrate Vishu, we should reflect on three key principles: dependence, independence, and interdependence.
No matter where we are in the world, what field we work in, or what we do, we will always be dependent on others to some extent. True independence arises only when we free ourselves from the clutches of ego. Then, we gain the strength to face both good and bad with a smile. Then we begin to realise the truth that ‘God and I are not two separate entities,’ and that we live in mutual dependence with nature and all living beings. This is the message Vishu conveys to us.
The power that sustains the universe is selfless service. When human beings serve nature, nature responds in kind. When we serve animals and plants, they too serve us in return. The same principle must be applied in our families and communities. Lasting happiness and peace in life arise only when we live with mutual love, service, and trust built on a foundation of understanding one another.
Let us dedicate ourselves this Vishu to cultivating compassion for all living beings. May divine grace bless everyone to realise a world filled with beauty, prosperity, and happiness—like the Vishukkaṇi we behold with joy each year.”
As the celebration came to a close, devotees lovingly carried home the saplings Amma had blessed, pledging to nurture them as a symbol of devotion to both the Divine and Mother Nature.
-Kannadi
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