God is always awake within us

[Guest guest]

(24 Feb '09) Sivaratri Celebrations, 23 February 2009 — Amritapuri

 

" God is always awake within us, but we are sound asleep, " Amma said.

" As a result, we are unable to experience his presence. " It was almost

2:00 in the morning—half way through the traditional night-long vigil

and fast of Sivaratri. Amma then told everyone assembled that holidays

like Sivaratri are opportunities to try to emerge from this state

through a night of austerity.

 

Amma leading peace prayer Amma then went on to explain that `remaining

awake' in fact did not only mean keeping the eyes open. " It means to

maintain awareness of our actions, words and thoughts, " she said.

" When this awareness dawns, ignorance disappears. Darkness is not

something we can remove, but when we bring in light, it automatically

disappears. In the same way, when awareness dawns, the darkness of

ignorance fades away. "

 

Amma also sang a number of Shiva bhajans to help enliven and inspire

her children—including " Manobudhyahamkara chithani naham, " " Om Namah

Shivaya " and " Bolo Nath Hare. "

 

" Food and sleep are very important, " Amma said. " No one will sacrifice

them just like that. Only when our love for God transcends our love

for food and sleep will we stop consider fasting and maintaining vigil

as suffering. … When love for God awakens in our heart, we find all

worldly thoughts fading away. Festivals like Sivaratri are

opportunities to awaken this love within us. "

 

Amma ended her talk by saying, " It is Amma's prayer that her children

have the attitude of sacrifice and surrender not only on Sivaratri but

throughout their lives. May your thoughts, words and actions arise

from love. "

 

— Sakshi