Amma Arrives At Amritapuri

6 August 2007 -- Amritapuri

Amma arrived in Amritapuri today at approximately 12:30pm.  She had been physically away from her Ashram for over 9 weeks on a tour that took her to Japan, US, Canada, Chile, and Brazil. Amma's camper entered through the north entrance of the Ashram via beach road.  Along the way, hundreds of Ashramites, visitors, Brahmacharis and Brahmacharinis formed a corridor for the camper to pass through.

At the base of Amma's home, hundreds of others had also gathered.  When Amma finally stepped out, she was surrounded by her Children and cries of  'Amma' erupted from the crowd.   As she walked to the steps leading up to her room, Amma was seemingly swallowed by her children's stretched out hands trying to touch her.  One could hardly see her small figure as she worked her way through the crowd.   Then, as she climbed the steps to her room, she paused for a few minutes gazing down at her children gathered below.  Amma, who is completely content and at peace wherever she is, seemed to be overjoyed at being back home.  Or maybe it was our joy that she was reflecting back at us. 

Someone started calling out 'Mata Rani Ki....' and, of course, everyone responded with a rousing 'Jai!!!'.  This happened probably a dozen times or so. Then as it faded, someone shouted out that we should stop chanting and let Amma say a few words.  Amma burst out laughing at this innocent appeal to hear her voice.   Then, Amma slowly backed up the stairs, not wanting to turn her back on us – keeping her gaze looking out at her adoring children.  Upon reaching the top of the steps, Amma herself shouted out 'Mata Rani Ki...... ' and the responding 'Jai' erupted even louder from the gathered crowd.  Three times Amma did this.  Each time, Amma appeared as both a child fully and happily engaged in a game, and as a Mother with her children.  Then Amma turned and disappeared out of sight around the corner.  

--Sri