Mother with her Children

A Report from Munich and Bensheim, Germany, October 30 - November 4, 2003

"Amma is here!" was the joyous sentiment of the Munich devotees as the three-day programs were about to begin. It was a busy holiday weekend at the exhibition hall in the downtown Olympic Stadium where hundreds of newcomers converged to get a glimpse of Amma. Although "Meat Loaf" and "Bob Dylan" were playing next door, Amma's program seemed to have more attendance. The hall was equipped with several TV monitors and big screens, which constantly played videos of Amma. It was an amazing feeling to see Amma wherever one looked!

The Munich satsang is a very active musical group and played for Amma several times. Their bhajan sessions included harps, violins, flutes and even a trombone. And after a quick change of clothing, the group was back on stage decked in traditional Bavarian attire and singing German folk music.

On the last day, the huge L-shaped hall was packed with people who sat in every possible direction. During the Devi Puja, a few children shyly ascended the stage to sit with Amma. This snowballed into a chain reaction in which over 50 children climbed onto the stage to be with Amma. It was a beautiful sight to see Amma surrounded by a sea of children. Saturday night Devi Bhava continued well into Sunday morning. At about 10:15 am, Amma emerged from the temple bidding farewell to her Munich children, consoling them by signaling that they are always in Amma's heart.

In Benshiem, a small town outside of Frankfurt, the program drew big crowds despite being working days. For the second year in a row, city officials have hosted Amma in Bensheim, making the program possible by donating their time and resources. One of the main coordinators was the District Police Commissioner, Claus von der Fink. His enthusiasm, energy and innocence were often seen through his active role at the hall greeting people and introducing Amma to officials. Other guests at the program were from the Consulate General of India in Frankfurt including Mr. Ashok Kumar, and Mr. Anil Dhasmana, the Consular. There were TV cameras from a German TV station, Hessischer Rundfunk.

During one of the programs, there was a children's dance, which was performed for Amma. There was one tiny girl who must not have been more than two years old, who insisted on participating with the older children. Although she did not know the dance, she persisted and innocently followed along, all the while holding her mother's hand to prevent herself from falling down. Finally, there was a part in the dance that had a twirl; the little girl could not keep up and although she kept trying to twirl, she failed miserably. At last she gave up and outstretched her arms to her mother. Her mother picked her up and continued the dance. All the while Amma was watching this display of innocence. Amma said that we must strive to be like that little girl. We should try our best and tightly hold onto God while performing our duties in the world. But when times get tough, our efforts may not really help us. At that point there is no other way but to simply surrender and humbly outstretch our arms to God. Then God will lift us and carry us the rest of the way.