America Visit December 2006

Devotees Welcome Amma at Newark Liberty International Airport

Amma will grace the USA with Her Divine presence in December of 2006

Amma In South Africa 2006 (Eyes with Sai & Shirdi)

Visit Details and Protocol

Divine Mother Srimad Sai Rajarajeshwari will grace the United States with Her presence in December of 2006. This will be Amma's second visit to the shores of the US, keeping a promise She made while here in August 2005 to return soon. It is anticipated that Amma will arrive into Newark New Jersey on or about November 28th and leave December 20th approximately. Her visit will take Her onwards from New Jersey after a number of days to Dallas Texas. Amma will return from Dallas to new Jersey, rest and then head back to India.

It is further anticipated that there will be some darshans conducted at the residences Amma has indicated that She will be staying in. There will be major darshans in larger venues conducted over a number of evenings in both New Jersey and Texas. The details of these will be available as they are confirmed with venue and timing. Those wishing to take full advantage of these public darshans should pursue the details as indicated at the bottom of this page. Furthermore, dependent upon Amma's will, She may grant a number of personal interviews during Her stay. Once again, this will all become clear upon Amma's arrival.

For those wishing to avail themselves of the Divine darshan, it is appropriate to aquaint yourself with the protocol described below. In so doing you will find must greater ease in your understanding of how the darshans are conducted and why they operate as they do.

Amma in Pennsylvania - Divine Flight

OM SRI SAI RAM

OM SRIMAD SAI RAJARAJESHWARI NAMO NAMAHA YE

Amma Arrives At Her New Jersey Home

On behalf of Amma (Srimad Sai Rajarajeshwari) we extend to all of you a welcome to this very special series of darshans. This visit by Amma to the USA is both unique and very timely. Amma has made this surprise return in direct accord with Divine will. Her reasons are beyond our ability to fathom; however it is a most significant cosmic event in that all of creation proceeds directly from the timeless acts of Divinity.

Amma will be with us for a total of 23 days, arriving on November 28th and departing in Mid December. Current plans are to offer a number of darshans in both New Jersey and Texas during evening times. For many this will be their first ever introduction to the idea of a living avatar. For others this may appear to be a step outside and away from their own tradition. Allow yourself to be comfortable for the latter is a long way from the truth for emphasises that one should stay true to their own path, follow their heart and in essence “Love All – Serve All”. If you are Christian, then they simply affirm be a good Christian; if Moslem, then be a good Moslem and the same for Judaism, Buddhism, indigenous faiths and all paths to God. Below are some notes that may assist you to comprehend the background and protocol of this event thereby enabling you to take the very best out of this divine gathering.

Amma in Divine Dance

Darshan 2006 - Understanding Protocols

· Seating: Please be seated early. Amma will give darshan at Her leisure and waits until all are seated. The seating is on the ground and therefore if you require a small cushion, meditation seat or other similar, please arrange ahead of time. For those with physical disability or elderly we have arranged for some seating along the sides of the darshan hall. Please keep these for those in need.

· Carpet: A red carpet will be placed for Amma to walk along. Please do not walk or tread on this carpet. There are many reasons for this carpet, but one very important consideration is to understand that neither Amma nor Baba can walk on ground that has not been sanctified before they tread. To do so causes them great discomfort as they take on the energies of those who have trodden before them.

· Separation of gender: You will notice that for darshan males and females are separated. This is to bring the focus back onto the purpose of darshan. It is to focus our hearts on the blessings of the living avatar who walks amongst us. A gaze upon Amma or Baba clears away the mental samskaras and karmas. Since we do not understand our own mental limitations and karmas, we often do not understand the relevance of such a blessing. The only thing that Amma and Baba are interested in is our love. Our love and our hearts – the rest is our game of self validation and ego. Distractions such as other individuals, sounds, smells etc all disappear once we become heart centred.

· Padnamaskar: This is the touching of the hands to the feet of the Avatar. Please only do this if instructed by Amma. When grace is given for this to take place Amma will move Her feet and make it obvious that you may take this blessing. When we receive this blessing there is a flow of our energies (negative) through the avatar and this means that they then are taking from us that which they deem appropriate. It also means that they will be processing our karmas through their physical form.

· Touch: For the same reason please refrain from reaching out to touch Amma.

· Bhajans: You will be enjoying the sacred sounds of Holy singing. Bhajans are sung primarily in the Hindi, some in English. Do not feel left out because you do not have any understanding of what is being sung. What really matters is the intent of both yourself and the singers. Baba and Amma emphasise not the voice but the heart. The heart sings with love, the voice so very often wishes the ego to be recognised. Each bhajan is a combination of sacred tones which in and of themselves invoke the sacred worlds of the higher spiritual beings. Again, although unseen to the naked eyes these divine presences respond to the call of the human heart. The best way to recognise this is to close your eyes if you do not know the words and bask in the sacred tones. Bhajans have a lead line sung by the lead singer, and then the same line is sung after by the group. The verses are generally sung at least twice.

· Mantras: Like bhajans, mantras are sacred tones. Each mantra is a sacred sound that invokes the awakening of sacred aspects of ones own divinity. If one watches horror moves, or listen to music that is heavy and somewhat dark, the effect is such that one’s soul recognises it. You feel these images and sounds. The same is true for mantras. They invoke within one the highest elements of love, light, joy and bliss. Feel them, do not reason them.

· Shoes and feet: Please remove shoes before entering the darshan hall. A place has been provided outside for you to place them. Feet must be rinsed before entering the hall. Arrangements are made for this.

· Darshan: This is the walking amongst us of a divine being. In this instance Amma and Baba are walking amongst you. It is a blessing that has been prayed for by saints and sages since time immemorial. You are not alone in your darshan taking; the apparently empty space is replete with divine beings.

· Divine Dance: This is some thing very unique to Amma and Baba in the spiritual plane. It is best understood by way of the following excerpt from ‘God Introduces God’. Avatars have Their own specialty that cannot be changed according to the whims and fancies of the individual human being. Nor do they reveal Their presence according to the dictates of the individual. Avatars are not answerable to individuals. Once the Avatars descend, everything goes the way They Will it. In all ages, saints and devotees have danced on the streets in ecstasy, forgetting themselves in their Oneness with the Lord. Such devotion is not an imaginary feeling of the mind. It is the essence of Advaitha (Absolute Monism - absolute Oneness of God, Soul, and Universe). The celestial beings eternally dance in the bliss of Sat Chit Ananda. In Kailash, when Shiva dances the Tandava, Shakti accompanies Him in the Divine Dance. Dance is a divine form, through which bliss is poured forth. In fact, even the human emotions are nothing but the Navarasas – the nine emotive expressions of dance.

The word “bliss” is not related to the body. It is God’s own form. Forgetting oneself when one becomes One with bliss, one thereby dances and the individual soul is said to be One with Universal Soul. Though this appears as mere “dance” to the outer world, to the devotees of God it is the gift of divine bliss. Dance is the reason behind the descent of the Shiva/Shakti Avatars in this Kali Age. Music and dance adorn Goddess Rajarajeshwari like ornaments. When such a Divine form assumes a human body, music and dance come naturally to Her.

On every Monday evening at 6:15 PM, Srimad Sai Rajarajeshwari, as directed by Her Lord Sai Baba, has graced the devotees assembled for satang at Her abode in Mysore with the wonderful sight of Her Divine Dance. Just as Sai Baba’s taking on of the ailment in 1963 was a corrective response to the insult of Sage Bharadwaja, so too is the Divine Dance of Rajarajeshwari also a corrective response to the incident on Mt. Kailash with Sage Bharadwaja. When asked about Her Dance, Amma pointed to Herself and said, “This human body is like a flute in the hands of Bhagavan. He plays with it as He pleases. Like this, everyone must become a hollow flute in God’s hands. Then He will Himself fill the flute with His breath. When His breath fills your being and you hear His sound, you will dance like a peacock to His tune.” Since She Herself is Devi, She represents dance and music, and Lord Shiva (Nataraj) is the Master of Dance. Blessed are the devotees who have seen and enjoyed this unique leela of the Divine Mother. This dance has been intermittently suspended since mid-2003, the reasons for which will become clear as this testimony unfolds.

It is customary for dancers to prostrate before Lord Nataraja – the Lord of Dance – before they commence their dance. Parvathi, being the other half of Shiva, is of His own form and is witness to the Shiva Tandava. When such a Devi essence and form is present on Earth, She brings about changes in creation through the means of mudras – the gestures of dance. We recall here our earlier mention of this in referring to the Divine Dance of Shiva/Shakti and the use of mudras, or poses, as an aspect of the stresses that birthed creation from within the Para-Bindu! In fact, in this final phase of the Kali Age, dance is the means of Amma’s (Devi’s) action. Amma’s dance is not a stage performance. It is the dance of Prakruthi and Purusha. It encompasses creation, sustenance, and destruction within itself. This Truth has been confirmed by Amma, for She has given visions to a number of Her devotees, during the Divine Dance, of natural disasters which have subsequently occurred in the world.

It is perhaps appropriate to recall here that Amma is the living embodiment of Goddess Rajarajeshwari, whose formless state of Parabrahman is preceded by the absorption of the Sri Chakra into the void. As we have learned already, the Sri Chakra is an intricate weaving of dynamic light, pure shakti. Every movement of Amma, every mudra, shifts the currents of creation, for it is equivalent to a burst of light from one of the Devatas within the cosmic wheel – the Sri Chakra. Accordingly, in the first enclosure of the Sri Chakra, known as the Trailokyamohana, there are ten Mudra Devatas. Surrender and an attitude of devotion by the aspirant towards deity are insufficient in worship. The temple of the Lord, the human body, must participate in worship and sadhana. Therefore, gestures by aspirants as they use their fingers and hands in worshipful dance affirm the intention of their hearts and minds. Mudras are the language by which the aspirants’ bodies speak to the Deity. Furthermore, they replicate the creative acts brought forth by the Goddess of Dance Herself – Rajarajeshwari. Every move, although not carrying the creative power of the Divine Mother, is charged with the intent of replicating worship to the Mudra Devata and therefore to the Supreme. Whenever Rajarajeshwari dances, She is Maha Mudra Devi, and Her hand and finger movements are literally creative acts of the Will of the Shiva/Shakti Avatara. Each is a command and force for the direction of the Devatas to follow.

External eyes cannot grasp the entire grandeur and significance of Amma’s Divine Dance. Dance is, in fact, the distinctive feature and specialty of this Avatar of Goddess Rajarajeshwari. Only celestial beings can accompany Amma in Her Divine Dance. This Truth has likewise been revealed to devotees during their visits to various sacred places with Amma. Several have seen the celestial beings rise before Her and dance in Her presence, offering obeisance. Through dance, the rays of Divine Bliss pervade all. Known or unknown to us, the Divine Dance of Rajarajeshwari affects the entire Universe.

· Blessings: Amma gives blessings in so many ways. A look, a touch of the hand, a smile, a garland, Padnamaskar, a scolding, a dance and so forth. What matters more than anything is the joy we can derive from observing another receive a blessing for we are all one. A smile to John is a smile to all. A scold to Sue is a scold for all. A garland for Anil is a garland for all. Think this way and you will expand your experience.

Showering Grace

· Divine Seat: The seat of God does not rely upon the seats offered by human beings. For God there is the timeless, pure, Divine Seat. That of Rajarajeshwari is known to all those who live by the path of dharma, for it is the seat on which the greatest of Powers – Rajarajeshwari - sits, and it has Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara as legs, and Sadashiva as its mattress. Amma’s back, full of Omkars emanating from the Para-Bindu, cannot touch the ground. We have spoken of this in relating the stories of Her visits to Puttaparthi. If this should happen, the consequences for the earth and humanity would be beyond comprehension. If this is hard for us to believe, we need only refer back to our previous comments about worldly intelligence and spiritual intelligence. We cannot dissect God and know God. This is the power of the ego. Rajarajeshwari’s seat is on Shiva. At Kodaikanal, Rajarajeshwari was denied a seat upon which She could sit and in so doing merge into Unity with Her Principle. Such denial was the direct result of the influence of the forces that are antagonistic to Shiva. The forces behind these ignorant actions are only too aware of the consequences which would come as the result of Her back touching the ground. The work of Divinity is mixed with fire. Only Devi and Shiva know who shall survive and who shall perish. Sai Baba has said, “Ridiculing saints and great people is a sin. But to ridicule an Avatar forms results in the perishing of all.”

· Vibhutti and kumkum: The grace of the avatar of Sai Baba is so very often shown through manifestation (either in His physical presence or at a distance) of the sacred ash Vibhutti. Amma may show some of the photographs that display these miracle blessings. Kumkum is the red powder associated with the Divine Mother. It will be used in many of the sacred ceremonies associated with Amma’s stay.

· Garlanding: A privilege is that of garlanding Amma. When called upon to do so the blessings are great. Many karmas are often removed through this act. Treat such blessings with great reverence and joy.

· Knowing the soul: Amma and Baba will so very often play the role of not knowing anything at all about a situation, person or event. This is the game of Mahamaya. Amma and Baba are truly Omniscient and speak from the level that both confuses and confounds us and well and blesses and uplifts us. As one becomes closer in the heart to Truth so are these subtleties revealed. First however the karmas must be burned away.

· Prasad: Many times Amma will offer food, sweets or other blessings from Her hand. These carry Her love. Enjoy them.

· Creating space: In the hall please be aware that there is an issue with space. If the crowds are light, space is not an issue. If they are greater you may find that you are sharing in close proximity to another in front, behind, to the left and right. Allow any discomfort emotionally, mentally or spiritually, (let alone physically) to be processed through our heart and turned to love. Please also allow space for Amma as She moves through the group. Do not push towards Her or crowd out others. If She desires to approach you, then simply part the way and allow space for Amma to walk through. The red carpet is the general direction. Amma determines the precise direction. Be prepared.

· Amma speaks: Amma may speak during darshan. Listen with an open heart. Some words and terms may appear alien to you. Let them go and enjoy the intent of Amma’s presence. Her joy, love and humour can be infectious.

· Comfort level: Sitting for an extended period of time can bring up many emotions. Let them rise and offer them through your heart to the feet of Amma.

· Dress: Dress with comfort and at a level commensurate with Amma’s presence. You will know what is required. There is no expectation that one must wear Indian attire. Please show modesty in your attire at al times.

· Respect through silence: Unless Amma is calling for some one, conversing with the group or otherwise, please maintain silence. If Amma is giving some one a blessing at Her seat please keep quiet and allow that person to receive the blessings.

· Timing, patience and spontaneity: The only timetable is the Divine Timetable. Amma and Baba have set this schedule. It is their play. Enjoy the grace and expect nothing to flower on your own time. As darshan continues you will understand.

· Updates: Please keep in contact through the links provided below. We will do our utmost to keep you all in the loop, however the management of such a task is two way and no one here really has spare time to answer phone queries or general questions. Please forgive us and understand.

· Meals: After darshan  light refreshments will be provided. All are welcome to partake.

· Parking: Please follow the direction of the parking assistants. If attending a house bhajan, please display a courteous disposition to the neighbourhood that one is visiting and respect their needs for privacy and property.

· Aarathi: This ceremony is performed at the close of bhajans in honour of Baba and Amma (Shiva/Shakti). While it is being sung, the camphor flame is waved in circles in front of Amma. As the camphor flame burns and leaves no residue, so the love of God consumes the ego, leaving no trace of ‘I’ and mine. The flame represents the burning away of all desires leaving no residues, for merging with God. While it is being waved, pray: “O Mother. Make the allotted span of my life as pure and fragrant and as transparent as camphor. Let it consume itself in the fire, scattering light and warmth of love to all around me and at the end of it all, let there be nothing left for me.” The waving of the camphor flame is to remind us that all of our sensual cravings must be burnt away without leaving any trace behind, and you must offer yourself to God for being merged with His glory.

· End of evening protocol: Amma will depart before all others unless otherwise specified. Please stay seated and hold the blessings received in your heart. Avoid unnecessary talking since that which has been planted need time to sent out its root deep in your heart. No seed ever sprouted if it was pulled out immediately after being planted.

· Entrance into and out of room for facilities: If the restroom is needed, please choose your time with care and exit with grace making the least possible disruption.

· Photos: unless otherwise directed, please refrain from taking photographs. There will be a video and photo organisation for the entire event.

· Children: All of God’s children are welcome. If a child of your experiences discomfort and expresses as such, please gracefully make your way out of the hall to relive the child’s discomfort and then re-enter when all is well.

· Cell phones: Please turn off all cell phones.

· Personal Request from Amma: Many have asked Amma to spend the day with them, visit their home, travel to distant places and even speak at length with Her on the phone. We humbly request that you allow Amma to rest during Her stay and enjoy that programme which She has offered to grace us all with. Thank you. No phone calls will be allowed unless specifically indicated by Amma.

The darshan details are to be announced for both Dallas Texas and New Jersey.

Schedule update for visit of Amma-Srimad Sai Rajarajeshwari to the United States!

New Jersey

Please note that while we hope to offer a consistent and definitive schedule of events, we must allow for the play of the Divine in our planning and ask you therefore to keep up to date as the flow unfolds!  Please check this website regularly and ALSO check for updates throught the Yahoo Group and the designated "updates" telephone number listed on this site.

*As plans may change suddenly, there may not be time to list the changes on the website and we therefore ask you to remain completely up to date through email and telephone.

*The following represents the current plan, though one or two evenings of Darshan may be changed during the time of Amma's visit.  We therefore suggest that you try to schedule to be present for as many days as possible to avoid disappointment should the schedule change.

Amma's Divine Darshan

The present plan is that Divine Darshan with Amma will be offered on the evenings of December 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and possibly the 8th.  We ask that all are seated in the banquet hall by 6:00PM each evening unless otherwise notified.  (It is vital that you read the section on "Protocol" when making your plans to attend so that you are well advised before being in Amma's presence.)

The primary location for these evening events will be:

The Comfort Inn Hackettstown hotel, 1925 Rt. 57 West, Hackettstown, NJ 07830.  Tel: 1-908-813-8500 or 1-800-228-5150

*Please note that the location of Amma's Divine Darshan may change based on the number of reservations we receive.  If the numbers exceed the selected venue we will try to accommodate the greater numbers by using a different venue for one or two of the scheduled evenings.  We ask that you make your plans and your reservations with Terri at  mndbodsoul@aol.com as soon as possible to assist us in making our plans.  If we do not have early notice it may be too late to change our plans and we will then have to rotate attendance which will limit access to Darshan.  It is our wish that as many people can receive Amma's grace for as many days as they would like, so we thank you for your consideration in making your plans!

Overnight Accommodation

Arrangements have been made with the Comfort Inn Hackettstown Hotel to accommodate a certain number of rooms at the hotel based upon availability.  Again, we encourage you to make your plans early! A special rate of $90 per night plus 11% sales tax has been offered to those attending Darshan with Amma.  When calling the hotel, please ask for "Amma's Visit Group" and you will receive this special rate.  If there is a sell out of the hotel rooms, there are other hotels in the area which you can use, 10-20 minutes from the Comfort Inn.  The Comfort Suites in Budd Lake and Panther Valley Inn in Allamuchy are both nearby.

Texas

Please note that the same set of circumstances applies to the events scheduled in the Dallas area.  We therefore again ask that you keep up to date by checking the website, Yahoo Group and telephone voicemail as needed.

Amma's Divine Darshan

The present plan is that Divine Darshan with Amma will be offered on the evenings of December 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th and possibly the 19th.  We ask that all are seated in the hall by 6:00PM each evening unless otherwise notified. (It is vital that you read the section on "Protocol" when making your plans to attend so that you are well advised before being in Amma's presence.)

UPDATE FOR TEXAS