Travelogue

Meena Ma

“I invite all of you to participate in a journey which was undertaken in the name of the
Meena Ma Shanti Trust in order to give Indian orphans a home of love, warmth and security.

This foreign project as well as further projects in Germany shall be our contribution to realize the universal human values as laid down in Christ’s Sermon on the Mount.

With love and gratefulness to all who will help.”

A report of a journey

on the foundation

of a children’s village

in India

21.10.2003 - 02.01.2004

In August 2002 Meena Ma received a registered letter from India: “Please support our children’s home.” The letter was sent by the manager of an orphanage in Andhra Pradesh / South India whom Meena Ma met many years ago on a visit to India.

For a long, long time I have had the wish deep in my heart to found an orphanage in India by myself. But nevertheless at that time I had the feeling that it was too early for such a project. God confirmed this: “Later, beloved child.”

Three months later – another registered letter arrived from this manager saying: “Please, dear Meena Ma, help us.” Attached to this letter was a photograph of him and myself which had been taken when we met some years ago.

I feel very clearly that these begging letters were not sent accidentally and therefore I get in touch with this gentleman. But soon I feel that God has a much greater plan for my help for Indian children than just to support a children’s home. For many months I carry this appeal within me and feel as if I would give birth to a child.

In October 2003 the time has come for the first step. I receive from God the order and His blessings to found the Meena Ma Shanti Förderverein in Germany together with many loving people.

I put the following question before God:
„Beloved Father, an orphanage – perhaps in 10 years? What are You planning?”

God:
„Go ahead, realize it now. Waste no time. Look for a piece of land in India.“

	Meena Ma: „India is a big country, beloved Father, do You mean Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Kerala – where does Your path lead me?“
	God: „It will be Kerala."
	Meena Ma: „Beloved Father, Kerala is vast. Do You see us in the area of Trivandrum or Kovalam in the south or rather in the Cochin area in the north?“
	God: „It will be near Cochin.“

Thanks to the various contacts Benjamin, my disciple, has been establishing with Christian welfare organisations, consulates and travel agencies, a door is opened to us. A technical engineer from Kerala gives us – among other information – the fact that a few months ago a new law has come into force, according to which foreigners are permitted to buy ground in Kerala. He offers us his help as he has many contacts in the area north of Cochin.

The manager of the orphanage in Andhra Pradesh also offers us his help. However, after the first telephone call we have to realize that his knowledge of the English language is not sufficient to help us establish such a big project. I am fully conscious that God wanted this special contact to awake the readiness in me to take actual steps in the present to give a home full of love and security to needy orphans.

When showing Benjamin the region on the map where we could possibly find the piece of land, my intuition leads me to the area north of Cochin in the direction of Guruvayur.

Unconditional, unwavering confidence is demanded. But still – sometimes I feel some sort of anxiety to start this enormous project merely based on the Inner Voice. What a great responsibility – when considering that here at home too some projects are waiting to be realized. One day I talk with Benjamin about these arising fears. We are just passing the sign to Hofheim in our car, when we read in big red letters on a poster: “God says: Search and Find.”

Hadn’t it always been true that I followed God? Wherever He has called me, whatever He has told me, I have followed Him. Also this time: God determines what is to happen, when it happens and how it is going to happen.

From now on things develop very quickly. On October 15, 2003 the Meena Ma Shanti Förderverein is founded with 14 members in the Temple of Love in Hofheim, Germany, on the occasion of which the plan to found an orphanage in Kerala is accepted by all of them.

Even my old mother is very enthusiastic when hearing of this plan. She says to Benjamin and me: “Whenever my daughter is determined to do something, she will bring it to a successful end. Probably we will not see each other again before Christmas.” Rare words from my mother who has difficulties in accepting my spiritual path.

The physical strength both of my mother and of Hercules, my little West-Highland-Terrier, have been declining during the past weeks. My mother and Hercules – both of them will be in caring hands during my absence. My prayers and intercessions will reach their hearts over valleys, mountains and oceans. Love knows no borders and no boundaries.

With this knowledge and – as always – on God’s demand I start my journey to India on October 21, 2003 accompanied by Benjamin. We think that we will be away from home for 3½ weeks.

We have arrived safely. Our first impressions are of deep green palm trees and the lovely Backwaters.

The connections initiated in Frankfurt/Main lead us to the small village of Nattika near Guruvayur.

Mr. G.P., a friend of the technical engineer from Frankfurt, awaits us there to help us look for an adequate piece of land. We make an appointment for the first inspection.

The Lord gives His reply to me in the form of an inner vision – I see an upright white cobra. On her chest I read “Sai”. “Sai” means “Divine Mother” and is at the same time the name of the great world-teacher Shri Sathya Sai Baba.

In Hinduistic mythology the snake symbolizes a female deity, namely the Kundalini Shakti. The snake, especially the cobra, is highly worshipped in India. She is the guardian

Vison Cobra "SAI"

of rivers, lakes and springs and thus the symbol of life and fertility. As she renews herself again and again by sloughing her skin, she is also the symbol of the eternal cycle of time and immortality.

After this divine reply the next morning Mr. G.P. drives us to the first site he has found. On the way to this place I suddenly look to the left and what do I see? A cobra stares at me: big, in an imposing manner, the upper part of her body straightened up. On her chest I can actually read “Sai”. Happily I show Benjamin this phenomenon. The cobra I was permitted to see in my vision – there she is – just before our eyes.

I can reassure the reader: The cobra is carved in wood. An artist has placed her before his hut and the “Sai” can be seen distinctly in the grain pattern of the wood.

Fully confident and motivated we approach the site. Having arrived there we let this piece of land work on us and feel that here is a special atmosphere. Coconut palms reach high into the sky, sway to and fro in the wind. Mango, cashew and jackfruit trees grow abundantly on the fertile ground. The piece of land has the desired size and form and is ideally located. It is truly an ideal place to give many children a happy home. The vendor wants to sell us half the total area of his land, on the other half is the house where he lives. Site and house used to belong to a doctor’s family of long tradition and was used for welfare activities until a few years ago. The poor people of the village got their meals here.
However, disillusionment follows promptly, the demanded price is exorbitantly high!

I am anxiously asking myself: Have I wrongly interpreted God’s sign? The Trust has at its disposal just half of the demanded price in form of a loan. Only with God’s help it might happen that the vendor reduces his price by 50 per cent.

Despite my fervent pleas to reveal to me further steps, I do not receive any answer from God through my Inner Voice at this time.

“Search and Find” – I remember the message from God that I was allowed to receive before our departure. So we go on searching with the clear aim in our hearts: Not to give up in any case …

It sometimes happens that we drive up to 200 kilometres in a day in order to inspect the various sites. Whoever knows the situation on Indian roads will understand what hardships we are subjected to. There are for instance the hazardous bus drivers in Kerala. Most of them work for themselves. That means whoever arrives at the bus station first and gets the passengers, will also earn the money. For this reason they drive extremely fast and are often involved in hazardous manoeuvres which endanger the many people and animals walking on the Indian roads.

In spite of all difficulties the Divine message fills our hearts finally to realize the initiated project irrespective of how troublesome the path may be. With unconditional love we overcome every hardship: the extreme heat, the humidity; my health, which has been affected from the very beginning of our journey, does not make things easier to realize God’s plan. This journey teaches us a high measure of patience, unselfishness and surrender. God’s silence in this phase of seeking the right piece of land makes this path even more difficult.

During these days Benjamin and I meet a native whose glasses are as thick as window glass. I hear the following words from God: “You may help him. Touch his third eye and bless him.” I can feel how the healing stream of Divine love flows into his body. God continues: “Give him also of the Lingam water to drink. In addition he is to apply one drop to each eye nine times daily.”

Some days later I meet him again. He approaches me excitedly: “Look how far I could see formerly.” He shows me the distance by holding his hand approximately 15 cm from his face. “Now I am able to see until here.” He stretches his hands about 50 cm. “Immediately after you had touched me I could see better.” Now God tells me to touch his third eye again so that the healing process can be intensified. Whenever he met us his face was beaming with happiness.

Owl

One evening an owl flies up into the roof rafters of our terrace. I am just dictating Benjamin a letter into the laptop. The owl is the symbol of wisdom. With her big penetrating eyes she looks down on us. Shri Sathya Sai Baba explains in His book: “Sources of Wisdom – Sutra Vahini”: Only someone who has firm faith will be able to attain wisdom.

This means: firm faith in the revelation and God’s words …” At the beginning of our journey God had promised “Search and Find” – meaning us to have full confidence in his Divine providence.

Later on natives explain to us that seldom are owls seen near the coast, as normally they stay in the woodlands in the interior.

A ray of hope? Another site, just a few metres away from the “cobra-ground” is being offered to us. It is nicely situated and has a charming little waterlily pond and furthermore is acceptable in price.

However, again and again impediments are showing up. Although we are searching for a piece of land on behalf of needy children, some natives try to intervene with some sort of sub-business. In this way they want to feather their own nests. Deeply within I remember the words of the venerable Indian scriptures: “dharma” (righteousness) and “sathya” (truth) – these values and aims should be developed in everybody. It is most important to stand up to these values and never to give in to selfish thoughts and deeds.

I remember the address of an SOS children’s village near the country capital of Thrissur and ask Benjamin to call a taxi so we can ask for help at that place.

We are received with love and get important information, especially about the architect of the SOS children’s village. The manager of the children’s village tells us that 20 years ago the Archbishop of Thrissur supported them so that this piece of land could be bought. The Archbishop of Thrissur – that had also been the advice of an ayurvedic doctor whom we met some days before. She said: “Why don’t you contact the Archbishop and ask him for help?”

After the impressive visit to the children’s village I feel assured that the principle of the SOS children’s villages corresponds with my vision: In one house lives a foster-mother together with 6-12 children whom she cares for until they are self-dependent. Thus a small family is formed which ensures the care, warmth and love which a child needs to grow up having the chance to feel as a perfect Divine being.

Back again in Nattika we come to terms with the vendor of the “waterlily pond site” and leave behind a small instalment, which is taken as a word of honour in India. We agree to take all further steps after our return from our pilgrimage to Puttaparthi.

Puttaparthi is the residence of Shri Sathya Sai Baba, the well-known holy man in Andhra Pradesh/South India. We have planned to take the night train from Thrissur to Bangalore from where we will drive to Puttaparthi by taxi.

In the meantime we had got in touch with the architect of the SOS children’s village. Just before our departure we meet him in his office in Thrissur to talk with him about details of the planned project. He, his wife and daughter show us their hospitality by inviting us to a gorgeous, typically Indian meal in a nice restaurant. Afterwards they want to give us a lift to the near station reachable in about 5 minutes. However, we get into a traffic jam. Due to an engine defect a bus has got stuck in the narrow street. Nothing can be done in this situation – we can’t move ahead or backwards. Looking at my watch, I realize that it is exactly our departure time. I am getting quiet and go deep into meditation addressing God: “If You wish that we shall come to Puttaparthi, please find a way for us to reach the train despite our delay …“

After a quarter of an hour helping hands manage to move the heavy bus to the side. Nearly 30 minutes too late we arrive at the station of Thrissur. Now behold – by God’s providence the train rolls into the station, 45 minutes late!

Twelve hours in the night train: on narrow plank beds in the aisles, cockroaches as co-passengers, the spring suspension of the sleeping car like a swing-boat, the many unusual and loud noises, the icy coldness of the air conditioning – all of this makes it nearly impossible to find any sleep in this night. The next morning we are feeling shattered and are “deep frozen”. After this however we must still undergo a four-hour taxi drive to Puttaparthi.

Shri Sathya Sai Baba has again and again pointed out that it is not necessary to visit Him in India – the love which He embodies resides in every heart. Everybody who seriously seeks within himself, will find this source. “Be ‘Sai’ – the Holy Mother yourself and allow this source to flow into the people.” This deep experience I was blessed to have more and more during my previous visits to India – I am allowed to pass it on.

I have made this journey with my disciple Benjamin to show him for the first time the huge, wonderful ashram “Prashanti Nilayam” (Abode of the Highest Freedom), to enable him to form his own impression of Shri Sathya Sai Baba’s various social projects, such as schools, universities, hospitals and, of course, to deepen his own inner experience.

After the stay at the ashram Benjamin says that he has found the experience of Sathya Sai Baba’s divine presence, which above all is perceived within, most inspiring. He has grown more and more conscious that the spiritual world within our Self is the ultimate reality and not the outer world with all its fading pleasures. This is a continuous process of understanding which is also being promoted in the Temple of Love in Hofheim/Taunus.

A few days after our arrival at Puttaparthi we receive a telephone call from Mr. G.P. He tells us that the owner of the “waterlily site” is no longer ready to sell. Once his family and his close neighbours heard that a children’s home or even a small children’s village was to be built, they put him so much under pressure that he finally withdrew his assent for sale.

What sobering news after all the physical hardship of the last weeks and the psychological stress: great concentration and alertness during the business negotiations taking place almost everyday. Here in the “Abode of the Highest Freedom” body and soul take time out for a while – a severe flu and high fever force us to rest, while our souls receive with gratefulness the blessings of the Divine Master Sathya Sai Baba on the inner plane.

Whenever I visit the ashram compound – this time I lodge for the first time outside the ashram – I am surprised. Over and over again I can hear my name “Meena Ma”. Wherever I am, whether in the compound, in the temple or while meditating, I keep hearing the name “Meena Ma”. “Meena” – this name I had been given by the Lord through a Hindu Priest in November 1998. In the year 1999 the Lord adds “Ma” (Mother) by telling me over the Inner Voice: “You are Meena Ma.”

After one afternoon darshan I tell Benjamin about this “hearing” phenomenon because I am afraid it might be my imagination. While I am talking to him a group of chatting pilgrims pass us and now we both can hear very clearly “Meena Ma”. What is the Divine plan for Meena Ma?

God still wraps Himself in silence as far as the purchase of the ground is concerned. What purpose did the vision of the cobra have? The “cobra site” – much too expensive, the “waterlily site” – taken away. Patience, patience, patience …

On the way back to Kerala I am permitted at last to receive God’s words again: “Don’t give up now, just keep going.”

Back in Nattika we are informed by Mr. G.P.: “The vendor of the first site was here in the meantime. He is ready to compromise and let you have the ground for nearly half the price.” The “cobra site”! God’s providence after all?

Fully enthusiastic we are taking up the negotiations. Now the vendor shows himself as a cooperative partner and soon we come to a mutual agreement. The ground can now be purchased at a reasonable price.

A few days later we are faced with another set-back. Mr. G.P. shocks us with the displeasing news that contrary to earlier information foreigners are not permitted to buy any piece of land in India. No doubt we had received wrong information, although Benjamin and I had made enquiries at various authorities and had been given the answer that only recently foreigners have been permitted to purchase ground in Kerala. At our first meeting with Mr. G.P. we had asked him to contact his friends amongst attorneys, tax advisers and real-estate agents in order to have this information confirmed. Again and again we got the answer: “Yes, for a few months it has been possible to buy land in Kerala.” And now this sobering message which, as a matter of fact, means the end of our project.

In order to obtain a conclusive answer to the problem Benjamin and I undertake a two-hour drive to the “Reserve Bank of India” in Cochin which, among other activities, watches over the legal regulations of the business and money transfer with foreign countries. In their office for Foreign Affairs we obtain ultimate clarity: “Only foreigners who want to run a business in India are allowed to purchase ground for this purpose. For social projects this permission is not given.”

Besides being deeply sobered and rendered speechless there is also the feeling of complete helplessness. Again questions arise as to the sense of the messages and visions. Benjamin and I are at the lowest point of our motivation. It is now seven weeks that we are in India. The money for the purchase has already been transferred from Germany to the account of an Indian bank. “What is to be done now, beloved Father?”

Salvation is in sight – the architect of the SOS children’s village spontaneously offers us his help. He arranges an appointment with the Archbishop’s tax consultant in Thrissur. This tax consultant is an expert on charitable institutions. His help is most valuable, he carefully considers the best way of founding a charitable institution in India so that our project can be started. He advises us to get personally in contact with the Archbishop.

The Archbishop is known for his good-will regarding social institutions. He, too, stands for the divine principle of making no difference between caste, race or religion but rather to help wherever it is necessary.

On December 10, 2003 the architect accompanies us to an audience with the Archbishop of Thrissur. We are received very friendly and warm-heartedly. The story of our plan in India pours out of me. I give a description of our Trust in Germany, our spiritual centres in Hofheim and Bavaria and tell him how people receive help there by the light being showered on to them and into their bodies.


		At the end of our visit I give the Archbishop two special photographs as a present: the rose miracle on the ring finger of Jesus and the light phenomenon of the pink-red heart between the Holy Mother and Bernadette.

These are two photographs of more than 8.000 pictures showing Divine signs – a documentation which seeks to demonstrate the Divine presence in the many things of daily life. These pictures bear witness to a living dialogue with God which can be experienced by everybody. The Archbishop is very impressed and promises to support us.

From now on Benjamin and I have the feeling that all doors have been opened regarding the foundation of a charitable Trust in India and the purchase of a piece of land for the planned children’s village. All the people who God leads to us are ready to help selflessly for the realization of this project: the architect, the tax consultant, the attorney and of course the Archbishop.

This week again we go to Thrissur by taxi. All documents required for the foundation of the Trust have to be discussed with the tax consultant. He advises us to visit some Catholic institutions – a children’s home, a home for aged people which also houses mentally retarded women – in order to get an idea of their welfare activities. The children of St. Anna, whom I am permitted to bless upon God’s wish, joyfully bid us good-bye calling my name.

Also in the home for aged people God wants me to touch and bless the old and feeble women. Whenever I touch these people or look into their eyes and hearts, God’s healing energy is flowing. I receive distinct instructions from God in what way He wants me to treat the individual souls – thereby making me sparkle with overwhelming love. It is a dimension of love which is totally beyond any normal imagination. I am allowed to perceive how hearts are opening wide, barriers are melting away and how brightness comes into dulled eyes. Grateful eyes, sometimes somewhat stunned, are looking at me. I am allowed to give the healing blessing to a very old woman who is about to pass away. Suddenly she wakes up from her semi-consciousness, grasps my hands and says: “God blesses You, God blesses You!” A younger, mentally-retarded woman will not move from my side and asks me: “Please allow me to go with you.” Knowing and feeling what pure Divine Love can achieve is of great delight to me, it is beyond words. It is my deepest wish to fill people’s hearts with nothing but love, bliss and peace.

At the end of our visit we meet the leading padre of this home for aged people accompanied by nuns from America and from the diocese of Thrissur. I talk to them about our Divine mission and explain to them how wonderfully God can be experienced and that we may immerse ourselves deeply in a vivid dialogue with Him: “Isn’t it so that we say God is everywhere´? But how do we know it? How can we see that? There are so many photographs on which God shows Himself with His numerous names and forms and presents himself in light appearances. This Divine message I am permitted to make visible in a photographic documentation.” The nuns listen as if spellbound to my words. Then one nun says spontaneously: “You bring a breath of fresh air. I hope we will meet you again one day.”

On December 14, 2003 we allow ourselves a short rest on the beach of Nattika. My liver is inflamed and noticeably swollen. The immense hardship of the last few weeks has been a heavy burden, the responsibility for this great project – at home in Germany the health condition of both my mother and Hercules has dramatically deteriorated.

I ask God: „Do You think, beloved Father, it’s imperative for me to stop all activities here and return home?“

God: „Beloved child, your mother as well as Hercules are cared for. I watch over them, I am beside them. I am within them. I am always there. You have been permitted to accompany your mother until now. You have lovingly carried out spiritual work to relieve her mental problems. Let go, beloved child. I am with them.“

Meena Ma: „Please bless the project of the children’s village so that it may now be put into practice with the Archbishop’s help.“

Directly before my feet lies God’s answer in form of a seashell. A heart in its centre is shining brightly. Above the heart I can see a fine cross and above it, as if engraved, the filigree letters “Isa” (the name of Jesus in the Aramaic language which was spoken in Jesus’ times), “Sai”, “Ma” and Sai Baba’s birth date, the “23”.

On December 16, 2003 – my birthday – Benjamin again accompanies me to the

Heart in seashell

Archbishop in Thrissur. I had put the shell into a little jewellery box in the form of a duck to give it to the Archbishop as a present. I show him some of the Divine signs in the shell: “Isa” and “Ma” – with surprise he notices them. When his personal secretary, an amiable nun, enters the room, the Archbishop shows her the Divine appearances. Enthusiastically she exclaims: “I can also see the Holy Mother and Her Child!”

And then I receive the nicest present of my birthday: the definite promise of the Archbishop that he is willing to found the Meena Ma Shanti Trust in India.

Full of joy we return to Nattika. The generous help of the Archbishop of Thrissur now enables us to undertake the next steps for the German Meena Ma Shanti Förderverein. The date for the survey of the “cobra site” is fixed for December 19, 2003.

Map Thalikulam

Benjamin with children

Now where is this wonderful “cobra site”? It is situated on the

Malabar Coast in the quiet little village of Thalikulam, next to Nattika, and about 500 metres from the beach.

God blesses me with a vision: Orphans are running and jumping along the golden beach expressing their freedom and joy of life. The light breeze from the sea is playing with their hair while their surprised gaze follows the passing dolphins … These children will have the privilege of inhaling fresh air far away from the polluted air of the cities.

Whenever Benjamin and I turn up on our way to the site, children surround us. They give us the pleasure of anticipating the tasks that are waiting for us. Can there be anything nicer than seeing a child’s heart beat in delight?

Now I would like to tell you something that touched my heart: The only church in Thalikulam is dedicated to the Holy Mother of Lourdes. A lovely grotto greets every visitor. Lourdes – the Immaculata and Bernadette – whoever has

read Meena Ma’s books will know about the connection her soul has with Lourdes. Therefore, I feel that this place in India welcomes me home somehow.

In the native tongue of Kerala “Thalikulam” means “pure water”. “Kulam” is a water basin; “Thali” or “Thaliya” means “pure”. In the front of Hindu temples there is always a “Thaliyakulam” in which the pilgrims can wash themselves before they enter the Divine temple.

In the year 1858 the Holy Mother instructed Bernadette in Lourdes: “Dig a hole here with your hands, water will flow soon. It will help all people who come here.”

In this present incarnation Meena Ma is permitted to make the innermost spring of all being – the source of Divine Love – flow in the hearts of people. And she is to distribute healing water, which is prepared with the Holy Lingam, to people in need.


The seizure of the property	Meena Ma and her "child"

December 19, 2003. The survey of the ground has been finished so that the documents necessary for the property transfer can be completed. A lot of further steps are required, visits to state authorities, banks, attorneys and other advisers.

One day later, in the late afternoon, I have the deep wish to walk along the beach to the inauguration of the Nattika Beach Festival. We have heard that three decorated temple elephants are expected. This festival is part of a great promotion activity of the Ministry of Tourism in order to make the lovely land of Kerala better known on an international scale. To our great surprise – for we are not dressed for the occasion, wearing Bermuda shorts, T-shirts, no shoes – we are invited by a member of the Kerala congress, Mr. Pradaben, into his festivity tent. We are ushered to the speaker’s platform and are permitted to take seats next to the guests of honour and to listen to the inauguration speech. Completely unexpectedly I am asked to come to the microphone by the secretary of the member of the congress. Mr. Pradaben asks me to speak a few words to his people and to bless them.

The TV cameras are running … I hardly realize what is going on and go to the microphone. With love I greet the people of Nattika, Thalikulam and the neighbourhood: “Namaskaram (I bow down before God within you), I have come to your wonderful country Kerala …”
		right: Meena Ma, in front: Mr. Pradaben

The people are clapping their hands in delight. While the secretary of the congressman translates simultaneously from English into the native language Malayalam, I continue: “… I speak to you in the name of the Meena Ma Shanti Förderverein in Germany. We have come here to found a charitable institution in India – we hope to buy a piece of land in Thalikulam in order to build a home for orphans. There will also be a prayer hall. This house, which does not belong to me but to God, will be open for people of all religions. I welcome you from the bottom of my heart. Now I wish you God’s protection and blessing for your Festival!” Enthusiastically the people are applauding. God has introduced us officially to the people of this region.

The next days we have to go to various offices and – what a surprise – the television debut shows first effects: The people in the streets recognize me and exclaim joyfully “Meena Ma”.

Hercules

December 24, 2003. This holy day of Christ’s birth is a very special one for us this year. It starts with the news that my beloved friend Hercules has passed away. This makes me reflect on the eternal cycle of death and birth. Death always means birth onto another plane of consciousness – and

thus grief and mourning about the loss of my loyal little friend are compensated by the joy that I was permitted to accompany him during his journey to another plane of consciousness by way of spiritual work.

This holy Christmas Day is also the birthday of the Meena Ma Shanti Trust in India. With his signature the Archbishop of Thrissur finally founds the Trust.

While this eventful day is drawing to its close, we are to experience a unique miracle in God’s Divine nature. Shortly before midnight, the hour when Christ was born, Benjamin and I are still sitting on the veranda of the residence to write a few e-mails.

Suddenly the security guard exclaims most excitedly: “Madam, a flower, a flower, please come and see.” Just beside our house a most beautiful flower has blossomed: “Nishagandi” – “Fragrance of the Night”. The pure white of its fully opened blossom is shining brightly. This flower blossoms for one single night only. With grateful hearts we take this Divine sign as a confirmation and sealing of the foundation of the charitable project in Kerala.

St. Thomas

It is now nine weeks that Benjamin and I have been in this country – we see it as a blessing to have been led to that part of India in which people of various religions live together peacefully. A legend may illustrate this: It speaks of the connection the apostle Thomas has with the area of Thalikulam.

In 52 b.C. St. Thomas went ashore on the beach of Kerala just a few kilometres from the present Thalikulam. On his journey through the backwaters he reached the neighbouring village of Palayoor.

There he observed how the natives washed themselves in a water basin, a “Thalikulam”, in front of a Hindu temple. As a holy ritual they threw water into the air. St. Thomas was so deeply touched by their devotion when carrying out this ritual that he formed a chalice with his hands and scooped up some water himself to throw it into the air. According to the legend the water in the air was transformed into roses. The people who saw this miracle began to believe in the Christian message and were baptized by St. Thomas.

From the village of Palayoor Christianity spread all over India. Here St. Thomas had the first Christian church built; in this region there are surprisingly many churches.

The last week of our visit is filled with the settlement of numerous tasks that are necessary in connection with the purchase of the ground, such as visits to respective authorities, contacts with neighbours regarding the care of the site, further contacts with the architect for the purpose of designing the planned children’s village. Above all it is necessary to build a wall around the site within the following weeks as a means of protection. On the advice of the natives this is a recommended precaution and is common practice.

After we have made sure that all legal requirements have been fulfilled, the purchase of the “cobra site” can now be realized by the Meena Ma Shanti Trust on December 31, 2003. Now Benjamin and I can think of returning home.

Sunset

Sunset at Thalikulam

Look into the golden light of the sun which is reflected
on the water and recognize therein the face of Jesus Christ
– below His face you can see an Angel of light with wings.

On our flight home I consider all the experiences of the past ten weeks: the Meena Ma Shanti Trust has been founded, the piece of land for the planned children’s village has been purchased, valuable contacts have been made, Divine signs have accompanied us.

The visit to Shri Sathya Sai Baba at Puttaparthi was also significant. Once again I got His confirmation that it is not mandatory to visit God at places of pilgrimage. God resides within us! He is everywhere! God is unconditional, selfless Love! If we open our hearts, the Divine Love will flow for the benefit of all mankind.

The motors are humming. While I am still in deep thought, I happen to look out of the window. With surprise and gratitude I perceive Divine confirmation: Below me the snow-covered mountains of Northern Iran rise majestically into the sky. Fascinated I look at what God shows me in the form of snow and rocks: The huge figure of Sai Baba bows like a protective mother above a kneeling and praying girl. Beside His figure I can read the name “Sai”. Within the “Sai” I also can read “Ma” and “Isa”. Thus, at the end of our journey – undertaken as a Divine mission – , I was given this evidence of Divine Love.

Completely exhausted but immensely happy Benjamin and I reach Germany on January 02, 2004. The first step of the Divine mission has been fulfilled.

Vision of Shri Sathya Sai Baba

„May the One

Who is `our Father` for the Christians,

Jehova for the Jews,

Allah for the Muselmen,

Ahura Mazda for the Zoroastrians,

Aarhat for the Jains,

Buddha for the Buddhists,

Brahma for the Hindus,

May this almighty and omniscient Being

Which we all recognize as God

Give peace for the human beings,

And unite our hearts in spiritual brotherhood.“

Vivekananda (1862-1902)