Being in the presence of a Mahatma

[Guest guest]

from Amma:

"Children, if we pass through an incense factory, the scent will

remain on us afterwards. We don't have to work there, or buy any of

the incense, or even touch anything—all we have to do is enter the

place and the fragrance will linger on us, without any effort on our

part. In the same way, when you are in the presence of a mahatma, a

change takes place within you, without you even being aware of it.

The time you spend with a mahatma is invaluable. The presence of a

great soul will create positive vasanas [tendencies] and samskaras

[qualities] in us. Being in the company of dark-minded people, on

the other hand, is like entering a room full of coal. Even if we

don't touch the coal, our bodies will be black when we come out.

 

"One can easily find the opportunity to do tapas [austerities] for

many years, but the chance to be with a mahatma is extremely rare

and hard to come by. Such an opportunity should never be wasted. We

should be extremely patient and try to get the most out of the

experience. A mere touch or glance from a mahatma can benefit us far

more than 10 years of tapas. But to experience that benefit, we have

to get rid of the ego and we need to have faith."