Before heading out of town on my Amma pilgrimage last month, I wrote the following on Facebook: “Going to Ammachi, asking for deeper Bhakti (Devotion); increased Radiance; and Dharmic (Right) Livelihood…” In today’s blog I will write about the first request, the prayer for Amma to deepen my devotion.

I do many spiritual practices each day (which you can read about in my pocket book, Radiance Rising: Spiritual Practices for Daily Living, that is on sale for $5 per copy through December 16^th), and I already experience a pretty deep level of Bhakti (Devotion) to God, so why did I go to Amma with that request? I asked Amma for deeper Bhakti because I have been crazily in love (for several years) with someone who I can’t be with, and I understand that when I keep my attention focused on God, I am able to cheerfully accept what IS (and what isn’t) with a smile. So I asked Amma, “Please make me AT LEAST as crazy for God as I am for that earthguy!”

My teacher, who is “Basil” in my books (and who left his physical body in July 2009), taught me the ancient Indian sutra, “The mind becomes that which it dwells upon.”

While sitting in Amma’s Presence, I focused my mind on God, and while watching Amma give hugs, I suddenly thought, ‘What if I had to choose between Amma and that earthguy?’ My immediate response was a resounding ‘AMMA! I would choose Amma!’ As I reflected on that no-brainer question, it occurred to me that my answer – which came so quickly without any thought or hesitation – meant that I am actually MORE crazy for God than for the earthguy! What a relief it was to realize that.

Thank you Amma, for showing me that my Bhakti is deepening daily. By your Grace, I am smiling and cheerfully accepting what Is (and what isn’t)…

May all beings everywhere know Peace and Happiness.

Om Shanti (Peace),

Yogini Tejaswini

Photo of Teja in Bhakti (at Amma’s) by Vivek.