Visit to Anandashram

June 4, 1995

Dear Parents,

Divya conveys her namaskars.

May 31: This evening I am leaving for Anandashram. We (five of us) are going by van to Coimbatore, about three hours away. From there we will get a night train which will reach Anandashram by early morning.

4 June: Yes, here I am in Anandashram! It is nice to be here again, in a place where the Name of God is constantly heard through the ashram. As soon as Swami Satchidananda saw me he gave a huge, happy welcoming smile! Later he asked me if I was comfortable (in the room) and how was Jnaneswari. He is attending programs as usual but he seems very weak to me. He has various healthy problems including diabetes, dizziness, liver problems and eye problems. Also the heat affects him and it is very warm now.

Quite a change to come away from the cold hill station to the sweltering planes! Summer is just now getting less; the rainy season will start any time. So now the use of shawls, sweaters and socks in Kotagiri is over, and I am back to three baths a day in cold water and sweating! Also mosquitoes are countless here.

I am happy to see Sri Ram again, that friendly and devoted soul. He is fine as usual, as well as all the other devotees here.

Our reservation to Kakinada is 14 June. Two devotees from Shanti Ashram in Kotagiri came yesterday, bringing a note that Jnaneswari wrote me, though I’ve been gone only three days! She also sent a few things that I left behind – you know my forgetful nature! The devotee said that Jnaneswari carefully packed each item (plate, knife, string, etc.) separately in newspaper. I never in my life saw such a perfect neat packing job! Some people do things so perfectly.

Power cuts are the norm of the day here, with no set timings, no rhyme or reason. Even when there is electricity it is often fluctuating. One of the differences between developed and undeveloped countries!

Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu.

Love,

Divya