Wednesday, January 6, 2010

My Birthday!!!

January 5, 2010

Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah...

OMG....I am so....excited today is my Birthday - my 33rd Birthday! It's Tuesday and it's my favourite day at the Ashram. It's meditation day and Q&A day and we get prasad lunch.

I set my asana down in the Kali Temple (as usual) before breakfast so that I could have a good spot. Had breakfast and went into the Temple to meditate. I was contemplating going for Darshan today even though it's not a regular Darshan day. Since it's my birthday I am allowed to go, but Mother was not feeling well. There were a lot of questions on the clipboard for Her to answer, but She came down and read through them all while the Bhakti Achan (devotion brother) spoke (as he usually does at Amma's request. In his talk, he relayed something that Amma said in Zurich in a Conference of Spiritual Dignitaries. These words really touched my heart. "We need to live for others, not ourselves."

I saw that Amma did not answer a single question. She was coughing and obviously not feeling that good. After watching this and seeing that She only sang one bhajan with some man in front of Her (whom it appeared She was mentoring in singing this bhajan) and then She served lunch, I decided that I would wait until tomorrow to go for Darshan as it would still be my birthday in Canada and I don't want to be selfish - I want to live my life for others, not myself.

After lunch, I went over the waters into Vallikavu to the bank machine to get money so that I could pay for my medium sized doll that I ordered (special) so that I can take Her on tour with me. When I got back to the Ashram, I quickly went up to the Doll Shop to get the doll, which is totally beautiful and went to the dining hall for my birthday party at 4:00pm.

There was a really great turn out of people. I was a little late for my own party (fashionably late) and there were a whole lot of people that were already there waiting for me. Brahmananda brought out the cookies (cashew cardamom butter cookies) and the fudge brownies with a candle on it! I was sung to in two languages - English and French (thanks to Luciole). It was also Prana's birthday so we called her over to celebrate with me. It was so much fun! I was blessed to feed Ram (the elephant) when I took some treats over to Gireesh Swami. Instead of Gireesh Swami eating the treats, Ram ate them.

After the party, I had so many brownies and cookies left over that I started walking around and met this really beautiful man named Rober Gerber from New York. I offered him a cookie and brownie and we landed up making a very sweet connection.

After taking the treats back to the room, I went and put down our asanas in the Kalari so that we would have a good place to sit for the Special Kali Puja.

Then I went to the beach to watch the last bit of the sunset. The Kali Puja was really amazing. Robert joined Jim and I for that and we were all blown away. The energy and vibration was so high!!!

We were concerned that we wouldn't have anything to eat since the food lines would be closed by the time we were out of the Kalari and we were all really hungry. The Western Cafe was still open and we just got in under the wire.

After eating, Robert and I were just sitting in the dining hall chatting while Jim was washing his dishes when Amma came down and went up on stage (behind closed doors) to record the 2010 bhajans as we are about to go on South India Tour. This too, was a blessing to have a glimpse of Her just before bed.

Tomorrow is regular Darshan day and I am anticipating my Birthday Darshan...sweet dreams of flower shower and apples.

January 2, 2010 - Varkalla Beach...

January 2, 2010

Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah...

Today Phillipe, Jason, Jim and I are leaving the Ashram for a couple of days to explore Varkalla Beach. I want to make sure that Jim gets to see more than just the Ashram while here in South India for the first time.

We left the Ashram at about 2:00pm (after lunch). Even the ride to Varkalla was an interesting experience. Since we rode the taxi from Kochin in the middle of the night/morning there was not a lot to be seen but this time it was the middle of the day and Jim could get a true sense of the chaos that exists on the streets of India. It is truly a skill to drive in India.

We got Varkalla by about 4:00 pm just in time to watch the sunset. We checked into a very quaint cottage and we all shared this cottage together. After checking in, we promptly went to the Cafe Del Mar to fill our stomaches as we were all very hungry by the time we arrived in Varkalla.

The two and a half days spent at the beach were fun for most. Jim got really sick as we were leaving the Ashram and then was fine again as we returned to the Ashram. He said to me "I think Amma didn't like the idea of me leaving the Ashram..."

I did a lot of small shopping for Jim and friends back home. I love bargaining on the Varkalla Cliff!


Tuesday, January 5, 2010

New Year's Eve with Amma (continued)

December 31, 2009.

Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah,

I wanted to close the loop and share with everyone the amazing New Year's Eve celebration here at the Amritapuri Ashram...

Jim, Jason and I went up for our Darshan as we began to get a little concerned that the line was going to end in time for the New Year's Eve performances to begin. As such, we went straight to the front of the line at about 8pm or so. We each had our Darshans and it was very sweet. I had a bag of cashews for Amma (of course) and She gave me a very sweet smile and started whispering blessings in my ear in Punjabi. I was in Her arms for a few repetitions of the blessings when She stopped and said to Gireesh Swami "huh?" to which Gireesh Swami responded "Punjabi, Punjabi" Amma scolded him slightly almost to say I know my son is Punjabi speaking and you have interrupted my words to him. It was very funny and I let out a chuckle when I heard Gireesh Swami say this to Amma. She obviously knows me and my mother tongue now. How Divine is that?!?!

Amma continued to give Darshan for many hours into the night. It must have been at least 9pm or so when the performances started. It was really, really loud so the three of us retreated to our room to rest for a bit and rejoin the festivities at around 11:00pm.

We called home and wished Mom and Dad a New Year as we were about 45 mins. away from it here in Kerala.

We went back out to the Main Hall and watched a few of the last performances. Following this, Amma lead us in about 5 minutes of chanting "Lokah Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu" (May All the Beings in All the Worlds be at Peace). Amma followed this with Her New Year's address which was really profound and wonderful! The main jist of what She was saying was that She wants all of us to be light, cheerful and playful like children.

After this address was translated, Amma lead us in a very rousing "Khol Darvaaza Sheranvali-ey" which is a new 2009 Punjabi bhajan with such beautiful meaning. She had all of us with our hand up in the air and waving them like the Hare Krishnas do when they are dancing for Krishna!

This entire program went on until 1:00am. We went straight to bed and did not wake up until 8:30am the next morning.

Thursday, December 31, 2009

New Year's Eve at the Ashram...

December 31, 2009

Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah...

It's New Year's Eve at the Ashram and what an energy there is today around here. Jim woke up early and went off to Yoga Class again. He didn't stay up to watch the end of Darshan last night though. I woke up and got myself ready for the day, had breakfast with Jim and went into Vallikavu with Luciole and Jim to get some paint so that I can paint my tifin - purple of course and to get my jewellery reconstructed by the jeweller.

Upon returning to the Ashram, we had lunch and went up to the Doll Shop to check things out. I wanted Jim to experience the lovely vibe and hard work that goes into each of the dolls that are created in this haven in the highest floor of the Kali Temple.

Jim is needing to rest today so that he can make it through the night and into the New Year. Mother is giving Darshan in the Main Hall and that began at about 11:00am or so. We have tokens for Darshan today and we will go late in the night to be closer to the New Year.

Jason (a faerie friend) arrives today (probably very shortly) and that is very exciting. I can't wait to see him and here some of his experiences of travelling around as well. He has been on quite the journey.

Phillipe arrived today at the Ashram as well. We didn't think that he was going to make it as he is back in school but apparently, he decided to come here on his vacation for 10 days. It's so great to see all of these people again.

Jim said to me over lunch that he wants me to show him how to wear "one of those things" and he wants to "put on one of those too" (referring to a dhoti and sandlewood respectively). I guess we will dress him up like a brahmachari for Darshan tonight! How exciting....

More to come after the festivities of the night. I am sure that there will be performances this evening for Amma while Darshan continues. I shall type more once I have more to type about!

Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah!

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

The Grace of Amma...

December 30, 2009

Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah...

Jim is really amazing to me. He got up this morning without an alarm clock (after waking up at midnight with the scratches and itches of mosquito bites everywhere) and went off to Mens' Yoga. I got up and got myself ready for the day. We met up in the dining room for breakfast. We then went with Luciole (my French sister) to her new flat. She told us her story of getting this flat. Mother's Grace made it happen for her within 5 days where normally people wait 2-4 years on a waiting list for a flat to be built for them. She is in the Ayurveda building on the beachside with a view of the road rather than the beach as the beach is too noisy for her.

It feels as though no time has passed at all. Even though it's been 8 months since I was here at Amritapuri, it feels like it was just yesterday. Luciole commented the same. I love that!

Finally, the internet is connected and working. This is why I am now on-line and updating this blog frantically before the New Year.

I am still undecided as to whether I will go on the South India Tour or not. I have to make a decision by Saturday (when registration begins). I haven't looked into the Pancha Karma regime at all. I would really love to go on the South India Tour as I have not seen anything of South India. Pancha Karma is ALWAYS available at the Ashram. Plus, it would mean that I wouldn't get much time with Amma if I stay at the Ashram and do Pancha Karma.

I think I will just sit with these emotions, mixed as they are, and Mother will give me the direction that I need in this matter. It would be great to be on Tour with all the old friends again too!

Jason arrives tomorrow and I'm excited about that. Hopefully we will go to Varkalla Beach Resort for a few days after my birthday before the South India Tour begins. That would be nice to do with Jim and Jason.

Amma is giving Darshan as I type this blog in my room. The energy here at the Ashram is calm and sweet. There are a lot of people here already and more expected to arrive in time to ring in the New Year with Amma.

More experiences and stories to come soon...stay tuned!

Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah

Settling in to being at the Ashram....

December 28, 2009

Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah Everyone...

Jim and I had a very smooth flight from LA to Dubai and then further from Dubai to Kochin. We arrived at Kochin at about 3:30am on December 28, 2009 and by the time we got through customs and got our bags, the Ashram Taxi Driver was waiting for us. The ride to the Ashram was mostly in the dark. It was only at about 6:15am that the sun started to rise and we could see what we were driving through.

We arrived at the Ashram at about 7:30am and promptly checked in at the International Office. This place is packed for the Holiday Season and as such, we were given accommodations in the boys dorm above the hospital. We stayed there the first night (Dec. 28, 2008) and then on December 29, 2009 I went to the International Office to see if there was any way for Jim and I to have a private room as we are a couple and we will be having a friend (who is a first timer as well) join us on December 31, 2009. Amma was obviously feeling generous as we were moved into a new building (the M building) on the ground floor. It's perfect!!!

On December 28, when we arrived at the Ashram and checked in, we moved our stuff to the boys dorm and went for breakfast. After breakfast, I went to Bhajan Class and then we went to the bank to change money so that we can pay for things! We then got the cell phone up and running and then had lunch. After lunch, we went to Karnuagapally to get the internet connection reinstated. On the way back from town, we stopped at the Amrita Self Help store and got Jim some clothes to wear while he is here.

By the time we both got back to the Ashram we were dead tired. We hadn't slept when we got here but we did sleep some on the flights. So...we took a nap and skipped the beach sunset meditation. We got up in time for Bhajans with Amma in the Main Hall. My God, the hall was so full...it's insane.

First day was pretty intense for Jim. He kept saying that he felt as though he was a deer caught in the headlights!

Tuesday, December 29, 2009 - Meditation Day and Q&A with Amma.

This is the first day that we are going to get to see Amma since we arrived! We got up and set our asanas down in the Kali Temple early so that we would have a good spot to see Amma. Then we went for breakfast. After breakfast, we went and meditated in the Temple. Amma came out for Q&A at about 11:30am. It was so nice to see Her. She served lunch to everyone immediately after the Q&A session.

After we ate, Jim went to watch a movie at the Eco Center while I got us an upgrade to a private room! After the video, Jim helped me move all our stuff from one room to the other. We are so much happier in the new room.

We took a nap and got ready for bhajans again with Amma. The first Bhajan She sang was "Krishna Vasudeva Hare". I was in heaven. This is the Bhajan that I want to offer to Mother in Seattle this coming year. It's an old Bhajan which She doesn't sing that often anymore, but it was a real blessing to hear it done live by Her.

After dinner we went to bed but got up in the middle of the night (midnight) itching and scratching everywhere...both Jim and I were eaten alive by mosquitos - welcome to India!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Christmas in LA!!!

December 20, 2009

Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah Everyone....


The blog starts again!

So Jim and I have arrived in Los Angeles today (December 20, 2009) at about 4pm. We are spending Christmas here and leaving December 26, 2009 on an Emirates flight to Kochin and then further to the Amritapuri Ashram.

This is Jim's FIRST time ever to India so I am very excited for him. Just found out Amma's going to be going on the South India Tour (Tamilnadu) on January 9, 2010 until January 25, 2010. Jim leaves the Ashram headed home on January 11, 2010 while I will be staying until February 4, 2010. This means that there is a good chance that I will be able to do the South India Tour with Amma - Yay!!!

I tell you...getting packed for both LA and India was a bit of a challenge this time around. I don't know whether it's because of the added stress of Christmas or just travelling with Jim?!?! Either way, we are now here in LA and have had our first meal at Baja Fresh (which I was craving) and now I am content.

I have recently taken up my knitting needles again and have been knitting up a storm. So...I am in the process of knitting myself a kimono style sweater which I worked on alot on the flight down fromVancouver. The Flight Attendants kept coming around asking me what I was making...I kept wanting to tell them to stop interrupting me as I was watching an episode of "House" with Jim on the computer.

It was nice that they took just great interest in my knitting and the Flight Attendant said to me as I disembarked, that she wants to see the sweater completed on my next flight. It's almost done anyhow!!!

I recently took a course in knitting with beads to make these really great chunky beaded necklaces. This is what I did for my four cousin sisters down in LA for Christmas gifts. I sure hope that they will like them. I also made one for my Mother. She seemed to like it. I am wondering if there is a way to make small enough ones for the Amma dolls and if that's even something that the Amma Doll Shop would like to have on-hand for sale?!?!

I feel as though my creative juices have started to flow and I am really excited about that. I hope to be able to harness some of that energy and produce some things for the Amma shop to sell and raise some money for the different charities. Seva is a great thing!

Will write more soon with details of the experiences and journey as it unfolds...

Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah!