Blessings

For many years Amma Karunamayi has been coming to the New Jersey area which is very close to our home. It's hardly two miles away and never inquired to find out who she was or get blessings. I had a chance to see her for twelve days while volunteering for the Ati Rudram in Forsyth, Georgia. Even then I was not drawn to her as I already had a guru; "Shri Sathya Sai Baba". After a two week gap, again, she came near our home and this time it was hardly even 10 miles away. I finished my morning chores and something inside me was pulling to go and see her. 

I have no idea what I was going to go there for but the universe had wanted me there. When I arrived, I saw some familiar faces and they too recognized mine. We were members of the most important part of the function: the cooking club. Food! The first person approached me and said, "you are glowing and have a radiance on your face. Can I have a hug?" Afterwards, we took a pose of Nataraja followed by several more and again I thought to myself, I do not know why I was supposed to come here today. But I now know it was to hug and embrace all of you once more. As I was already there I wanted to see what this function was going to be about. Beautiful dia's were decorated with tasteful colors of fabric and flowers. Trays full of energized lingams adorned the hall. Ganesha statues in a rich blue color, much like the lapis lazuli stood out and Meeru was jade in color as well as a plethora of rudraksha mala's. 

Amma was greeted by her devotees at the entrance, escorted to the hall, and was well-received. Those who were present were given a number and a piece of paper to write down whatever they wanted to ask Amma. It could be personal, materialistic, worldly, or spiritual. I was accompanied by a volunteer who was working in the book store and said for me to write something and take the blessings because he was going to do the same. I had no clue what I would ask no matter where I go whether it's a temple or I am to meet a spiritual master. 

Now coming back to Amma, after a brief introduction she performed abhishekam for all of the lingams and murthi's. She was then getting ready for the Saraswati Dikisha for children ages 4 to 24. Amma would write on their tongue with a tulasi stick and bless each child individually that they study well and become an asset to society. They then called all those present who wanted one-on-one blessings from Amma. After several hours, I was finally called. These are the words which came out in one single thought, uninterrupted, and with no alteration. 

1) Blessings for the universe & peaceful living amongst all of us 

2) For all the children around the world who should be disease and ailment free

3) Well-being for all family and friends

4) Your grace for a spiritual life of which I can spread to everyone with love 

5) Whatever you choose to give me will be my prasadam

I stood in front of her and she had her right hand on top of my head with blessings. I had no thought except for Sai Ram on my tongue, chanting continuously and after a minute or two she said good luck in your sadhana. There were quite a bit of people who had material wants, marital issues, job conflicts, automobile requests, business requests, etc. These are all quite alright to ask your mother. Only when these matters are addressed can you move spiritually. Many were emotional and tears would well up in their eyes both in joy and sadness. 

A sumptuous lunch was provided with dessert to complete and fulfill the appetite. Finally, I bid farewell to all my fellow peers. Till we meet again. I was asked to come and be a part of the cooking club once again on May 25, 2014 for a one day Yagñam celebration at the Shree Dwarkadhish Temple in Parlin, NJ. 

We are put in various places for reasons we may never come to know but it is all part of a master plan. 

With love. Love All. Serve All.