Today is Guru Poornima, the full moon day of the year when disciples in the Indian tradition honor their Guru and express gratitude for the guru's teaching and guidance in their lives. People had flown in from all parts of the country to be with Amma on this auspicious day and the hall was full and specially charged with devotion.

Around 4:00 am, early morning of the 21 st, as Amma was giving darshan to the last few, people began inching closer to Amma until there was virtually not an inch of space left around her. Soon, Swami Amritaswarupananda gave a talk on the significance of Guru Poornima for a disciple.

Swamiji said that a true ‘guru’ is one whose mere presence radiates so much light, love and divinity that all darkness within us is dispelled. Not only does such a guru teach about God and peace, the guru also helps us attain that state of peace, guiding us to realize God which is none other than our own True Self.

“…..At this time of Guru Purnima, we must look at what really makes our relationship with Amma so special, so unique, so powerful and life-transforming,” he said.

According to Swamiji, the key is faith. Only if we have faith and surrender, Amma, who is infinite power, knowledge and compassion, can bestow us with pure knowledge and carry us to the state in which she is constantly established. So Guru Poornima is essentially a day of renewing our faith in Amma. “It is a day to open our hearts; our souls and our lives to Amma’s presence, letting it penetrate and saturate every aspect of our being….”

Amma then walked on to the stage and sat in a chair specially decorated for the occasion. Everyone watched intently, bodies twisted and necks craned, to avail of every bit of space so as to catch a glimpse of Amma’s feet during the worship. As the ceremony of worshipping Amma’s feet was being done by Sw.Amritaswarupananda Puri and Swamini Krishnamrita Prana, vedic hymns were chanted by Amma’s senior disciples. All through the ceremony, Amma kept her palms folded and eyes closed. Next, the ‘Guru Stotram’ was chanted, followed by the 108 names of Amma, to which everyone gathered chanted “Om Amriteswaryai Namaha” in response.

All of Amma’s senior disciples on the stage garlanded Amma, and as the heap of garlands grew, Amma stayed still with her eyes closed and palms folded in prayer.

Then came the moment that everyone was waiting for…Amma removed the garlands, sat back and began her address- the Guru’s words of nectar to the disciple on Guru Poornima day….

Read Amma's Guru Purnima Message

At the end of Amma’s address, she picked up the microphone and began to sing, with her children’s voices joining in response…

“Hari Bol, Hari Bol, Hari, Hari Bol

Mukunda Madhava Govinda Bol….”

Finally, calling for the Prasad, Amma stood up and personally handed out the Prasad to each and everyone present.

As people dispersed, they carried with them Amma’s precious words of advice, close to their hearts.

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