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Singapore Trip 2016

August 16, 2016 – Amma and a small entourage is scheduled to leave tonight on a two-week visit to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bali at the earnest prayers of the devotees from these countries.

If only these sacred temples and buildings in the Ashram have a voice you would hear the echoes of their shared pangs of separation from Amma.

August 16, 2016 – About 8:00 PM we have started our journey to the Chennai airport. Many devotees came to bid goodbye to their Beloved Amma with a heavy heart.?????

On the way to the Chennai airport Sri TN Shankar with his sweet wife Deepa and wonderful mother Sushila flagged us down on the highway to express their love and prayerful pranams to Amma.???

Amma and the entourage (minus Prakash), and the invisible yours truly behind the camera waiting at the Chennai airport to catch the 1:20 AM flight on SCOOT. If you have never heard of SCOOT so haven’t we; it’s part of the low-cost offering from the Singapore Airlines. It was a comfortable flight.✈

Here was the band of ardent devotees of Amma who have eagerly awaited Amma’s visit. Amma has been visiting Singapore for more than a decade, and there are some old-time devotees who have been following Amma for nearly 15+ years when Amma was barely in her 20s. Amma’s last visit to Singapore was during Feb-Mar 2015.?

Thanks to the well organized team of devotees we were quickly transported to the beautiful Beachfront Bungalows where some of the familiar faces like Smt Pushpa and Ching Baba have been busy making preparations to welcome Amma with traditional vedic chanting and Paada puja. ???

Amma was welcomed with Ching Baba’s singing a beautiful devotional song.???

Welcoming at the entrance of Amma’s Bungalow– Memories of the past and memories forever.???

After a sumptuous breakfast the morning worship program began.

Here are a few pictures of the beautiful natural surroundings of Amma’s stay in Singapore for the next five days.

Smt Nalayani whose bhajan “Amma, Amma Thaye; Akhilandeswari Neeye … ???” is very familiar to Amma’s devotees offers a special garland.

Sweet! Sweet! Sweet! Indeed is our Lord??

??? Mrudula Charanam ? Anugraha Charanam ?????

The evening brought the high energy bhajans from the “Jai Maruti Bhakta Samajam” lead by their Guruji Venkatarama Sharmaji” that are not only truly soul elevating but heart-pounding — sort of reminded me of our Fiji Dhamaka by the Sockton group. Not to worry; this is no competition — different styles and different parts of the world. For Amma’s part, Amma patiently sat through listening with love, appreciation and approval for more than 1:30 hours.??

Prasad distribution followed the Bhajan session?

Alvin Tay came with a beautiful garland and a bagful of roses to adorn Amma.???

The day ended with a sumptuous prasad dinner after which everyone departed quietly for the night.?

August 18, 2016 – The day started early for everyone in Amma’s Bungalow where morning worship began. But for a few of us including Prasuna and Jhansi in the adjoining Bungalow who overslept the day began at 7:30 AM, awakened only because of the noise from Amma our kitchen where Amma was busy making Upma (morning breakfast). Amma’s compassion knows no bounds.?? A true loving Mother who is kind and refuses to find faults in her children.??

Having prepared the morning breakfast Amma returned to Bungalow of Amma’s stay, and by the time we entered Amma already blessed Sri Harpal Singh by creating a special powder to help with his health; it had a unique smell and taste, and Amma described it as a combination of Vibhuti, Gandham and some sort of medicine. As the saying goes, “Vaidyo Narayana Harihi” – the ultimate Doctor is God Himself.?

But, I was a witness when Amma blessed Smt Malliga with the same type special therapeutic powder with unique aroma and taste. She and her husband Sri Rakkumar have been longtime devotees of Amma, and regularly support and participate in the annual Navarathri celebrations at the Ashram.?

Sri Rajkumar assisting Amma in the Alankaaram of Sri Rajarajeswari Devi.

Today, August 18th marks the special day of celebration of Rakhi (Rakshabandhan) or Rakhi Purnima celebrating the loving divine bond of brothers and sisters. On this sacred occasion Amma gave special privilege to the women devotees to offer special floral offerings and Arathi.?

And, then it was realized that the family scheduled to bring the Naivedyam (special food offering for the worship) was running late. Amma immediately jumped into action — started cutting the fruits to make a sort of panchaamritam; several ladies joined to assist. With added honey, dehydrated cranberries and walnuts the final product turned out to be heavenly, and assuredly pleasing the Divine let alone mere mortals. As the preparation was complete the scheduled Naivedyam too arrived.?

Heavenly Naivedyam ???

Sri GB Vasudevan, a practicing Attorney and a distinguished leader of the Vasudevananda Society came with his loving wife, mother-in-law, and his two beautiful young children seeking Amma’s blessings, especially for Amma to do the Anna-praasana (first ceremonial feeding of solid food) of his 5-month old son, Kapardi. Amma readily blessed having the ladies to set up the stage for the ceremony which includes letting the child pick an object among the choices of a fruit, book, pen, money and a knife (weapon) — the concept is that depending on the objects the child seeks out, it reflects the innate desire and propensity of the child, and the future of the child’s profession. Vasu’s young son went after the book and the money ?????? — with Goddesses Saraswathi and Sri Mahalakshmi within his grasp, what does Kapardi lack?

Later Amma gave the first ceremonial feeding of Paayas (a sweet delicacy). With the ceremony ended and Amma continued playing with Kapardi, and called Vasudevan blessing him with the silver Mahameru pendant for his son Kapardi ???

Kapardi, a truly blessed child proudly wearing the sacred Mahameru and enjoying the loving lap of the Divine.???

Smt Manimekala and her loving husband are Amma’s ardent and longtime devotees.?

I was out briefly to do my WhatsApp postings and the “adult children” have somehow managed to appeal to Amma to wear their personal rings and bless them; of course I jumped in and added my ring on Amma’s little toe.?

With our lively and high energy Jaynee simple layout of lunch won’t do; she goes all out to express her love and display her creativity with pizzazz.
But, let me have her say it in her own sweet words:
All of Us Love Amma MORE THAN WE CAN SAY. LOVE HER TWICE AS MUCH TOMORROW!? Whatelse to say ‘Love the taste, Love the goodness’ ???????

After the noon rest, Amma ventured for a walk in the green and well laid out garden grounds of the beachside resort. We all followed Amma with excitement and eager anticipation of the Divine plays to unfold, despite the sultry weather. Amma did not disappoint us. Less than five minutes into the walk Amma turned to Jaynee blessing her by creating a beautiful green gemstone for her; Amma directed her to get it mounted in a ring. And then in the usual playful mood Amma took it back from her, hiding it and after much teasing giving it back to her; Amma also gave me a little part to play in the hiding and teasing game.?

There are almost no pictures of Amma that I don’t like — Amma is very cooperative and very photogenic if you can forgive my expression; and, its almost like each picture reveals a facet of that universal Divine beauty and attraction. ?????

Amma lead us to a nice shady area of the lawn across the Golf Course behind the Bungalows and sat down; and all of us quickly gathered around Amma. Others slowly joined including Prof Avadhani and his daughter Mrina. Thanks to the conversation initiated by Prof Avadhani which lead Amma to bless all of us with pointers on practical spirituality.?

The outdoor satsang with Amma continued occasionally interspersed with devotees bringing snacks that Amma distributed.
And then suddenly Amma called Frank Tan and blessed him by creating the silver ring with golden Om on it; Frank was overjoyed with Amma’s kindness. Ever since Amma gave me a similar ring before our departure from India Prasuna (my wife) has been wearing it saying that it is hers now; Amma also has been encouraging her to keep wearing it. Amma now called Frank as her brother and to display the rings together; Jaynee joined to show off the gemstone blessing she just received.?

It was time for us to move indoors for the evening satsang and Bhajans. Amma went upstairs for a quick shower and returned to the primary meeting area. Amma now called Mrina to bless her by creating the beautiful gemstone.?

Govinda asks Amma a spiritual question to get clarification. And later in the evening Amma blessed him by creating Vibhuti.?

Just when the program came to a close and as Mrina and her father Prof Avadhani were taking leave, Amma blessed Mrina by creating that sacred Vibhuti with lingering heavenly scent.?

I caught Ching Baba wearing beautiful flowers on his tied hair, surpassing even a woman’s fashion.??????

Evening program concluded with Mangala Arathi ?

I am truly grateful that Prof Avadhani was there to do the translation of the very inspiring satsang with Amma.??

The grateful Sri Seshagiri Garu is proudly wearing the blessing of Mahameru from Amma.?

After everyone enjoyed sumptuous prasad dinner and returned to their homes Amma ventured out for a brief stroll in the Resort grounds; few of us followed.??

August 19, 2016 – National Service Resort & Country Club, Beachfront Bungalows, Singapore.?

Morning Worship Program in progress.???

Smt Helen Chekban (sweet wife of Ching Baba) offered the lotus flower which Amma readily placed on the head and pleased her.?

No amount of flowers are enough for Amma’s loving devotees to adorn those lovely lotus feet that bring succour and peace.???

O come let us adore Him??? O come let us adore Him??? O come let us adore Him???

In the afternoon Amma went for a walk to the nearby beach with a band of devotees. It was a brief visit to the beach and unfortunately no one took any pictures. Amma assured me that we will go to the beach again on another day soon.
Amma walked back to the same spot of the garden behind the Bungalow where we gathered yesterday. Singapore devotees expressed their desire to be more unified and do well like the other groups around the world. Amma assured them that Amma has a special place in Amma’s heart and they are special as the oldest devotees who have been welcoming Amma to Singapore and supporting the Mission.???

The evening Bhajan Program (Singapore – August 19, 2016)???

Manasa Bhajare Guru Charanam ??? Dusthara Bhava Sagara Tharanam ?????

The Bhajan program concluded with the Mangala Arathi. We all had a sumptuous prasad dinner and regrouped for satsang with Amma.

We are grateful to have Prof Avadhani for providing the translation of Amma’s talks last night as well, who also helped to initiate the satsang by posing earnest spiritual queries.?

Amma called Prof Avadhani’s daughter Mrina and created the sacred Vibhuti to her mother who was unable to join the satsang last evening.?

After the delicious desert of Amma’s sweet words of spiritual advice everyone retired for tge night.?

August 20, 2016 – National Service Resort & Country Club, Beachfront Bungalows, Singapore.?

By the time I got ready and came downstairs Amma has already cooked a storm in the kitchen well beyond the breakfast giving tips and recipes for the lunch preparation. As I took Paadanamaskar Amma asked me if I saw anything different, and with the prompting of others around Amma I noticed the beautiful earrings that Amma was wearing (a loving offering from a devotee). No sooner that I snapped a couple of pictures, Amma quickly took them off. Unfortunately that would be the last time these blessed earrings will see Amma’s ears.??

We proceeded to the main meeting place where the morning worship with Rudram recitation was in full progress.?

Devoted offerings of garlands are times of playfulness of Amma.???

A very simple and serene setup of the Altar.?

Morning worship concluded with Mangala Arathi.??

The pranks of the Lord continue from the Dwapara Yuga when as Sri Krishna there was a litany of pranks attributed to Him — Amma had Amritha takeout her earrings and gave them away to Ching Baba. They do look good on him!!! Amritha has ever since been walking around with a long face not knowing what to do.?

After the evening worship program there were a couple of Indian classical dance performances. The first one was a surprise request from Amma to Mrina Avadhani who promptly obliged despite the sudden notice; she gave a brief beautiful presentation with gracious movements. ?? Then came the turn of the semi-pros.?

What followed next was a session of melodious Bhajans that are not only soul elevating for the ordinary mortals but also transported tge Divine into a state of Bliss. Having witnessed a couple of episodes of Amma transcending into this Blissful state in the USA we are always on an alert so that we can manage bring Amma back to the ordinary plane.???

August 21, 2016 – National Service Resort & Country Club, Beachfront Bungalows, Singapore.?

Amma was down in the kitchen not only to help with the breakfast (Dosa?) preparation but also helped to prepare lunch menu including Amma’s “Pallela Podi” classic, in anticipation of large crowd of devotees including some old timers like Maj Puru, Albert and Victor.?

Helen Chekban was the early bird that got the worm! Amma blessed Ching Baba’s wife with the precious gemstone. Earlier this year Amma blessed Ching Baba with a gold ring mounted with beautiful yellow sapphire. A truly blessed wonderful couple that do much loving service to Amma’s mission.?

While the morning worship program continued Amma entertained the little baby boy Kapardi. How blessed is the little one to not only receive his name from Amma but also have the luxury of the Divine lap.??

And then it was realized that the special food offering (Naivedyam) was not arranged, and Amma rushed into the kitchen to create something quickly. By now everyone knows that Amma is the “Master of Creation” in more than one sense. When I asked Amma for the name of this Divine dish, Amma paused for a moment and said that it is “Yumlee, Umlee, Imlee” — some made up name for laughs, but for me it sounded very Chinese with the letters “lee” in the three words.?

And then came our dear old Nalayani who brought a beautiful garland to adorn Amma, but Amma stopped her in the tracks and signaled her put it on herself; the embarrassed Nalayani obeyed Amma’s directive faithfully. This is no ordinary humor — even in little acts like these Amma is making us realize our true nature, which is Divine.?

The morning program concluded with Mangala Arathi. ?

Amma truly loves this couple (Smt Parvathi and Prof Avadhani) who were among Amma’s notable longtime ardent devotees ?????

We had an unexpected treat of beautiful flute recital by the twin sons (Hari & Vishnu) of Smt Mrina Avadhani (the darling daughter of Parvathi and Prof Avadhani). We learnt that the family is full of accomplished musicians.??? A proud moment as indeed for the grandparents to see their talented grandchildren get the audience and attention from the Divine.???

Amma blessed Pathma, Sri Ananda’s wife with the beautiful Emarald gemstone and the Sacred Vibhuti with heavenly scent.?

Filled with the same boundless stream of Love — Amma with the Old?

Filled with the same boundless stream of Love — Amma with the Young?

Filled with the same boundless stream of Love — Amma with the Longtime ardent devotee who have done some remarkable foundational work for Amma’s Ashram and Mission – Maj Puru ?

Filled with the same boundless stream of Love — Amma with the Longtime ardent devotee who has done some remarkable foundational work for Amma’s Ashram and Mission – Victor ?

Filled with the same boundless stream of Love — Amma with the Longtime ardent devotee who has done some remarkable foundational work for Amma’s Ashram and Mission – Amma blessed Albert by creating the Sacred Vibhuti and assured him of Amma’s continued blessings. ?

It is lunch time! And Amma began inviting several of the devotees to join for the lunch especially prepared for Amma. It was people in the organization, and it was the longtime devotees; and it was everyone, the number grew to nearly 30 people. As much as Prasuna and Jhansi who prepared the limited food for Amma were nervous, based on past experience they were confident that Amma’s Divine magic will do the trick. Sure enough with everyone jumping into action everyone was well fed, and it was a true festive occasion to share the real food of Amma’s infinite love.?????

The evenings in Singapore with Amma will remain etched in our memories forever.??

Which followed Flute, Violin and Miridungam Performance by Mr. Ramana Sabapathy and Group; it was a very pleasing and exhilarating recital.?

The evening program ended with the Mangala Arathi.?

As Amma was leaving to the private room upstairs, Amma momentarily stopped near the staircase and called Mr. Govinda Lein and blessed him by creating a beautiful silver ring with Mahameru. Another “creative” version amongst Amma’s many creations.???

Little after dinner Amma came down to spend more time with the devotees; kind of a bonus session knowing that tomorrow we will be saying goodbye to the wonderful Singapore devotees as we head to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.?

Amma called Vincent, another longtime ardent devotee of Amma and blessed him by creating the now somewhat familiar silver Mahameru pendant. Amma also threaded the pendant and put it on Vincent who was overjoyed. This is truly a very joyful moment for Vincent in more than one way; let me explain. At the last year Navarathri celebration at the Ashram Vincent placed the Rudrakshamala that Amma blessed him with more than a decade ago into the collection to be put on the Mahameru for the ceremonial Abhishekam which is returned to the rightful owner at the end of the ceremony. Unfortunately his Rudrakshamala was lost in the shuffle; ever since he was very sad about his loss. Only the day before I consoled him that he should be patient and everything will be set right. Well his prayers were answered — he received an equally sacred and powerful Mahameru to wear.??????

Coming out of the woodworks — more longtime devotees of Amma. It is amazing to see the intimacy and loving bond they exude when they see Amma.?

Jaynee was back to her wild “childish” and child-like behavior; unfortunately no one can catch up to her level of excitement.

August 22, 2016 – National Service Resort & Country Club, Beachfront Bungalows, Singapore.?
Today is the last of the stay at this beautiful resort that the Singapore devotees arranged so lovingly. We the entourage along with Amma very much enjoyed the hospitality and generosity of these longtime devotees. Goodbyes are hard to say. But as we leave Singapore we reflect on the cordiality and cohesiveness of the Group to bring that feeling that we are all children of Amma that share in the joy if Amma’s boundless love, with a common purpose of furthering our spiritual journey and reach the goal with Amma’s grace and blessings.?????

Morning worship continued as scheduled.???

As the morning worship program came to a close it was time to some intimate time with Amma for many of the devotees and volunteers who came to see Amma off after spending a five-day intense spiritual festivity with Amma.?

Few more lasting memories of the 2016 Singapore visit at the picturesque beachfront resort.??

Having seen and blessed the musical magic of the Avadhani clan, Amma now called on Nirmala, the second daughter of the Avadhanis to showcase her dance talent.???

We left to the Singapore’s Changi airport around 2PM. Many volunteers, members of the Vasudevananda Society of Singapore, and longtime devotees followed to see Amma off to the next stop in the tour, Kuala Lumpur.
Everyone gathered around Amma for one final picture and one last assurance from Amma for grace and blessings. The staff at the Malindo Airline counter who got the whiff of a Holy person among the passengers, ran to Amma to seek the blessings.?????

Malindo Airlines staff crowding up Amma.?

Excellent photo op for the oldest ardent devotees of Singapore who made the visit very memorable.???????

??????? TO THE SINGAPORE DEVOTEES AND TO THE VOLUNTEERS AND ORGANIZERS – THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! ???????

August 2016 Events

Various events occurred during the month of August 2016.???

Amma went on a “field trip” to the nearby farm of Sri Vijaya Naidu to harvest Pillipesara, a leguminous plant used as fodder and bring for the cows in Goshaala at the Ashram. As predicted, after a short purview Amma herself got into the act for the love of her herd.??

A frequent visitor to the Ashram and a very dedicated devotee Sri Mohan Reddy who renders much service at the Ashram was truly blessed to receive the privilege of washing Amma’s Lotus Feet, and doubly blessed was he when Amma created this beautiful gem stone for him.?

We catch Amma engaged in the amazing and puzzling tradition of ‘Divine worshipping the Divine’. This is no different than Sri Rama invoking and worshipping Lord Siva at Rameswaram. Although at a Advaitic level when we worship Amma or any other Divine form it amounts to the same — ‘Divine worshipping the Divine’, until we realize that we are no different from God.
From the very early childhood people around Amma realized that Amma is a great lover of God as Amma used to get lost playing with idols of God even at the expense of neglecting the school work. It didn’t take too long for the fortunate few to realize that Amma is none other than the Universal Divine Mother come to play in their midst with a Mission that is steadily unfolding as per the Master Plan. Besides the childhood plays of prayers and worship as a young adult Amma also had a brief stint as a temple priest; mind you, Amma is no ordinary priest! Amma is very conversant with many traditions of pujas, homas, prayers and ceremonies to the scriptural accuracy; often you find Amma asking to pause the worship to clarify the true spiritual import and intricate meaning of the prayers and chantings. It has been my personal experience that while Amma is kind and forgiving to the errors that priests occasionally make in the chanting or puja procedures Amma corrects them promptly as a loving Mother and Teacher.
But most of all it is truly a ‘Divine Spectacle’ to watch Amma doing the worship methodically, patiently and lovingly. Enjoy the play of ‘Divine worshipping the Divine’, Amma style.???

A small group of old devotees from Vijayawada visited, and received the shower of Amma’s blessings and Amma’s gift of sarees.?

At last the long awaited day for Prasuna and I to return to the sacred grounds of Amma’ Ashram and enjoy Amma’s love has come at almost midnight of August 3rd as we entered the gates of the Ashram. It had that stillness and sanctity in the air and everyone was fast asleep except we could hear the occasional blowing of the whistle by the security guard. It is quiet times at the Ashram with occasional drop ins to stay but a steady stream of devotees during day time. We heard that Sri Vithaleshwar who was promoted and posted as the DSP (District Superintendent of Police) to the Nellore district also arrived at the Ashram half-an-hour earlier. In the early morning hours of August 4th Smt Pavani Manthana of San Ramon, California arrived with her two children Rishik and Showmik, along with her mother.?

The simple but sacred abode of our Beloved Amma?

We had early morning darshan of Amma along with Pavani’s family. Soon to be joined by Sri Vithaleswar who was there to receive Amma’s blessings before joining his new position as the DSP of Nellore. Back in January I wrote about this wonderful devotee who served more than a decade at the sacred abode of Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala, and also had the blessed privilege to serve Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s Ashram at Prashanti Nikayam during the final years of Swami’s life on earth. He has tomes of Divine experiences and but exudes much devotion and humility. What a blessed soul! Heis genuinely thrilled to have the opportunity to be doing his final years of law-enforcement service in the immediate vicinity of our Beloved Amma?

Come! Breakfast with Amma! Let us join the largest Dining Room of Amma that even the Royalties cannot afford. It is open, airy and between the two buildings named after the great dedicated servants and stalwarts of the Ashram — Smt Nageswaramma and Smt Sudarshanamma.?

Soon after the breakfast Amma lead us to the sacred Yaagashaala where the the flames of the homa gunda are ever lit. Wonder if this in line with the Datta tradition of Avadhutas like Sri Shiridi Sai Baba who are “Nithyagnihotras”. ?

As I shared before this is a place in the Ashram where Amma receives the visitors and devotees, giving spiritual advise, worldly guidance and blesses them. Sometimes these blessings are in the form of Divine creations, springing surprise on them and overwhelming the devotee with immense love and gratitude.
This time was no different; it was the good fortune of Smt Pavani Manthana to receive those unique diamond earrings that Amma manifested for a few devotees during the recent visit to the USA. Amma looked at me and tested me teasingly “so, what number is this?”, meaning of the total number if the earring blessings. I reported promptly that this makes it the 10th. Amma said smilingly, yes it stands for ‘Dashamahavidya’; Pavani was truly blissed out while her mother watched with admiration and gratitude.???????

Later that afternoon some old devotees of Amma, Susheelamma and Seethamma joined Amma in the Yaagashaala. Seethamma whom met on several of my previous visits has a unique loving relationship with Amma. Over the years she has composed many beautiful devotional poems and songs describing Amma’s leelas and glory. You will hear her singing a couple of them in the attached video clips. I have great admiration for her simple Yashoda like motherly love and devotion, but at times I cringe when she expresses her ebb of devotion by pulling Amma’s cheeks or slapping the back. At those times I do lovingly protest to her.?

You may recall that since late 2013 Amma has been materializing the sacred Srichakrams for the devotees. But Amma’s creation of these wonderful Divine manifestations went up significantly since 2014 & 2015. That’s when Amma revealed the Master Plan of blessing the devotees with these sacred objects. Amma said that Amma has commissioned a total of 108 of these magnificent Srichakrams from the Viswakarma (architect of the Universe) himself, and to date that has crossed the mark of 50, with the two latest blessed recipients added today — Haji of Malaysia, and Pradeep of Nellore.?

Last evening also witnessed the blessings of that sacred Vibhuti with that heavenly scent showered by Amma on Sree Harry and his wonderful wife Ambika who are visiting from Malaysia accompanied by their eldest daughter. You may recall that that Sree Harry and Ambika along with their three beautiful daughters have been the privileged and gracious hosts when Amma visited Malaysia back in May 2016. ???

Here is Pradeep of Naidupeta (Nellore) along with his wife and daughter brimming with joy for receiving Amma’s creation of the sacred Srichakram.???

August 6, 2016 – Despite the wonderful uplifting Ashram atmosphere and the cool and gracious proximity of our loving Amma it has been a challenge to bear through the unrelenting heat of the season. But, we still will not trade this for anything and continue to enjoy the beauty, serenity and the Divine Presence of Amma.???

Ashram’s spiritual Center — the temple of the presiding deity as seen at night.

Last evening Sri Durgaprasad garu, his lovely wife Smt Khadgamala came for a visit along with their grandchildren from the Bay Area, California.

August 7, 2016 – This morning as they met Amma before taking leave there was a sort of family talent show by the young and old in the family which Amma enjoyed thoroughly.???

The morning’s glorious sight is no less spectacular???

We followed Amma to the morning visit of the Goshaala; Amma has such intimate contact with each of the cows and calves Amma fondly talks about each of them just as Amma talks about the human devotees.?

That is the true “Motherly” attitude and sacrifice — this noble animal was equally glad to feed the calf neglected by its own mother along with its own with equal love.???

The Gomaatha standing at the gate in front of the Ashram temple receives the daily early morning worship.?

Despite the heat the plants in the Ashram grounds keep blooming with beautiful fragrant flowers making their own obeisances to the sacred premises.???

As we approached the temple Amma pulled me aside to show me a passerby who is fishing in the pond in front of the temple. Amma was instrumental in introducing the fish hatchlings back in January, and he is reaping the results!

One of the Ashram’s security guard found this little turtle crawling around the temple yard and brought it to show it to Amma. I call that going beyond the call of duty — what a vigil, we can only hope that he shows that kind of vigilance with trespassers.?

To protect it from the sweltering heat and keep it safe from the potential predators Amma had the turtle temporarily housed in a barrel with water which it seems to have taken readily for a home.

Here is the center of Ashram’s spiritual activity where the presiding deity Sri Rajarajeswari Devi receives daily worship; Lord Sri Ganesha and Lord Shiva in the Linga form seated in smaller temples within also receive the daily Abhisheham, archana and worship.???

Presiding deity Sri Rajarajeswari Devi with Mahamerus in the foreground ???

Lord Ganesha — the first worshipped and remover of all obstacles.???

Lord Shiva — the One without the beginning or the end, and in whom everything merges.???

The true love of our heart with that bewitching smile and ever blessing hand, our Beloved Amma, who gives succor and solace to devotees around the world leading them to advance spiritually.?

The Yaagashaala where Amma spends much time receiving devotees, giving them advice on worldly matters, comforting them, and guiding them spiritually. On a daily basis in the late afternoons, Amma personally conducts the sacred homas invoking various deities for the welfare of all beings and at times in the names of specific devotees who need special blessings to overcome their life’s challenges. Despite the sweltering heat outside and the heat and smoke from the eternal sacred fires inside the Yaagashaala it remains one of the most serene and spiritually uplifting place in the Ashram to rest and relax in Amma’s holy presence. Amma tells us that the smoke emanating from the sacred fires of the homas is not only beneficial to the health of those seated in the Yaagashaala but also to the atmoshere as it helps repairing and restoring the protective ozone layer that continues to be depleted.?

Sri Gurubhyo Namah?

This afternoon Dr. A. Srinivasulu garu, Principal of Government College in Buchireddypalem came to pay his prayerful respects to Amma. You may recall that last year when he was heading the Naidupeta Government College as the Principal he was the inspiration and instrument to seek Ashram’s generous support to provide noon meals to nearly 200 students for over a month during the critical examination period. Several visiting devotees from the USA, Malaysia and Singapore also participated in this noble service activity.?

Over the last few visits to the Ashram I have witnessed how much Amma enjoys and engages in listening to the “Tatwaalu” (ballads and songs imbued with highest spiritual truths) that the simple villagers sing. Last night was truly exceptional to hear these very simple uneducated lay devotees render these songs with intricate spiritual concepts. Amma not only showed enthusiasm and encouragement but also challenged them to share their understanding of the Tatwaalu they sang. It was amazing to hear their depth of understanding; it is then it struck to me how this land of spirituality made it possible to imbibe such highest spiritual truths even by the least learned. In a way spirituality is an integral part of the daily life whether one goes to a place of worship or not; it is everywhere all around you — you cannot escape it!!!???

As the evening devotion program and satsang came to a close we all followed Amma to the large open-air dining hall for the final program of the evening — sumptuous satwik dinner prasad in the Holy Company of Amma.?
A little over year ago prayers and continuous singing of Holy Name during meals has been instituted to curb unnecessary conversation and socialization. It is an amazing transformation; I am sure that you can surmise the spiritual benefits of this simple observance.
Attached is a video of the Bhagavadgita rendering by a couple of young girls whom Amma herself taught the recitation. By the way Amma can recite all the 18 Chapters of Bhagavadgita from memory!!! No surprise here.??

“Bhojana Kaale, Hari Nama Smarane! Govinda! Govinda!” Is the concluding prayer (meaning — Remembrance of the Holy Name of God at Mealtime is worshipful indeed.)

August 10, 2016 – Amma blessed Mr Mathew of Bangalore by materializing these precious gemstones.?

Amma brought out the 52nd Srichakram from the sacred Yonigundam of the Yaagashaala and blessed Sri Mohan Reddy, a very dedicated devotee who renders much service around the Ashram.?

It was the good fortune of Sri Vemareddy Sridhar Reddy of Vargali to have received Amma’s special blessings of the sacred Srichakram materialized by Amma, making him the 53rd in the list.???

August 10, 2016 –

????? Rajarajeswari Jaganmohini ? Jagadambe Mangala-kaarini ?????

August 12, 2016 – The Ashram celebrated a very significant and most sacred festival, the Varalskmi Vratam.???

August 15, 2016 – A very usual sight — if there is a baby, it naturally finds Amma’s comforting and loving lap. Yesterday afternoon Ariah, the cute daughter of Riyaz, a frequenter to the Ashram, got the luxury of Amma’s loving lap.???

August 16, 2016 – Amma and a small entourage is scheduled to leave tonight on a two-week visit to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bali at the earnest prayers of the devotees from these countries.
As the devotees gathered around Amma this morning at the Yaagashaala, Amma blessed Pratap, a longtime devotee, with a beautiful ring with Kanakapushparagam gemstone (a type of yellow sapphire).????

Sri Seshagiri Rao garu who arrived this morning from Hyderabad to join the team accompanying Amma on the Far East visit who came to the Yaagashaala at the same time was pleasantly surprised to receive Amma’s blessings of a beautiful silver Mahameru pendant.?
I have great admiration for Sri Seshagiri Garu for his sincerity, patience and knowledge of recitations, chants and the melodious rendering of puja vidhis.??

The day is still too young; Amma was headed to the temple and asked me and Sri Malla Reddy of Hyderabad (brother of Dr. Raghunath Reddy of Stockton, California) to join. As we reached the footsteps of the temple Amma sat and called in Sri Malla Reddy garu and with the familiar hand motions created the silver Mahameru pendant, overwhelming him with joy and astonishment. This being his first visit to Amma and the Ashram one can imagine how life changing this event would be!?

While I was still fumbling and recovering from trying to catch up with the taking the pictures of Sri Mahameru pendant creation, Amma called me and said challengingly, “I will also give you something, now who is going to take the pictures?” Fortunately, Sri Malla Reddy garu jumped into action, and Amma blessed me with the silver ring with the golden Om.???

As I was narrating the story of the 108 Mahamerus that Amma has commissioned from the Viswakarma to Sri Malla Reddy, Amma mentioned that over a brief visit to the Ashram Smt Sunita of Atlanta, Georgia received the blessing of one of those sacred Mahamerus, making her the 54th recipient — that leaves 54 more to go!???

August 16, 2016 – It is about 8:45 PM and we have started our journey to the Chennai airport about half-an-hour ago. Many devotees came to bid goodbye to their Beloved Amma with a heavy heart.?????

Medical Camp at Annamedu

A day of service (Karma or the Yoga of Service or Seva). As the saying goes, “మానవ సేవయే మాధవ సేవ” — Service to man is truly service God. August 13, 2016 will remain an important day in the annals of the Amma’s Organization and Mission as we formally embarked on providing free healthcare to the needy under the new banner of “Sri Vasudevananda Swamy Society of Healthcare Charitable Services.” Sri Madhu Reddy, a longtime ardent devotee of Amma and a member of the new Society has organized the first free healthcare service in Annamedu, a small township about 10 KM from the Ashram, recruiting the help of five volunteer Doctors and several supporting medical professionals.The new Society provided the free medicines and nutritional supplements , while the Ashram staff provided the lunch for over 250 villagers who attended the camp, and the volunteer staff. The volunteer medical team also provided basic health and hygiene tips and health guidance to expectant mothers. Overall the free medical camp organized under the new Society was a resounding success.

In all the excitement of this wonderful new event I do not want us to lose sight of the successful past free medical camps held by the Ashram in the surrounding villages, and especially the Medical Camps held in conjunction with the Navarathri Celebrations annually.

The free medical camp held on August 13th used the township’s healthcare building with the tent erected in front allowing to streamline the examination and distribution of free medicines. Posters of basic health and hygiene education were hung all around the tent.

Free medicines, vitamins, tonics and nutritional supplements provided at the Free Medical Camp.

Villagers lined up for Doctor’s exam

Doctors also have set up for scanning expectant mothers to assure the growth of a healthy baby.

In the adjoining building the volunteer team from the Ashram have set up lunch for all villagers and volunteer medical personnel.

Varalskmi Vratam 2016 in the Ashram

August 12, 2016 – The Ashram celebrated a very significant and most sacred festival, the Varalskmi Vratam.

Varalakshmi Vratam is a festival to propitiate the goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, one of the Hindu Trinity. Varalakshmi is one who grants boons (Varam). It is an important pooja performed by many women in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The Hindu festival going by the name ‘Vara Lakshmi Vrata’ is celebrated on the Second Friday or the Friday before full moon day – Poornima in the month of Śravaṇā, also called Śawan in Hindi and Aadi in Tamil which corresponds to the Gregorian months of July–August.

Varalakshmi Vratam is performed by married woman for the well being of all the family members, especially husband, to get progeny etc. It is believed that worshiping Goddess Varalakshmi on this day is equivalent to worshiping Ashtalaksmi – the eight goddesses of Wealth, Earth, Learning, Love, Fame, Peace, Pleasure, and Strength. (Courtesy Wikipedia))???

The day started very early with devotees from around the villages gathering at Sri Rajarajeswari Devi temple in the Ashram. And, as Amma sat down in the Mandap to preside and oversee the worship program, two additional priests joined the regular Ashram priest and assistants and began the elaborate puja invoking Goddess Varalkshmi on the sacred occasion. The puja started with the worship of Ganesha, followed by Rudrabhishekam to the sacred Siva Linga accompanied with the recitation of various vedic chants including Rudram and Purusha Suktam. By the time the worship of Divine Mother started and concluded with various Abhishehams Amma herself entered the temple to do what Amma does best — Alankaaram of the presiding deity, with love, patience and a superb sense of artistry and fashion.???

With Amma’s hand in beautifying the Divine Mother complete the devotees assembled to perform Kumkum Archana (worshipping with vermillion) at the recitation of Sri Lalita Sahasranama Stotram.?

While the worship was underway in the temple the kitchen staff have been cooking a storm preparing the lunch prasad; devotees were served the sumptuous lunch. Amma made rounds to make sure that everyone was attended to and served their fill.???

Amma sat down briefly in the Nageswaramma Hall where the lunch was served and few of the devotees gathered around Amma for blessings. Amma called on couple of the familiar figures to entertain and enlighten by singing a couple of Amma’s favorite Tatwalu.???

In the midst of the hectic program of the day the merciful Amma still made time in the afternoon to meet visiting devotees at the Yaagashaala, and also bless the Ashram’s security guard Badan who was celebrating his Birthday.?

Not to be outdone by the rich festivities at the Ashram, the Siva Temple (Sri Jnana Prasunamba Sametha Konda Mallishwara Swami Alayam) located in a picturesque area atop of a beautiful hillock near Pacchikapallam (about 30 KM from Tirupati also celebrated the festival in a modest way; it was well attended too.?

The evening Arathi done by our Amma herself was spectacular and truly divine to behold. In the words of Sri Tulasi Ram, a wandering monk that has taken shelter at the Ashram — “it was a heavenly vision”! Amma is very fond of this mendicant who is frequently found sitting quietly and meditating, and keeps to himself.??

Sri Tulasi Ram??

Evening was concluded with the melodious songs that the devotees from the neighboring Vinnamala villagers singing in the Ashram temple.?????

Later we all joined Amma for dinner and retired for the night joyously reminiscing the events of the glorious day that will remain etched in our memories.?

Serving Meals at Government Maternity Hospital

Ashram undertook another familiar noble service activity — serving meals to nearly 150 pregnant women and staff at a nearby Government Maternity Hospital. Blessed are these expectant mothers and their children in the womb who will be nourished by the sanctified food prepared by the Divine hands of Amma herself.

Amma in the kitchen helping to prepare the noon meal for the expectant mothers.

Blessed recipients of the sanctified food.

The Ashram also welcomed a couple of busloads of children from the neighboring Sri Chaitanya School who receive much blessings from Amma, sumptuous meals and noontime rest in the large Nageswaramma Hall, for the past two days.

July 2016 Events

Various events occurred during the month of July 2016.???

Amma looks lost deep in thought — caring and sending love to all her children molding their character and guiding them towards their spiritual unfoldment is no easy task. Amma is very patient but at times when the devotees don’t measure up to expectations you would notice one of those expressions of a disappointed parent — on one such occasion light-heartedly I said to Amma “It’s not easy to be God; Is it?” ???

July 10, 2016 – Ashram to provide lunch to nearly 400 pregnant women and when staff and other patients were included the count reached to nearly 700. Amma was more than ready to feed her children wherever they may be.

Amma blessed Mr. Riyaz of Naidupeta with one of those familiar turtle rings with navaratna (nine-gem) stones, the latest addition to the privileged Turtle Ring Club after a long gap of time. Interestingly Mr. Riyaz is wearing another turtle ring with all white stones.?

Amma also blessed Mr. Riyaz and Pradeep, along with a few others with that sacred Vibhuti with lingering distinct scent.?

The shower of Vibhuti knows no bounds!
Around 7:30 AM PST or Around 8 PM IST Mr. T N Shankar who shared much of the pictures and news above sent text messages and frantically tried reaching Dr. Srinivas Pyda at his home in Livermore, California. When finally the two connected around 7:45 AM California time, Shankar conveyed the message from Amma to Dr. Pyda — “please check your Vibhuti box, Amma said that Amma just filled it.” Pyda garu ran upstairs room to the cabinet where he keeps a large container to save the Vibhuti Amma blesses him with. What a sight to behold! What was almost an empty container with traces of Vibhuti and a few small containers that had small amounts from the last couple of days of the recent visit is now almost one-third full with the fresh precious Vibuti emanating heavenly scent.
It was a mere coincident (?) that I called the Ashram to talk to Shankar to get the details of the free lunch service at the Ashram, when I heard about the transcontinental miracle from Shankar himself. And, I wasted no time to confront the miracle maker, and Amma chuckled and responded with that mischievous “Uh-oh”. I now confronted the blessed recipient who pleaded “guilty as charged”. I rushed to Dr. Pyda’s home to witness it personally and receive some of that special Vibhuti.
A little over a year ago just a day before returning to India Amma filled Dr. Pyda’s Kurta with large amount of Vibhuti. Pyda garu has been generously sharing that Vibhuti with any devotee who asked for some to the point of having not much left for himself. That sort of sacrifice is what Amma looks in all of us before sending that shower of grace. So, this Vibhuti is truly precious in its mystery, story, and history for all of us who love Amma.?????

The Mother of All, our Beloved Amma receives the motherly attention from Smt. Susheela as she combs Amma’s lovely hair.?

July 24, 2016 – Since my last posting Amma has left the Ashram for a couple of weeks to the sacred and mystical Himalayas and just returned on July 22nd. These occasional visits of Amma to the Himalayas continue to remain as a mystery until Amma is ready to share with us at an appropriate time in future.
Back at the Ashram Amma is fully engaged in the daily activities which for some may look very mundane. While the actions and activities of great Divinities like Amma might appear deceptively very routine, simple and ordinary be prepared to receive the profound spiritual messages that they do communicate. For, all great spiritual teachers lead by example.???

It is no surprise to anyone that Amma’s first visit after returning to the Ashram was the Goshaala. Blessed indeed are these creatures to get such loving attention from their Beloved Gopala — their relationship is a lasting one that dates back to the Dwapara Yuga when the Lord sported as a simple cowherd boy.❤??

From the Goshaala to the sacred Yaagashaala where Amma does Homas on a daily basis to the betterment of the Universe and the welfare of her devotees around the world. Seated on Amma’s lap is a newborn baby of a visiting devotee that Amma blessed naming him as ‘Viranchi’ a name for Brahma the Creator of the Hindu Trinity.?

Here is a little more background on that sweet name ‘Virinchi’ (not Viranchi as I mistakenly wrote above):

The name of the Brahma of first Kalpa is Virinchi.
Generally speaking, a kalpa is the period of time between the creation and re-creation of a world or universe. The definition of a kalpa equaling 4.32 billion years is found in the Puranas—specifically Vishnu Purana and Bhagavata Purana.
Brahma has a life span of one kalpa at the end of which even he ceases to exist giving way to his successor- a new Brahma. The present kalpa is seventh in order as six kalpas have already passed.
Here are the names of the Brahma of each Kalpa
First Kalpa – Virinchi.
Second Kalpa – Padmabhu.
Third Kalpa – Swayambhu.
Fourth Kalpa – Parmeshthi.
Fifth Kalpa – Surajyeshtha
Sixth Kalpa – Hemagarbha.
Seventh Kalpa – Shatanand.

Predictably Amma’s next stop was to the presiding deity in the temple Sri Rajarajeswari Devi, who for many of the devotees Amma is the very personification enabling the devotees to enjoy the Divine leelas. It is truly a sight to behold when Amma walks up to the imposing beautiful idol in the temple and attends to her Alankaaram (decoration), and caresses her cheeks and kisses her — hard to resist that world-bewitching beautiful form of the Divine Mother.???

Yogi (that’s his real name), an old timer who has been coming to the Ashram from his early childhood wasted no time to have Amma’s Darshan as soon as Amma returned to the Ashram.

Smt. Susheela makes floral offerings offerings to Amma’s head, but for most devotees Guru’s feet are even more sacred.

Breakfast Ashram style! Amma gets in the line for breakfast in the outdoor walkway adjoining the Nageswaramma hall and feels very much at home to sit on the bare gravel ground to “enjoy” the simple breakfast. For the One who wanders the wilderness of the Himalayas this may not be a hardship except for Amma’s loving Devotees.

Let’s follow Amma to the vegetable garden adjoining The Ashram temple where a variety of vegetables including eggplant, okra and other leafy vegetables are grown. Much of what is produced is used for daily feeding of the visitors and the Ashram inmates.

And then gets down to show how to do the weeding properly and lend a helping hand. Let us pray and seek Amma’s love and blessings so that Amma uproots the six passions or bad qualities [Arishadvargas — desire, kama (lust), krodha (anger), lobha (greed), moha (delusion), madha (pride) and matsarya (jealousy)], the negative characteristics which prevent man from realizing the atman (Reality that is our True Being).???

Some of you may not have taken notice of Amma’s new dinner-plate — a true clay marvel! For devotees who are accustomed to serving dinner to Amma on a silver-plate this might be an alien concept. Be comforted that the clay plate and copper drinking glass that Amma uses at the Ashram are healthy choices as well.?

Amma cradles the sweet newborn baby ‘Virinchi’, calls out the baby by his sacred name and carries on a light hearted conversation with the parents. On such wonderful occasions when a newborn is on the lap Amma sings a lullaby with great spiritual import — “Suddhosi Buddhosi Niranjanosi; Mala-moothra Kompalaku Marala Rakosi”, meaning “You are forever pure, You are forever true, and the dream of this world; O Ye, do not return to this house filled with feces and urine (meaning the cycle of birth and death)”.?

As mentioned earlier, one of the places that Amma frequents on a daily basis is the Yaagashaala where Amma personally does the sacred Homas to various deities for the welfare of all the beings in the Universe; and, many a time to alleviate the suffering or help overcome the worldly challenges of the devotees who sought Amma’s help and blessings.
Couple of days ago at the end of the homa ceremony Amma created a couple of the brilliant yellow sapphire stones (Kanaka Pushparaga), and blessed two devotees — one to Pradeep, a local devotee who frequents the Ashram, and the second one to Sri Dasharatharami Reddy, an Ex MLA (Member of Legislative Assembley).???

July 25, 2016 – It was the good fortune of Alvin from Singapore (another longtime devotee) to have received from Amma the familiar turtle ring with nine gems.?

Sri Vijaya Naidu, another dedicated soul who gives a helping hand with lot of activities big and small was thrilled to receive from Amma the blessing of a precious gem stone, just following the homa ceremony at tge Yaagashaala.?

While Amma sits on the footsteps of the temple entrance blessing the visitors, devotees from the neighboring township of Kanoor are lost in Divine ecstasy singing and dancing inebriated weith Divine Love.❤?

That welcoming door to Amma’s modest residence at the Ashram, the true “Vaikunta Dwaar” (gateway to heaven), is always wide open to the pilgrims from around the world to receive that love of the Universal Divine Mother (except when Amma is out and about).?

Young and old are drawn to those lotus feet of our Beloved Amma.???

The kitchen can always count on Amma’s help; after all Amma is the ‘hands on’ Divine Master.???

The afternoon gathering at the Yaagashaala where the sacred fire continues day and night are very relaxing and truly enlightening as Amma frequently blesses the visitors with profound spiritual messages as well as with those unique creations.??

For those who frequent the Ashram the evening gatherings in front of Amma’s residence where Amma receives devotees are equally exhilarating. ???

Serving Lunch at Government Maternity Hospital

July 10, 2016 – Amma’s mission heavily focused on charitable service activities is in full swing. Amma’s inspirational leadership not only brings the folks at the Ashram get into action but also devotees from the surrounding areas get involved in these noble social service activities.
Dr. Sujatha, a longtime ardent devotee of Amma who works at the Government Hospital in nearby Naidupet appealed to Amma for the Ashram to provide lunch to nearly 400 pregnant women and when staff and other patients were included the count reached to nearly 700. Amma was more than ready to feed her children wherever they may be.
You might recall that early this year the students of the Naidupeta Govt. College received the generous support of providing midday meals to the students for over a month. Most of these students come from impoverished families and it was a true blessing for them to get a free meal particularly from Amma’s Ashram.
And now equally blessed are these expectant mothers and the precious souls in their wombs to receive the sanctified food prepared under Amma’s watchful eye at the Ashram. Here are the pictures of the blessed event.???

Sample of food under preparation; there is more than what you see here to serve at the expectant mothers and patients Govt Hospital.

07/01-07/05 – Dr. Srinivas Pyda’s home at Livermore, CA

July 1, 2016 — Morning worship program at Dr. Srinivas Pyda’s home at Livermore, California. ???

Before sending pictures of this morning’s program let me share with you the pictures of the loving welcome to Amma at the Pydas home following traditional Poorna Kumbham accompanied by the sacred Vedic Chants.???

The loving & generous host, and a wonderful devotee of Amma who serves as an inspiration to all of us.??

The Pyda’s work as a team when it comes to serving or sharing Amma’s love and glory. Last night Sri Suresh Pyda, younger brother of Dr. Srinivas Pyda got the honor and privilege to bring Amma in his new car. And when it comes to preparing the delicious food for Amma and the ever increasing number of devotees Sri Suresh’s wife Smt Lakshmi and Dr. Pyda’s sister Jhansi are a true tag team.?

Smt. Veena garlanded her Beloved Amma this morning with Vadamaala ?

Early this morning as she carried the breakfast for Amma Smt. Jhansi Tumu received the blessings of the unique diamond earrings; she was elated to share the joy with her dear friend Smt Prasuna Reddy. That makes Jhansi the 7th to join the club of “Kamma (earring) girls” as Amma calls them.???

After lunch the children had a great time with Amma who kept them busy with fun and games that brought much laughter and lead them to exhaustion.?

A couple of days ago Amma asked Smt Jyoti Dhar Patel to bring her frail mother-in-law Dhiraj Behen, and if she is not in well enough that Amma herself will go to visit her. So, late this morning Jyothi Dhar brought her mother-in-law and Amma showered her much love and blessings as she garlanded Amma. ?

Sanjana the new addition to the Tumu family and the darling granddaughter of Jhansi gets much loving attention on the Divine lap.?

In the busy schedule Amma Made time to visit the new home that Sri Srinivasulacharyulu garu and family recently purchased and blessed the family by accepting the Paada Puja.?

By the time Amma returned in the evening the Bhajan session was in full swing, and Amma’s favorite song (Tatvam with much spiritual import) began. From the expressions on Amma’s face you can see how much has enjoyed it.???

Soon after the Bhajan session Amma was ready to bless the assembly with a wonderful talk on the Advaitic (nondual) path leading to self-realization (Brahma Jnana), based on the writings of Sri Penumatsa Sitha Mahayogini. Everyone assembled in the backyard of Dr. Pyda’s home to listen to the inspiring nectarine words of Amma.?

After the Satsang, Dr. Lali Thambaiah, a practicing Physician in the Bay Area accompanied by her husband and Med School going daughter came to seek Amma’s blessings. Amma blessed Dr. Thambiaiah by creating the sacred Narmada Lingam and with a special Vibhuti for her health.???

The blessed Thambiaiah family.???

July 2, 2016 — Morning worship program at Dr. Srinivas Pyda’s home at Livermore, California. ???

Devotees assembled for morning worship.?

The host family doing the Abhishekam.???

I was a bit late to attend the program this morning, but the miracles don’t stop.?

Amma blessed Sri Sivakumar of San Diego, California with that sacred Rudraksha Bead.?

And it was the turn of Vani, daughter of Dr. Srinivas Pyda to receive Amma’s blessings of the brilliant diamond earrings, and join the club of “Kamma (earrings) Girls” as the eighth distinguished member. Her aunt Smt Lakshmi watches with admiration for her good fortune.?

The morning worship and Alankaaram (decoration) continued; Amma herself doing much of the Alankaaram proving to be the gold standard for everyone to emulate.???

Amma does the Alankaaram of Sri Sitha Mahayogini.?

After a while Amma found my picture taking to be too intrusive and feigned to be mad as if I am paparazzi. I found that still it worked to my advantage to catch Amma in mire playful mood.?

Dr. Srinivas Pyda, President of the Vasudevananda Charitable Organization Inc. (VCOI) briefing Amma.?

Altar after the Morning Worship Progran.?

Kumkumarchana (worship with flowers) and Amma’s Paada Puja continued.

Morning worship concludes with Mangala Arathi.???

Smt Latha Kandaswamy’s elder sister Sudha came from Houston, Texas to pay her respects to Amma and seek her blessings. Sudha and her daughter will also be participating the major event of Suvasini Puja at her home in San Ramon with Amma presiding over the sacred ceremony.???

Ishan (also lovingly known as “Dookudu” after a Telugu movie considering his daredevil attitude), darling son of Pinky and Anoop of San Ramon, California lands a loving kiss on Amma’s cheek. ??

Amma drops in the kitchen to lend a helping hand to make that mouthwatering Andhra Special, Gongura Pacchadi (chutney); also on the menu is Mushroom curry.??

Amma mixed the Gongura Pacchadi with rice and generous quantity of Ghee (clarified butter) and chopped onions and like the real loving Mother which Amma is started patiently distributing the delicious preparation, made even more delicious as the Divine Mother herself made it and prepared for her children.??

Sanjeev and Priya’s cute daughter garlanded Amma with a nice little bead garland and Amma in turn lovingly put it back on her.?

Sankalp, seen here joined by his sister and parents, who just purchased a beautiful home in Santa Clara, California was thrilled that Amma graced his new home and showered blessings on the family.?

The afternoon saw the ladies of the Bay Area largely dominated by the “Cupertino gang” engaged in large scale preparation of sweets and other offerings needed for tomorrows major event of Suvasini Puja.?

July 2, 2016 — Evening worship program, Bhajans and satsang at Dr. Srinivas Pyda’s home at Livermore, California. ???

The evening program ended with Mangala Arathi.?

After the prasad distribution Amma gave a brief spiritual talk inspiring the devotees to sincerely take up the spiritual practices, in particular take up a serious study of the wonderful book, “Sathyatma Jnana Yoga Sadhana Moksha Grandham” by Penumatsa Sri Sitha Mahayogini by holding regular study circles.?

July 3, 2016 — Morning worship program at Dr. Srinivas Pyda’s home at Livermore, California. ???

We are headed with Amma to the home of Smt Latha and Venkatesh Kandaswamy at San Ramon, California to attend the most sacred Suvaasini Puja that involves worshipping 108 Sumangalis (married women) as the very personification of Divine Mother.???

The Kandaswamy family made a grand welcome to Amma with traditional Poorna Kumbham and ever grateful to Amma for blessing them with conducting the most sacred event in the very Divine Presence.?

The Blessed Kandaswamy family?

The assembly of devotees that came to partake in the ceremony.?

The program gets underway with Ganesha prarthana and prathishta.??

The Suvaasini offerings?

The invitation for the event with the Srichakram that Amma blessed Smt Latha Kandaswamy.?

The Holy Paadukaas of Amma.???

I am never fast enough to capture Amma’s blessed creations. But the series of pictures below should give you the gist of the blessed event as the young Kavita Kandaswamy, the daughter of the host, received the beautiful diamond earrings this morning making her the distinguished 9th member of the “Kamma (earrings) Girls” club.???????

What followed next was the Paada Puja and Mangala Arathi.?

As the primary part of the event of worshipping the Suvaasinis got underway Amma went to inspect every aspect of the worship is done meticulously and efficiently. Amma called out the elderly women to be the first to get the honors.?

The young daughters of Latha and her sister Sudha join the Suvaasinis to receive the worship.?

Amidst the organized chaos of the event a pair of bangles were found and later a young girl named Malini came to claim her lost bangles. In between the time we were able to find Malini Amma wore them out of fun and in a way blessed them. When I returned the bangles I underscored their blessed value to Malini and her mother and to safe-keep them for life.?

Malini and her mother?

Amma was very complimentary to Swapna (Amma fondly calls her as Mishti Maa as she frequently brings Mishti Dahi, a special Bengali sweet) of the Bengali style of wearing of the saree that was given to her during the Puja.??

Amma made personal rounds to assure that all the Suvaasinis are being seated well and sumtuously fed. The event was extremely well attended exceeding the planned 108, reaching well above 140 on the last count. It is a grand success beyond expectations considering that it is the long July 4th Independence Day weekend when most people go on vacation.??????

Amma seated in the private room where the host family arranged to serve lunch for Amma.?

And then it happened — Amma called Latha Kandaswamy’s niece Vani and blessed her and her cousin Kartik with the sacred fragrant Vibhuti; few of us who were present were also the side beneficiaries.??

Our dearest devotee, a wonderful servant of Amma, and a valued member of Amma’s entourage Prakash Mama got the best of the blessings of the Vibhuti as Amma smeared his whole face with it.???????

Evening devotional program and bhajans in progress at Dr. Srinivas Pyda’s home at Livermore, California. ???

July 4, 2016 — Morning worship program at Dr. Srinivas Pyda’s home at Livermore, California. ???

Guru Charan Bina Sukha Shanti Nahin.?????

Early morning Darshan for Smt Priya who came to take leave as she was headed take the flight back to her home in Atlanta, Georgia yielded palms full of Vibhuti blessings from Amma.?

Morning worship with Abhisheham to Mahameru, Sri Rajarajeswari Devi, Sri Sitha Mahayogini and Siva Lingas.?

Amma blessed the young couple Smt Pinky and Sri Anoop of San Ramon, California on the eve their Wedding Anniversary celebration.???????

Special Thylabhishekam (Abhishekam with Navaratna Oil) of Sri Rajarajeswari Devi. This sanctified oil which occasionally Amma gives out to devotees for topical application has proven highly effective against a variety of muscle and joint pains.?

???Altar after morning worship.???

Kumkumarchana & Paada Puja.??

Mrudula Charanam, Anugraha Charanam??

Mangala Arathi.???

???Concluding Mangala Arathi following Paada Puja.???

As Amma was blessing the devotees with Theertham and Prasadam three young children rendered two beautiful devotional compositions.???

Ishan (also known as “Dookudu”), cute loving son of Pinky and Anoop gets special hug and blessings from Amma.❤

Next Amma got all men devotees into the act and lead them to the kitchen to teach them the art of cooking.?
Before getting started Amma blessed the men who followed to the kitchen that precious Vibhuthi, as their faces can tell.?

Welcome to the “Nala-Bheema Paakam”, a truly men only undertaking Amma style.
What’s on the menu? — Jeera Rice, Jackfruit curry and Mango pickle (Avakkai, a tongue scorching Andhra special!!!)???

Jackfruit Rice?

Jackfruit curry

Mango pickle???

The finished mouthwatering scorching Mango Pickle (Avakkai).??????

A little break from the kitchen — Amma is multitasking??

Anuj becomes the loving Nandalala (Krishna) on the lap of Mother Yashoda, our Beloved Amma.???

Before lunch Amma lets the ladies work up an appetite with the game of musical chairs, the fun game that can be best explained or measured in terms of chaos and peeling laughter.?

Now it’s the turn of children.??????

The evening Bhajan session – Fiji Dhamaka from the devotees of Stockton, California.?????

July 5, 2016 — Morning worship program at Dr. Srinivas Pyda’s home at Livermore, California. ???
In less than 3 hours we will be headed to the San Francisco airport to bid goodbye to our Beloved Amma. We are ever grateful for the Love and Grace that Amma showered on her children in Atlanta, Boston and the Bay Area making this one of the most hectic visits for Amma and the entourage crammed into a three week schedule. As Amma’s mission and Love continue to expand around the world devotees are beginning to flock at the Ashram; do expect large crowds particularly during the Navarathri festival (October 1 – 11, 2016). It is one of the best times to visit the Ashram to participate in the most sacred event and witness the glory of the Divine Mother.???

Morning Abhishekam?

Sri Srinivasachayulu garu made the loving offering to Amma.???

Paada Puja and Kumkumarchana.?

The concluding Mangala Arathi for the Morning Program and this USA Visit of Amma.?????

The Bay Area Children make their loving offerings to their Beloved Amma with whom they had fun & games, much laughter and abundant candy and ice cream as prasad.????

Here are a few pictures of the US devotees who came to the San Francisco bid a very loving farewell to Amma on the afternoon of July 5th.????

That was the San Francisco International Airport.?

Amma’s flight landed around 4 AM in the early morning hours of July 7th (around 3:30 PM PST yesterday evening) and reached the Ashram safely.???

June 2016 Events

Various events happened during the month of June 2016

June 11, 2016 –

????????????
Wishing A Very Happy Birthday
?? to our Beloved Amma ??
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Om Shakti Dear Devotees:

It is the most glorious day for all of us who have been blessed to have come into the orbit of Amma’s unfathomable Divine Love. June 11th is the most auspicious day that the most wonderful devout woman named Nageshwaramma gifted the humanity by giving birth to our Beloved Amma, Sri Vasudevananda Swamy.??

The day started early at the Ashram with a steady stream of devotees from around the world gathering to be in Amma’s Divine Presence on this auspicious occasion to participate in the Birthday Celebration of Amma. Few lucky devotees got the blessed opportunity to ceremonially anoint Amma’s head with oil.?

The silver throne was tastefully decorated for occasion and the program began in the Mandap of Sri Rajarajeswari temple of the Ashram.?

Anointing Amma with oil ??

Early morning visitors expressing their good wishes and love to Amma.?

Birthday wishes keep pouring in; phone is unavoidable??

Throne for the Ruler of our hearts❤

Besides Dr. Srinivas Pyda who is visiting from the Bay Area (Northern California), I also notice Radha Jawahar of San Jose California in attendance. Other familiar devotees on the scene are – Ching Baba and his wife from Singapore; and the Indian contingent – Sri Durgaprasad and Smt Khadgamala; Sri Sitharamulu and Smt Andalamma; and, Sri Prakash and Smt Jalaja; Smt Susheela and Smt Deepa. This in no way is meant to be an exhaustive list, but a sample of the lucky ones that made it to the sacred occasion.?

The devotees of Northern California (Bay Area) will be celebrating Amma’s Birthday tomorrow (June 11th in USA) at Smt. Kousalya and Sri. Shyam Uppalapati’s residence in San Jose. The program is scheduled to start at 2:00 PM with Ekadasi Rudram, Kumkum Puja, sacred chants & recitations followed by Bhajans. The program will conclude with the sharing of Mahaprasadam.
As a token of their love and offering to Amma, the devotee volunteer teams are also planning to start the day by executing some seva activities in the East and South Bay areas.?

??? Welcome to the Northern California (Bay Area) Celebration of our Beloved Amma’s Birthday ???

Smt Kousalya and Sri Shyam Uppalapati opened their hearts and home for the grand celebration of Amma’s Birthday.?

The hosts have earnestly begun the worship with the guidance of Sri Sheshagiri Rao garu.?

While the worship is in progress in the Living Room, women devotees have been enthusiastically busy preparing the delicacies of “Mahaprasad” ranging from Mysore Bajji to Double-ka Mitha ?

Double-ka Mitha — a very appropriate offering for the sacred occasion. Devotees may recall that Amma prepared this sweet delicacy during the last Malaysian visit at Ambika and Sree Harry’s home in Malaysia. And the three daughters of Ambika and Sree Harry relished it so much that they requested Amma to make it again during the recent visit; of course our loving mother readily obliged.???

Worship of the Mahameru continues inside.?

Ekadasi Rudram begins???

With the recitation of the 11th Rudram, the Ekadasi Rudram offering was completed which followed with the recitation of Purusha Suktam, Durga Suktam and Sri Suktam. All of the devotees in attendance had the blessed opportunity to do the Abhishekam to the Mahameru and the Siva Lingas.?

Worship of the Mahameru by the host family and Kumkumarchana by the devotees in attendance along with the recitation of Sri Lalita Sahasranama Stotram.?

After the group recitation of Guru Paaduka Stavam and Lailta Chalisa the Bhajan session started.?

Celebrating Amma’s Love and Message is sweet indeed!?

Birthday Cake — Ram Gubbala led other volunteer devotees from Boston chapter have done annadanam and celebrated Ammas birthday at the Mustard Seed Homeless Shelter in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.

Here are the rest of the pictures from Amma’s Birthday Celebration at the Ashram (courtesy of Ching Baba).???

That beautiful cake offering is from the Vinnamal Bhajan Brindam, a dedicated group of devotees that come regularly to render melodious bhajans at the Ashram temple???

Ashram staff, volunteers, devotees from neighboring villages sharing the joy of the Divine Glory; Amma’s aunt Shivamma and longtime devotee Bebamma were at hand to assist in the ceremony. Annadanam (distribution of food) and vastradaanam (distribution of clothes to the needy) are also scheduled for the sacred day at the Ashram.???

June 13, 2016 –

Vinoda, loving and devoted wife of Prakash, was blessed by Amma with the creation of this unique beautiful ring. ???????

? Hey Shesha Shayana Narayana ? Amma teaching us a thing or two how to keep up with the sweltering heat. While Amma never complains it looks more unbearable to us; and just as we speak Amma will be starting the journey to the US — that is a welcome relief. ???

June 14, 2016 –

God has no rest! Her devotees are beckoning, and it is time!

Devotees come one by one to have the Paadanamaskar, for one last time.❤

One last Arathi before the journey starts.?

So long Dearest Amma???

?About couple of hours (11 PM IST) ago Amma left to Chennai airport along with Sri Prakash Mukka to catch the early morning flight to Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Amma will be arriving around 10 PM EST, answering especially the earnest prayers of devotees from Atlanta and Boston, MA.???

For the Ashramites and the local devotees it is never easy to part with Amma even considering that this will be a short outing of 3 weeks.?
Amma lessened their pangs of separation a bit spending the evening with them eating dinner along with them and singing to them a song summarizing the essence of all spiritual pursuit. In turn the devotees sang the glories of Amma reflecting their love and devotion.???

06/27-06/30 – Camp at Smt Prasuna & Sri Krishna Reddy’s home at Pleasanton, CA

June 27, 2016 – At Smt Prasuna & Sri Krishna Reddy’s home at Pleasanton, California.

After nearly six-hour flight Amma landed at San Francisco International Airport where the Bay Area devotees were eagerly waiting to invite Amma

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Smt Prasuna garu & Sri Krishna Reddy garu got the blessed privilege of welcoming Amma to their home in Pleasanton, California with the traditional Poorna Kumbham

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Amma reached home from the airport around 1 PM, had a light lunch and rested a while. As evening approached Amma was getting ready for the evening bhajan session and satsang. Just as Amma was leaving the room Sri Suresh Pyda came along with his wife Lakshmi to take blessings — blessings sure he received as Amma created a beautiful ring mounted with a large brilliant Kanakapushyaragam stone.

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June 27, 2016 — Evening worship, bhajans & satsang program at Smt Prasuna & Sri Krishna Reddy’s home at Pleasanton, California.

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Evening Bhajan session came to a close.

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Soon after the main worship program ended Amma blessed Sri Bhuvan Padakanti by taking back the nine-gemmed turtle ring that Amma gave and transformed it to what else — you guessed it!; a beautiful ring with Kanaka Pushyaragam stone.

Despite the arduous journey Amma was ready to bless the assembly with a spiritual talk as we all gathered in the backyard and Amma sat on the Jhoola. After nearly an hour of Satsang Amma retired for the night.

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June 28, 2016 — Morning worship program at Smt Prasuna & Sri Krishna Reddy’s home at Pleasanton, California.

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Rathinaina Naathini Chese Nee Divya Paadam (your Holy Feet thet transformed stone to a woman – referring to Ahalya in Ramayana)

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Smt Usha and Sri Ramasami (sister-in-law and brother of Ram Ramanujam of Carmichael, California) visiting from Villupuram, Tamilnadu, India) seated at Amma’s Lotus Feet have been gracious and loving hosts of Amma and the busloads of devotees who visited them on a pilgrimage following the Navarathri celebrations at the Ashram.

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Smt Vanajakski Naidu (frequently called either as Naidamma or Naidu Aunty) was overwhelmed with joy as Amma blessed her with those coveted diamond earrings of unique design. She is the fifth devotee who received this unique creation from Amma; Amma fondly refers these blessed devotees as “Kamma (earring) girls”

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Morning worship program concluded with Mangala Arathi.

After the morning worship Amma saw a few devotees privately and then came to the Family Room where a number of children and adult devotees have been waiting for Amma. Amma engaged everyone in games and yogasana exercises resulting in echoes of laughter and applause.

The first game Amma taught and played with children is called “Gutte” The game of 5 stones is believed to have originated in Ancient Asia, during the Siege of Troy in 1184 B.C., Five stones is played by 2 or more players, using 5 small stones. The object is to complete a set of eight steps. This game increases the eye sight, memory power and builds concentration and aiming skills. This game is also called in various names like Kallangal, Anchangal in villages of Tamilandu.

Amma mentioned that Amma’s maternal grandmother would have Amma play this game frequently whenever there is drought or rain is needed; obviously it worked!

Next Amma taught children various yoga asanas that strengthen the body and sharpen the mind improving concentration to further the journey towards the spiritual goal.

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All great Masters and Divinities teach profound spiritual practices starting with simple practical techniques and lead by example. I was reminded of the yogic practices of the great Penumathsa Sitha Mahayogini and it is our good fortune to have the selfsame Amma guide us.

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June 28, 2016 — Evening worship, bhajans & satsang program at Smt Prasuna & Sri Krishna Reddy’s home at Pleasanton, California.

After the dinner prasad devotees gathered in the backyard to hear the nectarine words from Amma.

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As part of the conversation turned to the purity of heart and humility of the devotees that Amma is very fond of Amma called Dr. Shobha Sharma and blessed her by creating those coveted diamond earrings. Amma said the other person with similar noble qualities is Dr. Vasantha of Boston, and Amma considers these two as soul sisters.

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Thus ended another memorable evening of satsang with the Divine.

June 29, 2016 — Morning worship program at Smt Prasuna & Sri Krishna Reddy’s home at Pleasanton, California.

Another bright sunny California day to bask in the glory of our Beloved Amma. And the day started great for Raju Chamarthi with Amma blessing him with the familiar Ring with the brilliant Kanakapushyaragam stone (a type of yellow saphire).

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Smt. Renee Choudhury of Santa Cruz, California is celebrating her birthday today in Amma’s Divine presence joined by her husband Sathyam and son Anand.

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Smt Renee and Sri Sathyam Choudhury participate in the morning worship and Abhishekam.

Neeru of San Jose, California not only made a floral offering at Amma’s Lotus Feet but also offering of an outpouring of her in the form of a beautiful composition which she recited.

For once Amma let me record that rare moment of Divine Creation — the blessed beneficiary who received that brilliant ring with Kanakapushyaragam stone is another Raju, Sri Rama Raju of San Ramon, California. His wife, beautiful daughter and his son were present to witness the blessed event.

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Smt Vishala and Sri Ramaraju Poranki of San Ramon appealed to Amma to offer Paada Puja to Amma with dedication Sri Hanuman.

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Morning worship concluding Mangala Arathi.

When Ms Holly Spragens of Peninsula, California approached for help and blessings for a ailing friend Amma created a beautiful Narmada Lingam and asked her to do Abhishekam and give the sanctified water to her ailing friend. Amma was also pleased that her request was selfless and to serve others

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Manish (Amma’s endearing name for Anish) of Elk Grove, California gets a warm embrace and shower of blessings.?

Uyyaalaa ??? Jampaalaa ??????

After lunch we all watched with Amma a very old black and white Telugu movie classic called “Vikramarka Vijayam”, released in 1971; but with no popcorn!
The story is based on the historical characters of Bhatti and Vikramarka. It also shows some of the Bethala Kathalu (Stories of Vetala).???

June 29, 2016 — Evening worship, bhajans & satsang program at Smt Prasuna & Sri Krishna Reddy’s home at Pleasanton, California. ???

The evening satsang in the backyard???

une 30, 2016 — Morning worship program at Smt Prasuna & Sri Krishna Reddy’s home at Pleasanton, California. ???

It is still quite early in the morning when Amma was still being served with breakfast and a steady stream of devotees started arriving to offer flowers and songs of devotional prayers to Amma.???

The two large Hibiscus flowers after adorning the top of Amma’s head reached the crowns of selfsame Siva-Parvati.?

It was time to join the morning worship program in the Mandir upstairs following Amma.?

Mrudula Charanam ??? Anugraha Charanam ??????

Morning alankaaram of Mahameru and Sri Rajarajeswari Devi.???

Kumkum (vermillion) Puja.?

Ahh! Finally finding that calming and loving lap of Mother — Uma is truly blessed.???

Amma called Uma — Bala Tripurasundari, Mother in the form of a young child.

Amma says that we should all yearn to be that child in the lap of Divine Mother by developing purity.

Prasuna and I had the blessed opportunity to do Paada Puja to Amma. ???

After the morning worship program Amma came down to the Family Room where Amma blessed everyone with spiritual guidance through inspiring stories. Amma also engaged children in yoga asanas and strength testing challenges including armwrestling.❤

Amma encouraged and challenged the children to exert as much as they can to inflict pain on him. In the end after much sweat from the exertion the children gave with frustration and failure.?

Amma gave specific guidance to a practitioner of Sri Vidya, and the head-cover that Amma is wearing is part of the demonstration of that practice.??

Namo Namah Sri Gurupaadukabhyam ??? Namo Namah Sri Gurupaadukabhyam ???

June 30, 2016 — The last evening worship, bhajans & satsang program at Smt Prasuna & Sri Krishna Reddy’s home at Pleasanton, California before leaving to Dr. Srinivas Pyda’s home in Livermore California. ???

After the Bhajan session there was a brief break for Dinner before everyone reassembled in the backyard for one final satsang with Amma at the Reddy’s home.
Amma gave the opportunity to the young children to ask any question. Although at first they wanted to know when they can play games with Amma they did ask one very relevant question — how to study well for the exams when there are so many distractions. Pat came the response from Amma — first get rid of your iphones, ipads and addiction to TV, retreat to you room and study with cocentration. Amma continued — watch your company, value the greatness of your own culture but do take the good from the society of where you live; stand firm in these commitments and you will succeed.???

After the satsang, around 9:15 PM Amma and the entourage left to Dr. Srinivas Pyda’s home in nearby Township of Livermore, California. Amma will be staying at Dr. Pyda’s home until the scheduled return to India on July 5th.???