Guest guest Posted June 3, 2005 Report Share Posted June 3, 2005 I have only recently become acquainted with Amma and I would love to receive Darshan. I am thinking of driving to the Washington DC program. I wont be able to stay over so I will need to go to one of the 7:30 programs and then drive home 2 1/2 hours. I have a few questions. If it was your 1st time which would you go to? Pada Puja or Devi Puja? Also, how early before the program should I get there? Also, if anyone can give me advice on where to start as far as the path of devotee to Amma. I have been called to her. She called me and told me her name and I spent 2 months searching the internet trying to find out who Amma was. Of course I was spelling is Ama so it took a while. As soon as I figured out to add another "m", I came upon Amma.org and was blown away. I was immediately drawn to her. Just looking at pictures of her on the website made me feel a deep love. I have never had that reaction before. So I started reading. I just read "The Path of the Mother" and I am currently reading "The Living Goddess" and I have Amma's Biography which I will read next. I bought the little bag of cards from Amma.org and I have been pulling a card each day and practicing what is on the card. I enjoy that. I already had an altar set up to Kali Ma and I added Amma's picture to it. (I have been worshipping the Mother in all her aspects for years regardless of culture. Kali Ma is one of the primary aspects that I worship along with Kuan Yin, Diana, Hecate, Lakshmi, and Vesta) I meditate at the Kali altar daily as she has always been my favorite. I about fell out of my chair when I read that Amma is the modern incarnation of Kali Ma. At any rate, I now would like to devote my spiritual practice to Amma's path and need guidance on where to begin. Advice? Blessings Kristie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 4, 2005 Report Share Posted June 4, 2005 Hi Kristie, As an advanced devotee who likes to advice beginner devotees :-), I would just like to say that I hope you have a good time, and that Amma will exceed your expectations -- perhaps even that your expectations will go away in your contentment. A brief pada puja is generally done whenever Amma enters the hall for a program. It takes only a minute or two. A more elaborate one is done on special occasions. In any case, if you arrive early on a Devi Bhava day, you can witness the (brief) pada puja AND participate in the Devi Puja. Regards, Nandu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 4, 2005 Report Share Posted June 4, 2005 Nadu wrote: As an advanced devotee who likes to advice beginner devotees :-), Saturday morning smiles. thanks! Kirstie wrote: At any rate, I now would like to devote my spiritual practice to Amma's path and need guidance on where to begin. Advice? When you get to the program, ask Amma directly if you can, or ask one of the swamis/swaminis(dressed in orange/saffron), or the brahmachari(ni)s (dressed in yelllow-ish robes). Before you get there, just relax and "glide" in. I am sure you will do just fine. . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 4, 2005 Report Share Posted June 4, 2005 Are you only able to go to one program because of financial obstacles (expensive hotel rooms, etc.)? If so, it might be possible to find someone who could put you up, through this list or in some other way. If you have to choose, I would say, based on what you wrote below, that you should go to Devi Bhava. You'll get to see Amma in "Goddess" mode, and you'll be able to get a mantra from her personally. If you choose Devi Bhava, you should plan on staying all night. There's a "grand finale" at the end that you don't want to miss. It won't end 'till the sun is up, and then you can drive home, maybe after a little coffee. on 6/3/05 3:39 PM, Kristie Gerson at kristie wrote: > I have only recently become acquainted with Amma and I would love to receive > Darshan. I am thinking of driving to the Washington DC program. I wont be > able to stay over so I will need to go to one of the 7:30 programs and then > drive home 2 1/2 hours. I have a few questions. If it was your 1st time > which would you go to? Pada Puja or Devi Puja? Also, how early before the > program should I get there? > > Also, if anyone can give me advice on where to start as far as the path of > devotee to Amma. I have been called to her. She called me and told me her > name and I spent 2 months searching the internet trying to find out who Amma > was. Of course I was spelling is Ama so it took a while. As soon as I > figured out to add another "m", I came upon Amma.org and was blown away. I > was immediately drawn to her. Just looking at pictures of her on the > website made me feel a deep love. I have never had that reaction before. > So I started reading. I just read "The Path of the Mother" and I am > currently reading "The Living Goddess" and I have Amma's Biography which I > will read next. I bought the little bag of cards from Amma.org and I have > been pulling a card each day and practicing what is on the card. I enjoy > that. I already had an altar set up to Kali Ma and I added Amma's picture > to it. (I have been worshipping the Mother in all her aspects for years > regardless of culture. Kali Ma is one of the primary aspects that I worship > along with Kuan Yin, Diana, Hecate, Lakshmi, and Vesta) I meditate at the > Kali altar daily as she has always been my favorite. I about fell out of my > chair when I read that Amma is the modern incarnation of Kali Ma. At any > rate, I now would like to devote my spiritual practice to Amma's path and > need guidance on where to begin. Advice? > > Blessings > Kristie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 4, 2005 Report Share Posted June 4, 2005 No not money, I have to little boys ages 5 & 3 and I need to get back to them. I have considered going to the 10am program and bringing them, but they are very active and I am a bit nervous about how it would go. Oooh, getting a mantra from her sounds awesome though!!! Maybe I will have to work on this some more. Kristie Ammachi [Ammachi]On Behalf Of Rick Archer Saturday, June 04, 2005 12:43 PM Ammachi Re: Amma Tour & Beginner Devotee Are you only able to go to one program because of financial obstacles (expensive hotel rooms, etc.)? If so, it might be possible to find someone who could put you up, through this list or in some other way. If you have to choose, I would say, based on what you wrote below, that you should go to Devi Bhava. You'll get to see Amma in "Goddess" mode, and you'll be able to get a mantra from her personally. If you choose Devi Bhava, you should plan on staying all night. There's a "grand finale" at the end that you don't want to miss. It won't end 'till the sun is up, and then you can drive home, maybe after a little coffee. on 6/3/05 3:39 PM, Kristie Gerson at kristie wrote: > I have only recently become acquainted with Amma and I would love to receive > Darshan. I am thinking of driving to the Washington DC program. I wont be > able to stay over so I will need to go to one of the 7:30 programs and then > drive home 2 1/2 hours. I have a few questions. If it was your 1st time > which would you go to? Pada Puja or Devi Puja? Also, how early before the > program should I get there? > > Also, if anyone can give me advice on where to start as far as the path of > devotee to Amma. I have been called to her. She called me and told me her > name and I spent 2 months searching the internet trying to find out who Amma > was. Of course I was spelling is Ama so it took a while. As soon as I > figured out to add another "m", I came upon Amma.org and was blown away. I > was immediately drawn to her. Just looking at pictures of her on the > website made me feel a deep love. I have never had that reaction before. > So I started reading. I just read "The Path of the Mother" and I am > currently reading "The Living Goddess" and I have Amma's Biography which I > will read next. I bought the little bag of cards from Amma.org and I have > been pulling a card each day and practicing what is on the card. I enjoy > that. I already had an altar set up to Kali Ma and I added Amma's picture > to it. (I have been worshipping the Mother in all her aspects for years > regardless of culture. Kali Ma is one of the primary aspects that I worship > along with Kuan Yin, Diana, Hecate, Lakshmi, and Vesta) I meditate at the > Kali altar daily as she has always been my favorite. I about fell out of my > chair when I read that Amma is the modern incarnation of Kali Ma. At any > rate, I now would like to devote my spiritual practice to Amma's path and > need guidance on where to begin. Advice? > > Blessings > Kristie Aum Amriteswarayai Namaha! Links Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 4, 2005 Report Share Posted June 4, 2005 Namah Shivaya, The advice others have given to you is very good. I second the motion to attend Devi Bhava, where you can ask Amma to initiate you with a mantra. You may want to purchase a string of mala beads for Amma to bless. I also strongly encourage you to stay until the end of Devi Bhava & to stay awake all night, if at all possible. Don't worry about having enough energy for the drive home. Just try to focus on Amma throughout the evening, & mentally pray to Amma for enough shakti to get you home safely. A good number of devotees have had amazing experiences with Amma, regarding energy for the drive home. When you receive darshan, it's written that if you can keep your mind thought-free for even 1 second, then you'll receive the darshan that Amma is giving to you. Also, it may be helpful if you can keep from having any expectations about your darshan. It's my opinion that it's important to have the little purple archana book, which sells for $5 or $6. In it, you'll see the 108 names of Amma, which are wonderful to chant every day that you can do so. In addition, it contains the powerful 1,000 names of the Divine Mother. There are CDs, audio tapes & videos that teach the Ma-Om technique & chant many Sanskrit prayers & mantras. When you are able to learn the IAM meditation technique, either at a retreat or when it's taught separately, some people say it's alot like receiving Amma's darshan. Congratulations on finding Kali - Amma!!! Sweta Rick Archer <rick wrote: "... based on what you wrote below, that you should go to Devi Bhava." Discover Stay in touch with email, IM, photo sharing & more. Check it out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 4, 2005 Report Share Posted June 4, 2005 Thank you Sweta for all the advice. It is very helpful to me! Kristie Ammachi [Ammachi]On Behalf Of Saturday, June 04, 2005 7:54 PM Ammachi Re: Amma Tour & Beginner Devotee Namah Shivaya, The advice others have given to you is very good. I second the motion to attend Devi Bhava, where you can ask Amma to initiate you with a mantra. You may want to purchase a string of mala beads for Amma to bless. I also strongly encourage you to stay until the end of Devi Bhava & to stay awake all night, if at all possible. Don't worry about having enough energy for the drive home. Just try to focus on Amma throughout the evening, & mentally pray to Amma for enough shakti to get you home safely. A good number of devotees have had amazing experiences with Amma, regarding energy for the drive home. When you receive darshan, it's written that if you can keep your mind thought-free for even 1 second, then you'll receive the darshan that Amma is giving to you. Also, it may be helpful if you can keep from having any expectations about your darshan. It's my opinion that it's important to have the little purple archana book, which sells for $5 or $6. In it, you'll see the 108 names of Amma, which are wonderful to chant every day that you can do so. In addition, it contains the powerful 1,000 names of the Divine Mother. There are CDs, audio tapes & videos that teach the Ma-Om technique & chant many Sanskrit prayers & mantras. When you are able to learn the IAM meditation technique, either at a retreat or when it's taught separately, some people say it's alot like receiving Amma's darshan. Congratulations on finding Kali - Amma!!! Sweta Rick Archer <rick wrote: "... based on what you wrote below, that you should go to Devi Bhava." Discover Stay in touch with email, IM, photo sharing & more. Check it out! Aum Amriteswarayai Namaha! Links Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 4, 2005 Report Share Posted June 4, 2005 on 6/4/05 6:05 PM, Kristie Gerson at kristie wrote: > No not money, I have to little boys ages 5 & 3 and I need to get back to > them. I have considered going to the 10am program and bringing them, but > they are very active and I am a bit nervous about how it would go. > > Oooh, getting a mantra from her sounds awesome though!!! Maybe I will have > to work on this some more. Could the kids come? Some kids go the whole night and just sleep on a sleeping bag in the hall. Or you could get a room in the hotel there. Another thought I had is that since the event is near Regan airport, you could park on the outskirts of town and take the Metro in. That way you wouldn't have to drive through morning city traffic if you stay up all night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 5, 2005 Report Share Posted June 5, 2005 The boys would love to "camp out" in a sleeping bag in the hall. My 5 year old is hard to keep track of though. He has no stranger fear and enjoys walking around engaging perfect strangers in conversation regardless of how far away from me he is. It is a beautiful trait, but I would be afraid I would lose him. I am trying to talk my husband into making it a family event. He is not interested, so I have started trying to turn it into a family weekend visiting D.C. Maybe take the kids to the Smithsonian and the D.C. sites on Friday & Saturday. The problem is he doesnt understand my devotion to Amma. He thinks it is strange. Of course he knows nothing about her. I am going to continue to work on the "family vacation" angle. Maybe I can convince hem. Thank you everyone for being so wonderful in helping me. I feel such warmth from this group! Kristie Ammachi [Ammachi]On Behalf Of Rick Archer Saturday, June 04, 2005 11:28 PM Ammachi Re: Amma Tour & Beginner Devotee on 6/4/05 6:05 PM, Kristie Gerson at kristie wrote: > No not money, I have to little boys ages 5 & 3 and I need to get back to > them. I have considered going to the 10am program and bringing them, but > they are very active and I am a bit nervous about how it would go. > > Oooh, getting a mantra from her sounds awesome though!!! Maybe I will have > to work on this some more. Could the kids come? Some kids go the whole night and just sleep on a sleeping bag in the hall. Or you could get a room in the hotel there. Another thought I had is that since the event is near Regan airport, you could park on the outskirts of town and take the Metro in. That way you wouldn't have to drive through morning city traffic if you stay up all night. Aum Amriteswarayai Namaha! Links Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 5, 2005 Report Share Posted June 5, 2005 on 6/5/05 7:12 AM, Kristie Gerson at kristie wrote: > The boys would love to "camp out" in a sleeping bag in the hall. My 5 year > old is hard to keep track of though. He has no stranger fear and enjoys > walking around engaging perfect strangers in conversation regardless of how > far away from me he is. It is a beautiful trait, but I would be afraid I > would lose him. I am trying to talk my husband into making it a family > event. He is not interested, so I have started trying to turn it into a > family weekend visiting D.C. Maybe take the kids to the Smithsonian and the > D.C. sites on Friday & Saturday. The problem is he doesnt understand my > devotion to Amma. He thinks it is strange. Of course he knows nothing > about her. I am going to continue to work on the "family vacation" angle. > Maybe I can convince hem. Hope so. That way if you had a room in the hotel where the program is being held, your husband could go to bed with the kids and you could stay up Devi Bhava night. You wouldn't even have to drive tired the next day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 6, 2005 Report Share Posted June 6, 2005 There is child care when Amma visits. Check it out. For Devi Bhava, the littlest (your five year old) do a little kid's version of Devi Bhava whih is enough to melt the stoniest heart. For Devi Bhava though, the child care lasts only until the end of the program. When darshan and mantra-giving start, you have the kids. You could talk to the special needs people to say that you need to get to Amma sooner rather than later to ask for a mantra. Then just take it one step at a time. You have to go two or three steps before the mantra is given. The devotees helping out with mantra may be willing to help you figure out how to do it all as quickly as possible. A baby sitter at home might be less stressful. On the other hand, you'll never forget the night you got your mantra from mother and all the devotees who helped out. Aikya Ammachi, "Kristie Gerson" <kristie@g...> wrote: > No not money, I have to little boys ages 5 & 3 and I need to get back to > them. I have considered going to the 10am program and bringing them, but > they are very active and I am a bit nervous about how it would go. > > Oooh, getting a mantra from her sounds awesome though!!! Maybe I will have > to work on this some more. > > Kristie > > > Ammachi [Ammachi]On Behalf > Of Rick Archer > Saturday, June 04, 2005 12:43 PM > Ammachi > Re: Amma Tour & Beginner Devotee > > > Are you only able to go to one program because of financial obstacles > (expensive hotel rooms, etc.)? If so, it might be possible to find someone > who could put you up, through this list or in some other way. If you have to > choose, I would say, based on what you wrote below, that you should go to > Devi Bhava. You'll get to see Amma in "Goddess" mode, and you'll be able to > get a mantra from her personally. If you choose Devi Bhava, you should plan > on staying all night. There's a "grand finale" at the end that you don't > want to miss. It won't end 'till the sun is up, and then you can drive home, > maybe after a little coffee. > > > on 6/3/05 3:39 PM, Kristie Gerson at kristie@g... wrote: > > > I have only recently become acquainted with Amma and I would love to > receive > > Darshan. I am thinking of driving to the Washington DC program. I wont > be > > able to stay over so I will need to go to one of the 7:30 programs and > then > > drive home 2 1/2 hours. I have a few questions. If it was your 1st time > > which would you go to? Pada Puja or Devi Puja? Also, how early before > the > > program should I get there? > > > > Also, if anyone can give me advice on where to start as far as the path of > > devotee to Amma. I have been called to her. She called me and told me > her > > name and I spent 2 months searching the internet trying to find out who > Amma > > was. Of course I was spelling is Ama so it took a while. As soon as I > > figured out to add another "m", I came upon Amma.org and was blown away. > I > > was immediately drawn to her. Just looking at pictures of her on the > > website made me feel a deep love. I have never had that reaction before. > > So I started reading. I just read "The Path of the Mother" and I am > > currently reading "The Living Goddess" and I have Amma's Biography which I > > will read next. I bought the little bag of cards from Amma.org and I have > > been pulling a card each day and practicing what is on the card. I enjoy > > that. I already had an altar set up to Kali Ma and I added Amma's picture > > to it. (I have been worshipping the Mother in all her aspects for years > > regardless of culture. Kali Ma is one of the primary aspects that I > worship > > along with Kuan Yin, Diana, Hecate, Lakshmi, and Vesta) I meditate at the > > Kali altar daily as she has always been my favorite. I about fell out of > my > > chair when I read that Amma is the modern incarnation of Kali Ma. At any > > rate, I now would like to devote my spiritual practice to Amma's path and > > need guidance on where to begin. Advice? > > > > Blessings > > Kristie Aum Amriteswarayai Namaha! > Links Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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