Contents Vol. 31, Nos. 9 – 10

Road to Peace 4 Queen Ahilyabai 27 roopesh kaleshan, Sing Your Way to God 7 swami amritageetananda puri Chapter 5: Yoga of Renouncing Action 31 Befriending 11 prof. v. muraleedhara menon, bari anupama roberts, u.s.a. india Poet-Devotee 16 Masked Bhajans 34 dr. mattakkara ramachandran, kamala joy, u.s.a. india Lilas Around Amma 38 Rama’s Reverence for the Elderly 20 News 40 br. chandrasekhar, india

Some articles use the masculine pronoun when referring to God, in keeping with convention and to avoid the clumsiness of constructions such as ‘He or She’ or ‘Him or Her.’

Printed and Published by Swami Jnanamritananda Puri on behalf of M.A. Mission Trust, Amritapuri P.O., Kollam, Kerala 690 546, India. Printed at Amrita Offset Printers, Amritapuri P.O., Kollam, Kerala 690 546, India. Published at M.A. Math, Amritapuri P.O., Kollam, Kerala 690 546, India. Phone: (0476) 289 6278/7578/6399. Matruvani Office Phone: 08589003341 Editor: Br. Brahmamrita Chaitanya Letters and Submissions: matruvani@ amritapuri.org

April – May 2020 3 AMMA’S MESSAGE

Road to Peace

hildren, all of us want peace and happiness. CYet, we often face sorrow, frustration and disappointment. Why do we not have peace and happiness? If we want to enjoy peace and happiness, we must first have a correct understanding of life. No matter how much money a rich man has, it will be of no use if he does not even know about his own wealth. Similarly, as long as we are unaware of our true nature, we will not be able to live in harmony with the world and discharge our dhar- ma (duties in life) properly. A group of travellers were walking to a distant village. After some time, they came to a forest. There was a pond nearby. Putting their belongings down on the bank, they went for a swim. When they returned, they saw that all their belongings were missing. Thieves had stolen everything! The travellers set out at once in hot pursuit of the thieves. On the way, they saw a man resting in

4 Matruvani April – May 2020 5 If we want to enjoy peace and happiness, we must first have a correct understanding of life. the shade of tree; he was a that once they attain their ends, mahatma (spiritually illumined they will have peace and hap- soul). The travellers asked him piness. But happiness is not if he had seen the thieves pass- something one gains from ing that way. The mahatma objects. In fact, desires stand said, “You’re upset that your in the way of true happiness. belongings have been stolen. This happiness will reveal it- Reflect for a moment. Are the self only when the mind stops thieves, who are instrumental hankering after one thing or in robbing your happiness, the other. This understanding inside or outside you? Do you must become clear in our want to recover what you lost, hearts. This is the first step to or do you want to gain wealth peace and happiness. that you can never lose? Think The Self is the source of about it!” eternal bliss and peace. Not Seeing the wisdom in the realizing this, some seek com- mahatma’s words, the travel- fort in drink and drugs. By so lers became his disciples. doing, they not only ruin their There is boundless wealth own lives, they also hurt their in each one of us. But because families and society. Spiritual- we are not aware of this, we ity gives us an understanding roam around in search of hap- of who and what we really are. piness from objects of the This understanding makes us world. Some struggle to gain aware of our responsibilities, wealth and power whereas and we will then live in such a others strive for name and way as to benefit both our- fame. Both mistakenly believe selves and the world.

6 Matruvani SATSANG

Sing Your Way to God by swami amritageetananda puri

ike Amma, Mirabai’s1 devotion to God was often Lmisunderstood by her family, especially her husband. He gave Her poison, telling her that she had no right to live, as she had flouted social norms, customs and tradi- tions. When she saw the blue colour of the poison in the golden bowl, Mirabai was reminded of her beloved

1 Mirabai was a 16th-century mystic and saint from , who is celebrated for her devotion to Lord Krishna.

April – May 2020 7 Krishna. She fearlessly swal- This was both amusing and lowed the poison. It did not painful to see. harm her, so complete was her There ought to be greater faith in the Lord. She had purity of attitude behind mu- already merged into him spir- sic and dance or any other art itually. The path she took to form, for that matter. I felt attain this spiritual union was that the performers were not devotional singing. In her using their gifts to gain access ecstasy, she would also dance. to God. Unfortunately, most Mirabai is a good role model of those who sing even devo- for musicians and dancers, tional songs and perform clas- showing them the highest sical dance fail to understand purpose of music and dance: their ultimate purpose. to merge with God. I heard real devotional From the time I was a child singing for the first time when until I came to Amma, I was I first came to Amma. After associated with two spiritual being in Her presence for a organizations and a local tem- short time and seeing Her ple. I heard many great musi- bhava darshans, I knew that cians and saw many dance at Her ashram, one could at- performances. But it seemed tain the ultimate goal of hu- to me that many of the per- man life easily. formers were just showing off In the early ’80s, the their talents. There is nothing bhajans used to be held in the wrong with that, but a mere kalari.2 Remembering my past exhibition of talent is vain and encounters with competition a waste of time and energy. in the arts scene, and having Also, there was such a com- seen how many of those who petitive attitude among the 2 The old temple shrine where Amma performers, who even used to used to give and Krishna Bhava fight for a chance to perform. darshans.

8 Matruvani sing bhajans stray from the dancer ceases to be. The best path to God, I decided not to artistes become so absorbed in sit with the bhajan group but their art that they forget the with other devotees on the audience. This inner absorp- ground outside the kalari. tion helps them transcend their This continued for some time. physical and mental planes One day, the brahmacharis and to merge in God. We are started singing, as Amma had all blessed to have seen Amma not arrived yet. Suddenly, I demonstrate this total absorp- felt somebody pulling me up tion every time She sings. by my collar. When I turned Let us not forget that music, around, I saw that it was dance and even martial art Amma! She hauled me into forms are all divine gifts to the kalari. That day, I sat in help us use our body, mind and the kalari and sang with speech to turn to God and fi- Amma. nally merge into the Supreme. The next day, I went back India has been uniquely bless- to sitting on the ground, hav- ed with a lineage of saints who ing decided not to get too in- were also musicians. No doubt, volved in any kind of singing. this is why India is known as But the same thing happened ratna garba, one who has given again: Amma lifted me up by birth to many gems. These my collar and led me into the jewels include Mirabai, Kabir, kalari. From that day on- Tukaram, Tyagaraja, wards, I continued sitting in Purandaradasa and, of course, the kalari for bhajans. Amma. These mystics elevated In an ideal song, the singer music to the realm of divine becomes one with the song, communion. May they all in- and only the song remains. spire us to purify our attitude When a consummate dancer towards the arts, and use it to moves, there is only dance; the turn Godward.

April – May 2020 9 10 Matruvani EXPERIENCE Befriending Kali by bari anupama roberts, u.s.a.

bout 12 years ago, I received my first hug from AAmma at the San Ramon Ashram in California, during Her Summer Tour. I began chanting the Lalita Sahasranama (1,000 names of the Divine Mother)

April – May 2020 11 daily, practising IAM (Inte- doll’s hair and saw that Amma grated Amrita Meditation), had placed a big line of sandal- and repeating my . wood paste on the base of its Photos of Amma slowly filled neck. my house. All the photos were In the summer of 2019, of Her smiling and looking during Amma’s visit to the straight into the camera. My San Ramon Ashram, while favourite was one of Her look- sitting near Her, I saw Her ing proudly at me. It gave me talking to two men. As I much strength and confidence. watched Her, Her face sud- My love for and faith in Amma denly changed and took on an grew. I became inspired to unfamiliar and terrifying start a Mother’s Kitchen and expression. Not only that, the Monterey Satsang. I also when She laughed, I found become a writer with the Cir- that Her laughter sounded cle of Love Letters.1 Slowly blood curdling! In shock, I my relationship with Amma thought, “This is not the same, began blossoming deeply in loving Amma I have been my heart. looking at daily during my At one point, I purchased a spiritual practices.” As I con- small Kali doll and asked tinued watching Her, Amma Amma to bless it during dar- glanced at me several times, shan. It was not until several suddenly looking like the fa- years later that I lifted the miliar and sweet Mother, but on returning to Her conversa- 1 Mother’s Kitchen is a soup kitchen tion with the two men, again run by Amma’s devotees. There are resumed an unfamiliar and now more than 50 such soup kitch- terrifying form. ens throughout North America. The Circle of Love Letters is a project in For the remaining days of which volunteers write uplifting let- the program, I avoided looking ters to people in need of reassurance. at Amma’s face. My seva

12 Matruvani involved maintaining the line was told to ask a brahmacha- of devotees handing over pras- rini to place a white cloth ad to Amma. I was grateful for bundle of 38 almonds at the the overhead lighting, which feet of the Kali idol in the Kali was too bright to allow me to Temple, and to pick up the look in Amma’s direction. Be- bundle some time later. I was fore leaving the program, on also instructed to keep the the morning of Devi Bhava, almond bundle in a tin, never She threw an unusually large to be opened again, in my handful of moist rose petals on home for the rest of my life, my face, as if She knew about and that this would protect my the inner turmoil I was expe- home forever. riencing. Although my reading went When I returned home, I on for 15 minutes longer than realized that my faith in Amma planned, I was delighted when had been shaken. For the next I found that Amma arrived 15 few months, I cried a lot, minutes after my reading frightened by the prospect of ended. Thus I was able to greet becoming an atheist. Her and watch as She waved I had previously planned to us from Her room, and my first trip to Amma’s ash- asked the crowd if we were ram in India. I decided I would hungry! go, talk to Amma, and face my The next morning, I woke fears. up to the three loud gongs of I arrived in Amritapuri five the 4 a.m. ashram bell. I went days before Amma arrived. I to the Kali Temple. A brah- had a Vedic astrological read- macharini opened the doors to ing scheduled at the time She the shrine and placed my bun- was expected to arrive. Dur- dle on the floor next to Kali’s ing the reading, I was told that right foot, amongst sweet Kali ruled my birth planet. I smelling white flowers.

April – May 2020 13 Later that morning, I was picking up her kitten by the one of the first people in the scruff of its neck, or a farmer darshan queue in the Kali picking up a stick and waving Temple. When I drew near it threateningly at a cow to Amma, I asked the brah- make it move away from his macharini next to Her to tell crops. Amma then gave me a Amma, “Amma, when I last compassionate hug. saw You in San Ramon, I be- After that darshan, I sobbed came afraid of You. Please for a long time, feeling deeply help me to feel close to You understood and loved. Amma again.” had read my heart and re- When She heard this, lieved me of an enormous Amma began to roar with burden of fear. laughter. She repeated what I Later that day, I tried thrice had said, and the people to retrieve my bundle of al- around had a good laugh, too. monds, with no luck. I re- Then, in a motherly way, turned again to the Kali Tem- Amma put Her hand on my ple at 8 p.m. At that time, right knee, and explained that everyone was in the big hall in the past, the was al- with Amma for the arati after ways Kali, and that it was only bhajans. At the same time, a more recently that the Guru brahmacharini was going to became the loving Divine perform arati to Kali in the Mother. Amma said that She Kali Temple. could change forms whenever All the lights in the temple She wanted to, that She is just were off; the only source of having fun, and that She has light were the oil lamps flicker- no anger or malice towards ing around Kali, creating a anyone in Her heart. She ex- mysteriously dark atmosphere. plained that Her actions were I slowly inched my way to- like those of a mother cat wards the shrine.

14 Matruvani When one worships Kali with love, Her fierce aspect ceases to cause fear.

As I gazed at Kali, whose Kali represents the fierce face was illumined by the aspects of Devi… Her lamps, I noticed that She eyes see past, present looked just like Amma! and future… She severs After a while, a brahmacha- the thread of bondage… rini came into the temple, un- When one worships Kali locked the door to the shrine, with love, Her fierce and retrieved the bundle, say- aspect ceases to cause ing that she had not recog- fear… To the curious, the nized the bundle as it had wrath of Kali seems looked like a lotus to her! frightening and destruc- I returned to the hall, and tive, but to the beloved as Amma was walking back devotee, She brings to Her room, She gave me a freedom, protecting him beaming smile, and touched from his own destructive my hand and the bundle of self… She destroys that almonds. which keeps man sepa- On the morning I left Am- rate from his divine ritapuri, a Kali bhajan was source… People call Her being sung as I approached Kali, the black one. Amma for darshan. I pur- chased a large Kali doll from I have welcomed Kali into my the doll shop and She now sits life as my guide and friend, the at the foot of my altar. The fol- destroyer of all that stands in lowing text was printed on a the way on my journey to en- sheet of paper pinned to the lightenment. doll:

April – May 2020 15 REMINISCENCE

Poet-Devotee: Ottoor Unni Namboodirippad by dr. mattakkara ramachandran, india

t has now been three decades since Ottoor Unni INamboodiripad attained maha-samadhi (physical death and spiritual liberation). He passed away in Amritapuri Ashram. I spent time with him towards the end of his life, and would like to share some of my experiences from those days.

16 Matruvani In 1989, Ottoor underwent meditation and other spiritual medical treatment for his ill- practices. ness. That year, as Amma was I could be with him only preparing to leave for Her before 8 am and after 8 pm, as World Tour, She asked me to I was serving in an Ayurveda treat Ottoor in my home in hospital. One of Ottoor’s cous- Kottayam (70 km northeast of ins, Sri Narayanan, or, in his Amritapuri). Ottoor, fearing absence, a brahmachari that that he would pass away in Amma sent from the ashram, Amma’s physical absence, ex- would always be there to look pressed his anxiety to Her after him. and fervently begged Her to Ottoor had many visitors. bestow spiritual liberation on Some were relatives but most him. Amma consoled him, as- were Amma’s devotees, Ot- suring him that nothing toor’s admirers who were as- would happen to him in Her sociated with the Guruvayur absence, and that, in the Temple, and volunteers from meantime, I would take good the Kottayam Sri Krishna care of him. Swami temple. He was quite The day Amma left for the keen to receive and entertain Tour, Ottoor reached my home them. with one of his devotees and Ottoor was blessed with my friend, Olassa Chiratta- the unique honour of compos- man Narayanan Moossad, a ing Amma’s Ashtottara-shata- prominent Ayurveda physi- namavali (108 attributes of cian. Through medication, Amma), which Her children nursing and, above all, Am- all over the world chant daily. ma’s resolve and grace, Ottoor The dhyana sloka (benedictory regained his health in about 10 verse) is a distillation in words days. He became well enough of Amma’s quintessential na- to do his daily mantra chanting, ture, a perfect word-portrait

April – May 2020 17 to be cherished and contem- receive letters from Amma; I plated. Similarly, the first also received a few. The letters mantra, ‘Om purna-- for him were consoling where- svarupinyai namah’ (‘Adora- as those I received were in- tions to Amma, who is the structions. Ottoor was joyful complete manifestation of and enthusiastic during the , the Supreme’), is not first two-and-a-half months of only an aphorism on Amma’s his stay with me. spiritual stature, it also reveals One day, while washing his the poet’s deep spiritual insight hands after breakfast, Ottoor into Amma’s divinity. There fell to the ground and cried cannot be another name, loudly. He was staying on the greater or lesser, that describes first floor. I had been sitting on Amma so perfectly. Amma’s the sofa on the ground floor lila-dhyana-slokas (verses on and dozing then. When I Her divine play) also deserve rushed upstairs, I saw him re- special mention. They reveal sisting Narayanan, who was the poet’s profound under- trying to help him get up. De- standing of and empathy for spite his opposition, I lifted Amma. Ottoor from the floor and made During our association, I him lie down on the bed. He asked Ottoor about how he was still crying. I asked him if had composed the Ashtottaram. he was in pain. He said he was He said that he not deliberated not and that he had been fright- on it at all; all the had ened. I gave him some medicine emerged spontaneously on and calmed him down. After their own. my bath and breakfast, I left for Though neither very long the hospital. nor very short, living with Ot- Until then, he had been toor for 99 days was a memo- relatively healthy. But from rable experience. He used to that day onwards, his condition

18 Matruvani I asked Ottoor about how he had composed the Ashtottaram. He said that he not deliberated on it at all; all the mantras had emerged spontaneously on their own. started declining. Neverthe- Feeling slightly guilty, I less, his frailty and ill health said, “Amma, he became did not deter him visiting the weak and fell sick again sud- Sri Krishna Swami Temple denly.” and delivering a spiritual dis- Amma consoled me. “Never course there, as planned ear- mind, son, don’t feel bad. Onam lier. There was a big turnout varan oru mulam vende? (After for his talk. Ottoor was placed all, Onam can come only after in an easy chair, which was Mulam)” It was a play of words. borne aloft like a palanquin by Onam, one of the 27 stars in temple volunteers, who carried Indian astrology, comes after him to the temple. Mulam; mulam also means The very next day, we re- ‘cause.’ Amma was implying turned to Amritapuri. Ottoor that all that happened was was quite weak and I was feel- predestined. ing bad about it. I told Amma Early the next morning, all that had happened. She Ottoor passed away in Am- said, “Amma is happy you ma’s arms, just as he had de- brought Unni-mon (what She sired and as Amma had re- called Ottoor) back in the solved. It was the first ever same condition you took him maha-samadhi in Amritapuri. from here.”

April – May 2020 19 RAMAYANA

Rama’s Reverence for the Eldery by br. chandrasekhar, india

ld age, like death, does not discriminate between Orich and poor, king and peasant, scholar and il- literate, or male and female. All over the world, the el- derly face problems that attend old age: illness, loneliness,

20 Matruvani neglect… Having struggled Rama: Eternal Inspiration throughout life, many continue Rama lived for dharma (right- to struggle as they await im- eousness). He struggled all his pending death. Not everyone life to establish dharma among finds the promise of peaceful family, friends, subjects, ene- retirement fulfilled in their mies and even among animals lives. Increasingly more old and demons. Rama was the people end up in old-age or very personification of dharma. retirement homes. Some are Rama’s every word and consigned there by their chil- deed was vibrant with right- dren, who do not want to bear eousness. His unimpeachable the burden of looking after conduct has inspired genera- their ageing and ailing parents. tions of Indians and will sure- Some families, struggling to ly continue inspiring many provide adequate care for their more. elders, find that they have no Rama loved Dasharatha, choice but place them in elder his ageing father. He also had care, and they do so with great a special affection for the el- anguish. derly from all walks of life. Is this a recent phenomenon Almost every page of the or age-old? How did our fore- Ramayana testifies to this. bears deal with this problem? In the prime of His youth, Who is to be blamed for it: the Rama left the kingdom of Ayo- elders themselves or the dhya and went into forests to younger generation? Are there honour his father’s promise. lessons that one can learn from How many today would be ancient Indian culture? ready to sacrifice their careers The story of Sri Rama gives and luxuries for the sake of us wonderful insights into how their parents? How many are we can improve our relation- mindful of their duties to- ship with the elderly. wards their parents?

April – May 2020 21 Even as a young boy, Rama those with years of experience craved the association of el- in a particular domain. Those ders. He sought their company interested in science could, for and guidance, and thus learned example, seek mentors in re- many things from them. tired scientists. Those aspiring Sage Valmiki, author of the to athletic excellence can inter- Ramayana, wonderfully por- act with senior sportspeople. trays this aspect: Through such relationships, shila vrddhaih jnana youth can quench their thirst vrddhaih vayo vrddhaishca for knowledge and cultivate sajjanaih respect for seniors. kathayanasta vainityam astra yogyanantaresha api Elders: Mould Youth Even during intervals The venerable sage, Vishvam- when he was not practis- itra, sought Rama’s help in ing the use of weapons, killing the demons terrorizing Rama would talk to the the forest hermits performing elderly who were knowl- their spiritual practices. He edgeable or saintly. (Ayo- took Rama and Lakshmana dhya Kanda, 1. 12) into the jungle, and initiated them into mantras that helped The verse above indicates them overcome hunger, thirst Rama’s veneration for elders and fatigue. By this training, from his student days. The the brothers were able to de- elderly have a wealth of life feat the demons. experience, and there is much In a similar way, the onus of that youth can learn from training the youth of today lies them. Students would do well with their seniors: parents, to emulate Rama’s art of inter- grandparents, teachers and acting with and learning from others. The good examples set elders. They could approach by these mentors is the most

22 Matruvani effective way of transmitting of India, would visit schools, values, such as respecting el- interact the students, and in- ders, to the younger generation. spire them with noble ideals. Every morning, millions of Hindus chant the verse that Rulers: Respect Elders Sage Vishvamitra would chant King Dasharatha sought opin- every dawn to wake Rama up: ions from a diverse range of kausalya supraja rama representatives from villages purva sandhya pravartate and towns on crowning Rama. uttishtha narashardula Sage Valmiki records the re- kartavyam daivam ahnikam sponses of a few of them. One O Rama, excellent son of hearty response is given here: Kausalya, dawn is fast Rama worships elders approaching the east as who are well versed in night turns to day. Wake various sciences. By that, up, O best of men. The His name, fame and divine daily rituals must brilliance are becoming be performed. more well known and celebrated. (Ayodhya It is not just a wakeup call. Kanda, 2.33) Sage Vishvamitra was rousing young Rama’s hidden talents When Bharata, Rama’s broth- for the good of the world. Can er, approached Him in the the seniors today emulate Sage forest, Rama asked Bharata Vishvamitra and rouse the how he was ruling the king- noble spirit of the younger dom. Rama’s questions were generation? The creed of sen- like a checklist on the princi- iors could well be ‘Moulding ples of good governance. The the Younger Generation.’ After memorable dialogue between his retirement, Dr. A.P.J. Ab- the two brothers continues for dul Kalam, a former president a few hundred verses, and they

April – May 2020 23 centre around administrative Rama, leaders must set an skills and righteousness. The example by respecting senior first few questions Rama citizens, visiting them, moti- asked pertain to the welfare of vating the younger generation elders. This shows the impor- to communicate with elders, tance given to elders in Ayod- and inspiring youth to learn hya, and affirms the priority from them. Like Rama, they, Rama gave to their welfare. too, ought to seek advice from Rama asked, “Are you serv- senior citizens. Whatever rul- ing your father? How is our ers do, people follow. family adviser Sage Vasish- tha? He then inquired, Rama’s Message to Seniors kacciddevan putrun bhrtvan When Rama visited the her- gurun pitr saman api mitage of an old saintly wom- vrddhamshca tata vaidyam- an, Shabari, He tactfully in- shca brahmanashcabhiman- quired about her welfare. The yase questions Rama asked are not My darling! I hope you relevant only to Shabari; they are respecting the gods, contain sage counsel to all the your ancestors, depend- elderly people pursuing a spir- ents and teachers of your itual life. father’s age, doctors and kaccit te nirjita vighnah the learned ones. (Ayod- kaccit te vardhate tapah hya Kanda, 100.13) kaccit te niyatah kopa aharah ca tapodhane Indeed, rulers ought to have O lady, endowed with special concern for senior citi- the wealth of penance, I zens. It is not enough to grant trust there are no obsta- them income tax exemptions, cles to your spiritual interest rate deductions, travel practices. I hope you are concessions and the like. Like gaining the benefits of

24 Matruvani your penance. I presume literally, ‘Matanga’s Garden.’ you have controlled your Matanga was a sage whom anger. I believe you are Shabari had been drawn to- practising self-restraint wards and who mentored her. in eating. (Aranya Though she was not well versed Kanda, 74.8) in the scriptures, she had tre- mendous faith in Matanga, Rama’s words are pregnant who encouraged her to keep up with suggestion. One may be with her humble efforts to keep advanced in years, but age does his hermitage neat and tidy. not necessarily confer spiritual Before he passed away, Ma- maturity. How many elders are tanga advised Shabari to con- in control of their temper? Are tinue her work in the ashram they able to exercise dietary and to wait for the arrival of control? Are they sincere in Rama and Lakshmana. So their spiritual practices? unshakeable was her faith in An ideal vanaprastha1 like her mentor’s words that she Shabari is always waiting for kept up her service until she the Lord’s arrival. As soon as grew old herself. As a result of Rama arrived at her hermitage, her sincere homage to the sage, she reverentially served Him Shabari was blessed with the the choicest picks from her darshan of the Lord. garden, and then sought His Shabari’s story also illus- permission to leave her body. trates the glory of the vanap- Not that she was waiting idly rastha . Unlike most until Rama’s arrival. Shabari elderly people, who become served various sages and main- increasingly conscious of the tained the ‘Matanga Vana,’ body’s debilities, Shabari’s

1 One who has given up worldly life and retired to the forest to pursue spiritual practices. One of the four ashramas (stages of life) of traditional Hindu life.

April – May 2020 25 attitude was informed first and Thus Shabari waited for foremost by obedience to her Rama. When He came, she mentor’s words, and she was served Him joyfully. With the thus able to rise above body Lord’s permission, she shuf- consciousness. By tending in- fled off her mortal coil in Ra- defatigably to the Matanga ma’s divine presence. Vana, Shabari was undoubt- edly able to maintain both her * * * physical and spiritual health. Being a spiritual seeker As a child, Rama listened to the means rising above body and elders. As a student, He learnt mind. As one becomes spiritu- from them. As a prince, He ally advanced, one becomes honoured them. While wander- less conscious of the body and ing in forests, He helped and less attached to it. Such a per- advised them. Finally, as king, son is ever waiting for the di- He served and paid homage to vine. The moment she hears them. May the Ramayana in- the divine call, she is ready to spire us all to emulate Lord leave the body. Rama and serve our elders.

(continued from page 30) continuity of India’s cultural history, Ahilyabai’s efforts unity, she also made arrange- were not negligible. ments to distribute waters Indians today are deeply from the Ganges once every indebted to this great queen year to more than 30 temples who, besides teaching us mag- all over India. nificent lessons in statecraft, Considering how India’s was a model of renunciation, cultural roots were constantly devoting all her personal being systematically under- wealth for the uplift of India’s mined at one stage in her culture and traditions.

26 Matruvani HISTORY

Queen Ahilyabai by roopesh kaleshan, india

group of highway robbers stood with hands and legs A bound, in the middle of the palace court, awaiting punishment. Yashwantrao, the brave young man who had caught the robbers, was also present. As he stood looking

April – May 2020 27 expectantly at the queen, her The queen’s words were chief advisor approached her received with immense joy. and whispered, “Pardon me for Those present in the royal saying this: though this young court started speaking excit- man is brave, he looks like a edly among themselves. The poor man. It will not do to give royal messengers set out to our princess in marriage to spread the good news. him. Instead, let us give him The dacoits, however, were gold and other gifts, and thus trembling in fear, wondering make him happy.” when the order for their ex- The queen turned to him ecution was going to be and replied, also in a whisper, passed. Queen Ahilyabai “Thank you for your advice, gazed at them and said, “It is but you know that I am Queen true that these men robbed Ahilyabai . I honour my travellers without qualms word!” and created a reign of terror Without waiting to hear any throughout my kingdom. Yet, response, she got up from the even criminals ought to be throne and addressed the given at least one opportu- court: “Some time ago, I had nity to repent their wrongdo- declared that I would give my ing. Therefore, I pardon all darling daughter, Muktabai, the crimes that they have in marriage to the man who committed. Further, I ap- apprehends these robbers, point them as tax collectors who made life for travellers in for our newly built highway.” my kingdom a nightmare. I The prisoners were aston- stand by that declaration. This ished! In a loving tone, the brave young man is most suit- queen advised them, “For the able for my beautiful daughter. rest of your lives, try to be Let us make preparations for exemplars of upright behav- their marriage at once!” iour for others.”

28 Matruvani With these words, the queen children, a son named Maler- left the court. This is one of the ao, and a daughter named many stories about Ahilyabai’s Muktabai. Khanderao was rule that the Maratha people killed in the 1754 Kumher hold close to their hearts even Battle. A few years later, Mal- now. harrao was martyred in an- Ahilyabai was born in 1725 other war. After the death of in the village of Chondi in her husband and father-in-law, Maharashtra. In those days, Ahilyabai lost her son, Maler- the was ao, to an illness. He was only ruled by Peshwa Bajirao I. 22. Thereafter, Ahilyabai took One of the most trusted lead- over the reins of Malwa. ers in his army was Malharrao The Diwan (Prime Minis- Holkar, who ruled the prince- ter) of the kingdom felt that it ly state of Malwa. Once, while would be difficult for a woman travelling through Chondi, he to manage the complex affairs saw an eight-year-old girl and of a state, especially one lack- felt drawn to her. He closely ing the support of a husband observed her upright conduct or son. He sent a secret mes- and devotion to God. Perhaps, sage to Raghoba, uncle of the that farsighted leader intuited Maratha Empire’s ruler, re- her greatness. This girl was questing that the ruler seize Ahilyabai, the daughter of the control of Malwa. village chief. In time, Malhar- In response, Raghoba rao’s son, Khanderao, and moved towards Malwa with a Ahilyabai were married. 50,000-strong military contin- Ahilya’s father-in-law gave gent. Ahilyabai, a master strat- her an all-round grounding in egist, sent appeals for help to spirituality, political strategy, all those Maratha princes statecraft and warfare. Khan- whom the Holkar Kingdom derao and Ahilyabai had two had helped in the past. She then

April – May 2020 29 prepared for the impending And yet, it was not these war. Among the preparations things that made Ahilyabai a was a huge elephant with ar- luminous character in India’s row-filled quivers on all four history. She is also remem- sides of the howdah (a seat or bered for her vision of Bharat, covered pavilion on the back of a vision that went far beyond an elephant). The queen sat in the borders of the Maratha the howdah, commanding an Empire, and for her invaluable army of 500 women soldiers. contribution to the Indian Before the war, Ahilyabai sent culture. a message to Raghoba: “Even For many centuries before if you win the war, you will her time, the Mughals had earn a bad name for killing destroyed innumerable Hindu women in order to capture the temples throughout India. state. If you lose, you will earn Ahilyabai used her enormous a bad name for having been family wealth to rebuild tem- defeated by women.” ples in more than 100 places. This message made Rag- The Kasi Viswanath Temple hoba indecisive, and he aban- that still stands today was doned his plan to capture reconstructed under her su- Malwa. pervision 118 years after the For the next 30 years, Mughal ruler Aurangzeb de- Ahilyabai ruled her state molished it. peacefully. She proved to be Besides temples, Ahilyabai both a benevolent and efficient also built dharma-shalas (free ruler. By implementing sound inns), bathing ghats (steps financial policies, she man- leading to and from a river) for aged to increase Indore’s rev- pilgrims, canteens for the poor enue from `74 lakhs (7.4 m i l- and hungry, wells, and high- lion) to `1 crore (10 million) ways. In order to ensure the within a short time. (continued on page 26)

30 Matruvani GITA

Chapter 5: Yoga of Renouncing Action by Prof. V. Muraleedhara Menon, India

readful indeed is samsara, the cycle of birth and Ddeath characterized by attachment. The afflic- tion of attachment will not leave us whether we stay at home and follow our svadharma (duty suited to

April – May 2020 31 one’s nature) or renounce the Thus, when karma becomes world and go into a forest. We vikarma, action becomes harm- cannot gain detachment either less, pure and natural. How by following svadharma or blissful such actions are! It is cutting back on our actions. not with any special courage or How then can one become effort that the self-effulgent sun detached? This is where disci- illumines and energizes the plining of the mind comes in. world. It does even have the One can follow svadharma awareness that it is doing any- properly only if the mind co- thing, so spontaneous has its operates. In other words, our actions become. Isn’t light the gross physical actions must be sun’s very nature? in harmony with our subtle Jnanis (knowers of the mental movements. We must Truth) are also like this. Virtu- not abandon outward deeds, ous action comes naturally to for we can examine our mind them. The ease and spontaneity only through the prism of ac- of their noble deeds exemplify tion. Some people desist from akarma (desireless action). The karma, when they see how honorific ‘sanyasa’ denotes this continuing to perform action attainment. Sanyasa is nothing causes mental impurities to but karma yoga. In this state, surface. But will not doing even if one acts, one will not be anything bring about inner attached to the action, and this purity? Engaging in action is karma yoga. The sense of not makes one aware of how kar- having done anything even ma stirs the inner muck and after doing something is known how one can then eliminate as akarttrkrtasanyasa (inaction them. The efforts to purify the in action). mind must never abate or Sanyasa is defined as sarva- cease. Such is vikarma (‘special’ karma-parityaga (renunciation action). of all action). Does this mean

32 Matruvani not doing anything? No, for of action. Both aspects are isn’t refraining from action a extraordinary. They indicate kind of action? Sanyasa is the both the extensive and inten- attitude of not doing anything sive nature of a jnani’s actions. even while engaged in action. Moreover, his actions em- In other words, sanyasa is the bolden and inspire others to do art of transforming karma into innumerable good deeds. Even akarma. This is one aspect of then, he does not feel that he sanyasa, the other being the is doing anything. This is understanding that akarma is akarma. imbued with the infinite power (to be continued)

(continued from page 37) radiating a sort of Amma-ness. ago: Brahman, the Supreme, As we sang, I thought of all the offering food (also Brahman) devotees around the planet who to Brahman. And so, for a bliss- regularly sing to or with Amma. ful moment, my awareness re- I thought about others, who laxed into that state where our focus their minds on their pre- singing was an emanation of ferred forms of the divine, Amma: God singing God to which may be the evening sky God. or a sunset. There’s that beauti- It was beautiful. Sure, when ful Advaitic line from J.D. I can, I will probably go back Salinger’s short story, ‘Teddy,’ to the hall for bhajans, but in where he says, watching his the meantime, I am happy just tiny sister pour a glass of milk, to sing in Amma’s physical he saw God pouring God into presence from not very far God. I was getting hungry and away. And I am very grateful thought of our food prayer, for having been in Amritapuri which the sages of India had for that historic first set of composed thousands of years masked bhajans.

April – May 2020 33 DIARY

Masked Bhajans by kamala joy, u.s.a.

t could have been an eerie sight: several dozen masked Ipeople sitting quietly in the courtyard on benches and plastic chairs, three metres apart. A precaution against the coronavirus, the masks were to be worn at all times in the ashram, covering both the nose and mouth. They came in different colours: green, blue, peach and white. Some of the swaminis even had orange ones to match their robes. The evening light coaxed countless shades of gold from the leaves of trees, creating a beautiful contrast with the deep-red benches and the blue sky. Apart from the raucous calling of the crows, it was almost completely silent. This was the scene from the courtyard behind the main darshan hall in Amritapuri on March 26th, 2020. For some time, I had been curious about the people who sit in the courtyard during bhajans. Emerging from the hall to get water or stretch my legs for a moment, I had often thought it would be interesting to sit there, enjoying the cool breeze. But I could never resist being as close to Amma as possible, surrounded by all that full-throated devotion, with Amma sending swelling waves of love and longing, joy and wonderment, into the hall and well beyond. But that night, I had no choice but to sit outside and

34 Matruvani ended up loving it! It is so easy administration had already to forget how transformative instituted safety measures over it can be to do something dif- the previous weeks, but the ferently, especially when Am- nightly bhajans and medita- ma’s grace is involved. tions continued until March Because of the efforts to 23rd or 24th. curb the spread of the corona- After three sad days without virus, the Indian Government any time with our beloved had ordered that people do not Amma, suddenly the bell rang! gather in large groups and that I ran the ‘wrong’ way: seeing a people should sit at least two group of brahmacharis head metres away from each an- quickly for the hall, I followed, other. Those of us in the ash- though my intuition was to run ram were not supposed to to the Kali temple. The projec- leave the ashram grounds, and tion screen showed Amma in no new visitors were allowed the Kali temple but I stayed put. for the time being. The ashram Amma was talking in

April – May 2020 35 Malayalam and gesturing itself. Having all my ashram strongly, and even before Swa- brothers and sisters sitting so miji translated, I could see that far apart from each other this would be no normal gath- broadened my sense of connec- ering in the hall. We were al- tion with them in an unex- ready sitting quite far apart but pected way. The small dis- soon learned that there could tances separating us made me not be more than 50 people in tune in to this group of people any of the halls. I left the hall, from diverse cultures, back- feeling a sharp wave of regret grounds and walks of life. and self-pity, accompanied by Although so different on the an egoistic hope that Amma surface, we shared a connec- would somehow notice me leav- tion: we were all choosing to ing from the video feed of the sit and imbibe Amma’s pres- hall (even though there were ence together from wherever it many others who also left!). was possible. We were giving I found a spot on a par- our attention and love to our tially broken red bench near Guru instead of giving in to the banyan tree outside the fear or other negative emo- Indian canteen. Amma had tions. planted it using sacred water A few days later, there was from 191 countries on Her a live streaming of Amma’s 50th birthday celebration. I bhajans on YouTube. That could see only a corner of the evening alone, tens of thou- screen. Another wave of self- sands of people tuned in from pity and regret: if only I had all over the world to see Amma listened to my intuition, I and to listen to Her uplifting might have been sitting in the singing. So many people are Kali temple with Amma! tuning into Amma’s divine But as Amma began to talk, presence these days. I imag- another reality began to reveal ined millions of devotees

36 Matruvani holding parts of a global net restrooms! Earlier in the and infusing it with a shimmer evening, the air had been of liquid light and love that marked by the wild sounds of travelled and connected across crows and egrets as they be- the net. gan roosting. Later, quieter Instead of white flowers, birds sang. One I had never that night I imagined the light noticed before voiced notes and love from the net permeat- that sounded like a cross be- ing the entire planet. While tween an emphatic kiss and a doing the white flower medita- sweet chirp. A few feet behind tion, I often think of the oceans me was a man who knew the as planetary organs, and the words to all the bhajans and rivers and lakes as the world’s who sang with a beautiful and veins. The forests, connected well-trained voice. Hearing and communicating across Amma sing from a distance hundreds and hundreds of allowed me to tune into Her miles through their root sys- presence in new ways. I felt tems, make an underground Her deep love and concern, nervous system. That night, it and Her indomitable intention seemed that the love and light for us to grow more coura- were simply penetrating the geous and focused in response body of the entire planet. to the pandemic. As I sat by the tree, the soft Before bhajans that night, breeze carried smells from the Amma reminded us that God sea, from the earth still wet is everywhere, pervading eve- from the downpour of the rything. When She said that, I night before. It also wafted imagined every face around me, subtle flower fragrances, the every tree, bench, chair, bird, scents of hand sanitizers, and the sky as an emanation of waves of citronella, and the Amma, each exuding or occasional smells from the (continued on page 33)

April – May 2020 37 LILAS

Lilas Around Amma

Omniscient and Omnipresent

For most of the month of December 2019, Gurush- aran volunteered his ser- vices at the ashram’s book- stall in Sabarimala Temple, the mountaintop shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyap- pa. Every day, after his seva (selfless service) at the bookstall ended, Gurush- aran would go to the adja- cent shrine of Malikappu- rattamma, a goddess, and pray to Her, “I know You are Amma in a different form. I know that You are the all-pervading divine.

38 Matruvani We may not always realize this, but God hears all our prayers. If our call is sincere and if we are tuned to the Divine, we will somehow receive answers to our prayers.

Nevertheless, I would like You him. While reflecting on Her to show me clear proof of this.” words, he suddenly recalled After he had finished his his prayers at the shrine of month-long seva, Gurusharan Malikappurattamma. He real- headed to Amritapuri. When ized that what Amma meant he went for darshan, Amma was that he had been going to scolded him: “Why do you the shrine daily for darshan of come for darshan daily?” the Goddess, and that She was Gurusharan was taken no different from Amma. As aback. He told Amma, “No, I soon as that thought struck haven’t been coming daily. In him, Amma turned to look at fact, I just got here today. I him. Her smile was mischie- have been doing seva in Saba- vous and all-knowing. Tears rimala for the last 28 days.” welled up in Gurusharan’s “You keep coming for dar- eyes as he realized how Amma shan every single day!” re- had responded to his prayers. sponded Amma, as if She had We may not always realize not heard anything he said. this, but God hears all our Gurusharan sat down some prayers. He takes on different distance away from Amma. forms in different places of wor- Though baffled by Amma’s ship and in different cultures. If words, he still felt the un- our call or prayer is sincere and mistakeable surge of joy he if we are tuned to the Divine, always experienced when we will somehow receive an- Amma spoke to or looked at swers to our prayers.

April – May 2020 39 NEWS

List of newly-initiated brahmacharinis (continued from previous issue: Pre-monastic Name Brahmacharya Name Sarayu Bri. Viraktamrita Chaitanya Shanta Bri. Prashantamrita Chaitanya Ambika Bri. Sukanyamrita Chaitanya Sudha Bri. Gurukripamrita Chaitanya Baby Bri. Gurusmaranamrita Chaitanya Divya Bri. Varapradamrita Chaitanya Premalatha Bri. Nayanamrita Chaitanya Latha Bri. Deekshitamrita Chaitanya Sindhu Bri. Shyamapriyamrita Chaitanya Bri. Guruprabhamrita Chaitanya Sangeetha Bri. Sangeethamrita Chaitanya Sheela Bri. Anugrahamrita Chaitanya Shubha Bri. Shubhapriyamrita Chaitanya Ambika Bri. Vedapriyamrita Chaitanya Bindu Bri. Vishwapriyamrita Chaitanya Ramya Bri. Apurvamrita Chaitanya Preetha Bri. Punyamrita Chaitanya Krishna Bri. Krishnapriyamrita Chaitanya Sunitha Bri. Niragamrita Chaitanya Chithra Bri. Hridayamrita Chaitanya Nalini Bri. Guruniveditamrita Chaitanya Saumya Bri. Akhandamrita Chaitanya Rasika Bri. Rasikamrita Chaitanya Remadevi Bri. Haripriyamrita Chaitanya Yamuna Bri. Gurukavyamrita Chaitanya Srilatha Bri. Shantidamrita Chaitanya Prasanna Bri. Deeptamrita Chaitanya

40 Matruvani Amritapriya Bri. Amritapriya Chaitanya Karthikadevi Bri. Vishnupriyamrita Chaitanya Jayashree Bri. Medhamrita Chaitanya Madhuri Bri. Madhuryamrita Chaitanya Viji Bri. Arpitamrita Chaitanya Biju Bri. Namratamrita Chaitanya Sarasamma Bri. Shreepradamrita Chaitanya Kripa Bri. Kripapriyamrita Chaitanya Lekha Bri. Atmajamrita Chaitanya Seethalakshmi Bri. Nirmuktamrita Chaitanya Sumangala Bri. Gurupadamrita Chaitanya Geethadevi Bri. Sadhanamrita Chaitanya Rani Bri. Gurupreetamrita Chaitanya Arathi Bri. Saswatamrita Chaitanya Shreeja Bri. Shantipurnamrita Chaitanya Sajitha Bri. Shreshthamrita Chaitanya Rema Bri. Triptamrita Chaitanya Bindu Bri. Nirlepamrita Chaitanya Sheela Bri. Samaradhyamrita Chaitanya Anu Bri. Smaranamrita Chaitanya Sheeja Bri. Karunyamrita Chaitanya Renuka Bri. Shreepriyamrita Chaitanya Vaishnavi Bri. Vaishnavi Chaitanya Kripa Bri. Devikripamrita Chaitanya Janaki Bri. Sayujyamrita Chaitanya Vandya Bri. Anarghyamrita Chaitanya Shankuntala Bri. Satvikamrita Chaitanya Shanta Bri. Jneyamrita Chaitanya Kamalam Bri. Shankarapriyamrita Chaitanya Manju Bri. Sanmayamrita Chaitanya Bindu Bri. Viditamrita Chaitanya Rekha Bri. Tanmayamrita Chaitanya Malini Bri. Nishcalamrita Chaitanya Rashmi Bri. Niravadyamrita Chaitanya Rashmi Bri. Naivedyamrita Chaitanya Lathika Bri. Arshamrita Chaitanya

April – May 2020 41 Usha Bri. Aksharamrita Chaitanya Abhirami Bri. Anamayamrita Chaitanya Latha Bri. Anupamamrita Chaitanya Shobha Bri. Kripapurnamrita Chaitanya Ambika Bri. Ardramrita Chaitanya Sujatha Bri. Dheeramrita Chaitanya Seetha Bri. Samageetamrita Chaitanya Pushpa Bri. Niramayamrita Chaitanya Anjana Bri. Lakshyamrita Chaitanya Usha Bri. Punitamrita Chaitanya Rekha Bri. Sharanyamrita Chaitanya Reena Bri. Ateetamrita Chaitanya Reeja Bri. Abhivandyamrita Chaitanya Kavita Bri. Satyapriyamrita Chaitanya Sethu Bri. Suryamrita Chaitanya Gayatri Bri. Gunateetamrita Chaitanya Swarna Bri. Gurudeepamrita Chaitanya Juju Bri. Atmamrita Chaitanya Anjali Bri. Aradhanamrita Chaitanya Anjana Bri. Sampurnamrita Chaitanya Tanjuna Bri. Abhijnanamrita Chaitanya Smitha Bri. Sarvamrita Chaitanya Samapika Bri. Chinmayamrita Chaitanya Sheena Bri. Amritasmita Chaitanya Jisha Bri. Vageeshamrita Chaitanya Varshini Bri. Prabhavamrita Chaitanya Praveena Bri. Amritatmika Chaitanya Shalini Bri. Shreepujitamrita Chaitanya Sini Bri. Ameyamrita Chaitanya Prasanna Bri. Lalitamrita Chaitanya Vani Bri. Amrita Chaitanya Sabitha Bri. Adyamrita Chaitanya Sujitha Bri. Aryamrita Chaitanya Sreekala Bri. Viragamrita Chaitanya Jasna Bri. Chidrupamrita Chaitanya Amritapriya Bri. Sandramrita Chaitanya 42 Matruvani