Overcome the times of trouble with Spiritual strength

[Guest guest]

from http://www.amritapuri.org/2514/nyrmsg/

Excerpts from Amma's 2009 New Year message — Amritapuri

 

Thousands of devotees from around India and the world came to Amritapuri in

order to begin 2009 with the auspicious start of being in Amma's presence. As

Amma gave darshan, they offered performances from their various cultural

heritages—including a flamenco dance from Spain, Bharata Natyam from India and a

modern dance set to a soulful rendition of Amma's English bhajan `Everyone in

the World.'

 

When midnight struck, Amma immediately led everyone in several minutes of

chanting the ashram's mula-mantra: Om lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu—`May all

beings in the world be happy.'

 

Then came Amma's New Year's address. " The year 2009 is taking birth in the midst

of many different challenges, " Amma began. " On this occasion, there are so many

nascent problems upon which we need to deeply contemplate. " Amma went on to

mention the economic crisis, war, global warming, terrorism, increase of mental

problems, the neglecting of the elderly and the deterioration of families.

" In fact, the most serious problem facing the world today is the pollution of

the human mind and the increase in selfishness and cruelty. " Amma said. " This is

the root of all the others problems facing the world today. Everything in the

world is changing—with one exception: our negative mental state! Our personality

is a reflection of our mind. The ability of human beings to rise up to a

situation and act is slowly disappearing. In the name of stability and

competition, mankind is allowing their lives to be led by hatred, revenge and

stubbornness. "

Amma told the devotees that she felt if people took the necessary steps, moving

forward with awareness and discrimination, that the various problems the world

is facing could be mitigated. But she lamented the fact that human beings are

losing their ability to stand up and face challenges and to follow through

acting with determination.

It is only through spirituality, Amma said, that we can develop the strength

that will empower us to face all the challenges life brings our way.

" In life, things rarely happen according to our expectations. This is why it is

very important to develop the attitude of surrender to God. This will also help

us to live in the present moment. If we learn to live in the present moment, we

will be able to cheerfully accept any circumstance we may have to face in life.

" Only the present moment is in our hands. So, we must live in it joyfully, with

alertness. It is said that the lifespan of a butterfly is only a few days to a

week. Yet how joyously it flies around! It spreads delight and happiness to

everyone. Our lives should become like this. "

" We should make sure that the flame of compassion in our hearts doesn't become

extinguished. "

" Only a person who has known hunger will understand the pangs of hunger in

another person. Only a person who has carried a heavy load will understand the

strain of carrying heavy weights. If each of us really wanted to, we could make

a big difference in the world. The benefit of all the good actions that we

perform with a selfless attitude will definitely come back to us. "

" We should develop a mind devoid of egoism—a mind that doesn't fall apart in

failure, a mind that finds joy in giving and accepts adversity with love. Such a

mind will never experience sorrow. "

Amma concluded with a prayer: " May all our thoughts, words and actions benefit

both others as well as ourselves. On this New Year's Day, let us pray that our

lives become like incense sticks, spreading a beautiful fragrance to the lives

of one and all. "

Amma then led everyone in two bhajans— " Mata Rani " and " Kushiyonki. " The latter

was an ecstatic celebration of life, the former a compassionate prayer—attitudes

to cultivate in 2009.

–Kannadi