Stepping out of one culture - Western - into another - the ashram and Amma's Presence - is a way to be able to see more clearly the characteristics of the culture we come from and what we were formed by in contrast with such a different way of life. What was missed in awareness because of close familiarity emerges more clearly for what it is - artificial, biased, confined in limited vision and poor in value. We settle for so little in terms of our spirituality generally and the measure of our values.
I came to Amma in India and in her own home. The ashram reflects a life style that is different from the India of the cities and Bollywood and newspapers. The ashram is a giant crucible or mixing bowl or vortex for those whose spirit5ual awareness has already surpassed what we usually encounter in church on Sunday. No one can claim spiritual stature here at the ashram, or claim greater spiritual advancement - whatever that is - over others, no status. Everyone has an incredibly alive story of encounter with the Divine, of grace, forgiveness, healing, transcendence happening in their lives. And those who are serious about their spiritual practice are many. Each has a wisdom to speak. And often with that is also the humility of openness to correction and learning and a willingness to undergo hardships that most Westerners would immediately reject. You couldn't get most church-goers to even consider these austerities, not even just for Lent.
And beyond the intention and will and enjoyment in spiritual practice, there is Amma, the spirit5ual master and as authentic of a true guru as could possibly be. She is the Mother who loves, embraces, comforts, gives grace, and also at the same time can pierce you with a glance, knows what you are thinking, the truth of your intentions and motivations, who for your own good will not let you get away with anything, who will put you into just the situations you need to grow - and it will hurt. Don't resist. You will only have to face the lesson again.
These are just some of my thoughts as I come close to the end of my time in India. From them I am gathering some delicious ideas for Lent and for sharing with the meditation community. More to come...
Keep meditating!
Beverly
I came to Amma in India and in her own home. The ashram reflects a life style that is different from the India of the cities and Bollywood and newspapers. The ashram is a giant crucible or mixing bowl or vortex for those whose spirit5ual awareness has already surpassed what we usually encounter in church on Sunday. No one can claim spiritual stature here at the ashram, or claim greater spiritual advancement - whatever that is - over others, no status. Everyone has an incredibly alive story of encounter with the Divine, of grace, forgiveness, healing, transcendence happening in their lives. And those who are serious about their spiritual practice are many. Each has a wisdom to speak. And often with that is also the humility of openness to correction and learning and a willingness to undergo hardships that most Westerners would immediately reject. You couldn't get most church-goers to even consider these austerities, not even just for Lent.
And beyond the intention and will and enjoyment in spiritual practice, there is Amma, the spirit5ual master and as authentic of a true guru as could possibly be. She is the Mother who loves, embraces, comforts, gives grace, and also at the same time can pierce you with a glance, knows what you are thinking, the truth of your intentions and motivations, who for your own good will not let you get away with anything, who will put you into just the situations you need to grow - and it will hurt. Don't resist. You will only have to face the lesson again.
These are just some of my thoughts as I come close to the end of my time in India. From them I am gathering some delicious ideas for Lent and for sharing with the meditation community. More to come...
Keep meditating!
Beverly
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