All posts by admin

Nirmala Yoga Sadhana-USA Session 1

????????????
June 30, 2017
Vasudevananda Charitable
Organization, Inc., USA
Livermore, California.
????????????

One of Amma’s major missions started on December 9th of 2016 on the holy Gita Jayanti day with the launch of the very first unique yoga class at the Ashram in Naidupeta, entitled “Nirmala Yoga Sadhana”. And, a second class was also held at the Ashram in early March this year. Besides the local devotees visitors from around the world including USA, Singapore and Malaysia took advantage of this rare opportunity. An overview of this class and the effort that went into making this a reality are summarized below in my write up for the last December’s launch of the class.

????????????
December 9, 2016 – The sacred Gita Jayanthi Day, and a very historic day when out of her infinite Divine grace will bless her devotees by starting a unique yoga class under the title of “Nirmala Yoga Sadhana”. It is a rare and privileged opportunity indeed to learn the essence of yoga practice from Amma herself who brings the experiences of personal spiritual sadhana of two lifetimes. How blessed are these participants!
We are very grateful for the leadership of Dr. Srinivas Pyda (Livermore, California, USA) who has made it his mission to make the “Nirmala Yoga Sadhana” class a reality enabling so many sincere spiritual seekers from around the world to benefit from this unique opportunity. He has spent many hours, day and night, over the past year in translating the primary spiritual book in collaboration with a few volunteer devotees. He has also spearheaded in conducting several study circles on the subject book in the Bay Area (USA) inspiring many devotees. In addition, for the class material Dr. Pyda made extensive summaries from the book of the key spiritual concepts and practices which were based on the authentic personal experiences of a great Divine incarnate herself. His zeal and commitment for this cause are truly laudable.???
Welcome to the rigorous 10-day Yoga camp; the classes started in the very early morning hours of Brahma-muhurtam, 4 AM in the large ground floor hall of the Smt. Nageswaramma Building.
A total of 36 devotees (auspicious number!) are enrolled and everyone showed up bright and early with much excitement and anticipation.???

The source and the Inspiration – besides our Beloved Amma and other great Divinities like Sri Penumathsa Sitha Mahayogini experiences and rich spiritual insights gained by the great saints and sages of Sanathana Dharma over the millennia formed the foundation for the curriculum of the yoga class. But this group of students is especially blessed to have our Beloved Amma herself to personally coach and guide.?
As mentioned earlier the first day class started at 4 AM and until 6 AM the participants were deeply immersed in practicing silence Japam ( contemplation) and meditation. And, many chose to repeat the following sacred recitation for the Japam.?

At exactly 6 AM Amma graced the Hall amidst the chanting of Guru Stuti (verses on adoration of Guru), like “Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Gurur-devo Maheswarah ?”.
Everyone was eager to hear the nectarine words from Amma. And, Amma quickly dived right into the subject starting with the Ashtanga Yoga, also known as Patanjali Yoga Sutras. After a quick overview on the first three stages (Yama, Niyama and Asana) Amma spent much of the nearly next hour-and-half of the class by meticulously guiding the participants on the “Praanaayaama” involving concentration and breath control. The class for the next four days continued just focusing on controlled breathing exercises through the right nostril.
Amma is a perfect Master and the best Teacher. Amma embodies all the noble qualities of a world-class teacher – passion, patience, personal attention, and inspiration. Above all the authenticity with which Amma shares the knowledge and wisdom, and patiently explains, prods and inspires the students to practice truly sets Amma apart. After all it comes from the personal practice and experience gained over two lifetimes — It is not mere “Vaacha Vedanta”, talk of Vedanta but really experiential. And, it is not informational but transformational; not to be bought but to be sought from a true Guru like Amma. Truly, how lucky and blessed are these sincere spiritual seekers many of whom came from far off places like the USA, Malaysia and Singapore.?

The “Nirmala Yoga Sadhana” class scheduled to start today is a 5- day program with 34 registrants who came from as far as Boston, Mass and Atlanta, Georgia, besides the devotees from the Bay Area, California.
A second 5-day yoga class is scheduled for the later part of July in Cupertino, California.???

Each day, the class started very early at 4:00 AM with Pranavopaasana and meditation and the day was jam packed with individual and group practice of various aspects of Pranayama, interspersed with a couple if Amma’s talks. Also, along with Sri Pyda Amma went to spot check each of the participants to assess their individual progress and coached them as appropriate. Please see the attached daily class schedule to get a sense of the intensity of the course and Amma’s hands-on involvement in the class throughout the 5-day program.?

NirmalaYoga_Abhyaasam_DailySchedule_LATEST

Amma held the first hour long class on Pranayama and other aspects of the yoga class based on the sacred book entitled “Sathyatma Jnana Yoga-Sadhana Moksha Grandham”, a unique book that chronicles the personal spiritual journey of the great Divine incarnate Sri Sitha Mahayogini of Penumatsa. Sri Pyda had special pandal setup in the backyard if his home with a beautiful swing to seat Amma; it was a perfect setup for the large class!?

Following the class some of the participants were engaged in a few seva activities helping around the kitchen and keeping the facility clean and tidy. And after a sumptuous satwic lunch ot was time for a little rest as many if them resorted to “Shava-asana” ???

The time for the afternoon class is here. Amma lead the class around 4 PM to the beautiful park nearby with luscious green lawns, and we assembled around Amma under the cool tree shade. It was the perfect setting to hear Amma’s own sacred writings on the wondrous Divine play of Sri Krishna with the gopikas, “Sri Krishna Raasa-kreeda”. Thats a perfect imagery of Sri Dakshinamurthy, Lord Shiva himself as the Guru.???

Once back from the park, the participants of the class began their individual practice of Pranayama with walking around to observe them from close quarters to measure their progress.?

Returning back from the park.?

Amma checking on her pupils.?

????????????
July 02, 2017
Vasudevananda Charitable
Organization, Inc., USA
Livermore, California.
????????????

DAY 2 – NIRMALA YOGA SADHANA?
Mysterious are the ways of the Lord — this morning Amma insisted on having the breakfast on the walkway in front of Sri Srinivas Pyda’s home — Amma is bent on keeping the simple living style of the Ashram and the tradition of the Datta parampara. ???

The morning worship program went on as scheduled and the Yoga class picked up the intensity with Sri Pyda driving the program relentlessly with strict discipline, and Amma named him appropriately as “Guruji” a and had the whole class honor him. On their part the students were sincere and well disciplined in following the program.

The morning talk….?

Despite the hectic schedule of the Yoga class Amma found time to help in the cooking.?

The class schedule is going on like clockwork; with after the morning class, a little seva, lunch and rest before it was time to join Amma in the park for the afternoon class.?

And that followed another session of individual practice of Pranayama. Soon it was time for the evening worship which was followed up by melodious bhajans.??

????????????
July 02, 2017
Vasudevananda Charitable
Organization, Inc., USA
Livermore, California.
????????????

With things going too fast I am faltering; and the last full day yoga class I have posted is actually for Day 2, and the date was July 1st.
July 2, 2017 is the 3rd day of the Yoga class. So, here we go!
?DAY 3 – NIRMALA YOGA SADHANA?

The Yoga class went on as per the schedule. And, after the morning worship program the Boston devotees came up to Amma’s room to make their appeal and extend a loving invitation to Amma to visit Boston on the next visit. Amma read out their invitation, but teased them with light humor, and blessed them.???

The morning class in the backyard of Sri Pyda’s home in Livermore, California.?

By now the class is running like a well oiled machine, inspired by dedicated teachers and studious pupils. The afternoon class assembled once again under the cool shade of the nearby park, a perfect setting to listen to the sacred “Sri Krishna Raasakreeda”.?

The day ended with the offering of melodious bhajans.????

????????????
July 03, 2017
Vasudevananda Charitable
Organization, Inc., USA
Livermore, California.
????????????

?DAY 4 – NIRMALA YOGA SADHANA?

Altar after Morning worship with beautiful Alankaaram???

Devotees visiting from afar (Georgia and N Carolina) offered their loving pranams with the traditional offering of clothes and fruits. As usual Amma discourages such gestures of gifting, and played camera shy.???

The morning class in session.?

Afternoon class once again was held under the cool shade of the tree in the park.?

As the participants sat down for the afternoon individual practice of Pranayama, Amma was kind enough to go around testing on individual progress by measuring their breathing pattern; what a wonderful privilege to have such direct Divine guidance!???

Soon it was time for the evening devotional program with melodious bhajans.???

Concluding with Mangala Arathi.??

Like most of the devotees who are disappointed of not having the touch of the Divine feet when Shyam of San Jose expressed his feelings to Amma, Amma gave that benevolent smile. And, Shyam got the next best thing — when he took Padanamaskar and sat up, one of the rose petals that had the touch of the Divine feet stuck to his forehead; wish granted!?

????????????
July 04, 2017
Vasudevananda Charitable
Organization, Inc., USA
Livermore, California.
????????????

?FINAL DAY – NIRMALA YOGA SADHANA?

July 4th – The Independence Day! What a day to conclude the sacred Nirmala Yoga Sadhana class. It is almost symbolic of the journey of independence to One’s true Self, the ultimate realization!

The great Son of India, Swami Vivekananda who spread the Vedanta to the West left his mortal coil on this day. He also composed a beautiful poem on the glory of July 4th.?

?The Class of 2017-1, USA – NIRMALA YOGA SADHANA? Congratulations !!!

Still beyond reach – “Manasa Bhajare Guru Charanam.?

Morning class – the end!

A certificate of the completion of the sacred and unique Yoga class was distributed after the morning class for the few participants who came from far off places and catching early flights to home. The rest of the participants received their certificates in the afternoon ceremony. Participants expressed genuine excitement and gratefulness for the blessings to have been part of this wonderful spiritual initiation; also expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the organizers. Amma implored the participants to undertake the practice with regularity and utmost sincerity to make steady progress; and the certificate of recognition is no means a level of mastery or accomplishment. Sri Srinivas Pyda with the help of a team of volunteers should be applauded for pulling of this magnificent feat.????????

I will refrain from posting the pictures of all the participants receiving the certificate; I hope the participants understand. Please contact me on my WhatsApp account and I will send your picture.?

Smt Radha accompanied by her father and her husband Sri Jawahar came with a beautiful handwritten invitation to invite Amma to their home in San Jose, California fir the sacred Saptarishi Puja scheduled for the later part of this month.?

Of late those precious feet have been playing peekaboo and become out of reach.??

That Divine hand can keep some real beat during bhajans.?

Sri Vasamma Ashtotthara Shatanamavali.

June 2017 Events

Various events occurred during the month of June 2017.???

???????????
June 01, 2017
Sri Sri Sri
Vasudevananda Swamy Ashram
Naidupeta, Nellore Dt.,
Andhra Pradesh, India.
???????????

For the devotees who visit the Ashram it is a wonderful opportunity to participate in the sacred worship of the Go-Maatha; many a time Amma joins the occasion. ???

The wonderful program that Amma initiated to serve the refreshments to the wayfarers and the passengers of vehicles that pass by the highway continues with renewed vigor as Amma herself joined the holy task. The blessed visitors to the Ashram get the golden opportunity to participate as well; and this time Sree Harry and his daughter from Malaysia were there to join in.?

Prepared by the Divine hands???

Amma prepared and served lemonade, mango juice, Ambali and Guggillu. Here are the URLs that detail the preparation of the last two delicacies:
http://kusumasabhiruchi.blogspot.com/2014/02/ragi-ambali.html?m=1

http://indianhealthyrecipes.com/senaga-guggillu/

???????????
June 02-07, 2017
Sri Sri Sri
Vasudevananda Swamy Ashram
Naidupeta, Nellore Dt.,
Andhra Pradesh, India.
???????????

Thanks for your patience and forbearance withstanding the last few stray postings from some of our members who are trying their best to get the hang of using WhasApp.???

Amma did the Alankaram (decoration) of the presiding deity Sri Rajarajeswari Devi in the Ashram temple — a new fashion statement with the saree wrapping.???

Over the weekend our dedicated devotee Sri TN Shankar (who spearheaded the monumental task if getting the beautiful painting of the Hanuman statue) celebrated his birthday in the Divine presence of Amma; Shankar’s wife Deepa helped him along with the cake cutting ceremony.?

Did you notice Elizabeth of California in the background? Unable to bear the sweltering heat she makes her appearance only at cooler times (?) of the day unless there is cake.?

And then there were visitors from the Bay Area — Narendra and his family from Cupertino, and Hanuman with his family from Milpitas.?

With Amma getting directly involved in the daily serving of refreshing beverages along the roadside in front of the Ashram the snack menu expanded — now serving Idlis and Pongal.??

That intense desire of Amma to feed the children is no accident! It is beyond even the motherly instinct — rather it is the Datta tradition and trademark, very much along the lines of Shiridi Sai Baba.?

???????????
June 7, 2017
Sri Sri Sri
Vasudevananda Swamy Ashram
Naidupeta, Nellore Dt.,
Andhra Pradesh, India.
???????????

Preparations are in full swing at the Ashram for celebrating Amma’s sacred Birthday on June 11th.?
Despite vehement protests from Amma the team at the Ashram has posted a few banners of the upcoming event in the nearby townships. It is more in the nature of public dissemination of information rather than publicity.?

As the day for celebration of Amma’s Birthday approaching finally the weather seem to cooperate with rains in the horizon.

Seated at the footsteps in front of the temple Amma is ready to serve the Prasad. What a gift!

???????????
June 10, 2017
Sri Sri Sri
Vasudevananda Swamy Ashram
Naidupeta, Nellore Dt.,
Andhra Pradesh, India.
???????????

It is a special day! The day before the big celebration of our Beloved Amma. Preparations are in full swing for the sacred event.???
The day is also special on another account. It is a milestone birthday of our loving devotee Smt Elizabeth Loftus-Stave, aka Baby, The Mother (as in Aurobindo Ashram) and Avvayyar (the famous Saint of Tamil Nadu), all epithets given by Amma.???

The day started early for Elizabeth with Amma blessing her and leading her to Amma’s favorite place, the Goshaala for the Go-puja.?

Back to the kitchen and Amma’s residence where Ching Baba was awaiting Amma’s Darshan.?

More blessings to Elizabeth, this time in the sacred temple of the Ashram temple where a floral-petal shower and a delicious birthday cake awaited her.??

The beautification of the Ashram continues into the late hours with setting up of garlands and beautiful Rangolis.?

???????????
June 11, 2017
Sri Sri Sri
Vasudevananda Swamy Ashram
Naidupeta, Nellore Dt.,
Andhra Pradesh, India.
???????????

???A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY???
?TO OUR BELOVED VASAMMA?
from
All her loving devotees from around the world.?????

Please see a separate post on this special occasion of Amma’s Birthday Celebrations

It was well before 5AM and the Divine “Magic” began — Smt Kavali Suvarna was blessed by Amma with the coveted Srichskram creation.??

Actually the Srichakram production restarted last Friday when the sister of Sri Murali of Folsom, California, who was visiting, was blessed by Amma with one. Amma tries to hide; the creator doesn’t want to be seen! Isn’t that typical – the creation can be seen, but not the creator.?

With these two we are probably nearing 80 towards the final goal of 108 Srichakrams that Amma has commissioned from the Vishwakarma (the architect of the Universe).?

In the evening, on this sacred day another auspicious event took place — Go-daanam (gifting of a holy cow) by Smt & Sri Harpal Singh of Singapore. What a beautiful way to honor Amma’s Birthday!???

???????????
June 12-18, 2017
Sri Sri Sri
Vasudevananda Swamy Ashram
Naidupeta, Nellore Dt.,
Andhra Pradesh, India.
???????????

Smt Shobha and Venkat Talapaneni of Cupertino, California made their pilgrimage to the Ashram to spend a few days in Amma’s holy company and celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary.
Amma blessed them by creating… what else, the much coveted sacred shiny Srichakram. My good friend Shankar who keeps track of the count of them tells me that this one is number 79; 29 more to come!???

What a blissful blessed Anniversary day for the Talapaneni couple!?

Many of us know Sri Sampath Padakanti who had the blessings of spending a significant period of his early years at the Ashram under Amma’s love and guidance. After a few years of working life he is back at the Ashram to once again bask in Amma’s love.
We are truly pleased with his leadership in attending to various aspects of Ashram’s running and management. Despite the limited manpower resources Sampath managed to coordinate and successfully execute the spectacular Birthday celebration of Amma; the best in recent years!
But his true forte is doing elaborate worship at the Ashram temple. Here are a few pictures as he is immersed in the “priestly” duties.?

The spectacular dark clouds in the horizon promised the much awaited rains by the parched earth, but alas they faded away with only a few sprinkles.???

The beautifully decorated presiding deities at the Ashram temple.?

Elizabeth gets the honor distribute the blankets to the needy.?

Seated comfortably on the back of the favorite Nandi Bull — Nandi vahana Nataraja Hare?????

Viswa of Bay Area, California made his pilgrimage to have Amma’s Holy Darshan. And, Amma granted him his hidden desire by creating the much coveted Srichakram. This one is number 80 fast approaching towards the final count of 108.?

Amma is very much at home in the Goshaala. In silence Amma communicates with them recounting the glorious playful times of the Dwapara Yuga when Amma was amidst them playing the melodious flute.?????

No better place for the noon nap!

The high spirited playful and creative Jaynee of Singapore was at the Ashram. While Amma always remains the inspiration Jaynee was the instigator to bring the Western tradition of the “Fathers Day”. It was a joyous occasion as the devotees spent the evening singing and dancing to melodious bhajans. Delicious feast followed.???

When it comes to Amma, Jaynee truly turns into a little child.?

Here comes the delicious Fathers Day feast.?

More than a couple of years ago Amma opened the Ashram facilities to hold marriage ceremonies for FREE of cost. For many low income families who face skyrocketing wedding expenses this has been truly a heavenly blessing; and the bonus is that the marriage will be held in the holy grounds of the Ashram adding to the sanctity of the event. Here are the pictures of the lighting decoration at the Ashram on the occasion of the recent wedding.?

???????????
June 22, 2017
Sri Sri Sri
Vasudevananda Swamy Ashram
Naidupeta, Nellore Dt.,
Andhra Pradesh, India.
???????????

About a couple of days ago, Smt Annapurna gaaru, an ardent devotee of Sitha Mahayogini, who heard about our Beloved Vaasamma from others as the selfsame reborn, came to have her own experience to validate the popular belief. Amma didn’t disappoint her and the instant bond of love was the proof as she sat Amma’s lotus feet in the Goshaala. Amma also had kind words for her brother late Sri Putta Jagan Mohan Rao, who is also an ardent devotee of Sitha Mahayogini, who gave his heart and soul in the upkeep of the Mahayogini temple.???

June 23, 2017 at the Ashram – In addition to Amma’s entourage (Sri Seshagiri Rao garu, Sri Ching Baba, and Smt Jhansi) a few others including Smt Indira, Smt Elizabeth are joining the flight to come along with Amma.
Here are a few precious pictures as Amma wiping the sacred Salagram Srichakram (created by Amma on her auspicious Birthday); we will all have the blessed opportunity to see it soon! Amma also spent the day with the devotees getting ready for the visit and blessing them with the mangoes freshly harvested from the branches hanging over the balcony of Amma’s residence.???

Mangoes???

Amma’s precious little cargo!

Exciting for all of us in the USA; but a downer for the Ashramites!

Soon it was time to get ready for the early morning flight. Amma and the entourage made last minute preparations and gotten into the vehicles headed to the Chennai airport.?

Finally, headed to the Chennai airport.???

??? TOMORROW IS THE BLESSED DAY???
Tomorrow afternoon (June 23, 2017) Amma will be arriving at San Francisco to be amidst her loving American devotees for a month-long stay in the Bay Area, California. We are all excited and eagerly awaiting for the glorious days of Amma’s stay jam filled with exciting devotional programs and sacred ceremonies. I am attaching a summary itinerary and an overview of the upcoming events. We will share the details as things unfold. Brace yourself for the joyride and non-stop holy fun!???

Please see separate posts for USA visit

Amma Birthday Celebrations 2017

???????????
June 11, 2017
Sri Sri Sri
Vasudevananda Swamy Ashram
Naidupeta, Nellore Dt.,
Andhra Pradesh, India.
???????????

???A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY???
?TO OUR BELOVED VASAMMA?
from
All her loving devotees from around the world.?????

For Amma this day is no different from any other day, but for all of us her loving devotees we are eternally grateful for the unique blessings of this day that brought the Divine on this earth, to fill us with love, eat with us, play with us, laugh with us and ultimately guide us to self-realization.?

You can only appreciate the serenity of the early morning hours when you wake up at the Ashram and watch the silhouette of the temple and the imposing statue of Lord Hanuman against the dimly lit sky with the clouds parading like the brushstrokes of a master painter. If you have a bit of imagination some of you may be able to discern in the clouds the forms of Lord Hayagreeva and Sri Rajarajeswari Devi.?

Seated unassumingly in front of the residence Amma carries on the Mission that is still well beyond our grasp and imagination.

And then it happens???
Amma created the beautiful Salagram Srichakram; the only other one like it is known to exist in Kailas, the abode of Lord Shiva. What a blessing! I can’t wait to go and see it!

Amma recounted that from early childhood Amma used to carry a Spatika (crystal) Srichakram (inherited from his grandmother) which was given to an old time devotee and unfortunately it slipped out of her hands, fell and broke.
While this is not a replacement of that one Amma says that it is in exact image of the original. The newly manifested Salagram Srichakram will be a constant companion of Amma along with the small idol of Sri Rajarajeswari Devi that Amma carrys around. Only on this special day Amma is allowing the devotees present to touch it and have the Abhishekam water sprinkled on them. Going forward the opportunity to touch the sacred Salagram Srichakram will be limited to once a year. But, Amma was kind enough to give all of the USA devotees the blessed opportunity to touch the sacred object on the upcoming Guru Purnima event, scheduled to be held in Sockton, California (Details to follow at a later date).?

In the attached Birthday greeting, Elizabeth very much reflects not only her love for Amma but all of our sentiments and loving wishes to Amma. Thank you Elizabeth!???

Amma lost in thoughts (thinking about all her devotees around tge world who are sending their prayers and Birthday wishes) besides her “newborn” Salagram Srichakram ?

And outside Amma’s residence devotees started gathering for the event; you can notice few of the Singaporeans who made a special trip for this sacred day.

And finally the long wait is over….??

With Amma’s arrival the gathering moved to the temple where the temple was beautifully decorated with fragrant garlands and arrangements were made to do milk Abhishekam to Amma’s padukas. Amma presided over the entire program which also included musical recital.???

With Amma’s blessings the Organizers of the Birthday event felicitated all of the Singapore contingent who have been some of the staunch longtime devotees of Amma that supported in furthering Amma’s mission. It is out of their pure love for Amma that made this special pilgrimage and have supported many aspects of the Birthday event including floral decoration and the Medical Camp.??

Many participated in the milk Abhishekam of Amma’s Holy Padukas. ?

In addition to the Singapore devotees the Organizers of the event have also felicitated many of the local leaders and devotees that continue to support the operation of the Ashram facilities; some of them included local political leaders and law enforcement officials who came to pay respects to Amma on this special day.?

The Bhajan session followed???

The Singapore devotees who came for the sacred event were truly blessed to participate in the Paduka Puja ceremony. Amma too carried on with her own puja of the newly created Salagram Srichakram.?

And now it is the time for that special Birthday cake, and our friends from Singapore get the honors to cut tge cake.????

Now for the big surprise! We have seen the politicians, law enforcement officials and other prominent local leaders who attended the event to pay respects to Amma on this special day. But it is truly thrilling to see other spiritual leaders of stature like Her Holiness Smt Bandlamma (Sri Rajamatha Amma) occasions. Smt Bandlamma has a large following in the region and from time to time stops by to pay respects to Amma. In honor of Amma’s Birthday she brought offerings of fruits, showered Amma with flowers and even brought a cake which she livingly fed Amma. Amma graciously received her and directed the Organizers to felicitate the retinue that accompanied Smt Bandlamma.???

The entourage of Her Holiness Smt Bandlamma get felicitated.??

Here the spiritual message given by Smt Bandlamma on this sacred occasion in honor of our Beloved Amma.?

Soon Smt Bandlamma took leave of Amma???

On the way out Amma blessed one of the entourage members by gifting him a copy of the sacred book, “Satyatma Jnana Yoga Sadhana Moksha Grandham”?

It was time for lunch prasad. Amma herself served the devotees with the special Birthday feast.???

With a long session of evening bhajans in the Ashram temple the day surcharged with spiritual vibrations came to a close.????

Thus ended the glorious Birthday celebration of our Beloved Amma at the Aashram?

??????????????????????????

FOR the USA devotees Amma’s Birthday comes a day later, but the overwhelming love and enthusiasm in celebrating the holy occasion is equally exhilarating.
Because of the East Coast timing which is 3 hours ahead of California, the Boston, Massachusetts devotees get a step ahead with their celebrations which was held at Smt Laksmi & Sri Ram Gubbala’s home with a devotional program and cake cutting ceremony.???

??????????????????????????

A very exciting Birthday Celebration by the Bay Area (California) devotees – filled with the Devotional singing, presentation by children, ending with a Birthday Prasad Dinner Feast. Please see the attached Program handout for more details. ????

Here are a few teaser pictures of the well attended wonderful Birthday celebrations of our Beloved Amma. We will be posting the rest of them as we gather the pictures and videoclips if the sacred event held on June 11th at the Shiva- Vishnu Temple in Livermore, California.?

A beautiful Altar to adore Amma on this special occasion.??

That was a beautiful skit by the talented children of the Bay Area entitled “Pranayama – The importance of a Guru”?

And Sitha Mahayogini was in the skit as well.?

Classical Dance by the children. Besides this offering a few of the children shared their loving precious moments with Amma at the Ashram.?

<pic>

Offering of Carnatic songs and musical accompaniment by the Mantrala children.??

One of the traditions and eagerly awaited element of our satsang gatherings like this is the loving spiritual message from Amma. It was a big let down when we learnt that Amma is on Mounam (vow of silence) which Amma does on Mondays. But Amma was kind enough to send the blessings.???

More pictures and videoclips will be posted later

??????????????????????????

Food Donation at SFO downtown

June 11, 2017

On the occasion of beloved Vasamma’s Birthday, Bay Area devotees undertook an important seva project that is so dear to Amma – Annadaanam, by coming together as two teams – South Bay and East Bay to prepare breakfast packets consisting of sandwiches, fruit juice, snack bar and fruits. The teams worked hard last night in packing and got up early around 5am to drive down to SFO city to distribute the packets to the needy and homeless people. Adults and kids equally participated with tons of zeal in executing this project. The event will be etched in the minds of little ones for days to come as they will for sure remember the blessings they received from so many this morning. Here are some pictures that captured the memorable event.

OM Shakthi, kids did wonderful job on preparing the breakfast and delivers to the needy people at SFO streets.

Chalivendram / Water Stall

Despite the sizzling summer heat with no respite in sight the Ashram continues to be filled with activities carrying on its mission to serve the society at large.???

There is an age-old tradition in India setting up makeshift stalls along the roadside to serve the wayfarers with a refreshing drink, be it the water or buttermilk held cold in earthen pots.
With Amma’s blessings the Ashram sprung into action and set up a stall on the roadside in front of the Ashram to serve the passersby from sunup to sundown; but with an expanded option of refreshments besides the cold water, ranging from buttermilk, sharbat, and lemonade.?

???????????????

May 2017 Events

Various events occurred during the month of May 2017.???

???????????
May 1, 2017
Sri Sri Sri
Vasudevananda Swamy Ashram
Naidupeta, Nellore Dt.,
Andhra Pradesh, India.
???????????

Presiding deities at the Ashram temple?

That is Sampath Padakanti who is “trying” his hand in milking the cow at the Ashram Goshaala.?

???????????
May 8, 2017
???????????

On Monday, May 8th Amma accompanied by a few devotees made an unannounced visit to Sri Jnana Prasunamba Sametha Konda Mallishwara Swami Alayam, the Siva temple atop of a beautiful hillock near Tirupati. Amma was very pleased with the way the temple is being maintained and managed. Here are a few picures of that memorable visit.?

Headed back to the Ashram after a brief five hour visit. Amma promised to return at the end of the month for a couple of days of stay.?

???????????
May 10, 2017
???????????

On May 10th the holy Buddha Pournima was celebrated at the Siva temple.???

And back at the Ashram the elaborate and auspicious Chandi Homam was held in Amma’s holy presence (sponsored by Smt and Sri Bhaktavatsala Reddy of Ponnur).???

A couple of devotees, Smt Parvathy and Sri Chandar arrived the following day from Sydney, Australia to have Amma’s darshan.?

Like everyone else who visit the Ashram they too were enchanted with the animals in the Ashram’s Goshaala .???

Young they may look but they are longtime devotees of Amma?

???????????
May 11, 2017
???????????

On May 11th the Ashram welcomed a distinguished visitor, Her Holiness Sri Bandlamma a well known spiritual teacher with much following. She loves Amma very much and takes the opportunity to visit Amma whenever she passes by Naidupeta. ???

After a loving session of sweet exchanges Bandlamma adorned Amma with a beautiful tilak on the forehead, a symbol of her love and regard for Amma.???

???????????
May 12, 2017
???????????

Brahma Kadigina Paadamu ??? Brahmamu Taane Nee Paadamu??

When you are God, there is no rest. There are the hungry children waiting for your mouthwatering mango pickle rice especially prepared with your loving Divine hands.????

???????????
May 14 – May 28, 2017
???????????

Thanks to Sri TN Shankar who embarked on a mission of “Let there be light!”; collaborating with Sri Penchalaiah of Nellore he had a LED spotlight installed to light up the imposing statue of Lord Hanuman. Now, the passers by on the highway can have the holy darshan of the beautiful welcoming and blessing Lord from miles away even in the pitch darkness of night.?

Also installed lighting in the temple of Sri Rajarajeswari Devi, now allowing to have the darshan of the deity even in the thickness of the smoke from the Aratis.?

Amma enjoying the melodious carnatic devotional song seated on the footsteps of the temple.??

Gaana-priye Amma Karunamayi.???

A blessed opportunity for a family to do Paada puja to Amma and receive abundant blessings. The children are truly blessed!?

In a world where the wedding ceremonies are outrageously expensive and out of reach of common man to afford, the Ashram continues to offer the Ashram facilities fully FREE of cost. More than the financial benefit the families are truly blessed to have the auspicious ceremony held on the sacred grounds of the Ashram.??

Despite the sizzling summer heat with no respite in sight the Ashram continues to be filled with activities carrying on its mission to serve the society at large.???

???????????
May 28, 2017
???????????

Back in the USA where we are blessed to have a good size following if Amma’s devotees, activities of Satsang and service to the society’s underprivileged are continuing on a weekly and monthly basis.?
On a weekly basis a dedicated group of devotees have been providing fruits, vegetables, juices and other groceries and supplies to the homeless shelters in Fremont and Livermore cities of the Bay Area, California. Please visit the URL below that details some of the past seva activities both in India and the USA.
http://vasudevananda.org/category/seva-activities?
On every Saturday afternoon the California Bay Area devotees have the wonderful opportunity to participate in the satsang involving the practice of Pranayama (based on Patanjali’s yoga sutras as taught by Amma) and a robust study circle (based on the sacred book entitled “Satyatma Jnana Yogasadhana Moksha Grandham”).
Typical program consists:
1.30 PM to 2.00 PM – Chanting of Om
2.00 PM to 2.45 PM – Practice of Pranayama
2.45 PM to 3.00 PM – Questions related to Practice of Pranayama – Sharing of feedback
3.00 PM to 5.00 PM – Book Reading
5.00 PM to 5.15 PM – Ashtotharama Namavali of Vasamma and Seethamma followed by Aarti
Dr Srinivas Pyda has been the dedicated and inspiring leader of this sacred task, who also lead the two “Nirmala Yoga Sadhana” camps held at the Ashram under Amma’s guidance. During the upcoming Amma’s USA visit in June-July devotees will have the blessed opportunity to participate in one of the two sessions of the Nirmala Yoga Sadhana class.?

We are only less than two weeks away from the sacred day when Amma in her infinite grace and live descended on this earth to fill us with infinite joy and lead us on the sacred mission to realize our true nature. THAT BLESSED DAY IS JUNE 11th. The USA devotees have fond memories of the 2015 Birthday celebrations held in San Ramon, California when Amma was physically amongst us; what a blessing!!!
This year, Amma will be at the Ashram for this special day which will be attended by a band of Singapore devotees besides the local devotees from India.
Devotees in the Bay Area have been making earnest efforts to celebrate Amma’s birthday involving the devotional program, talk on Amma’s mission and love, and skits and sharing of Amma’s love by the children. Please see the attached flyer.???

??????????????????

April 2017 Events

Various events occurred during the month of April 2017.???

???????????
April 05, 2017
Sri Sri Sri
Vasudevananda Swamy Ashram
Naidupeta, Nellore Dt.,
Andhra Pradesh, India.
???????????

Amma returned to India in the early morning hours of April 4th after two week trip to Bay Area, California, USA . The Ashram was making preparations to celebrate the Sri Ramanavami festival on the following day. More about that later. ?

The day of the most auspicious celebration amongst the Hindu festivals — Sri Rama Navami.???
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rama_Navami
With Amma’s return to the Ashram the day before there was a heightened excitement and the devotees made their best efforts to make this yet another memorable celebration and impress Amma.
There was devotional singing, dancing and a celebratory feast in celebration of the Sita-Rama Kalyanam (wedding of Sita and Rama).

The kitchen has been busy making the preparations for the feast.?

The sacred wedding and coronation of Sri Rama followed

??????????????????????????????

???????????
April 07, 2017
???????????

Beautiful Alankaaram of the presiding deities at the Ashram temple.???

???????????
April 11, 2017
???????????

It is the very auspicious Pournami day. Few months ago Amma started the tradition of conducting the most sacred Chandi Homam in the Pournima day if every month; the blessed sponsors of this month’s event are Smt Premalatha and Sri Murali and family of Atlanta, Georgia.????

Earlier in the day two lucky devotees who are also related to the noble lady late Smt Sudarshanamma. In recognition of her love for Amma and as a testimony for her wonderful service today a building stands in the Ashram named after her.?

Lucky how? Sri P Madhu Sudhakar Reddy and Sri P Venu Reddy are the blessed recipients of the sacred Srichakram, one of the 108 that Amma commissioned from the Vishwakarma (architect of the Universe itself). With the creation of these two the current tally totals to 75.?

???????????
April 12, 2017
???????????

Amma’s compassion knows no bounds, and Amma never forgets the devotees who aided in furthering Amma’s mission however long ago or how little it was. Amma only gauzes their devotion and their bhava (feeling) behind their generosity.
Today Amma visited a frail 89-year old lady Smt Sridevi (Avva) at her home in Naidupeta who opened her home for Amma to stay in the early years. Her son Sri Somasekhar Reddy and his wife welcomed Amma to their home and a very familiar place for Amma who blessed them by living with them in the early years.?????

Accompanied by his parents Sri Uday Dhanikonda of San Ramon, California arrived at the Ashram to have Amma’s darshan and receive the blessings.?

???????????
April 12-13, 2017
???????????

A special opportunity to tell about the wonderful couple in the picture above — loving parents of Dr. Pyda.
About couple of years ago I had the wonderful opportunity to visit them along with Amma and a small group if devotees that joined the trip.
The couple embodied and commanded the dignity, charm and love as the head of the household. For the Pyda clan their word is the Veda that they follow implicitly; and that reflects on how well all of them are flourishing from a worldly perspective, but more importantly how well they are spiritually grounded in their faith and devotion.
As this wonderful couple approached their later years of life it appears that their love to each other grew stronger and was such a pleasure to watch the tender moments between them, such as the one in the picture above. It is so refreshing and inspiring to see such ideal love, care and dedication — we can all learn from them.???

For the devotees who visited the Ashram the iconic towering statue of Lord Hanuman is not just a landmark but the very beacon beckoning devotees from around the world to the sacred and serene grounds of the Ashram.?

But if you stayed at the Ashram for any length of time it is inevitable that you will notice that over the years the honeybees started nesting with honeycombs hanging all over the statue, and the paint too started peeling off. Being such a tall structure it was not an easy task to remove the honeycombs; many pondered on the solutions, a few explored but none ventured. Until finally Sri TN Shankar a dedicated devotee and a frequenter of the Ashram took up the challenge and made it his mission. So, all alone with Amma’s blessings he embarked on this audacious project involving many hours of discussion with the so called “experts”, contractors to clean and prepare the surface of the statue; selected the paints and is fully funding the project. I got to know Shankar personally as we worked together in installing the security system at the Ashram. He truly impressed me with his resourcefulness, dedication and above all his love and devotion for Amma.
The renovation of Hanuman statue started in earnest on April 12th with the arrival of several tons of wooden poles to construct the scaffolding around the statue. There is much work ahead and it will be nearly two weeks for the project to complete. With Shankar at the helm I am confident that we can look forward to an evermore beautiful statue.???

???????????
April 14, 2017
???????????

Smt Padmini and Sri Subrahmanyam Ongole of Cupertino, California who had the sacred thread ceremony (Upanayanam) of their son Sathya Nitin on April 12th took the occasion to visit the Ashram and receive Amma’s blessings.
Blessings for sure they received. Amma especially blessed Nitin by creating the much coveted sacred Srichakram. What a blessing to follow the sacred Upanayanam ceremony! ???
Sri Uday Dhanikonda, the proud uncle of Nitin stood as the elated witness of the memorable event.??

If our count of the Srichakrams is accurate this one is number 76, and you do the math — that’s 32 yet to go. I know that there are genuine seekers and many devotees of Amma from around the world who are praying for one of these sacred objects, some silently and others very vocally. For all those, keep up your longing with the conviction that everything is a sign of His Grace, and believe and open to accepting Grace in whatever form it comes.???

The scaffolding work around the Hanuman statue was successfully completed. And the painting of the statue will get started next week.?

???????????
April 15, 2017
???????????

Sri Uday Dhanikonda of San Ramon, California officiated as the priest for the sacred Paada Puja to Amma where his blessed parents, sister Smt Padmini along with her husband Sri Subrahmaniam Ongole and son Sathya Nitin participated to their hearts’ content.???

SWEET HAUNTING MEMORIES – AMMA’S BLESSED VISIT, MARCH 19 – APRIL 3, 2017???
Ever since Amma left after the two weeks of a whirlwind of a visit many of us are coping up with “post-visit trauma, depression and denial”. It was all like a dream; while it lasted, we were soaked in Amma’s love going through the rollercoaster of a joyride every day from morning till night. Around Amma there is never a dull moment, whether it is during the occasion of puja, giving the spiritual message during satsang, cooking in the kitchen or playing with the children. You can always follow the trail of pealing laughter to find where Amma is. Amma’s one of the undeclared secret mission is feeding her children sumptuously; that becomes very evident when we all gain many pounds of love around our waists with each visit of Amma. After all who can blame Amma – that is the real “mother” in Amma!?

Seriously, Amma is slowly unfolding the mission step by step without overwhelming us. As recent as four years ago when many of us came into Amma’s fold, it was hard to fathom where are all these sacred rituals of worship fitting in our spiritual development. But now as Amma leads us into the depths of spiritual concepts and practices with the study of the sacred Sitha Mahayogini’s book, and with the “Nirmala Yoga Sadhana” classes, there is much clarity. Amma has become a very serious, stern, uncompromising and demanding teacher. So brace yourself for some tough love while you still enjoy the all compassionate motherly love.?

Let us rejoice and be ever grateful for the wonderful opportunity and blessings that we all shared in the Divine company. Let us be committed to do Amma’s bidding in undertaking the spiritual sadhana with abundant love and sincerity. To our good fortune Amma will be visiting once again in the later part of June to be with us for four weeks. Let us prepare ourselves to receive Amma’s love and grace.?

Attached is a sort of collage of pictures and videos sampling the many good times that we had with Amma during the two-week visit. Enjoy!!! ???

???????????
April 19-21, 2017
???????????

The grand project of cleaning and painting the iconic Hanuman statue at the Ashram continues on a steady pace. After a thorough deep wash using high pressure washers, and covering with the primer, application of one coat of paint was completed. Hopefully by the middle of next week we will all get to see the grand statue emerge and we can all appreciate that the hard-work paid off.???

No Photoshop can do the wonders that the nature can do — adore the Sun-rises and sunsets at the Ashram.?

Where else can you find the flute charmer but with the ones that won the favor for the ages.???

A quick run into the kitchen and the drumstick pickle was borne out of the magical Divine hands.?

Baby magnet!?

Namo Namaha, Sri Guru Paadukabhyaam.??????

???????????
April 26, 2017
???????????

Thanks to our dear devotee Sri TN Shankar the painting of the majestic statue of Sri Hanuman was completed around April 26th. Shankar persevered to complete this major project with the blessings of Anma largely from his own effort, but along the way he also received help from Sri Chandran of Malaysia and others. The project was also successful in preventing the honeybees nesting again on the statue. One can only appreciate the beauty of the work and the magnitude of the task only when sees the statue — seeing is believing. Shankar also commissioned to install a spotlight so that the statue will be visible during the night.???

About the color — depending on the lighting it might look like pink or light gray; but it is close to Rajasthan stone color and not too deep pink.?

The next task left is to paint the bottom temple portion. Plans are underway to take up this project soon.?

March 2017 – Camp at Smt Prasuna & Sri Krishna Reddy’s home at Pleasanton, CA

March 27, 2017 – April 3, 2017 — At Smt Prasuna & Sri Krishna Reddy’s home at Pleasanton, California.

Amma playing pranks at our front door while we made frantic preparations to welcome Amma.???

Amma took a little rest and we all followed suit. The first evening worship program at the new location got underway around 5:30 PM, followed by recitations and bhajans. Amma blessed the devotees with the continuation of the discussion reading out passages from the most precious book entitled “Sathyatma Jnana Yoga Sadhana Moksha Grandham”??

???????????
March 28 , 2017
Vasudevananda Charitable
Organization Inc. (VCOI), USA
Amma’s Blessed Visit
Bay Area, California, USA
March 19, 2017 – April 3, 2017
???????????

???Happy Ugadi???

Today is the special observation of a Hindu festival known as Ugadi.
Ugadi (Ugādi, Samvatsarādi, Yugadi) is the New Year’s Day for the Hindus of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana state in India. It is festively observed in these regions on the first day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar month of Chaitra. This typically falls in March or April of the Gregorian calendar. (Source Wikipedia)???

The Hindu calendar years go in 60-year cycles and each identified with a distinct name that also characterizes the year. The year that we bade goodbye was “Durmukhi” and the one we are welcoming is the 31st of the 60-year cycle, and is called Hevilambi or Hemalambi.
We are all so happy and excited that Amma is with us as we welcome the New Year.???

The day started with the traditional Ugadi pacchadi (a sort of chutney) that delivers the taste of sweet, sour, and bitter, very much emulating the life’s experiences. And there were overwhelming number of sweet and savory dishes that devotees brought to celebrate the event.

Morning worship program started off the New Year.?

After the morning worship Amma sat in the family room to be once again surrounded by the eager devotees.

And it is time for a little outdoor relaxation with the devotees. It was a joyous occasion to see Amma seated majestically on the jhoola, especially for the children.

The glasses that the little girl Amukta (Honey) seated next to Amma is wearing belong to Amma???

Here a few pictures of Abhishekam from the morning worship.

The evening worship program got underway; young talented children delivered melodious classical keertans much to the admiration of Amma and the devotees.?

Amma’s special satsang treat for the Ugadi festival occasion followed.???

???????????
March 29, 2017
Vasudevananda Charitable
Organization Inc. (VCOI), USA
Amma’s Blessed Visit
Bay Area, California, USA
March 19, 2017 – April 3, 2017
???????????

Here are a few stray pictures of the events from last couple of days. As time goes by it is hard to keep track of the chronology of events, but unfortunately I seem to be always behind.

Prathah Smaranam…Sri Guru Charanam.????

The morning worship got underway with Smt Shobha & Sri Venkat Thalapaneni and family as the lead participants; others joined in.?

Amma appreciating the saree that the Thalapanenis brought to decorate the Srichakram.

Smt Joanne and Sri Jerry Pesce of Carmel, California were seated to carry on the evening worship after which the regularly scheduled program of recitations and bhajans began.?

Amma’s pearls of spiritual wisdom…???

???????????
March 30, 2017
Vasudevananda Charitable
Organization Inc. (VCOI), USA
Amma’s Blessed Visit
Bay Area, California, USA
March 19, 2017 – April 3, 2017
???????????

It’s Spring season here in California. You see trees blossoming everywhere and new leaves sprouting from trees. With the recent rains the nature is at its best with luscious green lawns, colorful foliage and magnificent fragrant blossoms. There are a couple of full grown cherry-blossom trees in the front-yard of our home that came into full bloom just the week before Amma came to stay with us, as if the nature was also eager to extend a warm welcome to Amma.
This morning Amma inspired a few of us to take a brisk walk with him on the hilly terrain of our neighborhood. We braced to walk with Amma to venture out in the chilly morning weather. Amma always outpaced us taunting us to catch up. What a reward to walk with the Divine despite the physical exhaustion!!!???

From the street below Amma points out to our home on the hill above barely visible behind the trees.

The cherry blossoms in our front are a beautiful welcome sign

Soon the morning worship program started ?

Smt Vishala & Sri Ramaraju along with Smt Radha and Sri Krishna Thatipelli were the principal participants in the morning worship.?

After a brief visit to console and comfort Smt Vanajakshi Naidu who lost her husband recently, Amma spent a few quiet moments in the backyard of our home which is surrounded by tall native California Oak trees.

???????????
March 31, 2017
Vasudevananda Charitable
Organization Inc. (VCOI), USA
Amma’s Blessed Visit
Bay Area, California, USA
March 19, 2017 – April 3, 2017
???????????

The morning worship program is underway…??

My grandchildren Suraj and Siri get the blessed good fortune of enjoying the luxury of Amma’s Divine lap sporting Amma’s glasses.?

Enchanting smile only enhance the beauty of the devotee’s Jhumkaas.?

Amma then! Sitha Mahayogini ???

Smt Kausalya and Sri Shyam Uppalapati along with their two beautiful daughters were the primary participants of this morning’s puja ceremony.?

In the videos below Amma lends a helping hand with the recitations.

The Boston group of devotees get their wish as Amma did the FaceTime call in connection with their monthly satsang gathering. It was truly a joyous occasion as Amma engaged them to sing his favorite songs, gave them spiritual message and enquired each and everyone of the devotees individually by name including a few who were not in attendance.?

Kitchen calling!!! As a parting gift to his loving devotees Amma created the trademark mouthwatering Tomato chutney???

The evening devotional program got underway with beautiful bhajans elevating the spiritual mood.

What followed was the very inspiring talk from Amma partly base on the the extraordinary book entitled “Satyatma Jnana Yogasadhana Moksha Grandhamu”?

???????????
April 01, 2017
Vasudevananda Charitable
Organization Inc. (VCOI), USA
Amma’s Blessed Visit
Bay Area, California, USA
March 19, 2017 – April 3, 2017
???????????

This April 1st is like no other. For a lot of reasons it will remain the most memorable day, more than being another “APRIL FOOLS DAY”. But Amma had a field day by playing pranks in the name of the day, and yelling “April Fool” at the poor victim. For Amma the game started very early around 4:30 AM beginning with the close attendants serving Amma. As the day progressed Amma didn’t let up. Amma played these pranks with such a straight face that even the very guarded devotee fell for the prank. Amma was successful nearly 95% of the time; and the joy of success and innocent child like laughter was truly contagious. The one that Amma engaged me was to send out a fake message to the USA Organizing team that for reasons not disclosed Amma wants the return travel reservations changed for the next day ahead of schedule. Within two minutes I received a phone call from one of the members expressing shock and surprise only to hear the loud laughter from Amma who was close by.???????????

Between the pranks Amma found time to sneak out for a quick early morning hike into our wooded neighborhood. A few lucky devotees and children followed Amma for the chilly morning hike. Standing on a hillock across with the group that followed him Amma called me to wave at us.???

The morning worship program got started as usual.?

While the regular worship program continued in the Mandir upstairs Amma held a private training session of worship in preparation for the special 48-day Mandala Puja being undertaken by Smt Vishala Poranki and Smt Rajani Meka of the Bay Area, California. This is an elaborate program of worship of the Srichakram with Sitha Mahayogini as the central figure of invocation, involving strict observances, recitations and penance. During the session Amma gave Sri Viswa Veguru and Sri Ramaraju Poranki abundant detailed guidance on the Puja Vidhi (worship protocol) so that they can provide the ladies the needed guidance when they do get started. Amma extolled the supreme benefits of embarking on this special worship.?

Later Amma rejoined the worship program in the upstairs Mandir where Smt Pramila Lavu and Smt Nirmal Lavu have been the principal participants. Amma assisted in the recitations this morning as well. While it is not any surprising it is still amazing as to how proficient Amma is with various Puja Vidhis, slokas, recitations and vedic chants.???

A brief relaxation downstairs…

Kitchen helper Supreme!???

Occasionally you can sneak up and surprise even God!??????

The evening worship program got underway followed by bhajans and satsang with Amma.?

???????????
April 02, 2017
Vasudevananda Charitable
Organization Inc. (VCOI), USA
Amma’s Blessed Visit
Bay Area, California, USA
March 19, 2017 – April 3, 2017
???????????

?Morning Darshan.?

Cooking it up!!!

Joining in the morning worship program.???

A very unique feature of all of Amma’s USA visits is how well Amma bonds with children bringing them such joy that they eagerly look forward to Amma’s visit. First Amma feeds them (some might say “stuffs them) with a variety of foods especially candies and ice cream on occasion; then to the games such as hide and seek etc. But, Amma has a grand plan for the children; recently Amma underscored the spiritual potential of the children and made room to include them in the upcoming “Nirmala Yoga Sadhana” classes. Amma noted that these pure young minds and bodies are well suited to undertake rigorous spiritual practices including Pranayama. it is truly rewarding to witness such a unique bond of love between the Lord and these young children.???

Being the last full day of Amma’s stay many arrived to gave Amma’s darshan.

The regular morning worship program continued as planned. The members of the Mantrala family were the principal participants.?

After the noon lunch and a brief rest Amma was ready to visit the Mantralas for the housewarming (traditional Grihapravesham) as they settke in their beautiful new home in San Jose, California.?

By the time we returned the children were eagerly awaiting for a session of games; and Amma didn’t disappoint them. But, first things first — ice cream for everyone!!!???

The last evening worship program of the visit.?

???????????
April 03, 2017
Vasudevananda Charitable
Organization Inc. (VCOI), USA
Amma’s Blessed Visit
Bay Area, California, USA
March 19, 2017 – April 3, 2017
???????????

It was an exciting journey of two weeks with the Divine, and we are eternally grateful for the unexpected shower of grace and blessings of Amma’s visit. Many of us are in denial that the day of Amma’s return to India is here. We are in a daze realizing that the sweet dream has come to an abrupt end.
We are also truly grateful to the wonderful departed soul, our dearest loving Naidu uncle (Sri Kamalanabha Naidu) whose earnest prayers brought the Lord Himself to his bedside in the final hours; and, the spillover of that grace is what we all enjoyed in the past two weeks.
For many of us who have come into Amma’s fold within the last 3-5 years we have been witnessing a rapidly unfolding Divine Mission. Initially it appeared as mostly Bhakti path filled with various forms of worship some very elaborate and ritualistic. Over a year ago Amma directed us to make a serious study of the unique writings of Sitha Mahayogini expounding on many of the spiritual concepts and mysteries. Beginning last December Amma has been personally guiding devotees on various yoga practices with the launch of the “Nirmala Yoga Sadhana” classes. So, brace yourself and be prepared as our Beloved Amma takes us to new spiritually heights, for He has been our guide and source for eternity beyond this lifetime.???

As the day of Amma’s return to India approached, over the past two days many more devotees showed up to have Amma’s darshan and blessings. Also, Amma blessed many with that fragrant vibhuti which was very evident on their faces as Amma also smeared their faces with it. And the morning’s daily worship program continued as planned.?

Amma is a kid magnet.???

As the time for leaving to the airport approached the adults too surrounded Amma for one last photo op.?

Now, we are ready to leave to the airport and everyone is eager to get one more Paada Namaskaar; Amma obliged readily.???

We were at the airport well ahead of the scheduled departure and many devotees who showed up to bid goodbye to Amma had the opportunity to spend another couple of hours with Amma. Of course the children who made it took the premium seats surrounding Amma. Given an option they would have liked to play more games with Amma. Upon reflection one wonders if Amma is preparing them also for the game of life. Amma was often found to say “It’s My Game”, especially when things go awry or disasters strike. And when I protest in disagreement, Amma would say “how else can my game continue”; God too gets bored and wants to start a new game from tome to time.?

Did I ever tell you that Amma is a seasoned world traveler and breezes through airports around the world despite being subjected to excessive scrutiny. Amma is also very much at home when using smartphones; attached is sample handwritten signature that Amma scribed on my phone recently. ?

Amma has safely reached India in the early morning hours of April 4th. The Ashram was making preparations to celebrate the Sri Ramanavami festival. ?

?????? So long Amma ??????
From
All your Loving children, USA.

March 2017 Camp at Pyda’s residence, Livermore

???????????
March 19, 2017
Vasudevananda Charitable
Organization Inc. (VCOI), USA
Amma’s Blessed Visit
Bay Area, California, USA
March 19, 2017 – April 3, 2017
???????????

⚡⚡⚡FLASH NEWS⚡⚡⚡
?AMMA IS VISITING USA?
What a Blessed Day! Amma just arrived to the Bay Area, California, USA this afternoon without much fanfare. It is beyond belief and ones wildest imagination. But what brought Amma here to the USA was the same anguish, prayers and an absolute sense of surrender of intense Bhakti (devotion) that one reads about in the sacred Bhagavatam — the despondent call for rescue by the majestic elephant king Gajendra trying to free himself from the death jaws of the crocodile; and, the silent cries and intense love of Sudama (Kuchela) suffering from utter poverty. The Lord answered their calls each in a special way making the devotion of these supreme devotees a gold standard for devotion. Amma’s blessed visit now is to expressly bless a wonderful devout elderly couple Smt Vanajakski and Sri Kamalanabha Naidu. Sri Kamalanabha Naidu who is in his late 80s is coping with serious health setbacks and has been hospitalized for over 3 weeks with severe illness. Amma loves them dearly and was very much moved by their sorrow and decided to come to his bedside at this critical moment, and comfort and bless the family.?

Gajendra being rescued by Lord Vishnu??

Lord Sri Krishnaifting Sudama from the suffering of poverty???

For the Lord to respond who is moved by the suffering of the devotee what is needed is the intense yearning with love, and surrender. No special invitation or appeal is necessary. So, Amma rushed to be with the Naidus at their critical hour, arriving at the San Francisco airport on the afternoon of March 19, 2017. Because of the private nature of the visit Amma’s visit was kept under wraps initially.?

Headed to Dr. Srinivas Pyda’s home, the primary place of Amma’s stay.

Amma receives the traditional welcome with Poorna Kumbham and vedic recitations, lead by the renowned Dr. Srinivasacharyulu garu.???

Dr. Pyda garu welcomes Amma with much live and devotion to his home in Livermore, California, USA.

Amma is engrossed in reading her own work from the past life.??

No rest for Amma even after such a long travel of more than 20 hours. A quick shower and Amma was ready to visit Sri Naidu and the family in the nearby Valley Care Hospital, Pleasanton, California. As we entered the waiting room of the hospital the Naidu family was overwhelmed with with mixed emotions for the good fortune of seeing Amma. Smt Vanajakshi Naidu poured her heart out of her agony and unburdened her pain to Amma. Amma with fully of love and mercy consoled her and the family yet took the occasion to convey the spiritual message on the nature of life and suffering. Amma was full of praise of the Naidu couple as the ideal husband and wife who lead their life together to the fullest, leading an ideal spiritually centered life while fulfilling their worldly obligations. Having personally know the family for over a quarter century Prasuna and I have great regard for the charming couple who are full of compassion and magnanimous in their charity.?
Amma visited Sri Kamalanabha Naidu (whom we fondly call Uncle) in the Critical Care Unit, holding his hand comforting him and asking him to constantly chant the Holy Name. It was hard to watch that Uncle was so moved by his good fortune to have Amma visit him but not able to speak; he squeezed Amma’s hand while a drop of tear rolling from the corner of his eye. What a unique bond between Bhagavan and Bhakta (God and Devotee)!???

The Lord holds the hand of Smt Vanajakshi consoling and comforting her.

Friends and relatives listened intently as Amma made it an occasion to spiritualize the event.

Amma talked about the Karmic aspects of life, and how love reigns supreme. Naidu Aunty expressed her gratitude for all the support that she received from the devotee community

As Amma returned from the hospital to Dr. Pyda’s home there was already a large gathering of devotees awaiting Amma. Despite no formal communication regarding Amma’s arrival the word spread like a wildfire. Many were mad at the Organizers for keeping Amma’s as such a secret but in the end everyone was thrilled for this unexpected shower of Grace. Amma greeted everyone attending personally by calling out their names, enquiring about their personal matters and blessed them. There was a brief satsang and it was time for the full-throated singing of “Vasamma Thalli Vandanamamma” before concluding with Mangala Arathi. ?

As they say “Back at the Ranch”, and in this case it turns out to be literally so… One of the cows in the Goshaala of the Ashram gave birth to a beautiful heifer.?

???????????
March 20, 2017
Vasudevananda Charitable
Organization Inc. (VCOI), USA
Amma’s Blessed Visit
Bay Area, California, USA
March 19, 2017 – April 3, 2017
???????????

Welcome to the first full day in the Divine Presence of Amma. Thanks to all of you who heeded the appeal not to visit in the morning so that Amma could rest a bit longer from the long haul travel.??
Many of the devotees are still waking up from the shock of Amma’s surprise visit.
The morning worship program started early as per the schedule. The program included Abhishekam to the Srichakram, the sacred Siva Lingam, and the idols that accompany Smma of Ganesha, Sri Rajarajeswari Devi, and Sitha Mahayogini, accompanied by the prayers, recitations and vedic chants. Amma arrived as the Alankaaram of the deities was in progress. After the Mangala Arathi Amma blessed all present with the holy Theertham and fruit prasad.???

Later, after a quick lunch Amma retired to take the much needed rest and recover from the jet-lag.
It was soon time for the evening devotion program; and, it was sight to behold as Amma descended the steps.???

Following the group recitation of Guru Paaduka Stavam, Manidweepavarnana and Lilita Chalisa devotees rendered beautiful bhajans. After the conclusion of the devotion program the treat was Amma’s nectarine words elaborating on the subject of the atma getting mired in the samsara or worldly life under the spell and power of Maya or illusion, as detailed in the chapter beginning on page 222 of Sitha Mahayogini’s book.??

There was never a wasted or dull moment when Amma is around. At the noon time Amma was in the kitchen guiding and helping in the preparation of lunch.
Soon after the noon rest a small band of devotees assembled in Amma’s room to hear the precious spiritual message from centering around how everything is ordained by God, and not to hold ill feelings on anyone however justified it might look.

In the Paakashaala (kitchen). Besides this the other two places that Amma is drawn to are the ‘Goshaala’ (cowshed) and ‘Yaagashaala’ (place of sacred homas and yaagas).

???????????
March 21, 2017
Vasudevananda Charitable
Organization Inc. (VCOI), USA
Amma’s Blessed Visit
Bay Area, California, USA
March 19, 2017 – April 3, 2017
???????????

???Sri Gurubhyo Namah???

The day started with Sri Kiran came seeking blessings from Amma as he celebrates his birthday today. Smt Rajini and Kiran offered their prayerful pranams to Amma and garlanded Amma.???

The morning worship program in progress ?

There has been much welcome rain in California this year after a couple of years of severe drought. On her last USA visit Amma assured that there will be relief from the drought — promises made, promises kept! There was yet anither shower of this season — the shower of compassion. In a way this visit of Amma to the USA is just that, the tour of compassion. What started as the visit to comfort Sri Kamalanabha Naidu and family found other calls for compassion and blessings from Amma.
This morning, after the worship Program Amma was ready to call on Sri Anish Prakash (whom Amma calls fondly as Manish) of Elk Grove, California who just underwent back surgery. Amma is truly fond of this young man and all of his extended family for their love and devotion.
When Amma arrived at Manish’s home he, his wife, parents and close relatives were at hand to welcome Amma; they were thrilled beyond words for their good fortune.???

Manish’s parents welcome Amma with traditional Poorna Kumbh ??

Despite the physical limitations from the surgery a week ago Manish lead Amma into the home spreading petals of love, holding back tears of joy and gratitude for this unexpected shower of grace.?

That one loving embrace with the Lord is enough for this lifetime!

After the family served some refreshments to Amma and the entourage and a little Paada seva to Amma, Amma was ready to visit the family’s Puja Room (Prayer Room). Manish showed Amma his priced possessions of Amma’s blessings of sacred objects, ranging from Silver Paadukas, sunglasses, and Vibhuti footprints. Amma blessed Manish with that sacred fragrant Vibhuti; this time with yet another unique fragrance evoking the comment from Manish that it is like the ’31 flavors of Baskin Robbins’ ice-cream. ???

Shower of grace and shower of Vibhuti.?

That’s no cool dude! It’s our cool God sporting the sunglasses ? Amma gave Anish on a previous visit.

Since Stockton, California is on our way from Elk Grove, California to return home to Livermore, Amma decided to stop over to bless a couple of families in Stockton.
The first stop was at Smt Pallavi and Dr Raghunath Reddy’s home where they welcomed Amma weith the traditional Poorna Kumbham and entertained Amma and the the entourage with delicious lunch.??

Before leaving Amma went on a grand tour of the beautiful home of Manish blessing every room?

Smt Pallavi and Dr. Raghunath Reddy welcome Amma to their home in Stockton, California.

Reddys home is a model Hindu home where pictures and idols of Hindu deities adorn the walls and the halls.

After a sumptuous meal one last photo op for the family with Amma before giving Arathi.

We are off to the nearby home of Smt Uma and Sri Ratan Naidu (whom Amma affectionately calls Ratan Lal).
The Naidu’s were so excited of Amma’s visit neither of them had good sleep last night thinking about their good fortune and Amma’s boundless grace.

God Arrives at the Naidus home.???

The Naidus took Amma to a private room to give Amma some rest while the family indulged in some heavy duty Paada Seva as Amma descended into the depths of deep sleep. Seeing that it is getting late to return to the evening program all that Dr Pyda and I could do is to restlessly pace in front of the door until finally the family reluctantly let Amma leave their home.

As they say ‘back at the ranch’ (Dr Pyda’s home in Livermore) the evening program was already underway by the time Amma returned. Soon Amma joined the program. Following the preliminaries including the recitation of the Gurupaaduka Stavam, Manidweepa Varnana and Lalita Chalisa the bhajan session started.?

With Mangala Arathi tge evening program came to a close

There was no satsang of Amma’s talk this evening but Amma still gave brief talk with spiritual advice.
Amma also arranged for a brief cake cutting ceremony to celebrate the birthday of Kiran.??

???????????
March 22, 2017
Vasudevananda Charitable
Organization Inc. (VCOI), USA
Amma’s Blessed Visit
Bay Area, California, USA
March 19, 2017 – April 3, 2017
???????????

???VERY SPECIAL CELEBRATION – MARCH 22, 2017???
ARADHANA MAHOTSAVAM – HER HOLINESS SITHA MAHAYOGINI

PROGRAM DETAILS:
?21 Omkarams
?Suprabhatam
?Melukolupu
?Tatvams & Parakkulu
?Bhajans
We are truly blessed to have the very embodiment as our Beloved Amma to celebrate this auspicious event.???

జై మహాయోగి జై!
సదానందయోగి జై!
ఓం మహాయోగి జై!
ఓంకార మాతా జై!

????????????
Jai Mahayogi Jai!
Sadananda Yogi Jai!
Om Mahayogi Jai!
Omkaara Maatha Jai!
????????????

???Sitha Mahayogini ???

The most auspicious event to celebrate on this special day!
We are truly blessed to have the very embodiment as our Beloved Amma to celebrate the
???ARADHANA MAHOTSAVAM – HER HOLINESS SITHA MAHAYOGINI???
Devotees arrived early in the morning and quietly assembled in front of Amma’s room upstairs in Dr Pyda’s home (Livermore. California, USA). The program started promptly at 5:00 AM with 21 Omkaaras, followed by Melukolupu, Tatvams & Parakkulu
and concluding with Bhajans.
At the end of the Program everyone quietly entered Amma’s room to be greeted and blessed by Amma. Amma created the sacred Vibhuti with a distinct fragrance and had it distributed. Amma also gave a talk on the life and message of the great Sitha Mahayogini. Everyone present also received a copy of the picture of the great Divine incarnation; Amma advised that in looking at the picture one should have the perspective of seeing human potentiality beyond reverence and devotion ???

Morning worship began around 7 AM especially honoring Sitha Mahayogini.?

Morning program came to a close with Mangala Arathi.???

Evening Devotional program commenced beginning with the recitations of Gurupaduka Stavam, Manidweepa Varnana and Lalita Chalisa followed by melodious bhajans.????

That was Sri Thallapragada garu rendering a beautiful Tatvam

The beautiful song on Divine Mother sung together by Smt Pavani and her talented son Showmik truly moved Amma, and as you may notice at the end of the video Amma complimented their soulful singing.?

Amma’s talk on the subject of “Puthreshana”, desire for progeny.

??????????????????

???????????
March 23, 2017
Vasudevananda Charitable
Organization Inc. (VCOI), USA
Amma’s Blessed Visit
Bay Area, California, USA
March 19, 2017 – April 3, 2017
???????????

Another glorious day in the Holy Divine Presence of Amma. It is almost like we are living in another reality to have this unexpected shower of Amma’s Grace.
Smt Sumanjali and her husband were the lead participants in this morning worship program.???

The evening Devotional Program…

Amma’s last visit to the hospital; holding the hand of Smt Vanajakshi Naidu. Amma consoled her and the grieving family extolling Naidu uncle, his humility, generosity, kindness and spiritual focus.

???????????
March 24, 2017
Vasudevananda Charitable
Organization Inc. (VCOI), USA
Amma’s Blessed Visit
Bay Area, California, USA
March 19, 2017 – April 3, 2017
???????????

Morning worship program – Smt Pramila and Sri Deepak Nettar were the primary participants with other devotees joining in the Abhishekam and Alankaaram of the deities and recitations.???

The morning after… (March 24, 2017) when it comes to human suffering Amma’s compassion overflows. Along with all of us who loved Naidu uncle very dearly Amma too was moved to tears thinking about his departed wonderful devotee. He asked one of a very meaningful philosophical song called “Ee jeevana tharangalalo; Aaa devuni chadarangamulo..” (in these turbulant waves of life, and in the chess-game of God). The song points out the helplessness of man in the Divine play, and urges one to realize the impermanence of all worldly relationships and the suffering one endures.

It was the good fortune of the few devotees who assembled to hear from Amma some real pearls of spiritual wisdom; a rare treat for the morning session.???

While Amma kept us all engaged all through the days in the pursuit of our spiritual growth, the Director was still orchestrating the play of creation behind the scenes.
As Sri Kamalanabha Naidu continued to cope with serious illness Amma made one more visit him and the family at the hospital at noon. Blessed indeed is Naidu uncle to receive the blessings and assurance from Amma at his final hour by physically being his bedside. As Amma stood by the bedside holding his hand he gently squeezed Amma’s hand and there was that prayerful look in his half opened eyes. Sri Naidu peacefully passed away in the sacred Brahma Muhurtham time early this morning (March 24, 2017) at 3:22 AM. Such is the wonderful bond between Bhakta and Bhagavan it beckoned Amma to rush to his bedside in the final hours!!!?????

Rajesh from the Ashram sent pictures tells me that the proud mother of the bull calf is “Padmavathi” who was given to the Ashram Goshaala in Godaanam by Sri Ravi Kiran Meka and Smt Rajini of Bay Area, California, USA.?

And the creation continues, and as Amma ffrequently says “how can my game continue”. So, back at the Ashram a cow gave birth to a precious cute bull calf. We saw death and now new life arrived all within 24 hours. That is the miracle of Divine creation and the Mahamaya (supreme illusion) that sustains and perpetuates this impermanent illusory world (Jagan-mithya), until we wake up to our true reality.???

Paakashaala (kitchen) calling!!! In reality Amma doesn’t need any call to enter the kitchen to whip up creative delicacies like a seasoned chef. ?‍? ???

As the time approached for the evening worship program it was very much evident that Amma will not be joining the program. One might mistakenly take this for the state of melancholy from the loss of a dear devotee (Sri Kamalanabha Naidu) who passed away early this morning. But, having taken human form it is somewhat inevitable that even the Divine grieves at such events. So, with hope against hope the devotees continued with the devotional singing from time to time glancing at the staircase to see if Amma would come down. But alas, no such luck. Not having Amma’s darshan, with heavy hearts the devotees left to their homes.???

Although Amma didn’t come down for the evening program Amma received Sri Sridhar Gummadi came to have Amma’s darshan with his wife, young daughter and their newborne cute baby girl. The family drove over 11 hours from Utah State from NorthWelcoming the new baby and playing with her seems to have lifted Amma’s spirits at least for a short while. As is the custom with Amma, when holding the little ones Amma sings that familiar refrain: ???
Shuddhisi Buddhosi Niranjanosi
Mala-moothra Kompalaku
Marala Raakosi
(… meaning — O! Ye! Pure, Intelligent and Eternal one, do not return to this house (body) full of filth and urine.)

???????????
March 25, 2017
Vasudevananda Charitable
Organization Inc. (VCOI), USA
Amma’s Blessed Visit
Bay Area, California, USA
March 19, 2017 – April 3, 2017
???????????

While cooking for the stream of devotees visiting is not a chore it is still a major production requiring all hands on deck, and that includes Amma at times. Since Amma is naturally drawn to the Paakashaala (kitchen) Amma is always scouting to see if any help is needed, and many a time Amma’s simple tricks make things go smoother and faster with a better tasting dishes.??

On the other side of the kitchen in the hall the morning worship began with Smt Geeta and Sri Venkat Samineni taking the lead.

In the afternoon after lunch many of the friends and devotees joined the family of Late Sri Kamalanabha Naidu attending his memorial service at a nearby Funeral home. Everyone present shared the memories of the departed soul extolled his wonderful virtues and paid respects.???

The hard working kitchen crew does get rewarded occasionally– ice-cream popsicle?

The evening worship program started as usual, but Amma still was not in a mood to speak much. At last Amma did start answering a few spiritual questions but mysteriously the videos of that discussion got lost. But thanks to Bhuvan we do have a couple of audio clips of that discussion.

???????????
March 26, 2017
Vasudevananda Charitable
Organization Inc. (VCOI), USA
Amma’s Blessed Visit
Bay Area, California, USA
March 19, 2017 – April 3, 2017
???????????

The morning worship with Smt Lakshmi and Sri SriSuresh Pyda taking the lead along with their children.

Evening bhajan program???

Finally, Amma continues the discussion on the subject of “Puthreshana”, the desire for progeny. Amma laid emphasis on attending and caring for parents as supreme over ritualistic offerings to the departed.

???????????
March 27, 2017
Vasudevananda Charitable
Organization Inc. (VCOI), USA
Amma’s Blessed Visit
Bay Area, California, USA
March 19, 2017 – April 3, 2017
???????????

The morning puja program went as usual at Dr. Pyda’s home in Livermore, California, one last time for this visit. Amma’s next station of stay is our home in nearby Pleasanton, California where Amma is scheduled to stay until the end if the visit on April 3rd.
But before arriving at our home Amma has promised to visit the homes of two devotees in the South Bay; both of whom recently purchased new homes and wanted Amma to visit and bless them.
The first visit was to the home of Dr. Shobha Sharma, a practicing Physician. Her mother and sister’s family too joined in welcoming Amma. Amma is very fond of the children of her sister Smt Gita and Aswin Goyal. Amma had much fun playing around with the children
Shobha has very tastefully decorated her home, and Amma’s pictures adorned every wall in every room.???

Here are a few pictures of the final morning worship session at Dr. Pyda’s home.?

Amma gets a warm welcome at Dr. Shobha’s home.?

What a sweet deal!!! Amma is having to pay, whatever deal Anuj made in his past life!

Amma was invited on a grand tour of Shobha’s home, starting with the Puja Room which is central to any good Hindu home?

And those Amma’s footprints ? in Vibhuti that Amma created it with the Holy Feet on the last visit.???

The family served Amma some delicious light refreshments that they lovingly prepared for the occasion.??

For the devotees the visits are never long enough; but, we have one more stop to make in San Jose and that is the home of Smt Padmaja and Gopala Krishna. Amma fondly calls Smt Padmaja as Vakula (a Divine compliment in recognition of her superb culinary skills).

Smt Padmaja and Sri Gopal Krishna accompanied by their son, friends and relatives extend a loving welcome to our Beloved Amma.???

Everyone present received prasad and Amma’s blessings ?

This concludes the Amma’s Camp at Sri Srinivas Pyda’s residence in Livermore, California, USA.

March 2017 Events

Various events occurred during the month of March 2017.???

???????????
March 01, 2017
Sri Sri Sri
Vasudevananda Swamy Ashram
Naidupeta, Nellore Dt.,
Andhra Pradesh, India.
???????????

This morning Smt Lakshmi and her husband Sri Vasantha Kumar Reddy of Nellore performed Paada Puja to their hearts’ content. Smt Lakshmi spent nearly a month at the Ashram and was very active and energetic member of the kitchen team in preparing the food to be served to the constant ebb of devotees visiting the Ashram.???

Smt Lakshmi working in the kitchen even on the day of her departure?

Smt Shivamma (in the foreground) is the pillar of the Ashram who is the glue that makes the Ashram operations function smoothly. Keeping very busy you can find her in the kitchen guiding and helping in preparing the food. In the background is Smt Shanti the very energetic, pleasant and creative member of the kitchen team of the Ashram.?

Elizabeth of the Bay Area, California receives the blessings of that fragrant sacred Vibhuti on the day of her return to the USA after nearly 5 months of stay at the Ashram. Amma fondly calls her by various names, ‘baby’, ‘Mother’, and ‘Avvayyar’. Together with her soul sister Alka Patel of Boston they took every opportunity to serve the Ashram, and Amma (by preparing Amma’s food, cleaning Amma’s residential quarters), and assisting Amma by cleaning and organizing the Yaagashaala. Many ashramites are already missing them.???

Sri Kannan of Chennai who generously contributes the vegetables for the Ashram kitchen was also present to receive his share of Vibhuti blessings.

And his friend Viswanathan of Chennai was blessed too!

Joined by his wife Radha and his mother-in-law.

Dr Shobha Ram and her husband Sri Ram Ramanujam who arrived with their daughter Dr. Sahana Ramanujam who just arrived were in time to receive the precious Vibhuti.?

After receiving the Theertham and Prasadam from Amma we returned to assemble in the open yard in front of Amma’s residence to have the blessed treat of Amma reciting along with the devotees the very sacred Sri Lalitha Sahasranamam. And that followed melodious singing of the classical Tamil devotional works and songs by Smt Radha and her husband Sri Viswanathan of Alapakkam, Chennai.????

After the outdoor session the Viswanathan family went inside Amma’s residence for a private audience. And it was not too long before Amma called me to take the picture of the sparkling Srichakram that Amma created and blessed the Viswanathan’s family; and that one makes it the 72nd in the series of the final count of 108.???

Soon to be married Dr. Sahana Ramanujam, a practicing Physician and sweet daughter of Dr Shobha Ram and Sri Ramanujam brought all her dazzling bridal jewelry and very traditional rich Kanjeevaram sarees to get them blessed by Amma. Amma kindly consented to bless even by wearing and also dressing Sri a Rajarajeswari Devi with them personally.???

???????????
March 03, 2017
???????????

?Nirmala Yoga Sadhana ?
The second unique class of the Nirmala Yoga Sadhana started today.

Please see the a separate post covering the entire event

???????????
March 11, 2017
???????????

Among the many visitors that come for Amma’s darshan from the world Margo (Kapardhi) of Estonia deserves a special mention. He visited the Ashram for the first time last year; and, even on that very first visit he rolled up his sleeves to clean the Ashram grounds and care for the plants. It comes so natural to him that he gets down to work with little or no guidance. On this visit as well you see him picking up the trash and working hard in the sweltering heat.
Ram Ramanujam of Carmichael, California, USA who was also visiting the Ashram shared with me that Margo told him that he had visited many ashrams and found that Amma’s ashram is very peaceful and inviting, and notably “most luxurious” in terms of accommodation with ACs and tasty satwik food. As much I appreciate the compliments of the comfortable stay that the ashram offers, obviously that is not we want to be known for rather the peace and tranquility one experiences in Amma’s presence. As Ram followed Margo on the trash-picking rounds Ram was surprised to find a twenty rupee in the trash and promptly deposited in the temple hundi set up for poor feeding.???

Margo of Estonia doing his share cleaning up Ashram grounds — “Swacch Ashram” a la “Swacch Bharat”?

???????????
March 12, 2017
???????????

The very holy Pournima day.?
About a couple of months ago Amma instituted the conductance of the sacred Chandi homam on the Pournima day of each month. Considering the difficult times around the world Amma saw the necessity of doing this sacred function for the peace and welfare of all beings in the world.
Early in the morning of this sacred day Anupama of Boston, Massachusetts, USA was blessed by Amma with that sacred much coveted Srichakram. For the records, it is the 73 in the series of 108 that Amma commissioned from the Vishwakarma (architect of the Universe himself).?

Anupama with her pride and joy!
Here are the pictures of the elaborate holy Chandi homam ceremony in which four families took part in.

Amma admiring her own creation — Srichakram given to Anupama of Boston

How auspicious it is! One of the Ashram cows gave birth to a beautiful heifer. Invariably Amma visits the Goshaala very soon after the birth to bless snd make sure that the mother and the newborn are doing well.

Alankaaram of the presiding deities at the Ashram temple.??

???????????
March 14, 2017
???????????
Finally, for Prasuna and I the dreaded day of our return ‘home’ to the USA is here; we will be catching our flight from Chennai in the early morning hours of the 15th. During our stay in India we reside in an apartment in Tirupati and shuttle back and forth to the Ashram. The Ashram location in Naidupeta is ideal location for us as it is on the way to Tirupati so that it is the first stop when we arrive in India and get Amma’s blessings, and the final stop as we leave the country.
As I reflect on our long stay in India on this visit which lasted nearly seven months we are ever grateful to Amma for the blessings of allowing us to be in the Divine presence filled with lifetime memories and rich spiritual experiences. As much as I shared much of the memorable times through this forum there is so much more that will remain with me; and I am eternally grateful to Amma for this rare and unique opportunity that Amma bestowed on us.
Over these seven months we participated in every ceremony and celebration at ashram starting with the Navarathri lin October last year and Shivarathri late last month.
Emotions welled up as Prasuna and I bade goodbye to Amma late in the evening; I could sense that Amma too reflected the feelings. As they say, “absence makes the heart grow fonder”.???

Someone brought some fragrant jasmine flowers to offer to Amma, in a playful mood Amma balanced them on the head before sending them to the temple.?

Evening Arathi at the Ashram temple.?

???????????
March 15, 2017
???????????

Sree Harry of Malaysia who arrived the day before was joined by Sri Raju Chamarthi of the Bay Area, California, USA to do Paada Seva to Amma. What a blessing!???

On my way out, I received the following two pictures of Amma from an old devotee. Taken nearly eight years ago the pictures bring out the true Divine Mother aspect of Amma.?

???????????
March 16, 2017
???????????

Alankaaram of the presiding deities at the Ashram temple.??????
(Courtesy of Sri Rajesh, Chief Priest of the Ashram temple)

In trying to catch up with all of the happenings last week I jusu overlooked a very important event that took place around March 12th. Smt Sushma of Vijayawada arrived with her husband and other family members and gave a cow and calf involving the sacred formal go-daananam ceremony.???

You may recall that as part of the “graduation” ceremony of the Nirmala Yoga Sadhana classes held both during December of 2016 and more recently in early March of this year we had the participants sing one of the Tatvas from the Sitha Mahayogini’s book. Despite the lack of knowledge of the Ragas or tunes the participants did their best in rendering these Tatvas to the best of their ability. At the March class the participant Smt Suvarna truly impressed me with her rendering of the Tatvas. So, I requested her to sing some of them to record to help the students in the upcoming classes. I will be posting the along with the Telugu lyrics; English transliteration will follow soon.?????

Sorry we are unable to post the audio clips here.

Smt Suvarna — the voice behind the beautiful Tatvas above.

Amma enjoying Smt Suvarna’s beautiful singing of the Tatvas on the evening of the ‘Graduation Night’, March 7, 2017.???

Amma will be visiting Bay Area, California, USA
from March 19, 2017 – April 3, 2017

???????????
Vasudevananda Charitable
Organization Inc. (VCOI), USA
Amma’s Blessed Visit
Bay Area, California, USA
March 19, 2017 – April 3, 2017
???????????

Please see two separate posts for details

Camp at Sri Srinivas Pyda’s residence in Livermore, California

Camp at Smt. Prasuna and Sri Krishna Rreddy’s Residence in Pleasanton, California

???????????
March 20, 2017
???????????

As they say “Back at the Ranch”, and in this case it turns out to be literally so… One of the cows in the Goshaala of the Ashram gave birth to a beautiful heifer.?

???????????
March 22, 2017
???????????

At the Ashram the Aradhana Mahotsavam was celebrated with much reverence and devotion. The day was filled with the worship program and devotional singing held at tge Ashram temple. Devotees attending the program were also served with special lunch prasad.?

???????????
March 23, 2017
???????????

Rajesh from the Ashram who sent these pictures tells me that the proud mother of the bull calf is “Padmavathi” who was given to the Ashram Goshaala in Godaanam by Sri Ravi Kiran Meka and Smt Rajani of Bay Area, California, USA.?

Alankaaram of the presiding deities in the Ashram temple???

???????????
March 28, 2017
???????????

Ugadi was also celebrated at the Ashram with the worship in the temple, and festival feast for everyone. Here are a few pictures of the Alankaaram of the presiding deities in the Ashram temple on this special occasion.?

Here are a few pictures of the beautiful Ashram grounds and the grand Alankaaram of the presiding deities at the Ashram temple.?