Comments on Judy's book

[Guest guest]

Dear Divine Siblings,

This is just my two cents given with a lot of hesitation and compassion

-

Dear brother Vishwanath - the sages of yore spoke little because the

spoken word has terrible limitations. Judy, coming from another culture

has done her best in gathering, researching and compiling information in

an area, which we all agree is EXTREMELY complex. We can only understand

as much as our capacity allows. If we want others to be unconditional in

their love and non-judgemental, should we not practice what we would

like others to do? I agree that there are some mistakes in the book, but

that is not reason enough to crucify the author.

Infact, I feel a deep sense of respect and admiration for all my

non-Indian brothers and sisters, who have gone out and out to learn of

the Hindy culture and religion. I was just commenting to some of my

American sisters - let's say hypothetically that I was drawn to a very

charismatic and self-realized Catholic saint from (let's say Germany!).

I would have to start from the bottom to learn the Bible, other

scritural texts, German songs, methods of worship and so many other

things. I am amazed especially at my American siblings and their

capacity for assimilating the norms of a culture totally foreign to

them. Ironically, just this morning, as I drove to work, I heard Swami

Paramatmanandaji say that one should abstain from speaking truth that

would be unpleasant or hurtful. He advises that we should remain silent

unless asked for an opinion. (I realize that I myself am going against

that advise as no one here has asked for my opinion and I have the

audacity to present it nevertheless!)

I have also bought the book and have read almost three-fouths of it. The

author has tried to make it a little different from the one written by

Swamiji. She has incorporated a lot of information (about Amma's

connection with the scientists) which we had not read before. I

especially likes all the photographs that were part of the book. We have

to understand and appreciate the fact that Judy and Swamiji are on very

different levels (and I don't mean that in a negative or cruel sense).

What Judy has written may prove to be very useful for those who are

totally unaware of Amma. Infact, I am speechles that she has written

(quite successfully) about something that is very difficult to express.

Even if each of us wrote a book on Amma, I suspect that we would have

barely scratched the surface! So, my dear brother, I hope you won't take

it amiss and forgive me if I have hurt your feelings in any way.

Coming to a sad piece of information: some of you may know Ganu, who was

one of the seven people burned last year - she fell down and broke her

arm. I only know this much, so if any one knows any more, please write

to me personally. I am writing this not as a piece of gossip, but with

the hope that you all will include her in your prayers. Ganu is a very

courageous and loving person. When I am with people like her, I feel as

though they are not humans, but gods masquerading as humans!

With love,

Jai Ma!

Chandrika