Divine World Family: Namastey!
WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR
MAY ALL BEINGS BE HAPPY AND AT THEIR EASE
MAY ALL BEINGS BE JOYOUS AND LIVE IN SAFETY
PEACE ON EARTH GOOD WILL TO MAN
We look at the world scenario and wonder whether this is really possible or not. We have no control over the world, but we do have control over our own minds and hearts. When we feel the rising surge of jealousy or hatred and ill will towards another, at least we can curb it and transform it to one of good will and love for all. This is what Patanjali told us we should do: cultivate the opposite thought if bad thoughts rise. It is called Pratipaksha Bhavana by him. It is a wonderful technique. When we think ill will towards another, just turn it topsy-turvy and think god thoughts for him instead. He too is a struggling being, marching along this evolutionary path, and he too, will eventually reach the goal. Of course, Patanjali also reminds us that we should keep our distance from such a being. We should be detached and cultivate Vairagya towards the ignorant and the evil. That is excellent advice.
Our Christmas is cold this year, but no snow as of yet. We have a brilliant sun and cool weather It must be the most perfect weather on the whole globe. Sun shining in a gentle coolness. Our gardens are the most lush they have ever been. The flowers bloom, especially the roses. I never thought roses could grow in Tamil Nadu but all of our rose plants are throwing at the most splendid flowers. It is wonderful to see them amidst all the green. We are starting our Phase II of construction here at ICYYER and I am afraid some of the little plants may have to be moved. I hope they can tolerate relocation. What a joy to live in such a tropical paradise. I never forget how much I have been blessed and thank Swamiji and all the great Rishis daily for all the blessings they have showered upon us.
Ananda and Devasena are well. They help me so much and give such a good sense of stability to the Ashram life. Nalini is here and she is helping also with a lot of the work at the City Centre. She is very great company and a great example of Swamiji’s teachings. Our little dogs are feeling cold, though they are supposed to be Llasa Apsos and oginally from Tibet. They give us a lot of laughs and it is good to have so much animal life around. Yesterday the parrots put on a “Parrot Festival” in a Neem Tree for us during the Hatha Yoga Session, rising up into the air, and hovering and then, descending again o the branches in a splendid display of greenness. And gaiety. That is a real Christmas scene. A parrot in a Neem tree. It is my idea of Christmas anyway.
I am going through a good period of introspection right now, and asking which direction I wish to take. The road diverges in the rice paddies... and I... must make some choices. This is the end of the nine cycles and a new cycle begins on January 1st, 2003. What seeds do I want to plant for the next nine years? I have had a very good harvest from the last nine years, with many a sweet fruit. A few bitter ones are there also, reminding me of my mistakes and chiding me not to make the same ones in the next upcoming cycle of time.
We wish all of you, our Yoga family, a wonderful new year. May you all grow and glow in Yoga spirit. May every breath be an evolutionary step for you and may you enjoy your life. May you see beauty everywhere, may you feel love from every one. This is my wish for you.
Affectionately in Yoga,
AMMA
Return to: Amma’s Letters Homepage
