From 25 – 27 May 2010
Br. Shubamrita Chaitanya visited Greece. Public programmes were held in the capital Athens and on the islands Syros and Mykonos.
The event in Athens was held in the centrally located Athens Gate Hotel and the hall was packed to capacity. The audience was very keen on learning more about Amma’s life, her message and teachings. Even though most of the audience members were newcomers, they whole-heartedly participated in every aspect of the programme, and were very spontaneous in singing chorus for the bhajans.
The following day, Br. Shubamrita visited the island Syros, where a programme was held in the cultural centre right at the harbour. A large crowd came to attend the evening talk, meditation and bhajans. Due to the unexpected number of guests many had to be seated on the stage and corridors, making it a real cosy event. Br. Shubamrita’s visit to Syros was filmed by Aegean TV, and a segment of more than half an hour was aired repeatedly on several days.
The last programme was on the island Mykonos, which has become known as one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations due to its uniquely picturesque landscape and architecture. The programme in the city hall therefore attracted both local residents as well as tourists.
Many Greeks who attended the various programmes said that in Amma’s teachings, they found valuable advice on how to deal with the economic challenges that the country currently faces. The most important step, they say, is to make sure that the values that the Greek society had from its glorious past do not erode, and Amma’s message comes as a welcome inspiration in that direction.
Br. Shubamrita’s visit to Greece was complimented with two Integrated Amrita Meditation Technique courses taught by Dayalu, an ashram resident, one in Evia near Athens and one on Mykonos.
– Nath