Love is the only thing in the whole world that has an irresistible attraction. It is the most predominant feeling inherent in all living beings. Regardless of our background, nationality, language and the sec-tion of society we belong to, the power of love re-mains common to all of humanity, perhaps to the entire creation.
Though the energy behind love is the same, it manifests diversely depending on each person's sams-kara (latent tendencies). This is how Amma puts it, "For a scientist, love means protons and neutrons. A poet or orator considers words as love, while food is love for some. Love for the near and dear ones is common. Color is love for an artist. A baby's love is for its mother, and for a honeybee it is flowers. But for a devotee, God is love. Similarly, for a disciple, the guru is love."
Human beings are considered to be the most evolved of all species. So, besides expressing this beautiful energy of love at the physical and emotion-al levels, we should also direct it towards a greater purpose and gravitate towards a higher goal. What is this goal? It is to realize the reality about our ex-istence, the very fabric we are made of. Allow me to quote Amma's words. She says, "Love is the only language that everyone, including plants, animals and even insentient objects can understand. It is a universal language. Love is the biggest purifier and greatest transformer."
Amma's ashram in Amritapuri has two dogs: Tumban and Bhakti, male and female, respectively. They were rehabilitated from the streets as puppies. If anyone at all enjoys absolute physical freedom in the ashram, it is these two dogs. They have access everywhere, including Amma's room, her bed and the darshan stage. No one questions their authori-ty. They have a very special connection with Amma. The way they conduct themselves in front of Amma and her love and care for them have an inconceivable aspect to it. It is so obvious. Watching them, one cannot help wondering, 'Who are these dogs?' Tumban and Bhakti meticulously attend the morning archana (chanting of the Sri Lalita Sahas-ranama, 1000 names of Goddess Lalita Parameswari, followed by singing of the Mahishasura Mardini Stotram) and the evening bhajans along with all the ashram residents. When Amma sings, she makes sure that there is sufficient space by the side of her peetham (seat) for Tumban to lie down comfortably. While Tumban shares the same seat with Amma, Bhakti crawls under her seat. Bhakti never sits on the peetham, even if there is space, even if Tumban is absent...! Another aspect of their bond with Amma is the immense longing both dogs have to get Amma's love and affection, especially Tumban. He often ex-presses his desire to be loved. On many occasions, he approaches Amma wanting to be caressed. Here is a short description of what he does. He raises his foreleg and gently lifts or touches Amma's hand, ges-turing her to rub his head. Of course, Amma always obliges Tumban's request. When she stops, he again does the same gesture. The point is, even animals and plants respond to true love.
Vedas (1182)
Upanishads (493)
Puranas (624)
Ramayana (741)
Mahabharata (354)
Dharmasastras (165)
Goddess (496)
Bhakti (242)
Saints (1503)
Gods (1290)
Shiva (370)
Journal (187)
Fiction (60)
Vedanta (362)
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist