Sri Karunamayi 2007 US Tour Photos
Chicago Programs
Our beloved Amma is warmly welcomed in Chicago.
A local devotee introduces Amma.
Amma leads everyone in chanting the ever-popular bhajan
"Srinivasa Govinda Venkatesa Govinda."
"If you say Divine Mother's name, she will enter your heart
like a wildfire to burn the forest of karma." ~ Amma
Sacred harati flames are offered to Amma.
"The Vedic rishis worshipped supreme truth as the light within." ~ Amma
"In the midst of darkness, we still have light within us, and we can make it glow brilliantly by repeating sacred mantras and worshipping God." ~ Amma
A special harati is performed, in which lit camphor is placed on a
whole coconut, and the coconut is waved in a specific pattern. The
coconut
has a special power to remove negativity and for this
reason
is always included in traditional temple pujas.
Amma is welcomed to the Individual Blessing Program.
The IB program is such a wonderful blessing from Amma,
who takes the time to talk with each and every person who comes.
The significance of offering the umbrella to the Divine is that
we ourselves will be shaded from life's difficulties.
Amma initiates young students into the sacred Sri Saraswati Mantra, which grants a good intellect, a positive mind, and absolute purity.
In the ancient culture of Sanatana Dharma, mantras and homas were used to support students' complete growth and true education as human beings.
"Be like a tender infant baby in Divine Mother's arms." ~ Amma
Through repetition of Sri Saraswati Mantra, the tongue is purified,
leading to kind, pure, positive and noble speech.
Group photo of Amma with all the young children.
Amma enjoys some special time with a young baby.
"Give your love, give your light to this world." ~ Amma
"You are always in Divine Mother's lap." ~ Amma
"All beings are different forms projected from the one Atman.
The mind distinguishes between beings, but meditation dissolves
the
limited mind." ~ Amma
Amma is welcomed to the one-day meditation retreat.
Amma meditates for world peace and the happiness of all beings.
During the retreat, many slides are shown, illustrating various
aspects of Divine Mother's inner nature.
"If anyone chants the name Lalitambika, they will be granted
eternal auspiciousness." ~ Amma
"The deadliest poison is selfishness; we must be freed from this." ~ Amma
"Every heart must have the seed of dharma.
Be a role model for others;
with love and dharma, we can inspire this world." ~ Amma
"Your duty is to give up selfishness and inspire society. Progress is
not just new buildings; true progress means that society becomes
more noble, more dharmic." ~ Amma
"I want to see a nava chaitanya, a new consciousness,
in all of humanity." ~ Amma
In our beloved Amma's divine presence, the retreat participants
meditate
for world peace and happiness.
"We should give our love to society, like a constant flow." ~ Amma
The homa prasadam items have been placed on a beautifully
decorated altar. During the homa, the prasadam is charged from both
sides by the
homa vibrations as well as Amma's divine presence.
"The sacred homa has the power to give healing to the entire world." ~ Amma
Amma chants and leads bhajans during the ceremony; the merit of any sadhana is multiplied thousands of times when done near the homa fire.
During the chanting, everyone is instructed to do a special mudra
that channels cosmic energy into the crown chakra.
The beautiful homa flames leap up, giving auspicious darshan to all.
Some devotees perform a traditional dandiya dance, which expresses
the joy felt by the devotee in the presence of God.
Amma blesses everyone with the yajna raksha, a paste made
from the homa ash.
With water that has been energized by the homa vibrations,
Amma blesses a devotee.
Amma sprinkles everyone, showering a rain of grace on everyone's head.
Amma's face beams with a nectarean radiance as she blesses her children.
We are so fortunate to have the chance to attend these powerful
homas
in our own cities. Many thanks are due to Amma, Swamiji,
the crew,
the
organizers and volunteers, and the homa sponsors.
Let us all work together as one for the noble cause of dharma.
"Let everyone's heart tune with Mother,
and beat as one." ~ Amma
Om Shantih Shantih Shantihi
May All Be Peaceful
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu
May All Be Happy
