Guest guest Posted July 11, 2004 Report Share Posted July 11, 2004 Hello everyone, I am so happy to have found this group. Amma has come into my life very recently. It began when I watched the film "Fierce Grace" by Ram Das which led me to the book "Be Here Now" and then to a book by Bhagavan Das which mentioned Amma. For some reason, I became fascinated and sought to learn more about her. When I read the book "Path Of The Mother" and saw her photos in the book, I felt as if I had "fallen in love" for lack of a better term. I literally felt an overflowing in my heart, and have considered myself a devotee since that day. Since I accepted Amma into my heart, I have literally had my whole world fall apart. I lost my house, car, job, relationship etc. But then, as of the past month or so I have landed an even better job, reconnected with long lost family, moved out of state and started some deep soul searching. I know that Amma guided me to where I am supposed to be. Granted, it was traumatic the way it happened, but now I see the reasons for it all and I am amazed at the blessings and wonders that happen in my life on a daily basis. It seems that I am getting all of these signs and acts of synchronicity coming from Amma. For example, last week I was in a bookstore and a book fell off the shelf as I walked by. It was the book "Messages from Amma." Then, last week while I was in a music store, I accidentally toppled a rack of CD's and the only CD that turned face up by my feet was "The 108 Names Of The Divine Mother." Things like this happen almost every day or week to me and leave me startled but filled with so much faith and love. I am eager to hear other stories of devotees experiences with mother's omnipresence. Since she has come into my life, I have also found myself changing. I have moments where I am so filled with love toward complete strangers that I have to stop myself from crying in joy. On the bus last week, I saw God in everyone, saw the beauty of everyone....and I became so choked up by the feeling and so thankful that I was able to experience it. About a month ago, I had a dream that I was in line to recieve darshan. I have never met Amma before, but the dream made me lookup when she would be coming to my area. It turns out that she will be in New York City this weekend. When I found this out, I asked my boss if I might have the Sunday and Monday off (odds of me getting these days off were pretty slim considering I just started the job a week ago.) but I left it in Amma's hands knowing that if it was meant to be that I see her...I would be able to go. Well, I just found out that I got this Sunday and Monday off and I am leaving for NY on Saturday night! I will be there for the program on Sunday morning and then will return for the evening program. I am unbearably excited.I don't know what to expect however...and I was hoping that some of you might be able to answer my questions. Should I show up several hours early to ensure that I get into the darshan line? Also, what do I do when I reach Amma? I can't imagine what I could possibly say as I imagine I will be overwhelmed with joy and rendered speechless. Is it OK to simply say nothing and recieve her love? She knows all we are thinking and feling anyway. Is it appropriate to bring flowers or a gift? What is the day like? I have no idea what to expect.I also am curious as to the difference between the morning and evening programs. I am very happy to have found this group and I look forward to reading others experiences, especially people's accounts of their first experience with Amma coming into their lives. In Love, Michelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 11, 2004 Report Share Posted July 11, 2004 Dear Michelle, Wow! It sounds like you are off to to a glorious start with our beloved Amma! Congratulations on handling the changes in your life so well and seeing the big picture! Welcome to this group, as well. To answer your questions: In general, darshan tokens are handed out starting one hour before the start of the scheduled program. If you have never physically met Amma before you get a colored "dot" to let people know you are new. You also should get priority with a lowertoken number. There are signs showing what token numbers can come for darshan. When your number comes up on the sign, it is your turn, so go then. It is entirely appropriate to bring flowers or fruit. You can even purchase these items in the hall with a donation to Amma's charities. You are not really expected to speak to Amma. As you stated, she already knows all your thoughts, so just relax and enjoy. The morning programs begin with a short (15 minute) meditation before darshan and very mellow bhajans (music). To me, the morning programs are quieter and more serene. The evening programs typically have a talk by a devotee, sometimes a talk by Amma that is translated by Swamiji, and then about 1 and a half hours worth of high volume bhajans. That part concludes with the waving of an arati (fire, or more correctly, lights) before Amma. Then about 10:30 at night the darshan begins. It can go until 2,3, or 4 a.m., depending on the size of the crowd. It's amazing to watch Amma give darshan hour after hour. I'm sure others on this forum can also give you good advice about what to expect. Congratulations on getting off work, too! That's a big thing in itself. Where are you coming to NYC from? In Amma's love, Jyotsna michellewalsh88 <michellewalsh88 wrote: Hello everyone, I am so happy to have found this group. Amma has come into my life very recently. It began when I watched the film "Fierce Grace" by Ram Das which led me to the book "Be Here Now" and then to a book by Bhagavan Das which mentioned Amma. For some reason, I became fascinated and sought to learn more about her. When I read the book "Path Of The Mother" and saw her photos in the book, I felt as if I had "fallen in love" for lack of a better term. I literally felt an overflowing in my heart, and have considered myself a devotee since that day. Since I accepted Amma into my heart, I have literally had my whole world fall apart. I lost my house, car, job, relationship etc. But then, as of the past month or so I have landed an even better job, reconnected with long lost family, moved out of state and started some deep soul searching. I know that Amma guided me to where I am supposed to be. Granted, it was traumatic the way it happened, but now I see the reasons for it all and I am amazed at the blessings and wonders that happen in my life on a daily basis. It seems that I am getting all of these signs and acts of synchronicity coming from Amma. For example, last week I was in a bookstore and a book fell off the shelf as I walked by. It was the book "Messages from Amma." Then, last week while I was in a music store, I accidentally toppled a rack of CD's and the only CD that turned face up by my feet was "The 108 Names Of The Divine Mother." Things like this happen almost every day or week to me and leave me startled but filled with so much faith and love. I am eager to hear other stories of devotees experiences with mother's omnipresence. Since she has come into my life, I have also found myself changing. I have moments where I am so filled with love toward complete strangers that I have to stop myself from crying in joy. On the bus last week, I saw God in everyone, saw the beauty of everyone....and I became so choked up by the feeling and so thankful that I was able to experience it. About a month ago, I had a dream that I was in line to recieve darshan. I have never met Amma before, but the dream made me lookup when she would be coming to my area. It turns out that she will be in New York City this weekend. When I found this out, I asked my boss if I might have the Sunday and Monday off (odds of me getting these days off were pretty slim considering I just started the job a week ago.) but I left it in Amma's hands knowing that if it was meant to be that I see her...I would be able to go. Well, I just found out that I got this Sunday and Monday off and I am leaving for NY on Saturday night! I will be there for the program on Sunday morning and then will return for the evening program. I am unbearably excited.I don't know what to expect however...and I was hoping that some of you might be able to answer my questions. Should I show up several hours early to ensure that I get into the darshan line? Also, what do I do when I reach Amma? I can't imagine what I could possibly say as I imagine I will be overwhelmed with joy and rendered speechless. Is it OK to simply say nothing and recieve her love? She knows all we are thinking and feling anyway. Is it appropriate to bring flowers or a gift? What is the day like? I have no idea what to expect.I also am curious as to the difference between the morning and evening programs. I am very happy to have found this group and I look forward to reading others experiences, especially people's accounts of their first experience with Amma coming into their lives. In Love, Michelle Aum Amriteswarayai Namaha! Ammachi/ Ammachi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2004 Report Share Posted July 12, 2004 Dear Michelle, What a beautiful story! I resonate so deeply with your experience and feelings... =) If you have any questions about the NYC programs, I monitor our local information hotline. Leave a message at 212-714-5445, and I'd be happy to talk to you. Blessings, Iswari Ammachi, "michellewalsh88" <michellewalsh88@h...> wrote: > Hello everyone, > > I am so happy to have found this group. Amma has come into my life > very recently. > > It began when I watched the film "Fierce Grace" by Ram Das which led > me to the book "Be Here Now" and then to a book by Bhagavan Das which > mentioned Amma. For some reason, I became fascinated and sought to > learn more about her. When I read the book "Path Of The Mother" and > saw her photos in the book, I felt as if I had "fallen in love" for > lack of a better term. I literally felt an overflowing in my heart, > and have considered myself a devotee since that day. Since I accepted > Amma into my heart, I have literally had my whole world fall apart. I > lost my house, car, job, relationship etc. But then, as of the past > month or so I have landed an even better job, reconnected with long > lost family, moved out of state and started some deep soul searching. > > I know that Amma guided me to where I am supposed to be. Granted, it > was traumatic the way it happened, but now I see the reasons for it > all and I am amazed at the blessings and wonders that happen in my > life on a daily basis. It seems that I am getting all of these signs > and acts of synchronicity coming from Amma. For example, last week I > was in a bookstore and a book fell off the shelf as I walked by. It > was the book "Messages from Amma." Then, last week while I was in a > music store, I accidentally toppled a rack of CD's and the only CD > that turned face up by my feet was "The 108 Names Of The Divine > Mother." Things like this happen almost every day or week to me and > leave me startled but filled with so much faith and love. I am eager > to hear other stories of devotees experiences with mother's > omnipresence. > > Since she has come into my life, I have also found myself changing. I > have moments where I am so filled with love toward complete strangers > that I have to stop myself from crying in joy. On the bus last week, > I saw God in everyone, saw the beauty of everyone....and I became so > choked up by the feeling and so thankful that I was able to > experience it. > > About a month ago, I had a dream that I was in line to recieve > darshan. I have never met Amma before, but the dream made me lookup > when she would be coming to my area. It turns out that she will be in > New York City this weekend. When I found this out, I asked my boss if > I might have the Sunday and Monday off (odds of me getting these days > off were pretty slim considering I just started the job a week ago.) > but I left it in Amma's hands knowing that if it was meant to be that > I see her...I would be able to go. > > Well, I just found out that I got this Sunday and Monday off and I am > leaving for NY on Saturday night! I will be there for the program on > Sunday morning and then will return for the evening program. I am > unbearably excited.I don't know what to expect however...and I was > hoping that some of you might be able to answer my questions. > > Should I show up several hours early to ensure that I get into the > darshan line? Also, what do I do when I reach Amma? I can't imagine > what I could possibly say as I imagine I will be overwhelmed with joy > and rendered speechless. Is it OK to simply say nothing and recieve > her love? She knows all we are thinking and feling anyway. Is it > appropriate to bring flowers or a gift? What is the day like? I have > no idea what to expect.I also am curious as to the difference between > the morning and evening programs. > > I am very happy to have found this group and I look forward to > reading others experiences, especially people's accounts of their > first experience with Amma coming into their lives. > > In Love, > > Michelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2004 Report Share Posted July 12, 2004 Namah Shivaya, Michelle! > Should I show up several hours early to ensure that > I get into the > darshan line? Darshan tokens are handed out beginning about one hour before each program. Be sure to tell the person handing them out that this is your first time meeting Amma - they will give you a colored dot to wear that signals the staff to be extra helpful! > Also, what do I do when I reach Amma? Keep your mind and heart as open as you can. Don't worry if things keep coming up - it's your first time. Try not to think about what it's going to be like (as hard as that is!). As you work your way up to Her, the staff will explain things to you - when to move forward, when to get up on your knees, etc. Only be sure to place your hands on both sides of Her hips rather than trying to hug Her back - this is done to protect Her body from being squeezed by thousands of people a day. > I can't imagine > what I could possibly say as I imagine I will be > overwhelmed with joy > and rendered speechless. Is it OK to simply say > nothing and recieve > her love? Yes! She knows what you need and what you are feeling. > Is it > appropriate to bring flowers or a gift? Yes, you can certainly do that. In fact, there will be a flower stand near the line entrance where you can buy some flowers, gifts, garlands, etc. to give to Amma. > What is the > day like? I have > no idea what to expect. There is an opening meditation and prayer, then Amma begins giving darshan. During that time, you can move around as you please, sitting, standing, walking around, shopping at the stalls, whatever you want. Lunch will be served at lunchtime. Amma generally finishes giving morning darshan around 2PM and lunch will still be available after that for those who have stayed near Her. > I also am curious as to the > difference between > the morning and evening programs. The evening generally begins with a talk and bhajans (devotional singing) with Amma, then darshan again going well into the night. Again, you may move about freely. Dinner will be served and there's a snack shop as well. If you arrive early enough on Saturday, you can go see Her that night - she'll be giving darshan. Where are you staying? If you'd like, you are welcome to look for me (we can arrange to meet at some point). This will be my fourth time seeing Amma! I hope this helps! One thing - none of us can ever say "Amma always..." or "Amma doesn't..." Because Amma can change things whenever She wishes. I've had people tell me She won't do something, and then see Her do it! In Amma, Gabriela Mail - You care about security. So do we. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2004 Report Share Posted July 12, 2004 - E. Lamb Ammachi Sunday, July 11, 2004 11:07 PM Re: New here, My story and some questions Namaste, I, too, am delighted that you've found our group; it truly is an "Amma send." I'll write more and fill you in on my trip to Iowa to see Mother when I get rested - with relatives and my daughter's surgery included in my round trip, I travelled 2,000 miles in just about a week (by car!) and am exhausted. At peace, but pooped. Welcome Home, Michelle. At Mother's lotus feet, Snehalata Dear Michelle, Wow! It sounds like you are off to to a glorious start with our beloved Amma! Congratulations on handling the changes in your life so well and seeing the big picture! Welcome to this group, as well. To answer your questions: In general, darshan tokens are handed out starting one hour before the start of the scheduled program. If you have never physically met Amma before you get a colored "dot" to let people know you are new. You also should get priority with a lowertoken number. There are signs showing what token numbers can come for darshan. When your number comes up on the sign, it is your turn, so go then. It is entirely appropriate to bring flowers or fruit. You can even purchase these items in the hall with a donation to Amma's charities. You are not really expected to speak to Amma. As you stated, she already knows all your thoughts, so just relax and enjoy. The morning programs begin with a short (15 minute) meditation before darshan and very mellow bhajans (music). To me, the morning programs are quieter and more serene. The evening programs typically have a talk by a devotee, sometimes a talk by Amma that is translated by Swamiji, and then about 1 and a half hours worth of high volume bhajans. That part concludes with the waving of an arati (fire, or more correctly, lights) before Amma. Then about 10:30 at night the darshan begins. It can go until 2,3, or 4 a.m., depending on the size of the crowd. It's amazing to watch Amma give darshan hour after hour. I'm sure others on this forum can also give you good advice about what to expect. Congratulations on getting off work, too! That's a big thing in itself. Where are you coming to NYC from? In Amma's love, Jyotsna michellewalsh88 <michellewalsh88 wrote: Hello everyone, I am so happy to have found this group. Amma has come into my life very recently. It began when I watched the film "Fierce Grace" by Ram Das which led me to the book "Be Here Now" and then to a book by Bhagavan Das which mentioned Amma. For some reason, I became fascinated and sought to learn more about her. When I read the book "Path Of The Mother" and saw her photos in the book, I felt as if I had "fallen in love" for lack of a better term. I literally felt an overflowing in my heart, and have considered myself a devotee since that day. Since I accepted Amma into my heart, I have literally had my whole world fall apart. I lost my house, car, job, relationship etc. But then, as of the past month or so I have landed an even better job, reconnected with long lost family, moved out of state and started some deep soul searching. I know that Amma guided me to where I am supposed to be. Granted, it was traumatic the way it happened, but now I see the reasons for it all and I am amazed at the blessings and wonders that happen in my life on a daily basis. It seems that I am getting all of these signs and acts of synchronicity coming from Amma. For example, last week I was in a bookstore and a book fell off the shelf as I walked by. It was the book "Messages from Amma." Then, last week while I was in a music store, I accidentally toppled a rack of CD's and the only CD that turned face up by my feet was "The 108 Names Of The Divine Mother." Things like this happen almost every day or week to me and leave me startled but filled with so much faith and love. I am eager to hear other stories of devotees experiences with mother's omnipresence. Since she has come into my life, I have also found myself changing. I have moments where I am so filled with love toward complete strangers that I have to stop myself from crying in joy. On the bus last week, I saw God in everyone, saw the beauty of everyone....and I became so choked up by the feeling and so thankful that I was able to experience it. About a month ago, I had a dream that I was in line to recieve darshan. I have never met Amma before, but the dream made me lookup when she would be coming to my area. It turns out that she will be in New York City this weekend. When I found this out, I asked my boss if I might have the Sunday and Monday off (odds of me getting these days off were pretty slim considering I just started the job a week ago.) but I left it in Amma's hands knowing that if it was meant to be that I see her...I would be able to go. Well, I just found out that I got this Sunday and Monday off and I am leaving for NY on Saturday night! I will be there for the program on Sunday morning and then will return for the evening program. I am unbearably excited.I don't know what to expect however...and I was hoping that some of you might be able to answer my questions. Should I show up several hours early to ensure that I get into the darshan line? Also, what do I do when I reach Amma? I can't imagine what I could possibly say as I imagine I will be overwhelmed with joy and rendered speechless. Is it OK to simply say nothing and recieve her love? She knows all we are thinking and feling anyway. Is it appropriate to bring flowers or a gift? What is the day like? I have no idea what to expect.I also am curious as to the difference between the morning and evening programs. I am very happy to have found this group and I look forward to reading others experiences, especially people's accounts of their first experience with Amma coming into their lives. In Love, Michelle Aum Amriteswarayai Namaha! Sponsor Links Ammachi/ Ammachi Aum Amriteswarayai Namaha! Ammachi/ b.. Ammachi c.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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