Garlanding Amma

[Guest guest]

Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah,

 

I thought I'd share an experience with Amma. I love reading

everyone's posts about being with Amma-so I thought I'd share this,

too.

 

Garlanding Amma-Chicago 2005

 

As a Satsang coordinator, I received a phone call from Kenna about a

month before Amma's arrival in Chicago. She said that our Satsang,

St. Louis, would be helping with the Tarpooli Ceremony and that we

should garland Amma for this event. I was very excited and suddenly,

asked if I could do this. Kenna sweetly and gently suggested that I

should instead seek out a member of our Satsang. I agreed then-

understanding my selfishness.

 

A few days later, Kenna called again. She said, "I feel very

strongly that you are to garland Amma." I asked, "Are you sure?" and

also, "No it's ok, I have thought of several others who would be

perfect for garlanding Amma." She replied, "No, I feel very strongly

that you are to do this." I was feeling somewhat embarrassed at my

jumping at it to the exclusion of my fellow Satsang members. But I

slowly relented and agreed to do it. I had not ever garlanded Amma

and longed to do this. Kenna reiterated, "Yes, I feel very certain

you should be doing this." I still felt foolish because of my

previous behavior but still agreed at this point. Yet, I was

thrilled and at the same time, starting to feel very awkward. She

further instructed, "When you get there, you need to meet with the

Flower Shop and arrange for a garland."

 

I hung up the phone. WOW! I was ecstatic! Garland Amma?! I was to

garland Amma? Not too long after these thoughts, I began to get

nervous about the whole thing. Somehow, I suddenly couldn't quite

see myself doing this. Something was not sitting right but I did not

know what this was until later. With mixed emotions, excitement,

confusion and awkwardness all coursing through my mind, I began

thinking of Amma and her upcoming visit.

 

When it was time for the trip, I began packing my clothing and items

for the trip. I reluctantly put in some "white" clothing. I have

always held this rebellious streak-and of course, the white clothes

presented just the focus for my now grownup-opposition. Sure, it was

a small thing really. I just didn't understand the white

clothing "hoopla"-or, as it appeared to me, especially to see

Westerners all wearing white. What was that all about anyway? I

could not see the point in all the white clothing. After all, I

thought, why did I have to wear white around Amma? She didn't care.

Wasn't it just for the devotees? I just did not get it. I tossed in

some white clothes in case I changed my mind. I could always count

on making some last minute decisions just about anywhere in my life

these days.

 

We were in Chicago! I don't recall much about the program since all

I could think of was the event-on Devi Bhava night, when I was to

garland Amma as she arrived at the hotel. I visited the Flower Shop

and they said to come by later to pick out a garland. First they

began to tell us that they had never heard of such a thing-

garlanding Amma during the Tarapooli ceremony. They said it was only

reserved for those doing the puja. But I insisted telling them that

we were instructed to do this. They relented and it was set. We were

to pick up a garland in the late afternoon.

 

As the time crawled ahead, closer to garlanding Amma, I became very

quiet and confused. I felt so undeserving and humbled. What was I

doing putting a garland on Amma? I just felt so out of place for

some reason. I simply did not feel I deserved to garland Amma. Why

was I doing this-especially after how I jumped at the opportunity to

the exclusion of our Satsang members? Wasn't I just the greedy

piggy?!

 

Well, time to get ready and dressed. Now..what to wear? I dug around

in my suitcase trying to figure out what to wear. Nothing seemed

quite right. Then, while going through my clothing, I remembered the

white outfit I half hazardly tossed in at the last minute. Why

couldn't I wear that anyway? What difference did it matter if we all

wore white? As I donned my not so special white clothes-I suddenly

felt like it was so "right". I realized how special it was to wear

white around Amma. Also, I understood that being a rebel was not

always the most attractive personality to portray. As I stood ready

to go, I thought back to my First Communion at the Catholic Church

in first grade when I was only seven. I had not thought of that for

a long time....For some reason, it felt like that all over again. I

felt I was meeting with God and wearing all white was most

appropriate.

 

 

As I was finishing getting ready, I still felt a little weird and

downright awkward about the whole garlanding idea. I am guessing

this was because of how selfish I was from the start. oink! I looked

to my roommates who were watching me prepare for the evening. They

sat looking at me and were talking excitedly about the upcoming

event to garland Amma. They were clearly excited about it! More

excited than I could get because I was becoming increasingly nervous

as the minutes ticked ahead!

 

I looked at them and the thought entered my mind to invite them to

help me garland Amma. They both jumped out of the beds, began

running in circles around the room, excited and laughing. The joy

that exploded in our room made me know that this was the right

decision without any doubt. I told them they needed to get ready so

we could go choose the garland together. Arm in arm and bubbling

over with laughter, joy and giddy-we headed down the elevator to

select the perfect garland for Mother.

 

We tiptoed over the packets and lid tops laid out in patterns upon

the floor for Devi Bhava. Carefully, we made our way to the Flower

Shop. When no one was there, I began to worry a bit. We looked

around and waited for a good while. I began to feel very sad. Maybe

we would not get to garland Mother after all. I was feeling upset

now. Just when we almost gave up, someone finally appeared. This new

person said we could not have a garland! NO! I explained what we had

been told and after some time, the flower girl agreed to comply.

(what in the world is going on? I though inside my head...)..

Then she wanted money for the garland. OOPS! In our haste, we had

not brought any money with us-and we were all broke at the time. We

promised to send money to M.A. Center later and that seemed to be

ok.

 

While walking to take our place near the hotel entryway, we ran into

little Pranoun. I am guessing he was only four or five then and a

strong devotee of Amma's. I wished I had half his devotion; he was

so innocent and devout. He even had Amma bless his puja room in

Fairfield! He meditates every day. He was inspiring to be around.

Later, I had read that he was born in a prostrated position. But

most of all, I loved Pranoun. Having him help us garland Amma would

be so wonderful.

 

I asked him if he would like to help us garland Amma. His eyes

became very large and he said, "I LOVE to garland Amma!!" His

father, Pradeep, was hesitant, saying it is such an honor..are you

sure?? I pointed out that I already had two friends helping and

somehow, it just seemed that Pranoun should be there, too. I

figured, the more the merrier! We were going to have a

regular "garland party" with Amma it seemed!

 

Now we had to figure out the logistics and that came easily. We

decided that I would lift Pranoun as he would hold the garland in

front to go over Amma's head. My friends, Robin and Rashmi would

help it go over her head by bringing it up over the sides. We

practiced a few times and made our way to the entry. After taking

our places, we practiced a couple more times. Soon, a few other St.

Louis Satsang members showed up to be with us. This was truly going

to be a special night for all of us.

 

My friends, Pranoun and I all stood quietly together awaiting Amma's

arrival. For some reason, I felt like we were all little children

waiting for her. I felt so little and young. Those who know me, know

that I am neither!

 

Silently, I know that we were all meditating. Did Amma enter the

entry? I do not know what happened. But at some point, Amma walked

into the hotel entry and then I was gone- Time dissolved. I only saw

bright light, dazzling and went into a trance-the likes of which I

cannot fully describe or explain but will try. In fact, it could

have lasted forever-to be in that place as it was the most divine,

blissful experience of my life. I was "somewhere else" totally

diffused into some brilliant light and gone for a time. I have no

idea how long I remained this way but it was so incredibly pleasant

that no words will ever describe it. It seemed to last forever or

that time somehow stood still. I had no thoughts, no nothing-just

this pure golden, dazzling brilliant effulgence, this brilliant

light that filled my every pore of awareness. Everything was white,

dazzling, brilliant, blissful and radiant.

 

At some point, and I have no idea how long or when, something

shifted and it caught the corner of my eye and I "woke up." Big

Swami had shifted around and was looking over at us and Robin began

moving towards Amma. Amma?! When did she get here? I did not know

what had happened-only that I experienced happiness at a level like

no other in my life. I looked and saw Amma gazing at us, very

sweetly and lovingly. Her gaze was like honey from heaven. She put

her hand out as if to ask, Well?...like come on kids! Still feeling

this trancelike state and not wanting to talk, we moved to put the

garland over Amma's beautiful head.

 

As soon as we finished, Amma walked off rather briskly. Instantly,

the entire hotel entryway exploded into a profuse fragrance of

Amma's divine scent-much like roses. It was intoxicatingly strong

and permeated my every pore and every molecule of air. I have never

experienced anything like this. It made you feel as though you were

drunk-it put you into an altered state it was so so strong.

 

We turned, while I was still in a somewhat trancelike state, and

began to walk to follow Amma into the program. Rashmi and I were

walking together and looked at each other in shock. The carpet was

buzzing with an energy that tingled our legs. I could even hear this

buzzing noise. I had to ask and she felt it, too. My feet were

tingling all over and up to my calves. The carpet seemed to have

come alive with Amma's energy coursing through it.

 

Afterwards, some close to us told us that Amma had been gazing and

smiling at us for a long time. Yet no one knew why we were waiting

so long to garland Amma. Looking back, I realized that I felt very

much like the 3 children at Fatima who saw the Blessed Virgin. It

was blazing light and this came to mind. For whatever reason, Amma

gave me a taste of her divinity in a very palpable way. This was one

of my most special moments with Amma-though it seems there are so

many special moments with Amma. Everything about Amma is divine.

 

Namah Sivaya,

Adriane

[Guest guest]

ONS,

 

I love this story.

 

Thanks!

 

Chris

 

 

Ammachi, "n2amma" <a1driane wrote:

>

> Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah,

>

> I thought I'd share an experience with Amma. I love reading

> everyone's posts about being with Amma-so I thought I'd share this,

> too.

>

> Garlanding Amma-Chicago 2005

>

> As a Satsang coordinator, I received a phone call from Kenna about

a

> month before Amma's arrival in Chicago. She said that our Satsang,

> St. Louis, would be helping with the Tarpooli Ceremony and that we

> should garland Amma for this event. I was very excited and

suddenly,

> asked if I could do this. Kenna sweetly and gently suggested that I

> should instead seek out a member of our Satsang. I agreed then-

> understanding my selfishness.

>

> A few days later, Kenna called again. She said, "I feel very

> strongly that you are to garland Amma." I asked, "Are you sure?"

and

> also, "No it's ok, I have thought of several others who would be

> perfect for garlanding Amma." She replied, "No, I feel very

strongly

> that you are to do this." I was feeling somewhat embarrassed at my

> jumping at it to the exclusion of my fellow Satsang members. But I

> slowly relented and agreed to do it. I had not ever garlanded Amma

> and longed to do this. Kenna reiterated, "Yes, I feel very certain

> you should be doing this." I still felt foolish because of my

> previous behavior but still agreed at this point. Yet, I was

> thrilled and at the same time, starting to feel very awkward. She

> further instructed, "When you get there, you need to meet with the

> Flower Shop and arrange for a garland."

>

> I hung up the phone. WOW! I was ecstatic! Garland Amma?! I was to

> garland Amma? Not too long after these thoughts, I began to get

> nervous about the whole thing. Somehow, I suddenly couldn't quite

> see myself doing this. Something was not sitting right but I did

not

> know what this was until later. With mixed emotions, excitement,

> confusion and awkwardness all coursing through my mind, I began

> thinking of Amma and her upcoming visit.

>

> When it was time for the trip, I began packing my clothing and

items

> for the trip. I reluctantly put in some "white" clothing. I have

> always held this rebellious streak-and of course, the white clothes

> presented just the focus for my now grownup-opposition. Sure, it

was

> a small thing really. I just didn't understand the white

> clothing "hoopla"-or, as it appeared to me, especially to see

> Westerners all wearing white. What was that all about anyway? I

> could not see the point in all the white clothing. After all, I

> thought, why did I have to wear white around Amma? She didn't care.

> Wasn't it just for the devotees? I just did not get it. I tossed in

> some white clothes in case I changed my mind. I could always count

> on making some last minute decisions just about anywhere in my life

> these days.

>

> We were in Chicago! I don't recall much about the program since all

> I could think of was the event-on Devi Bhava night, when I was to

> garland Amma as she arrived at the hotel. I visited the Flower

Shop

> and they said to come by later to pick out a garland. First they

> began to tell us that they had never heard of such a thing-

> garlanding Amma during the Tarapooli ceremony. They said it was

only

> reserved for those doing the puja. But I insisted telling them that

> we were instructed to do this. They relented and it was set. We

were

> to pick up a garland in the late afternoon.

>

> As the time crawled ahead, closer to garlanding Amma, I became very

> quiet and confused. I felt so undeserving and humbled. What was I

> doing putting a garland on Amma? I just felt so out of place for

> some reason. I simply did not feel I deserved to garland Amma. Why

> was I doing this-especially after how I jumped at the opportunity

to

> the exclusion of our Satsang members? Wasn't I just the greedy

> piggy?!

>

> Well, time to get ready and dressed. Now..what to wear? I dug

around

> in my suitcase trying to figure out what to wear. Nothing seemed

> quite right. Then, while going through my clothing, I remembered

the

> white outfit I half hazardly tossed in at the last minute. Why

> couldn't I wear that anyway? What difference did it matter if we

all

> wore white? As I donned my not so special white clothes-I suddenly

> felt like it was so "right". I realized how special it was to wear

> white around Amma. Also, I understood that being a rebel was not

> always the most attractive personality to portray. As I stood ready

> to go, I thought back to my First Communion at the Catholic Church

> in first grade when I was only seven. I had not thought of that for

> a long time....For some reason, it felt like that all over again. I

> felt I was meeting with God and wearing all white was most

> appropriate.

>

>

> As I was finishing getting ready, I still felt a little weird and

> downright awkward about the whole garlanding idea. I am guessing

> this was because of how selfish I was from the start. oink! I

looked

> to my roommates who were watching me prepare for the evening. They

> sat looking at me and were talking excitedly about the upcoming

> event to garland Amma. They were clearly excited about it! More

> excited than I could get because I was becoming increasingly

nervous

> as the minutes ticked ahead!

>

> I looked at them and the thought entered my mind to invite them to

> help me garland Amma. They both jumped out of the beds, began

> running in circles around the room, excited and laughing. The joy

> that exploded in our room made me know that this was the right

> decision without any doubt. I told them they needed to get ready so

> we could go choose the garland together. Arm in arm and bubbling

> over with laughter, joy and giddy-we headed down the elevator to

> select the perfect garland for Mother.

>

> We tiptoed over the packets and lid tops laid out in patterns upon

> the floor for Devi Bhava. Carefully, we made our way to the Flower

> Shop. When no one was there, I began to worry a bit. We looked

> around and waited for a good while. I began to feel very sad. Maybe

> we would not get to garland Mother after all. I was feeling upset

> now. Just when we almost gave up, someone finally appeared. This

new

> person said we could not have a garland! NO! I explained what we

had

> been told and after some time, the flower girl agreed to comply.

> (what in the world is going on? I though inside my head...)..

> Then she wanted money for the garland. OOPS! In our haste, we had

> not brought any money with us-and we were all broke at the time. We

> promised to send money to M.A. Center later and that seemed to be

> ok.

>

> While walking to take our place near the hotel entryway, we ran

into

> little Pranoun. I am guessing he was only four or five then and a

> strong devotee of Amma's. I wished I had half his devotion; he was

> so innocent and devout. He even had Amma bless his puja room in

> Fairfield! He meditates every day. He was inspiring to be around.

> Later, I had read that he was born in a prostrated position. But

> most of all, I loved Pranoun. Having him help us garland Amma would

> be so wonderful.

>

> I asked him if he would like to help us garland Amma. His eyes

> became very large and he said, "I LOVE to garland Amma!!" His

> father, Pradeep, was hesitant, saying it is such an honor..are you

> sure?? I pointed out that I already had two friends helping and

> somehow, it just seemed that Pranoun should be there, too. I

> figured, the more the merrier! We were going to have a

> regular "garland party" with Amma it seemed!

>

> Now we had to figure out the logistics and that came easily. We

> decided that I would lift Pranoun as he would hold the garland in

> front to go over Amma's head. My friends, Robin and Rashmi would

> help it go over her head by bringing it up over the sides. We

> practiced a few times and made our way to the entry. After taking

> our places, we practiced a couple more times. Soon, a few other St.

> Louis Satsang members showed up to be with us. This was truly going

> to be a special night for all of us.

>

> My friends, Pranoun and I all stood quietly together awaiting

Amma's

> arrival. For some reason, I felt like we were all little children

> waiting for her. I felt so little and young. Those who know me,

know

> that I am neither!

>

> Silently, I know that we were all meditating. Did Amma enter the

> entry? I do not know what happened. But at some point, Amma walked

> into the hotel entry and then I was gone- Time dissolved. I only

saw

> bright light, dazzling and went into a trance-the likes of which I

> cannot fully describe or explain but will try. In fact, it could

> have lasted forever-to be in that place as it was the most divine,

> blissful experience of my life. I was "somewhere else" totally

> diffused into some brilliant light and gone for a time. I have no

> idea how long I remained this way but it was so incredibly pleasant

> that no words will ever describe it. It seemed to last forever or

> that time somehow stood still. I had no thoughts, no nothing-just

> this pure golden, dazzling brilliant effulgence, this brilliant

> light that filled my every pore of awareness. Everything was white,

> dazzling, brilliant, blissful and radiant.

>

> At some point, and I have no idea how long or when, something

> shifted and it caught the corner of my eye and I "woke up." Big

> Swami had shifted around and was looking over at us and Robin began

> moving towards Amma. Amma?! When did she get here? I did not know

> what had happened-only that I experienced happiness at a level like

> no other in my life. I looked and saw Amma gazing at us, very

> sweetly and lovingly. Her gaze was like honey from heaven. She put

> her hand out as if to ask, Well?...like come on kids! Still feeling

> this trancelike state and not wanting to talk, we moved to put the

> garland over Amma's beautiful head.

>

> As soon as we finished, Amma walked off rather briskly. Instantly,

> the entire hotel entryway exploded into a profuse fragrance of

> Amma's divine scent-much like roses. It was intoxicatingly strong

> and permeated my every pore and every molecule of air. I have never

> experienced anything like this. It made you feel as though you were

> drunk-it put you into an altered state it was so so strong.

>

> We turned, while I was still in a somewhat trancelike state, and

> began to walk to follow Amma into the program. Rashmi and I were

> walking together and looked at each other in shock. The carpet was

> buzzing with an energy that tingled our legs. I could even hear

this

> buzzing noise. I had to ask and she felt it, too. My feet were

> tingling all over and up to my calves. The carpet seemed to have

> come alive with Amma's energy coursing through it.

>

> Afterwards, some close to us told us that Amma had been gazing and

> smiling at us for a long time. Yet no one knew why we were waiting

> so long to garland Amma. Looking back, I realized that I felt very

> much like the 3 children at Fatima who saw the Blessed Virgin. It

> was blazing light and this came to mind. For whatever reason, Amma

> gave me a taste of her divinity in a very palpable way. This was

one

> of my most special moments with Amma-though it seems there are so

> many special moments with Amma. Everything about Amma is divine.

>

> Namah Sivaya,

> Adriane

>

[Guest guest]

Ammachi, "n2amma" <a1driane wrote:

>

> Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah,

>

> I thought I'd share an experience with Amma. I love reading

> everyone's posts about being with Amma-so I thought I'd share this,

> too.

>

> Garlanding Amma-Chicago 2005

>

> .....

> Namah Sivaya,

> Adriane

> >>>>

 

thanks for sharing this beautiful experience.