If life is cyclical
a mere play
an inexorable Leela

Then

What is this phenomenon
of recurring births and deaths
that the Scriptures talk about?
What is Salvation
that everyone wants to attain?

I asked Amma.

Amma replied:

While being physically alive
everyone goes through
            without volition
millions of microscopic cycles
of the birth and death marvel

Most remain oblivious to this wonder

What? I asked perplexed

Amma explained:

In between the heartbeats
           incarnating birth and death
is the tiny space
encapsulating the cosmos
where Life lives majestically
in myriad forms and impulses

Remember,
Life is in the Now
of cause and effect
Not in the past nor in the future

Be Silent and Listen*
To what Life wants to say
Meditate on the experience
Get not attached
Simply immerse
Become the Witness
Relax

Then? I asked overwhelmed

Amma went on:

Then
There will be
Nothing more to know
Nothing to gain, nothing to Lose

All conceptual debates
of birth, death, cycles, salvation
known and unknown
will adjourn and merge
in the abyss of silence

The Leela will march on
with the vibrance and radiance
of its own glory

Amma suggested:
 
Try it!

… and, the quest goes on …
   

* Simply rearranged, the alphabets used to write “Silent” and “Listen” are same.
   Perhaps to listen comprehensively one must indeed be truly silent.

Back to: Cyclical 

Read also: Amma's Gospel | Why Pray? 
  

Illustration by Niloufer Wadia