Sri Krishna Archives - Amma, Mata Amritanandamayi Devi

We should feel grateful for the cow

17 Feb, enroute from Amritapuri to Mysuru – Bharata Yatra 2019

After leaving Amritapuri in the early morning hours for Mysore, Amma and the group stopped for lunch by a cowshed and farm fields in a village, Mopperipalayam in Tamil Nadu. After serving the lunch to everyone, Amma spoke about the need of love to realize God. Amma said our intensity for realization should be compared to how much one would be grasping for breath if we were forcefully held under water.

Amma then reminded everyone to chant our mantras and to imagine that our Ishta Devata (the favourite form of God we meditate upon) is traveling with us on the bus. While looking at the sky, we should feel the vastness, and while looking at the beauty of nature, we should see our Ishta Devata in all these. We should convert all action into a worship so that this Bharata Yatra is fruitful.

In the evening, Amma and the group stopped at the outskirts of a forest area near Chamraj Nagar, Karnataka. Sitting under the rising full moon, Amma gave Satsang, sang Bhajans, and led everyone in meditation. It was so beautiful. One could see many bats on top of the eucalyptus trees on the grounds.

Amma told stories about her early life – how her father gave a small cow shed for her to use for darshan. While giving darshan, Amma would put one hand on the cow. Amma also stayed and slept in the cowshed, and resting there she would kiss the cow and tell the cow stories.

Amma explained how, in the past, people used to live as one with nature. After cleaning the courtyard, people would sprinkle the ground with cow dung mixed water or apply the cow dung as a paste on the floor . This was considered to be antiseptic. If you had an open wound, cow dung would be applied there. But today, it has become poison because the food, water, and air which the cow eats, drinks, and breathes has become contaminated and is toxic. Cow dung and urine have medicinal properties. Sacred ash is made out of cow dung and has medicinal power.

Cows also have the role of a guardian. The cow gives us more than what we give her. She feeds us with milk, and supports us throughout our life. Cows are used to plough the fields. Because of the cows’ help, man is able to live a better life. The cow is also connected with Krishna. The cow was his pet. It was also Krishnas vehicle. The cow has always held in a high place in Indian culture – that is why we are reluctant to slaughter cows and eat beef. We should feel grateful for the cow and we should feel that killing one is like killing your own father or mother.

After bhajans, meditation and dinner with Amma under the moon light, the group proceed to Mysore.

-Sakshi

Holding God close to our hearts, all obstacles on our path will fall away

2 September 2018, Amritapuri

(Excerpts from Amma’s 2018 Sri Krishna Jayanti Message)

Ashtami Rohini, the eighth day of the waning moon in the August-September month of the Hindu calendar, is the sacred day when the birthless, deathless Supreme Consciousness took birth as a human child in the city of Mathura. From the moment of his birth to the time he left his mortal body, each leela Sri Krishna enacted was sweet. They were beacons of light, guiding the path of the world. The Lord himself says that those who realise the principle behind his divine birth and actions will be freed from the bondage of samsara—the endless cycle of birth and death. When we, like Vasudeva, move forward, holding God close to our hearts, all obstacles on our path will fall away and we will attain our goal.

To make devotees happy, to uphold dharma, to define the dharma befitting the times, to impart wisdom to uplift the spiritual sensibilities of society, to shelter and nourish culture in all possible ways, to enact divine leelas to inspire even future generations—these are some of the duties of a divine incarnation. Lord Krishna fulfilled all these in an exemplary way. Two things are particularly noteworthy about Krishna’s life: His sweet face never lost its pleasant smile and he engaged wholeheartedly in different roles but always with total detachment. Like an actor who plays many diverse roles, performing them each to perfection, Krishna turned this world into his theatrical stage. He took upon each costume with grace and shed it with grace as well. He did not get attached to any of them, yet he made each one beautiful.

It is when one transcends the mind completely that one becomes complete. Lord Krishna was able to do this. This is why the incarnation of Lord Krishna is called a Purnavatara—a complete incarnation. With a smile on his face, he moved from circumstance to circumstances as easily as if moving from room to room. Wind moves everywhere freely, but it never stops. It touches and caresses everyone, but no one can contain it. Krishna was like this. His life was a song with a delightful rhythm and beautiful melody, sung with perfect pitch.

The completeness that is visible in the Lord’s life is also evident in his teachings. His teachings are relevant for people of all walks of life, showing them the way to advance materially as well as spiritually.

God, the sun of love, is ever blazing. If you shut the doors and windows of your house, how will you be able to experience the light of that love? We should open the door of our ego and come out. Then we will be able to experience the sweetness and coolness of Krishna’s love. We are at present imprisoned by our minds. The birth of little Krishna or the Paramatman should happen within our heart. Then all forms of bondage will disappear.

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Sri Krishna Jayanthi at Amritapuri

24 Aug 2016, Amritapuri
The festivities began at 7:30 in the morning with a special procession from the Ashram’s cowshed to the front steps of the Kali Temple where the Go Puja was performed showing reverence to all cows. A large number of Ashramites, devotees and visitors took part in the procession and puja, singing Krishna bhajans, clapping hands and dancing. The cows were beautifully decorated as were the children living at Amritapuri who were all dressed up like little Krishnas and gopis!

In the afternoon, after the procession from Kuzhithura Sri Krishna Temple, everyone gathered in front of the Kali Temple, where Amma joined at approximately 4.30pm. She had been giving darshan from 11am till 3pm. Taking her seat on the steps of the Temple, Amma watched children play Uriyadi – a game where they try to break a pot of clay with a stick in remembrance of Krishna’s escapades of stealing pots of butter. First the little children tried their luck, followed by those a bit bigger, then by Amrita University students. Amma watched the fun, laughing often and pointing out the most adorable scenes. As the games were ending, Amma sang two joyful Krishna songs (Radhe Govinda Gopi Gopala, Narayana Narayana jaya Govind hare) for a long time, waving her arms with joy and looking at the sky.

After the games, Mother immediately headed to the main hall for the evening bhajans filled with Krishna bhajans. Dinner followed, and everyone was excited with anticipation of the special program that was still in store for the day. At about 11:30pm, Amma returned to the beautifully decorated stage where a reading of the Srimad Bhagavatam was taking place, along with the special Balagopala Puja honouring the birth of Krishna. The stage was decorated with many beautiful Krishna statues, oil lamps, garlands and trays of flowers.

At the stroke of midnight, Amma started singing special Krishna bhajans. She sang Agatanayi Agatani, and two others, clapping her hands, smiling and creating a lively and playful atmosphere. Amma then delivered her message {news} which included a beautiful presentation of the essence of Krishna’s life, teachings and practical guidance for our lives and struggles.
After the address, Amma sang 2 more bhajans, asking all those present to stand and wave their arms in joy to the tune of ‘Bolo bolo gokula pala’. She then led everyone in chanting Lokah Samastha Sukino Bhavantu – the prayer for universal peace. At around 1:30am, Amma began distributing sweet payasam Prasad. She handed a cup of the blessed gift to every single person. At 2:10am, after making sure that everyone had received Prasad, she headed back to her room … one more Sri Krishna Jayanthi with Amma to cherish for years to come.

– Kannadi

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Perform your duties wholeheartedly with an attitude of surrender and detachment

25 August 2016 — Amritapuri

When we think about Lord Krishna, what are the first thoughts that enter our mind? Different people will answer in different ways. This is because Lord Krishna won’t allow himself to be confined within our limited thoughts and ideas. But one thing is clear: Everything about Krishna is sweet, alluring and beautiful.

We often talk about the many facets and roles of Lord Krishna. An unparalleled protector of dharma, a skilled political strategist, advisor of the great Bhagavad-Gita, an unbeatable warrior… These are some of them. But Krishna—who, indeed, was all of these—was also love incarnate, the giver of love. The magnetism of his love enticed not just the gopis and gopas, but all of creation as well. Nature herself was charmed by the sweet notes of his bamboo flute.

The Supreme Truth is beyond thought and word. However, when the Supreme assumes a human form, accepting all the shortcomings and limitations inherent in such, and comes into our midst, we are provided with an opportunity to tangibly touch the Supreme, to know it. Not only Sri Krishna’s words, but his every movement, his every look and mood, conveyed the fullness of spiritual wisdom. His very presence was a spiritual experience. Every action of his illustrated the principles expounded in the Vedic scriptures.

It is impossible to explain the sweetness of honey with words, but just tasting a drop of honey will give us the experience of that sweetness. Similarly, in the presence of an avatara, the Supreme Truth is revealed and shines forth. Doubts turn into faith, faith turns into knowledge, and knowledge expands into experience. Avataras do not take birth and live on earth like ordinary people. They continue to live forever in human hearts as the very culture of the society into which they manifested—as the very guiding light of the world.

Their guidance stands true for all time, all countries and all people. Lord Krishna’s teachings are just as relevant today as they were 5,000 years ago. The Krishna-influence pervades and pulses in all planes of Indian culture and in the daily life of its people. Our literature, music and art are enlivened by his touch.

Lord Krishna’s life is full of paradoxes. The eternally free Lord was born in a prison. He played all the pranks and mischief of a capricious child, but also accomplished great feats beyond human capacity. He was crowned king and became the lord of the world, and yet he surrendered in defeat before the devotion of his devotees. He was an extraordinary grhasthashrami [householder], yet he maintained the pure chastity of a sannyasi.

On the occasion of the royal rajasuya yaga conducted by Yudhishthira, in the august presence of rishis and kings, Lord Krishna let Yudhishthira wash his feet as the guest of honour. Yet, the Lord was washing the feet of the other guests a short while later.

“Do what you do with complete involvement, yet remain detached”—this was Sri Krishna’s way. It is like a person lowering a bucket into a well to draw out water. Even though the bucket is immersed in the water, the bucket is firmly in the person’s hand. Even though one may be in the world, one is not bound by it. A boat does not sink because it is in the water. It sinks when the water is in the boat. Even though Sri Krishna lived in the world, he was never bound by anything.

As Arjuna’s charioteer Sri Krishna advised the Gita. He gave Arjuna his vishvarupa darsahan—the vision of his universal form. Yet, the very next moment, we see him as a charioteer, attending to Arjuna’s horses. Who else but the Lord could hold things so seemingly opposite in the palm of his hand?

A person who has worked as an officer may not be willing to work as errand boy. He may protest, “How can an officer like me do such menial work?” Sri Krishna became a child when he was amongst children. He became a youth in the company of the young. He danced with the gopis and became their friend. When his friends were hungry, he stole butter from the gopis houses to feed them. In fact, the gopis wanted Sri Krishna to steal the butter from their houses! Hence, through this lila he was able to kill two birds with one stone. One cannot find a mahatma who played as many roles as him.

Karma and the result – what to do?

Through his own life, the Lord illustrated the greatness of any type of work. No other spiritual teacher has expounded the value of action as much as Lord Krishna:

“O Arjuna, I stand to gain nothing in all the three worlds, yet I am continuously engaged in action. At least for the welfare of the world, do action. Perform your action with no desire of its results.”

Some people ask if this means that we should work without expecting to be paid. No, it does not. When we sow a seed, it may sprout or it may not. We may sow seeds at the right time. We may dig bore-wells and make sure that the crops get enough water. Regardless, if there is a flood just before the harvest, everything will be lost. Many people commit suicide when their actions don’t bear the expected fruit. But if one is prepared to face both kinds of results—failure and success—then one won’t fall to such extremes. Krishna’s advice is very relevant here. There is no point losing ourselves in grief. We only have the right to put in effort. The results are not in our control. Thus we should accept whatever comes to us as the fruit of our actions. His advice was to live in the world while understanding its nature. Through this, we develop the capacity to view things from a distance.

Usually, people work to fulfil their selfish desires. However, when we perform an action even for a short while without expecting anything in return, it purifies our mind. It is difficult to live selflessly. What makes us selfish are our desires. Amma does not say that it is wrong to have desires. Because many of us lack spiritual understanding, it is impossible to live without desires. We will desire food when hungry; there is nothing wrong in that. We may want money for our livelihood; that is not wrong. It is only when our desires become too many and we become ready to exploit others in order to satisfy them that desires become problematic.

If we incorporate the attitude “I am just an instrument in God’s hands,” then the burden of karma will fall away from us entirely. Only when a pen is in someone’s hands can it write letters. It does not write on its own. So too it is with a paintbrush. It does not paint on its own. Someone has to hold it to paint. We have to be like a pen or a brush in the hands of the Divine.

The Lord always wore a peacock feather on his head. What is its meaning? It means that the Lord carried all the world’s responsibilities and actions as if the were as light as a feather.

Krishna taught Arjuna that behind every action is God’s power. If we abandon the feeling of doership and surrender to being an instrument in God’s hands, that divine power will flow through us. If we become like a pipe attached to the tank, all the water in the tank can be used for the sake of many through us. When we become a zero, we truly become a hero. Whatever we want will become possible, and we will be freed from all anxiety and fear. The Lord called this capacity as karmasu kaushalam—“dexterity in action.” This is one of the most important teachings the Lord gave the world.

There are similarities and differences between the earth and Lord Krishna. The earth attracts everyone and so does Sri Krishna. However, while the earth pulls everyone down, Sri Krishna draws one and all up to the heavens. “Perform your duties wholeheartedly with an attitude of surrender and detachment. Be happy, smiling and enthusiastic in life like a child.” This was Sri Krishna’s message.

The birth of Sri Krishna

In reality baby Krishna should take birth in our hearts. It is not enough if we have faith in the doctor and take the medicines as prescribed by him. We need to follow the diet he prescribes as well. Only then will we fully regain our health. Similarly, to overcome the disease of birth and death, we have to follow certain yamas and niyamas—do’s and don’ts. Only then will the divine love or Sri Krishna take birth in our heart. May the light of the divine presence grow in your hearts, eliminating any darkness within. May this light overflow towards the whole of creation. May divine grace bless my children.

– Excerpts from Amma’s 2016 Krishna Jayanti Satsang

Dancing with Sri Krishna once again, Rasa Leela in Vrindavan

7 April, Vrindavan, Uttara Pradesh – Bharata Yatra 2016
As if to make up for lost time, Amma’s first visit to Vrindavan in nearly 30 years was packed with activities and events for both Amma and the tour group. Immediately on arrival on Thursday, Amma was taken directly to a sacred body of water known as the Brahma Kund. With shobayatra – nama-smkeertan and folk art forms in a procession – Amma was welcomed to Brahma Kund where she had been invited to bless the spot and to view an ancient form of folk art known as Sanjhi*, started by Radha Rani.

Amma being dressed up as Banke Bihari (Sri Krishna) by the devotees

Many of the residents of Amritapuri ashram who had not been able to join Amma’s full Bharata Yatra made the pilgrimage to Vrindavan to be there with Amma, so one really had the feeling that all of Amritapuri had been temporarily transported to Vrindavan.

That evening, to the delight of all, a special Rasa Lila performance was staged in Amma’s honour, re-enacting scenes from the early life of Sri Krishna. The enchanting performance included a re-enactment of the young Sri Krishna mischievously stealing butter from the gopis, in the process stealing their hearts and leading them on the first steps of their journey toward the pinnacle of devotion. The witty and wise dialogues and heartful rendition of the music transported all into a different realm of experience.

The artists of the play are not professional, but ordinary people. The people of Vrindavan believe that, during the time of the play, they are the real Radha and Krisha. They feed Krishna and do arati and take prasad from him. For them this is Krishna in flesh and blood.

Introducing the importance of this tradition, Vineet Narayan, host and Chairman of the Braj Foundation narrated a story of two sanyasis from Varanasi who follow the path of Knowledge. The junior sannyasi came to explore Vrindavan despite senior sanyasi’s resistance. Here he got immersed in bhakti and started enjoying the chanting of Radhe Radhe, begging bread from homes irrespective of their caste and watching Raasleela being performed. 6 months passed. The senior in anxiety also came to Vrindavan to look for his junior and was shocked to see how he had fallen from his strict Vedic practices. The senior scolded the junior, admonishing him that his duty is to follow Vedic principles and not indulge in emotions of bhakti. The junior sanyasi explained the transcendental mood of people of Vraj, but the senior was unmoved. However he did agree to attend a Raasleela performance, where he sat in the back row along with the junior sanyasi. During the performance, he whispered in the ear of the junior, “If that is the real Krishna up there on the stage, he will come down and give me his garland.” Whereupon the Krishna on the stage did indeed come down from the stage, walk all the way through the crowd, and place his garland on the neck of the senior sanyasi. Still not convinced, that night in his chambers the senior sanyasi thought to himself, ‘I must have whispered too loudly and he heard me from the stage. If it is really Krishna there on the stage, tomorrow night he will give me his betel leaf when it is offered to him.’ The next evening, when the curtains were closed for a set change, suddenly Krishna emerged from behind the curtain, again made his through the crowd to the sanyasi, and proclaimed loudly for all to hear, “This greedy fellow – it was not enough to get my garland. Now he wants my betel leaf as well!” Whereupon the senior sanyasi was also overcome with devotion for Sri Krishna and finally understood the junior sanyasi’s feelings. This story is just one such example of countless miracles people have seen performed by Krishna on the stage – and that is why it is said that the Raasleela being performed in Vraj is not merely a folk theatre but Krishna, Radha, Gopis and Gopas all descending into the young people enacting these plays on the stage.

At Brahma Kund

After the performance was offered to Amma, little Krishna came down off the stage and sat in Amma’s lap, resting his head against her cheek in a touching sight that was rendered all the more significant by the fact that it was unfolding in the very place where Krishna’s childhood leelas happened so many centuries ago.

Speaking on the occassion, Amma related a beautiful incident from the time of the gopis: Once an astrologer visited Vrindavan. He asked the birth date of Gopis whom he met there. Every one gave the same date — only the birth time was different. Gopis of all ages – young and aged – all reported having the same birthdate. He could not believe it. When he asked why everyone has the same birthday, they explained that that was the day when they met Sri Krishna when he came to Vrindavan. Only the birth time was different, because they met him at different times throughout the day.

Amma then sang two Krishna bhajans, and finally asked everyone to stand up and dance. As each of the several hundred devotees present closed their eyes and danced, each one imagining they were dancing with Amma, one couldn’t help but feel that all these many years later, the Rasaleela was once again unfolding in the holy land of Vrindavan.

– Kannadi

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* Sanjhi art
Pitra Paksh is the fortnight period when Hindus remember their departed family members and offer special prayers for them. In such a gloomy atmosphere, no entertainment is encouraged.

However to please Krishna, Radha Rani and her friends decided to decorate the path of Krishna returning in the evening after grazing the cows. They used colored powder, flower petals, cow dung, grains, lentils, dry and fresh fruits and seashells etc. as raw material and everyday created patterns on the floor or water surface to please Krishna.

Since this was done in the evening (Sandhya), it is called Sanjhi art. This Folk art was lost for centuries after Krishna’s time. But in the 1770s, it was revived by a saint, who was a former king from Rajasthan. He started a Sanjhi Mela at the Brahma Kund in Vrindavan.

It is to make humankind understand truth that God incarnates in human form

6 September 2015 – Amritapuri
from Amma’s Sri Krishna Jayanthi message

At the mere thought of Lord Sri Krishna, we feel an overwhelming joy arise within us. Even though it has been 5,000 years since the Lord incarnated on earth, his presence continues to shine in the culture and everyday life of the people of our land. The magnetism of the Lord’s leelas and the relevance of his teachings have not diminished with time. Through his life, Sri Krishna revealed the infinite power of the universe in all its completeness. This is the reason we hail him as a purna avatara—a full incarnation.

The literal meaning of the name Krishna is “he who ploughs.” The Lord is he who uproots the weeds of impurities from the human mind. Another meaning of for Krishna is “he who attracts all.” Krishna drew to himself not just the gopis, but all of humankind, as well as the birds, mammals, plants, trees, stones, thorns and everything else in nature.

In response to the maternal devotion of his mother Yashoda, the Lord became a mischievous child. In response to the romantic devotion of the gopis, the Lord became the divine dancer who played his flute and danced the rasa-leela. In response to the devoted friendship of Arjuna, the Lord took up a whip and became a charioteer. Even though Krishna knew he would be humiliated, he went to the Kaurava court as an emissary of peace.

At the sacred fire ritual of the Rajasuya Yajna, Lord Krishna—being the chosen deity—received the worship of all the assembled kings. Later, at the ensuing feast, he showed no hesitation in clearing the soiled leaf-plates of those who had eaten. Even when he was falsely accused by his own subjects of stealing the precious Syamantaka gemstone, he remained calm and eventually proved the truth. He alternated between different roles seamlessly, with the deftness of a seasoned actor, yet never lost site of his true nature.

Whatever was his dharma at the present moment he carried that out without letting personal pride, happiness, shyness or difficulty obstruct him.

The goal of any avatara is to lead humankind to its higher self. When we attain our essence, which is hidden within us, we become dear to the Lord. This is the symbolism behind the Lord’s love for butter—which is the essence of milk. When the higher love for the Lord takes us beyond our petty likes and dislikes, then our mind becomes pure, and we become dear to the Lord. This is how the Lord becomes chitta-chora—the stealer of the mind.

Have vision, turn inward, Truth will shine within

In reality, we are not separate from the Lord. He is our own essential nature. We see the whole world with our eyes, yet we cannot see our own eyes. Such is our current state. If we can make our vision, which is currently focused on the external world, turn inward, then that Supreme Truth will shine forth within us. Otherwise, we will continue searching for happiness and peace in the external world like the musk deer that blindly pursues the smell of musk, not realizing that the fragrance is coming from its own body.

For the Vedantin, the Lord is the perfect role model. To understand practical Vedanta, one should study the life of Lord Krishna. He did not seek any anything for himself. Whatever others needed, he gave. He loved everyone, but was attached to no one.

Some may ask, “Why do we need to love the Lord, who is not attached to anyone?” The Lord did not see anyone as different from him. That is what he revealed to Arjuna through the vision of his cosmic form—that he is in everyone and everything and everyone is in him. Attachment comes only when you see the other person as different from you. The reason he was not attached to anything is because in his worldview there was nothing other than him.

Smile & Equanimity

The greatest message the Lord gave the world was his never-diminishing smile. Whether it was when the he incarnated on earth, when he taught the Gita, or when he watched his own Yadava clan fight and destroy themselves, his smile never wavered. His smile was the smile that rises from mental equanimity.

Equanimity of mind is being able to face opposite circumstances with the same attitude. External circumstances will keep changing. Fortune and hardship will also alternate. We should consciously cultivate the attitude of total acceptance with regards to everything. If we can do that, then peace and joy will always be there in our life.

The Mahabharata and the Bhagavatam present so many challenging incidents that took place in Krishna’s life. Regardless, the smile never faded from his face. Our lives are like the pendulum of a clock; they constantly swing from hardship to fortune, and fortune to hardship. When the pendulum swings to one side, it doesn’t remain there for long. It is just gaining enough momentum to swing back the other. Keeping this in mind, when we experience fortune or comfort in life, we must remember that it is only momentary. Hardships will soon return. We need to bring the pendulum of our lives to a standstill—a point of equilibrium. When we understand the scriptures, we will be able to keep ourselves in this point of equilibrium, like the needle of a balanced scale.

The Avatar

The manifestation of an avatara is like the full moon rising on a new-moon night. Their beauty and influence an avatara has upon the world is beyond comparison. All planes of human life are touched and nourished by their presence. We see this in all fullness in Lord Krishna. The avatara of Lord Krishna was ordinary, yet extraordinary. He was human, yet divine. He was completeness itself.

It is to make humankind understand this supreme truth that God incarnates in human form. Only if God incarnates in human form can we begin to grasp this truth. Just as a policeman disguises himself as a criminal to catch criminals, the Lord joyfully plays his divine leelas with us in order to uplift us. He comes down to each person’s individual level to uplift them.

From the moment that he was born into Kamsa’s prison, to the moment he was killed by the hunter’s arrow, every action Krishna performed was sweet, attractive and aimed at cleaning the human world of its impurities. The prison that the Lord was born into symbolizes the prison of desires that is currently binding our hearts. If we cultivate awareness of the Lord’s presence in our heart, we will be able to release ourselves from all the bonds that imprison us. May the baby Krishna forever play in our hearts. May the wisdom of his words continue to enlighten our path every day.

The above is extracted from Amma’s 2015 Krishna Jayanti message.

When the attitude of ‘I’ cross the limit, problems begins in the world

4 April, New Delhi – Bharata Yatra 2015

Amma inaugurated the 3-day ‘Rashtreeya Seva Sangam’, a national convention of all allied NGOs of Rashtriya Seva Bharathi at New Delhi. The 3-day convention Rashtriya Seva Sangam held at Blue Sapphire and City Park on the outskirts of New Delhi in Alipur.

By lighting the lamp, Amma inaugurated the 2nd National conference, which happens in every five years. Bhaiyyaji Joshi, Krishna gopal, and Subash Chandra of Zee TV were all sharing the stage with Amma.

Addressing the gathering, invited 3800 delegates from 800 organisations, Amma said “When the attitude of ‘I’ cross the limit, problems begins in the world. Message of sacrifice and dharma is the contribution of India to the world. love and compassion is the basic foundation of service.”

“One’s motherland is superior to even heaven” – जननी जन्मभूमिश्च स्वर्गादपि गरीयसी . This is the faith of the people of Bharat. We serve and worship this country as both Mother and Goddess because we see her as being both the source of all paths, religions and cultures as well as the light that illumines them.

“Everyone gathered here today has resolute faith in the ancient culture of the rishis and is striving to live in tune with that culture. Mother India, verily a treasure trove of love, watches over a vast ocean of wisdom. There is nothing she wants to do more than to share that milk of wisdom with her children. In her infinite compassion, she allows that wisdom to flow forth to one and all, and you have all imbibed and savoured it. Your hearts have known that unique experience. The lap of this mother is as expansive as the heavens. Amma is overjoyed to see all of you gathered together, to spend some time with you, and to share a few words with you-you who have dedicated your lives to serving Mother India.”

“It’s redundant to put a signboard in the middle of a flower garden that says “Flower Garden.” In truth, Amma feels that speaking to you about seva is similar. Whether Amma says you are sevakas or not, your service-minded nature remains the reality. Children, you have embraced the path of karma yoga, taught by Sri Krishna, the Lord of both the universe and of the Bhagavad-Gita. For this reason, Amma has faith that you will attain your goals.”

“The world today is in the grip of violence, corruption and a constant battling for political domination. Fundamentally, the main reason for all of this is man’s improper handling of the sense of “I.” Sanatana Dharma teaches us to be considerate even to our enemies. However, today, the attitude of “I and mine” has spiralled out of control. We have mistaken that which is the ego for the intellect. That being the case, one group tries to brand another “stupid” and then tries to oppress and exploit that group’s members in every possible way. This is a worldwide phenomenon. The atmosphere of everything from our homes to that of the world—Will they be good or evil? Happy or full of sorrow? Peaceful or full of discord?—all of this depends upon by how we handle our sense of “I.” This is the teaching of our revered teachers since ancient times. This truth was, is and always will be valid.”

“Sri Krishna was the most luminous personality in the history of the world. In every situation he faced, he always followed the most practical course of action. Krishna never dwelled in the past with regards to any incident, experience or action. So determined, astute and sincere was his approach to life, he never worried, “Was that a bad decision? Should I have done that? Should I have said that?” Boundless self-awareness and self-confidence were his hallmarks. He was the greatest leader in the history of the world because he was an incomparable servant of humanity.”

“In reality, everything in creation is of the nature of pure consciousness, which transcends name and form. You are also that consciousness itself. This universe, solar system and galaxies like the Milky Way are all within you. You are completeness itself—the source of infinite power. Therefore, forsake all enfeebling thoughts such as being a sinner. Stand firm in your dharma. Work without selfish desires. That itself is seva to God.” This is the message Sri Krishna bequeathed the world through the Bhagavad-Gita. We must become the hands, eyes and ears of God. Our inspiration, strength and courage must come from God. Then, fear, doubt and sin will never stain us. This is the essence of the message the Lord gave Arjuna.”

“The sun does not require candlelight. Similarly, God needs nothing from us. Sanatana Dharma teaches us to serve nara as Narayana—to serve humankind seeing them as God. Sooner or later, the body will perish. Therefore, isn’t it better for it to wear out from the activity than to let it rust away from lack of use? Many people die unexpectedly from accidents and diseases. Wouldn’t it be better to breathe our last while living a life of service? Otherwise, what’s the difference between people and worms? Worms also reproduce and eventually die. No matter how expensive a pen might be, if we do not use it, its ink will dry up; the pen will become useless. Our life shouldn’t be like that. An opportunity to serve others is priceless; never waste it.”

“We should always maintain the awareness and understanding that no matter what we do, the power behind our actions is God’s. Offering your own self into the burning yajna kunda of the infinite power that is God—that is real seva. Atma-samarpanam—offering your self—is a law of the universe. A few rare individuals live according to this truth. Most are ignorant of it altogether.”

“What makes seva complete is tyaga—renunciation of either its fruits or of the ego altogether. One cannot separate seva from such renunciation, nor can one separate such renunciation from seva. Seva devoid of such renunciation is a farce. When done that way, like any other action, seva becomes a mere job—just another way to make a profit. This is what most people in the world have done to seva. Such seva is like fatal cancer, gnawing away at the insides of our motherland. In contrast, selfless actions performed as a true offering have a unique transformative power. Children, remember, you are the pillars of our culture.”

“Whether one is serving their country or the world, an attitude of selflessness and sacrifice is necessary. Most importantly, one must be guided by the light of spiritual wisdom. This is what Sri Krishna advised Arjuna when he said, “Surrendering all your actions to me, renounce desire and attachment in favour of spiritual thoughts and fight the war.” Lord Krishna did not counsel Arjuna to prepare for a war merely to gain him a kingdom and wealth. If that had been the case, the world would regard Krishna as cruel and bloodthirsty. On the contrary, it’s because of Krishna’s spiritual outlook that the Bhagavad-Gita has brought self-confidence and inspiration to so many people all over the world, and continues to do so even today.”

“In truth, we are all standing on a battlefield unbounded by time. No one can flee from it. Compared with this immense battlefield, the Kurukshetra of The Mahabharata is but a few grains of sand. The Mahabharata War was just another culmination of a chain of events caused by selfish minds. When the Lord advised Arjuna to fight and thereby do his dharma, he was ultimately preparing Arjuna to face the relentless war of time.”

“It is important to remember that external success doesn’t last forever; it is always temporary. Therefore, along with our external success, we must also put in an effort to subdue the mind and overcome its weaknesses—inner success. To attain inner success, gathering information and knowledge about the external world is insufficient; spiritual awareness is required.”

“The sun doesn’t know the difference between light and darkness; it knows only light. Day and night exist only from our perspective here on earth. Likewise, there is no good or bad for the consciousness that is God. In its ultimate reality, God is beyond right and wrong. However, if we wish to live in unity and harmony, we must adhere to spiritual values. If we drive according to the traffic rules, we can minimize accidents. In the same way, if we live with an understanding of dharma and adharma, we can avoid most problems in life. Furthermore, the love and compassion of those who wish to make seva their way of life must not be constrained by interpersonal relations and situations. Their love and compassion must transcend all such limitations. They should not regard love and compassion from the narrow perspective of the emotional mind but through the expansive vision of Viveka-buddhi—an intellect imbued with discernment.”

“There is a rhythm to everything in creation, an undeniable relationship between the entire universe and every living creature within it. The universe is like a vast interconnected network. Suppose there is a net. If it is shaken in one place, the vibration is felt throughout. Similarly, whether we are aware of it or not, all of our actions reverberate throughout creation—whether performed as an individual or as a group. We are not individual islands but links of a common chain. Thus, we need to watch our every word and action because someone, somewhere, is watching us, seeing us as their role model.”

“There are two kinds of poverty in the world today: a poverty of food, clothing and shelter, and a poverty of love and compassion. We should pay more attention to the second type of poverty because if people have love and compassion in their hearts, they will wholeheartedly serve and help those without food, clothing and shelter.”

“The current gap between the haves and the have-nots is a curse upon the entire world. This disparity is increasing daily. A mountain on one side and an abyss on the other—such is the current situation. On the one hand, there are those who live, squandering lakhs and crores on luxuries. On the other, there are those who struggle to make enough for just one meal’s food—to make enough for just one day’s medicine. If we postpone reducing this gap any longer, it’s going to culminate in violence, even war. There must be a bridge of love and compassion in joining these two groups. The rich must step forward to help those suffering from poverty. If we succeed in bringing joyful smiles to the faces of the suffering, not only their lives but also our own lives will become blessed. It would be good to identify villages marked by poverty and to encourage companies that are ready to sponsor their welfare.”

“Poverty is a terrible blight upon humanity, destroying all goodness and talent. It is the cause of all moral erosion.
Amma has one more request: India is a land that has worshipped women as a mother, goddess and the embodiment of love and self-sacrifice. India’s respect towards women used to be an example for the rest of the world. It is this attitude that helped make India splendorous. But what is our state today? Many people feel no shame assaulting young girls, women—even children and the elderly—right in the middle of the road. The rate at which this collective insanity—this mass hysteria—is spreading throughout our country is unbelievable. Rashtriya Sewa Bharati should be at the forefront in snuffing out this disgusting trend. An environment in which men respect women and womanhood, and in which women are able to live in society fearlessly, with a sense of independence, must be fostered.”

“We are heirs to a glorious culture that has bequeathed to the world the highest conceptions of spiritual truth and love for humankind. That culture is our strength. We must work with our feet planted firmly in that culture. At the same time, we must be prepared to accept the views and ideas that come with the changing times. There is a Vedic prayer: “Let noble thoughts come to us from all sides.” The attitude that everything ancient is good and everything modern is bad is incorrect. We must be broadminded enough to reject whatever is outmoded from the past and to accept whatever is good from the modern. Only then can we make progress.”

“Children, whether or not God exists might be a source of debate. Whatever be the case, no rationalist will ever say that suffering humanity does not exist; we can see their suffering with our own eyes. Amma considers that helping such people, wiping their tears, easing their suffering is to be puja—worship. Amma prays that this self-sacrificing attitude awakens in her children. May the world come to realise through all of you that the waters of love, compassion, selflessness and sacrifice have not dried up in human hearts.”

“When we stand before a photographer, we are asked to smile because it makes the photograph more captivating. Children, likewise, may you always be able to maintain your smile regardless of the circumstances of life. May compassion make your hearts tender, and may your determination make them stronger. Children, may the obstacles of the world never deter you. May spiritual knowledge and spiritual power help you at all times and in all circumstances.”

With this prayer, Amma concluded the speech. “May the tree of our lives be rooted in the soil of love. May good deeds be the leaves, kind words be the flowers, and peace be the fruit. May the world flourish as one family, united in love. May we thus be able to create a world in which peace and contentment prevail. This is Amma’s prayer to the Paramatman.”

Apart from the delegates and invitees, a lot of visitors were also there who are attending the conference. The three-day conference also showcased the activities of different Hindu organisations across the country through the different stalls put up at the venue.

-Sakshi

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Why did Krishna steal butter? Three birds in one shot

8 Jan, Kovai – Bharata Yatra 2015

Amma arrived at the Kovai ashram in the morning, but the tour group didn’t arrive until the evening. At dusk Amma sat with the devotees and volunteers of the program along with the big tour group. Amma sang a few bhajans and started distributing prasad dinner – chapathi, idli and curry. She asked people to share a joke or story with spiritual significance.

Two or three people spoke about their life experiences. One teacher from Amrita Vidyalayam mentioned a mischievous boy in kindergarten. The boy had a bad habit of stealing significant objects in the class room. First the teacher tried to lovingly tell him that it was wrong. But the boy didn’t take her seriously. So she had to be strict with him. During Sri Krishna’s birthday celebrations the students narrated different stories about Krishna. This particular boy stood up and asked his teacher, “If it was alright for Krishna to steal, why shouldn’t I?” Another child supported him saying, “That was why Krishna was born in the prison.” The teacher was shocked to hear this. She prayed fervently to Amma and felt strongly that Amma answered her from within. She replied, “Actually, the gopis prayed to Krishna daily to visit their homes and steal their butter. Answering their prayers, Krishna came and stole their butter.” The teacher was amazed to read a detailed response from Amma (about this particular Leela of Sri Krishna) in the next issue of Matruvani. She thanked Amma for providing the answer to her.

Amma decided to elaborate on the philosophy behind this to the children so that their faith in Krishna was not lost.

Amma said, “Sri Krishna was not a thief. Just as the Sun doesn’t need the light from a candle flame, Sri Krishna never needed anything from anyone.

“Some of his childhood friends were poor. As Krishna and his friends went out to play, the friends complained that they were hungry. So Krishna visited the houses of different Gopis, took the butter and offered it to his friends. He didn’t do it for his own sake.

“Secondly, the family members of the Gopis were not fond of Krishna. They thought that Krishna was a mere cowherd boy. But the Gopis had deep devotion for Krishna. They longed to offer butter to Krishna, but were forbidden by their family members. Even while churning the butter, the Gopis prayed to Krishna to accept the butter as their token of love. They stored some butter in pots and left to sell other milk products such as buttermilk, butter and cheese.

“By stealing the butter, not only did Krishna answer their prayers, but also stole their hearts. That was why he was known as chitta chora, stealer of hearts. As the Gopis went out for business they thought constantly, ‘Will Krishna visit my house today? Won’t he grab his share of butter?’ Thus they were constantly thinking of Krishna.

“By engaging himself in the divine sport of stealing butter from different households, Lord Krishna hit three birds in one shot. Apart from satiating the hunger of his poor friends, Krishna responded to the prayers of the Gopis and helped them to think of him constantly.”

– Sakshi

Balagokulam bestows Janmashtami Puraskaram upon Amma

4September 2014 – Amritapuri Ashram

Balagokulam, an organization promoting Hindu cultural education since the 1970s, bestowed its 18th annual Krishna Janmashtami Award upon Amma today. The award was presented by Shripad Yesso Naik, the Honorable Central Minister for Culture and Tourism during a function held at Amritapuri Ashram.

Addressing the gathering, Sri. Naik said, “It is a great honor and privilege for me today to confer the Janmashtami Puraskar to Amma, who is above all awards and puraskaram [honours]. But, still, as an expression of gratitude to Amma, in all humbleness, it is a privilege for the people here that Amma has accepted to be bestowed with this puraskaram only for their satisfaction.” Sri. Naik said that the award was being bestowed upon Amma for her never-ending “promotion of the cultural, spiritual and indigenous heritage of our nation through enlightenment as well as seva [selfless service].”

He then presented Amma with the award.

In her acceptance address, Amma stressed the importance of spreading India’s spiritual culture to its children. “Truth and compassion towards all beings, the twin peaks of human existence, are the hallmarks of Bharata samskara [Indian spiritual culture]. This culture is our mother. If we can imbibe this culture and take pride in it, it will lead us to great heights. If we lose touch with it, our society will become like a kite whose string has snapped.”

Devotion is not blind faith but a blindness-removing faith
Amma also said that it is important that cultural festivals, such as those held during Sri Krishna’s birthday, are conducted in a manner that awakens spiritual understanding, values and devotion in the younger generation. “Devotion is not blind faith but a blindness-removing faith, dispelling the darkness of the mind,” Amma said. “Where there is love, there is light. It is our negativities that create darkness in our mind and veil God’s true nature, which in reality is residing within us. Only the pure light of love for God can remove this veil.”

The Gita is the essence of the Vedas
Amma then praised the Bhagavad-Gita as one of India’s most precious gems and said that if we really want to bring about a resurgence in spiritual culture that we should try to bring its teachings to the public. “The Gita is the essence of the Vedas,” Amma said. “It reveals the path by which people belonging to all sections of society and walks of life can raise themselves up. Just as the footprints of all animals can fit within the footprint of an elephant, so too the essence of all scriptures is contained within the Gita. The best way to help our spiritual culture grow is by bringing Sri Krishna’s message to the hearts of the people and kindling their devotion.”

“Does God exist?” is not the relevant question
Amma also pointed out that people should focus on the practical benefits of spirituality instead of engaging in pointless debates: “Does God exist?” is not the relevant question. The relevant question is: “Are human beings suffering?” The practical science for removing suffering is devotion. Devotion not only helps us to unburden our heart but also helps us become more aware of dharma. It also helps us to become more compassionate towards suffering people. Devotion for the Lord and compassion for the world are two sides of the same coin.”

Amma also had a few concrete suggestions, including requesting mothers to spend time in prayer with their children during sunset. “Amma would also ask the mothers in each house to spend at least 10 minutes to a half an hour sitting with their children chanting prayers and singing bhajans every night,” she said. “This will give the children the kind of relaxation and concentration they require. Remember, the mother is the first guru; no one can give a child what its mother can. Some may say that there is no time for such things. But when a mother’s child falls sick and has to be hospitalized, won’t she spend days—even months—at the child’s side? It is important that we bring back the culture of the evening prayer.”

At the end of her address Amma said that she was accepting the award on behalf of all her devotees. “A mother never expects any award for the things she does for her children,” Amma said. “For the happiness of my children, in the name of all of my children, Amma is accepting this award. May the efforts of Balagokulam help transform every heart into a gokulam in which little Krishna will joyfully reside forever.”

Sri Krishna Jayanthi at Amritapuri Ashram

15 Sep 2014, Amritapuri
The day started with an early morning Mahaganapathi human at the Kalari. It was followed by a GoPuja (cow worship) and procession. Cows of the ashram, adorned in colors were brought in a procession to the front of the Kali Temple. They were offered fruits by devotees and children dressed like little Krishnas. A brief puja was also performed to them.

In the afternoon, as per the yearly tradition, for Krishna’s Birthday day, Amma came to the front of the Kali Temple to watch the children and youngsters take part in Uriyadi, trying their luck to break swinging pots of water. The game is a reminiscent of little Krishna’s escapades stealing pots of butter. This was followed by joyful Krishna bhajans led by Amma.

Amma with little Krishnas

Later Amma joined the daily bhajans session taking place in the main hall from 6:30 to 8pm.
At 10:45pm, to conclude the special celebration day, the reading of the Srimad Bhagavatam started on the main stage, along with a special puja honoring the birth of Lord Krishna. The hall was filled with devotees and ashramites. The stage was adorned with beautiful Krishna statues, oil lamps, garlands, trays of flowers and a large painting of Amma as Krishna. Amma joined around 11:30pm and enjoyed listening to the Srimad Bhagavatam for some time.

Uriyadi

At the stroke of midnight, bells announced the advent of the divine moment: Lord Krishna’s birth! Amma led a special Krishna bhajan session. She asked people to clap their hands and dance forgetting all their worries. The hall swayed with Amma as she was singing.
After the bhajans, Amma’s message was shown on the screen {news}. Later, to end the special day Amma gave a prasad of sweets to all those present. It was around 2:30am when she went back to her room.

– Das