A Visit to See my Guru
by Darshania
June 1, 2013- As I approach the M.A. Center in San Ramon , I see a crowd of people forming two rows and an announcement comes, “here comes Amma!” We all head to the front of the temple to catch a glimpse of her magical being and wave and give our respect and love. As I stand on the stairs of the temple, I am filled with such joy and relaxation. It had been a hectic week to get here. During this time I spent countless hours being mindful to recite the mantra my guru had given me a few years before. Every time I would recite it , it would bring me to a calm, centered, serene state. Here I recall my first experience at the Devi Bhava and receiving my Mantra in the story below. We are at such a pivotal point in our lives and having the presence of an Ascended Master here with us to show us what it is like to truly live an awakened life is a gift. I hope this will inspire you to look up Amma and possibly get a hug one day in your lifetime.
After a day of errands and earthly matters, I went to the library to renew my card and then to my home to get ready to go to Amma’s Devi Bhava. Amma is my guru, she is known to many as the hugging saint. She has hugged over 30 million people worldwide, she has fed, housed and clothed millions and she is a living saint or master. Amma means mother. Amma says she hugs people so they can remember the Amma in themselves. It is still so beautiful to me how such a simple act can heal and inspire millions of people and create so much more giving.
I have been following Amma for over ten years. She inspired me at a young age to be more of service, to see everyone as divine, and to put into practice my knowledge ,for she says that "Real teachers are those who awaken the knowledge which already exists within us and who remind us that knowing something and yet, not doing anything about it, is the same as not knowing. She says that "Religion is something to be lived .” Amma states her religion is LOVE
I took the train to Lax station to meet my husband Joseph and we went to the Hilton where she was.
This was my first time going to Devi, I have been to puja before but the Devi has a peace prayer and is Amma’s last night. It was so crowded. Over 10,000 people were present during the day for the sacred ceremony and closing.
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Darshania is a writer, performer and educator who believes in engaging people to communicate and lift up their voices. Darshania has been writing since the age of 5 and has worked with youth since 1997. Darshania has penned songs for the 13moon National Peace Walk and The Occupy Movement. Darshania is a member of Agape International Spiritual Center, The SGI Buddhist Organization, a Devotee of Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma) and a member of The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewadeho Church.