January 10, 2010
Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah...
First day of programs in Coimbatore...what a busy place. Watching Mother give Darshan here on Indian Tours really reminds me how good we have it in the US when Amma comes and offers Darshan there. People are being given all of a second or two at the most in Her arms and their prasad is being passed down the exit line to be handed to them (hopefully) at the middle or end of that exit line. What chaos!
I am having a great time despite the chaos. I am being reminded ALL the time of the gifts that Amma bestows on Her Western children. She keeps us very close to Her here in India and when She is in the West, She keeps Her Indian children close. Just being in Her presence here in India is Darshan enough. I don't know why there is a sense of entitlement when we get into the West. I do not have that experience while touring with Her here. Maybe this is a direct indication that I am growing and realizing that Amma is within me and therefore I am less "needy" for Her attention and to be in Her physical embrace as She is in my heart?!?!
I have been working on a special project with Bhavani Chechi and Sarala. Today has been a productive day in that regard! It's quite a huge project and one that has a lot of potential as well.
I got myself a mosquito net to take on the rest of tour with me since I was eaten alive last night by the mosquitos and as a result did not sleep well at all. I am really appreciative of David (my roommate at the Ashram from when I was here in February 2009). He accompanied me into the City to get the net and rope. We even had dinner at the Pearl Vegetarian Restaurant in Coimbatore. It was very good food and we got back in time for Bhajans.
After Bhajans, I had my first seva shift of serving the Western food. I like this seva but the Supervisor of this area is very disorganized so people were waiting to be served as we were not properly set up in time. She even got scolded by Jani.
I am now really ready for bed. Mother is giving Darshan right outside my room. The Bhajans are going on and I am very sleepy.
Will type more soon - I am sure.
Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah...
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Saturday, January 9, 2010
South India Tour Begins in Coimbatore...
January 9, 2010
Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah...
Today is when I say goodbye to Jim for about a month. We all left the Ashram this morning at about 8:30am to begin the South India Tour. Jim leaves the Ashram on Monday so I won't see him now until we join up in Portland, OR on February 10, 2010 to go to the Breitenbush Faerie Winter Gathering. It was kind of weird to say goodbye to him and have him walk me over the bridge to the village of Vallikavu to catch the bus this morning. A certain sadness came upon me. I knew full well that touring is NOT Jim's thing at all, but I LOVE it!
We were scheduled to leave at 8am and actually departed at 8:30am. This is remarkable for India. We stopped in Kochin for lunch and took a tour of the AIMS Hospital. It's really beautiful and there is much history in that place. Apparently, that whole area was swamp land that Amma bought to build this hospital. She built this hospital in response to all the concerns and complaints that She would hear from people when they came to Her for Darshan. People telling Her how there was nowhere for them to go to get medical attention that they so desperately needed. She bought a hill of mud a little ways from the swamp land (where AIMS now rests) and had that mud brought over to create the land and foundation of this small city we now call the AIMS Hospital. It is truly a little city. It's about 3 times the size (possibly more) of the Ashram in Amritapuri. There is the Hospital itself which, if seen from an arial view is shaped like a lotus flower. Six petals - six buildings, each having its own specialty medicine practise. Then there is a medical college, dental college, residential buildings for both the students and the bystandards. In India, there is a rule that all in-patients must have a bystandard with tthem in their room around the clock. The 20 minute (very fast) tour of AIMS was very enjoyable and informative.
We got back in the bus and made our way to Coimbatore. The only stop that we made was at the Amma University for chai. Then we made our way further to the Program site - the Brahmastanam Temple.
On the last leg of the trip (from the University to the Program site, we chanted the 108 Names of Amma, the Stotram (abbreviated version of the 1,000 Names of Devi), the Mahishasuramardini and then some bhajans. It was really fun!
We have not seen Amma at all today. I guess we will all see Amma tomorrow at the same time as everyone else.
Anticipation is rising as is the excitement of being on tour...the mosquitos are out in full force too. I really wish I had a mosquito net.
Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah...
Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah...
Today is when I say goodbye to Jim for about a month. We all left the Ashram this morning at about 8:30am to begin the South India Tour. Jim leaves the Ashram on Monday so I won't see him now until we join up in Portland, OR on February 10, 2010 to go to the Breitenbush Faerie Winter Gathering. It was kind of weird to say goodbye to him and have him walk me over the bridge to the village of Vallikavu to catch the bus this morning. A certain sadness came upon me. I knew full well that touring is NOT Jim's thing at all, but I LOVE it!
We were scheduled to leave at 8am and actually departed at 8:30am. This is remarkable for India. We stopped in Kochin for lunch and took a tour of the AIMS Hospital. It's really beautiful and there is much history in that place. Apparently, that whole area was swamp land that Amma bought to build this hospital. She built this hospital in response to all the concerns and complaints that She would hear from people when they came to Her for Darshan. People telling Her how there was nowhere for them to go to get medical attention that they so desperately needed. She bought a hill of mud a little ways from the swamp land (where AIMS now rests) and had that mud brought over to create the land and foundation of this small city we now call the AIMS Hospital. It is truly a little city. It's about 3 times the size (possibly more) of the Ashram in Amritapuri. There is the Hospital itself which, if seen from an arial view is shaped like a lotus flower. Six petals - six buildings, each having its own specialty medicine practise. Then there is a medical college, dental college, residential buildings for both the students and the bystandards. In India, there is a rule that all in-patients must have a bystandard with tthem in their room around the clock. The 20 minute (very fast) tour of AIMS was very enjoyable and informative.
We got back in the bus and made our way to Coimbatore. The only stop that we made was at the Amma University for chai. Then we made our way further to the Program site - the Brahmastanam Temple.
On the last leg of the trip (from the University to the Program site, we chanted the 108 Names of Amma, the Stotram (abbreviated version of the 1,000 Names of Devi), the Mahishasuramardini and then some bhajans. It was really fun!
We have not seen Amma at all today. I guess we will all see Amma tomorrow at the same time as everyone else.
Anticipation is rising as is the excitement of being on tour...the mosquitos are out in full force too. I really wish I had a mosquito net.
Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah...
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Birthday Darshan is so.....sweet!!!
January 6, 2010
Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah...
I have had a really nice day. It started out with sitting in the dining hall with the leftover cookies and brownies and offering them to those who did not come yesterday to the party due to various things like seva commitments etc.
Then, I ate my breakfast (idly and sambar) - Yummy!!! Then, I hung out for a bit in the dining hall with Luciole and made my way up to the stage for Amma's arrival at about 10:30am. It was so sweet to watch Her arrive on stage and start the Darshans today.
I got my Darshan token and so did Jim so we will be going up together this time as a couple. I had a very relaxing day all in all. I went to the Tour Orientation after lunch and got my tour staff bracelet so I feel all official and all....AND...(as Jim would say with lots of gusto), the bracelet is purple so it goes with my look and wardrobe.
After Orientation, I went back to the room and created a little necklace and bracelets for my *new* Amma Doll that is going to be blessed this evening when I go up for Darshan. She looks so...cute!
Jim and I got in the line for Darshan and my Darshan was really, REALLY sweet. I went up with the two tiffins - one with candied coconut pieces and one with roasted cashews. I said to Amma that yesterday was my birthday and She smiled and ate two pieces of the candied coconut and fed me a piece of it too. Then I placed a pearl necklace around Her neck and reached behind me for my Amma Doll as Jim was holding it for me. I held it up to Amma in my cradled arm and with such care and attention, Amma placed sandalwood paste on the forehead of the Doll and charged it with Her shakti. She handed me some prasad (vibuthi and rock candy). She then took me to Her bossom while I held the Doll in my other hand and stared at it with tears in my eyes. She started saying the blessings in my ear in Punjabi and then all of a sudden, stopped and put me on Her other bossom and pulled Jim in. She must have caught Jim from the corner of Her eye. We did not expect that in India She would give us Darshan together, but there She was doing just that! Jim came forward and placed a garland over Her head and She took him into Her bossom and blessed us together. It was so...very sweet. As I started to move away, She reached out and handed me a second prasad (vibuthi package and rock candy).
Now, Amma didn't shower me with flowers or hand me an apple, but that's probably because She knows that I am not a fan of apples. I kinda miss the flower shower but nonetheless, I am so blessed and lucky to have had the Divine Mother Herself feed me with Her own hands on my birthday. Now how many people can say that?!?!
Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah...
I have had a really nice day. It started out with sitting in the dining hall with the leftover cookies and brownies and offering them to those who did not come yesterday to the party due to various things like seva commitments etc.
Then, I ate my breakfast (idly and sambar) - Yummy!!! Then, I hung out for a bit in the dining hall with Luciole and made my way up to the stage for Amma's arrival at about 10:30am. It was so sweet to watch Her arrive on stage and start the Darshans today.
I got my Darshan token and so did Jim so we will be going up together this time as a couple. I had a very relaxing day all in all. I went to the Tour Orientation after lunch and got my tour staff bracelet so I feel all official and all....AND...(as Jim would say with lots of gusto), the bracelet is purple so it goes with my look and wardrobe.
After Orientation, I went back to the room and created a little necklace and bracelets for my *new* Amma Doll that is going to be blessed this evening when I go up for Darshan. She looks so...cute!
Jim and I got in the line for Darshan and my Darshan was really, REALLY sweet. I went up with the two tiffins - one with candied coconut pieces and one with roasted cashews. I said to Amma that yesterday was my birthday and She smiled and ate two pieces of the candied coconut and fed me a piece of it too. Then I placed a pearl necklace around Her neck and reached behind me for my Amma Doll as Jim was holding it for me. I held it up to Amma in my cradled arm and with such care and attention, Amma placed sandalwood paste on the forehead of the Doll and charged it with Her shakti. She handed me some prasad (vibuthi and rock candy). She then took me to Her bossom while I held the Doll in my other hand and stared at it with tears in my eyes. She started saying the blessings in my ear in Punjabi and then all of a sudden, stopped and put me on Her other bossom and pulled Jim in. She must have caught Jim from the corner of Her eye. We did not expect that in India She would give us Darshan together, but there She was doing just that! Jim came forward and placed a garland over Her head and She took him into Her bossom and blessed us together. It was so...very sweet. As I started to move away, She reached out and handed me a second prasad (vibuthi package and rock candy).
Now, Amma didn't shower me with flowers or hand me an apple, but that's probably because She knows that I am not a fan of apples. I kinda miss the flower shower but nonetheless, I am so blessed and lucky to have had the Divine Mother Herself feed me with Her own hands on my birthday. Now how many people can say that?!?!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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