23 June 2008 — Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Upon the commencement of Amma’s five days of programmes in New Mexico, State Representative Gayle Chasey officially welcomed Amma to the state, placing a garland around her neck and reciting a traditional Navaho* prayer.
“Unexpected blessings sometimes come the way of those in public service,” said the representative. “And my invitation to welcome Amma back to New Mexico tonight falls in that category. As one who believes in the dignity of all human beings—the most vulnerable, those who have no other voice, the hungry, the homeless, those in prison, those who are sick and lack healthcare—I am deeply honoured to be in your presence this evening.
“I am moved by Amma’s good works—her service, her teachings, her emphasis on every aspect of well-being: material, emotional, spiritual.
“I would like to borrow from our Navaho brothers and sisters here in the great Southwest to make a wish for Amma and all of us. At the heart of the Navaho way is the concept of harmony—the need to be in the right relationship with all things. This concept is often translated as ‘beauty.’ The Navaho Night Way Ceremony begins with the words ‘In beauty, may I walk.’ Amma, may you walk in beauty here in the Land of Enchantment, and may you help us do the same.”
Amma is in Albuquerque from June 22th through 26st.
—Tulasi
— —— —– —— —— —–
* Navaho (Anonymous) Prayer
Dark young pine, at the center of the earth originating,
I have made your sacrifice.
Whiteshell, turquoise, abalone beautiful,
Jet beautiful, fool’s gold beautiful, blue pollen beautiful,
Reed pollen, pollen beautiful, your sacrifice I have made.
This day your child I have become, I say.Watch over me.
Hold your hand before me in protection.
Stand guard for me, speak in defense of me.
As I speak for you, speak for me.
May it be beautiful before me.
May it be beautiful behind me.
May it be beautiful below me.
May it be beautiful above me.
May it be beautiful all around me.I am restored in beauty.
I am restored in beauty.
I am restored in beauty.
I am restored in beauty.