January 31, 2002
Anandashram, IndiaDear Friends,
Today we celebrate the anniversary of Mother's Mahasamadhi, a
realized soul's conscious and final exit from their body. Many events have occurred at the
ashram today in recognition of this.
The day's commemoration began at 7:00 a.m. in Swami Satchidananda's
room. He brought Mother's picture in from the ante-room and placed it next to his chair.
Then it was garlanded. We brought a beautiful floral display created by Lakshmi and Mansi
for the occassion. Both these devotees had felt Mother's blessings during my talk, Swamiji
had asked me to give a few days before, on the "Life and Mission of Mother Hamilton.
Marge was given the garlands for Papa's and Mataji's mandirs to
place around the imprints of their feet. Cate, Marge, Carla and I then handed out prasad
to over a hundred children: grapes, Hershey chocolate, doughnuts and a spicy rice mixture
served before their breakfast.
Larry then returned from Bangalore by cab after travelling all night
in order to join in the celebrations today.
At 10:30 we had a service in our room attended by 15 devotees. A
beautiful bouquet like the one placed in Swamiji's room was in place. It had yellow and
red roses, daffodils and many unusual flowers, types of which the arrangers had not seen
in many months. Also flower arrangements were brought by Babu, Caryn from Germany, Lakshmi
from Bombay, a garland sent by Lalini etc. Also many brought prasad, food offerings, to
add to what we already had. It was a visible outpouring of love that made the heart to
overflow.
We sang Ram Nam. I gave a talk that detailed some of the miraculous
events in Mother's life, including healings Master performed for Mother and her children
and various ways Mother protected and took the blows for devotees. We then sang Jai Guru,
performed arati, waving of lights before the altar and handed out prasad.
At noon time Cate read the prayers before the arati in the Bhajan
Hall. At 3:30 pm Swamiji asked me to speak about Mother. He has been ill with a sore
throat and fever but recovering now, and he made a rare appearance on the porch of his
rooms to listen to the talk. I led the group in Jai Guru. I spoke of my first meeting with
Mother and the flow of Guru Shakti, flow of power and grace, that came from that meeting.
I also read from Gospel of Swami Ramdas where Papa confirmed Mother's revelation that she
was the Divine Mother. We ended the time with Ram Nam and prasad of watermelon was handed
out by Cate afterwards.
We joined Swamiji for the 8:00 p.m. darshan he has allowed for our
group, insisting that we come even during his illness. The conversation focused on death
rites, both East and West. Swamiji referred to Mataji's many illnesses. Before Papa left
the body Mataji was so ill she weighed only 50 pounds. Many believed Mataji would leave
the body first.
I mentioned that there are many in the West who think that if the
body has some illness it reflects an imperfect mind. Swamiji recounted a visit to
Anandashram by Joel Goldsmith. Joel spoke several times while at the ashram. Swamiji took
him to the train station for his departure. He asked Joel, "In your books you speak
of spiritual healing, but in your talks here, you did not mention that subject. Why?"
Joel responded, "I don't speak of spiritual healing when I am in India because if I
did people would say, 'Did Ramana Maharshi have an imperfect consciousness?'" Samiji
summed it up by saying, "mind does affect health, no doubt, but there are many
unproved theories being taught."
The day ended with my being asked to light the evening arati lamp
for the closing of the Bhajan activities of the day. Then Carla, Marge and Larry handed
out prasad afterwards.
It has been a day full of joy and blessings. Of course throughout
the day my mind has turned to you as well. I wish you many happy blessings on the day we
celebrate the life of such a great realized soul.
"May you bless us Mother, bless us all, with the Presence of
the Divine ever singing in our souls in sweet communion with Thee."
Om Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram.
Jai Guru,
David
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