Friday 13 October, 2006

Thinking in Colour

Brahmacharis and brahmacharinis were sitting around the video screen, watching Amma's program in London. She is giving a satsang and Swamiji is translating it. I look around. Some of my brothers are dozing off. It's past midnight. Most had been up since 4:30 that morning. You cannot blame them for feeling sleepy.

Amma started giving instructions for the Devi Puja. "You may be feeling bored now. But when we sit for meditation or puja, we should have the same enthusiasm that we have for an ice cream or chocolate. Try and participate in the puja with at least that much interest." Amma giggles, spreading extra energy around. The brahmacharis wake up and join in the archana led by Amma. Thanks to technology, we are able to respond to the chanting of "Om parashaktyai namah" in London.

I told Shivan, who plays the tabla, that Amma would ask us what colour sari she should wear for Devi Bhava. "I think it should be yellow. Yes, yes, yellow," said Shivan.

After the puja, Amma left the stage. We then heard her voice through the webcam. "Makkale, enthundu vishesham?" ["Children, what news there?"]
All of us joyfully shouted, "Amma! Amma!"

After a while, she asked what colour sari she should wear for Devi Bhava. "Yellow" said the boys in one voice.

"Blue, green, violet, red, purple.." The girls called out variously.

The doors closed for Devi Bhava. We waited patiently, gazing at the webcam. "What colour sari will Amma wear?" we asked each other.

"Who knows?"

We continued waiting patiently.
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The doors open. We see the umbrella first. It's yellow in colour!

We then see Amma. O, she is wearing a yellow sari! Yes, she is! Many cheered seeing the yellow sari. Others prayed at the sight of her adorable form.

Amma says that she doesn't have any desire. She has offered herself to the world. Whatever she does is for our sake only -- to satisfy our desires, to fulfill our prayers, and to guide us to the Truth.

13 Oct 2006