What strikes one the most when entering the country of Japan is its ancient rich culture. When a mahatma like Amma enters such a country the beauty and the richness of its cultural heritage becomes even more evident. Even today it remains a fact that genuine masters always encourage the ancient cultures and traditions of all countries to flourish. We have witnessed the glories of various cultures come to life in Amma’s divine presence time and again.

Today morning during darshan Amma’s Japanese children played the ancient “wadaiko drums”. They quickly arranged their instruments comprising of big drums and large sticks. The players bowed respectfully and began their scintillating performance. The rhythm of this ancient Japanese art form was so harmonious that it made one feel a certain joy in the heart, a familiar sense of happiness that surrounds us when are in Amma’s presence. Interestingly, the leader of the performing group mentioned that the wadaiko drums were usually played in the Shinto shrines of Japan and in the Japanese Buddhist temples. Further more these instruments were also used for communication in countries like Japan and Africa.

Amma has a particular liking for this art form of Japan. She has encouraged it and offered her appreciation ever since she heard it during the millennium peace summit in 2000, and the Geneva summit.

It was inspiring to see that the performing artists jumped and smiled with joy as they played the complicated rhythmic patterns. It seemed so natural to them to play those instruments. Now and then they would send out a happy sound in unison that added to the joy of the music. The atmosphere was one of celebration.

When we asked Kazuko, one of the coordinators of the music group, about how she liked her hug from Amma, she replied with her hands clasped to her chest, “There are no words to express my experience with Mother.”