Sweet Selfless Service

This path to God

Made me such an old sweet beggar.

I was starving until one night

My love tricked God Himself

To fall into my bowl.

Now Hafiz is infinitely rich,

But all I ever want to do

Is keep emptying out

My emerald-filled

Pockets

Upon this

tear-stained

world.

- Hafiz

Well, I arrived in India just a few days back and have nestled in quite nicely at AHAM Ashram. Jan Sundell and Sue Cowie greeted me with open arms. After lunch, we headed out of the main building to the Guest House rooftop…a great place to see Arunachala and sit back and relax together.

Over these past few days, it has been very revealing to see what happens here at AHAM Ashram. Jan has been the manager here for a number of years. She has also been a significant part of its creation, as well. In order to care for this ashram, she has stayed over the entire year through the heat of India’s summer months. I am seeing in Jan, first hand, a true demonstration of selfless service.

It is not just the ashram here that she cares for, but the kind attention she takes with those who work here and come by day to day. Watching her tend to the smallest details with love and grace is awe-inspiring. And, if that isn’t enough, she has many calls that she conducts over Skype with Sponsees and various folks in the community.

My deepest appreciation goes out to Jan, for her dedication to keeping sacred the Samadhi site of our Ramana. As the sun comes up each morning, she and Rajasakar and one of the Indian staff, honor his Samadhi in the traditional Indian way. Many of you know what happens in India as the sun comes up and goes down…mosquitoes come out in masses. This does not deter these three in the least. The site is cleaned and flowers are offered. Then the fire and incense is lit and offered. By this time it is 6:45 am (Heart Time). A walk three times around the Samadhi is given to complete the puja. As an observer of this process, there is a definite energy of stillness and peace that is being invoked. This process, traditionally, continues to keep alive the Grace-full Presence of what and who Ramana is. What an uplift to humanity this continues to be.

Thank you, Jan, for all that you contribute to AHAM and to those who come into your space. We love you, Jan, and acknowledge the important service that you are rendering for AHAM and all mankind.