Amrita Dhara

A poetical rendering of Amma's immortal utterances by Swami Turiyamritananda offered at the Lotus Feet of Amma on the occasion of Her 46th birthday. The poem was translated into English by Professor V. Muraleedhara Menon.

Come quickly, my sweet children! You are the very essence of Om. Become adorable, cast off your sorrows, Be one with Om, the Pranava Eternal. My children, raise and refine your lives, That they may create all-round harmony and happiness. We talk about oneness in all, but nurture hatred within, Which is hypocrisy at its worst, to be shunned.

Like the stream that flows on ceaselessly,
Let your love, pure and chaste, enfold all.
Remember none gets what he has not given before,
One reaps the harvest of what he has sowed already.

Love should be inspired by love, pure and selfless,
It ceases to be love if it is selfish,
It is the joyous giving in utter self-abandon
That unfolds the heart in all its splendour.

It does not matter if you have nothing to offer,
You can still be sweet and polite in word and deed.
That will comfort many a heart hurt in life's battle.
That is true compassion worthy of God's grace.

Love can put out the fire of anger,
Anger can never put out anger, though,
Can fire ever blow out fire?
Pour out water, it will die down.

The saint's heart is wide enough to enfold all,
It ever blows the conch shell of all-embracing fraternity.
But the pity is that the sweetest song of the soul
Is jarring to the demons in human shape.

The saint's tongue ever utters words of blessings,
He will never curse anyone in anger.
But, remember, his head will never bow before the arrogant
As long as life throbs in his veins.

His heart is like the river Ganga,
Ever pure, chaste and vibrant with the holy mantra,
It cleanses all their sins and stains,
And is the sanctuary for the tortured souls.

(continued in February)