Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi

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Independence day celebration and Raksha Bandhan with Amma

15 Aug 2019, Amritapuri

Amma hoisted India’s National flag at the Ashram grounds today. As she walked to the stage through the line of devotees standing with small tricolour flags, the police and Military gave a ceremonial salute to the flag against the backdrop of National anthem. Amma then offered her pranams to the flag and distributed sweets to the military and police personal.

When Amma came to the stage, there were children there to greet her with tricolour flags. One boy gave Amma a large flag that she waved in unison with all the children.

Being that it was Raksha Bandhan, there were many devotees who came to Amma and tied the rakhi on her wrist (a traditional knot of love and faith).

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We have to find the real security within ourselves

9-10 April, Kozhikode, Kerala – Bharata Yatra 2019
Amma visited Kozhikode two days for the annual Brahmastanam Festival.

Like at every visit, Amma was welcomed by a sea of devotees, waiting to catch a glimpse of their beloved Amma as she arrived. Accompanied by traditional drumming, Amma stood gazing down at her children from the ashrams inner courtyard balcony for some time.

On the first programme day, Amma handed out samplings to AYUDH members in continuation of the Vishuthaineettam project. This was followed by Satsang, Bhajans and Mansa Puja. In her talk, Amma said: “This is the age of the computer and the Internet. Man’s excessive fascination for technology and the many illusions he builds around it, is giving him a false sense of security. Recent natural disasters have taught us that however important science and technology may be, they will never be able to replace our basic humanity. Many people had houses equipped with all modern facilities, but could not stay in them. Many had cars, but could not drive them to safety. Many had ATM cards, but could not withdraw money. Many had mobile phones but did not have the electricity to charge them. Man will never be able to achieve complete security by relying on machines. We have to find the real security within ourselves.”

Students of Amrita Vidyalayam displayed an array of stunning dances and heart stirring bhajans. Two of the school teachers also gave a special performance of the traditional Kerala Dance form Katakali, depicting the story of Krishna, who went to the house of Radha, but found the door locked. Only when Radha heard her beloved Krishna say: ‘I am your Prana, there is no difference between the two of us’ Radha opened the door and the devotee and the Lord met in divine reunion. The story was based on a poem written by Ottoor, the renowned Kerala poet who also composed Amma’s 108 names.

As always in Kozhikode, the crowds coming to receive Amma’s blessings were huge, even despite the scorching heat. On the second programme day Amma went on to give Darshan for more than twelve hours, followed by baby feeding (annaprasham) and baby writing (vidyarambham) ceremonies with over 50 children. As Amma was giving the first feeding in the form of payasam to those kids, many in the audience were reminded of the sweetness of the motherly love that only Amma can shower on one and all – without end.
-Kannadi

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Let our land be full of birds, butterflies and flower groves

6 April 2019, Amritapuri

Upon the Vishuthaineettam campaign’s fifth year, a new facet “മുറ്റത്തൊരു പഴത്തോപ്പ് മുകളിലൊരു കിളിക്കൂട് Muttathoru Pazhathopp, Mukaliloru Kilikkootu—“An Orchard in the Yard, a Birdhouse in the Treetop” was launched by Amma in Amritapuri Ashram on Saturday.

Speaking about the importance of setting up birdhouses and feeders, Amma said, “On the plank, leave some water for the birds to drink and a handful of grain. In the heat of the summer, let the birds come and drink the water and eat the grain. Whether you are a university student or schoolchild, it is Amma’s dream and desire that all of you take part in this new initiative.” Amma launched these new projects by handing over the saplings and bird feeders to the AYUDH members at an event held today, just before Darshan.

After blessing thousands of fruit saplings prepared for distribution, Amma said, “Let our children plant and nurture these saplings. We must protect plants, trees and every other living being, understanding them be a part of ourself. Each year may Vishu mark the start of such worship. Our children should be taught to love and protect nature. This Vishu, may this culture be what we impart to them as the real Vishukaineettam.”

“How beautiful would our land be if it were full of birds, butterflies and flower groves!” Amma said. “If the land were to become rich, that richness will reflect in our individual lives as well. We will be full of joy and beauty, within and without.”

The campaign pushes to infuse the Vishu with a new green tradition: Elders gifting children not only Vishukaineettam—pocket change—but also Vishuthaineettam—saplings.

During the last five years, AYUDH volunteers have distributed more than 3.5 lakh saplings in Kerala through 230 Vishuthaineettam events, conducted in all 14 districts. And since 2000, the Mata Amritanandamayi Math has planted more than 10 lakh trees as part of the United Nation’s Billion Tree Campaign.

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Create more space for others to feel happiness and contentment

8-9 March, Mangaluru, Karnataka – Bharata Yatra 2019

After 3 weeks of slowly moving north, with the Mumbai programs finished, Amma and the tour group turned back and headed south. After driving 950km, over more than 24 hours, through the length of Maharashtra and Karnataka, the group arrived in Mangaluru for two day Brahmasthanam festival.

When the programs started, Amma was welcomed to the stage by students of the local Amrita Vidyalayam with Vedic chants. During the stage program, Amma distributed saris to women of the Amritasri self-help groups, 10 wheel chairs to Divyang members, and scholarships to support the education of 20 local students. Additionally 5 sewing machines were given away to local women to help them maintain their livelihood.

Welcoming Amma to the city, Sandhya S Pai of Manipal Media networks said, “I feel I got a chance to be here on this stage because of my good deeds in my previous life. We have assembled here to listen to Amma, to get blessed by Amma and for just a glimpse of Amma…and I am delighted today due to the opportunity given to me to see Amma. All are aware of Amma’s contributions to technology and medicine by establishing universities. Amma has given peace to people all over the world. I pray that Amma’s message contributes in establishing world peace.”

Amma was also welcomed by Harish Kumar, MLC, Karnataka Assembly.

On both days Amma sang bhajans, gave satsang and darshan to everyone. She also lead all in meditation and manasa puja, giving the instructions in the local Kannada language.

Addressing the gathering Amma said, “The more space we create in our heart for others, the more happiness and contentment we feel. The law of the universe, and of life, is selflessness. This is why selfish and egoistic people are unable to enjoy life wholeheartedly and be happy: because their behaviour is out of tune with the law of the universe. Everything in this creation unfolds to the same tune and rhythm. Understanding this, when we align ourselves with this law, peace, happiness and prosperity automatically become ours.”

On both days, local Amrita Vidyalayam children presented different cultural programs on stage while Amma gave darshan. Also several electrifying dance and percussion performances captivated the audience each evening; first with a ‘Dollu Kunita’ folk dance of North Karnataka was offered to Amma by the devotees. On the second night ‘Nagpur Dol’ which was performed by teachers of Amrita Vidyalayam.

A local artist, Ajay, offered a very unique and creative way to express his devotion to Amma. Live on stage he created a ‘glue painting’ in just a few minutes and delighted everyone as Amma’s image magically appeared once he applied glitter to the glue.

Amma finished the second night’s darshan in the early hours of the morning and shortly after the group returned back to Kerala for the last three stops of the Bharata Yatra.

-Kannadi

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Why do people cry in front of Amma?

3-5 March, Mumbai Brahmasthanam Festival, Maharashtra – Bharata Yatra 2019

After the programs in Pune, Amma and the tour group traveled to Mumbai. Amma was received with a traditional Maharashtra style greeting, with men in traditional dhotis and women in 9 meter saris and both wearing turbans. Musicians were blowing ‘Tutari’ – a Marathi trumpet shaped like a big bull horn in made of metal.

On the occasion, renowned Bollywood actress Vidya Balan joined Amma to distribute saris to women of Ransai village from Panvel District, which is one of the 101 villages adopted by Amma. Health kits and plants were also distributed to AYUDH members by the dignitaries.

Upon addressing the audience, Vidya Balan said, “When I was a little girl, I met Amma. I saw people crying and was wondering why do people cry in front of her? …when I got hugged, I also cried…We know why we cry. All we want is to be accepted and that is what this embrace is. Amma shows we are worthy of acceptance, we are worthy of love. That message for me is beyond religion, beyond politics. Amma is the embodiment of pure love.”

Also addressing the audience was Mr Nimrod Kalmar the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Israeli Consulate of Mumbai, who said, “As you can see I am smiling ever since I am here this morning. I have noticed that everybody around me is smiling. We all need to appreciate and come to this place of peace and tranquility and smile at one another and show that we want to live in peace with one another. This is a very special kind of atmosphere attributed to Amma who spreads love and compassion.

Amma leads activities of community service and sustainable development. The idea of sharing one another’s ability for advancement and cooperation unites everybody together to create something larger. Amma has dedicated followers all over the world, people appreciate the way Amma is leading. There are many people like me in Israel who love the way Amma is leading.”

Inviting Amma to Israel, he added, “I would like to extend an invitation to Amma to come to Israel… I am sure the spiritual stretch of land in the Middle East will be happy to host Amma and talk about how to make the planet a better place to live in with our joint work headed by amazing figures like Amma.”

Amma was next welcomed by Anjali Menon, the renowned Bollywood script writer, “This is the moment that I wait for every year… when Amma visits Mumbai, for that touch…like a little child waiting to see its mother, I too wait for the hug, wait for the kiss, wait for that touch.

“We are facing a lot of problems these days, a lot of discrimination, a lot of walls, and a lot of worries from all around. In that midst, unlimited unconditional love is what Amma offering. Even though we all crave for that love from every one, we are only getting it from very few. This love is what we receive from Amma. Amma wants us to be like her, when we receive that love and energy from her we should be able to multiply and share it to others.”

During her address to the gathering, which spilled outside the ashram premises and on to the surrounding streets, Amma said, “Technology is a good servant but a dangerous master. For many people, relationships have become confined to the numbers in the phone. We no longer value seeing each other face to face. When our relationships with the world are defined solely through machines, we pawn our very consciousness to the unconscious machine. We should use machines and love people. We must never allow the hallmark of our society to become ‘Use people and love machines.’”

During both days of her programs there, Amma sang bhajans, conducted satsang, guided people in mediation and prayers for world-peace, along with her darshan. Amma guided both the meditation and manasa puja in Hindi.

Mumbai got the chance to celebrate Shivaratri day with Amma. Speaking on the occasion, Amma said “Lord Shiva is the destroyer of time. He destroys the thought that ‘I was born, I am growing, and I will die’. In order to understand this principle, Lord Shiva was given a form of a deity. When we have a lot of problems and sorrow, then only we will turn towards the Lord. In that pitch darkness many a time one gets a glimpse of God, but in order to understand that even in the midst of sorrow, you must not lose your awareness. Not only on Shivratri day but always may your mind be filled with sacrifice and surrender. May all your thoughts, words and actions spring forth from pure love. “

Showering her blessings upon Mumbai devotees, after 3 days Amma proceeded to Mangalore for the next program of Bharata Yatra 2019

-Kannadi

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“Let us all take inspiration from Amma and serve our society.”

28 Feb – 01 Mar, Pune Brahmasthanam Festival, Maharashtra – Bharata Yatra 2019

Amma held two days of programs at the Amrita Vidyalayam School in Pune. Thousands came for Amma’s darshan and to listen as Amma gave instructions for the Manasa Puja in Hindi and sang bhajans in both Marathi and Hindi.

On this happy occasion of Amma’s yearly visit, Dr. Anil Shirole, Member of Parliament for the Constituency of Pune, referred to happiness as being the essence of the Ganapati Atharvashirsha, a Vedic Hymn on Ganesha. “Our happiness is in the happiness of the society. That is why we should try to give happiness to others, try to lessen others’ suffering. It means whatever is needed by anyone – give that selflessly. If someone is sick, provide medicine. If someone is hungry, give food. If someone is thirsty, provide water. To do all this selflessly is said to be of service to society. I feel Amma would expect all of us to do this. Let us all take inspiration from Amma and serve our society.”

Sujit Minchekar, Member of Legislative Assembly of Kolhapur, Maharashtra, who met Amma for the first time, said, “The rejuvenation I felt because of her touch, I cannot describe in words. Amma has come to this world to spread happiness and give message for everyone – be happy.”

Shweta Shalini, Advisor to Chief Minister of Maharastra said, “It was an indescribable experience to get a hug from you, Amma. Mother has been given highest position in our culture. Today you have that position in my life. I want to take part of you back with me, so that just like you, I too can do something for my motherland, for the nation and its people. Today I understood that the primary purpose of human life is to give. I feel people like you come to this world just to give.”

For 2019, AYUDH Pune launched a new project: ‘Punarjani – the River Cleanup’. They will adopt a 5-kilometer stretch of the Pavana River, crossing the cities of Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune. They will clean up the river and shores, install dust bins, make compost out of the green moss, plant trees, paint the walls in the area with awareness quotes, and maintain the whole area for at least one year.

During darshan, Amrita Vidyalayam children presented different cultural programs. Pt. Nandakumar, disciple of Pt Briju Maharaj, offered a Kathak dance for Amma.

Concluding the two days program, Amma left for Mumbai, leaving sweet memories for the Pune devotees to cherish.

32 years in Pune

Amma has been coming to Pune since 1987. One can only imagine the blessings that are there when a Mathatma has been returning to the same place for so many years. If we look at the growth of the Ashram in Pune over the past 32 years, we can see just a fraction of these blessings. It is incomprehensible in its magnitude.

Amma’s first program was held in a small 10×10 meter room in a Krishna temple. Three years later, Amma gave the local group permission to buy half an acre of land and to build a small ashram there. In 1992, Amma concentrated the new Brahmasthanam temple. Five years later, Amma then asked them to start a school, so they bought 2 more acres of land and started building. Today, one sees a thriving Ashram and a school with 3,500 students. Of these, 1200 arrive each morning by bus from all over Pune. The school even has a branch in nearby Nasarapur, Tal. Bhor with an additional 1200 students.

Pune also has a very active AYUDH group that has grown over the years. In 2016, they conducted organic terrace gardening workshops which reached 6000 families in their first year. In 2017, they focused on the education of children in the slums and helped visually impaired people to find jobs.

-Kannadi

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Hyderabad – Seeing the One in Twin Cities

25-26 Feb, Hyderabad, Telangana – Bharata Yatra 2019

It was already 11:30 at night when Amma arrived in Hyderabad after a long drive which had started right after the end of darshan in Bangalore. Even though it was quite late and the local devotees had been working hard to set up the program, as soon as Amma’s camper came into sight, the energy radiated as if it was early morning. As she walked up the steps to the balcony, Amma took her time, shedding loving and joyful glances at her Hyderabad children along the way. Many of them had waited almost a year to see Amma again.

The opening function was attended by many dignitaries. Amma also distributed sarees to the women of AmritaSREE Self-Help groups. Among the many who came for Amma’s darshan were hundreds of people from the nearby villages. Most of them had only heard of Amma and were meeting her for the first time. Their innocent and devoted attitude was an inspiration to all.

The two-day program finished around 2 in the morning and soon Amma’s sacred caravan was on its way to the next stop of this Bharata Yatra: Poona.

Enroute to Hyderabad

Amma always makes sure her camper drives along with the tour busses, even when the journey is 20-hours long. The barren landscape had few agricultural plots, making it difficult to find a suitable place to stop. Finally, a rural farm was found near Gooty, with 15 large tamarind trees that provided shade for the 700+ tour staff. Amma invited all to meditate before she served lunch. There were several monkeys in the trees. This inspired Amma to talk about the monkey god Hanuman, the faithful servant of Lord Rama and the symbol of love, faith, dedication, and service to the Guru. Amma also noted that since the completion of the Amrita Setu bridge, monkeys have also found their way to Amritapuri.

Nirmala, a devotee from Switzerland, had written a poem for Amma. It started with “What could be more beautiful than sitting with my guru in the cowshed” (click here to read the whole poem)

Amma said, “When love comes, there is no two – there is only love, nothing else. For a mother it does not feel like it’s too much when she cleans up her child’s excreta, mucous, or spit. She just takes it in her hand without any feeling of aversion. When there is love, nothing is felt as separate from you. Love is the base. Love doesn’t see anything as dirty – it gives us the ability to accept things as they are. If you have love you can convert anything into sweetness. It’s like the lotus growing through the mud. When that love awakens, you can see no darkness. Only light will be there. In the light of the sun you can see all the objects, but you don’t recognize the sun. In the light of the moon, you can only see the moon. The Guru is like the full moon.”

After another 5 hours on the dusty roads of Karnataka, just passed the river Krishna, Amma again stopped, this time for bhajans, chai and dinner. In the background on either side of Amma, two big hills could be seen. Amma took time to sing some bhajans in Marathi, the local language. She sang ‘Vithala, Vithala, Vithala’ faster and faster, charging all with energy for the last 4 hours of the trip. After serving chapattis and curry, Amma asked for a story. One of Amma’s children told of a dream in which she pleaded to Amma to give her love, devotion and surrender. And as the moon lit up the darkness, all knew that one day this dream would come true.

-Sakshi

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Presence of Amma gives me the feeling of how heaven should be

21-22 Feb, Bengaluru, Karnataka – Bharata Yatra 2019

Amma arrived in Bengaluru from Mysuru for two days Brahmasthanam Festival.

At the start of the programs, many dignitaries welcomed and garlanded Amma. Among them were Justice N. Kumar, Former High Court Judge; Justice Subhash B. Adi, Former High Court Judge & Upa Lokayukta; Justice Ashok Hinchigeri, Former High Court Judge; Ms. Dana Kursh, Consul General Israel in Bengaluru; Sri. Ramachandra Bhat, Vice Chancellor VYASA University; Dr. V.V. Srinivasan, Director, ISRO Telemetry & Tracking Centre; Mr. Tarun Kumar, Regional Officer CBSE; and Mr. Ponnappa, Head of Sony Indian Broadcast. Many other dignitaries were present.

“The respect given to women in this dharma is unmatched across the world,” said Justice N Kumar. “Women have always been given great reverence in the Indian tradition from times immemorial. It is for this reason that we say “Matr devo bhava.” Women are embodiments of Shakti, Love and affection. We find the essence of all Devis – Gayatri, Savitri and Parvati in Amma. This is the crux of Sanatana Dharma.”

Retired Justice Sri Ashok Hingeri also spoke. “This assembly in the divine presence of Amma, gives me the feeling that this is how heaven should be. The relation between the Devotee and Deity should transcend all differences of caste and religion as seen here. Let us walk on the divine path set by Amma. Amma has been showering an ocean of affection on all of us.”

During the opening ceremonies, Amma gave away saris to AmritaSREE Self-Help group members. Amma gave satsang and sang bhajans, and also led everyone in manasa puja and meditation. Amma gave instructions in Kannada, the local language.

Addressing the devotees in her Satsang, Amma said, “Man’s desires and wants are increasing day by day. So much so, that to attain even a little happiness and comfort, he has to fulfill numerous desires. Without money, it is impossible to increase our comforts. Hence, we see a mad rush to fulfill this increasing need for money. One reason for this is our flawed perspective of seeing happiness as coming from external objects. We need to correct this and see that happiness comes not from the external world, but from within us. The path for achieving this is spirituality. External luxury and ostentation may bring some short-lived joy, but they will not provide mental peace and happiness.”

During Darshan, Amrita Vidyalayam students and students of Amrita Vishwa Vidya Peetham – Mysore, presented different cultural programs.

-Kannadi

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Give the same importance to nature and culture as we give to science and technology

19-20 Feb, Mysuru, Karnataka – Bharata Yatra 2019

Amma reached Mysore at 12.00 midnight. Many devotees including members of Amma’s youth group – AYUDH, greeted Amma with shouts of “Mata Rani Ki Jai!”

For the evening program, Mayor Pushpalatha Jagannath, Corporator Nirmala Harish, Savitha Suresh, Industrialist Jagannath Shenoy, and others were there on stage to welcome Amma to Mysore.

Mayor Pushpalata Jagannathan said, “It is my great fortune to be a part of today’s divine program.” She added, “I have learnt that what Amma has been doing selflessly is what a government is supposed to be doing in all areas. Recently, the government has organized a project to have a “thatched-house-less city” in Mysuru. But way back in 1994, Amma had constructed many houses here in Mysore. Amma has made tremendous contributions in all fields, including education. She is the living example of the word ‘Amma’. All of us can experience the feeling of Mother in her. Words fail to describe Amma.”

The Corporator Smt. Nirmala Harish also addressed Amma and the crowd. “When I told Amma that it is my great fortune to have Amma’s Darshan, Amma replied, ‘All of you are my children and I am your mother. There is nothing special about me meeting my children. I am a river of love which flows flawlessly both inwardly and outwardly.’ I myself had Goosebumps when I heard this from Amma.” Asking for more blessings Smt. Harish said, “It is a great fortune to have Amma’s Darshan in Mysuru – especially today being Poornima (full moon day).”

Amma gave away saris to AmritaSree self-help group members. Amma then gave satsang and sang bhajans.

During her satsang, Amma said, “We should give the same importance to nature and culture as we give to science and technology, In just one second, Nature can take back what she has given to us. If we understand this, we will be humble towards nature. In each and every natural disaster, there is a message for us.” Amma then led all in manasa puja (mental worship) and meditation – giving instructions in Kannada, the local language.

During darshan, Amrita Vidyalayam students and Students of Amrita Vishwa Vidya Peetham in Mysore presented different cultural programs.

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Amma to give ₹ 5 lakhs each to kin of martyred CRPF brave hearts

19 Feb 2019, Mysuru, Karnataka – Bharata Yatra 2019

Amma will give ₹ five lakh ($7,000 U.S.) to the families of each of the 40+ Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) soldiers killed in this week’s terror attack in Jammu-Kashmir’s Pulwama District.

“It is our dharma to support the families of these brave men who died while doing their dharma of protecting the nation,” said Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi. “My heart goes out to their families and loved ones. May we all pray for their peace and wellbeing.”

MAM volunteers will visit personally to each family of CRPF troopers martyred in Pulwama and hand over the cheque.

Amma announced the donation as she was travelling to Mysore, the first stop on the second leg of her 2019 Bharata Yatra.