Jai Karunamayi!
Like all of Amma’s children all over the world, the Atlanta children were waiting very eagerly to be in the presence of Amma, as news came that Amma was driving down from Nashville, Tennessee. Amma arrived and the celebration began.
Amma communicated many messages for us to absorb and follow.
Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha
Amma told us that chanting the mantra “Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha” 27 times every morning will help us accomplish our tasks with ease and fulfill our noble desires. Amma explained how Sri Ganesha’s big ears should remind us to listen more and talk less: “Do not speak unnecessary words, children. Words have so much power. Watch what you are speaking. Speak pure and positive words only. In this Kali yuga, just chanting the divine name sincerely is enough to purify you of your karma load and give you spiritual elevation.”
Amma’s Favorite Mantra
“There are lots and lots of mantras that you can chant, but my favorite mantra is, ‘Everybody belongs to me; all beings – birds, animals, plants, all the people – belong to me. I belong to everybody. I belong to the whole world.’ Children, please chant this mantra all the time, if you can,” Amma said. She talked about how spirituality is nothing but expansion of the mind and all-inclusiveness in giving our love, care and compassion and abiding in truth and righteousness. “Pray not just for yourself, children. Pray for others also. You can give at least 1% of your prayers for others,” Amma added.
Be a Peacemaker
Amma spoke about how our issues and problems will get minimized if we adopt an attitude of being a peacemaker at all times. “Children, let your goal be to work towards harmony. Be a peacemaker at all times.”
Egoism and Super-Egoism
But what comes in our way is what Amma called “egoism and super-egoism.” Amma said, “You all know what egoism is. Super-egoism is the attitude, ‘I know better. I know what is right. I am better. I am more perfect than others. I am always right. I am very important,’ etc., which can lead to being judgmental and discriminative in treating others. Spirituality should lead one to attain inner beauty, inner purity and inner silence. Children, work towards getting rid of your six inner enemies – lust, anger, greed, attachment/delusion, pride and jealousy. That will help you to rid yourself of your present karma and not add more to the karma load.”
Karma is the Cause for Our Problems
“All the problems and difficulties in life are due to the karma load that one is carrying. Children, meditation will burn away this karma load. Meditate for everyone's peace. The powerful vibrations of the bijaksharas in Lalita Sahasranama, Samputita Sri Suktam and Khadgamala Stotram can completely wipe out the karma load and bring peace to yourself and others. Laziness is your first enemy, children. After billions of births, you have attained the noble birth of a human being. Try to wake up early in the morning and meditate first. Then chant the mantras and prayers.”
Amma also gave some advice for a healthy life, saying, “Please try to use the microwave less and less, since the rise of cancer incidents is due to that as well.”
Mother’s Day – a Butterfly Refuses to Part with Amma
Mother’s Day was extra special here in Atlanta, due to the presence of our Universal Mother. It was celebrated in a very grand manner, and a powerful homa was performed by Swamiji.
On this day, Amma was honored with the presentation of the ‘Phoenix Award,’ the highest award for humanitarian service, by the Mayor of Atlanta, Shirley Franklin.
Also, the Hindu Temple of Atlanta issued a proclamation commending Amma’s sacrifice, service and dedication to uplifting distressed humanity and working for the spiritual elevation of all.
Amma released doves and butterflies as a gesture of world peace. One particular monarch butterfly headed straight for Amma’s forehead and rested there for the next several hours until Amma retired to her room. What was even more amazing was that the same butterfly reappeared on the same spot on Amma’s forehead at the airport three days later, all of a sudden from nowhere - what a lucky butterfly!
Devotees also witnessed the divine manifestation of kumkum and turmeric covering Amma’s holy feet in a devotee’s home and while she was riding in another devotee’s car.
Needless to say, Amma’s Atlanta children are eagerly awaiting Amma’s return next year!
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu
May all beings be happy
Om Shantih Shantih Shantihi
May there be peace in every heart
