Europe Yatra Archives - Amma, Mata Amritanandamayi Devi

We are truly in front of Devi

16-18 Nov, Palau d’Esports, Granollers, Barcelona Area, Spain – Europe Yatra 2019
Granollers was the last stop of Amma’s 2019 European Tour. People from all over Spain and throughout the rest of Europe had gathered to see Amma one last time before she left for the United States.

Over the course of three days, the stadium was permeated with a festival-like feeling as the devotees poured through the doors and into Amma’s arms. The devotees were also treated to resplendent cultural performances like flamenco dance, and soul-stirring traditional Spanish songs.

Amma was welcomed to Spain by Ms. Alba Barnusell, on behalf of the Mayor of Granollers, Ms. Madan Singh Bhandari, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India in Madrid, and renowned Catalan pianist Ms. Sira Hernandez.

Deputy Chief of Mission Ms. Bhandari spoke to the assembled crowd: “Amma, you are in true sense a living Ambassador of India. It is fascinating to see that you provide beautiful insights into the pressing issues of the world, like poverty and women rights. And your affinity to embrace everyone without asking about their sect or nationality. shows the values of the ‘Sarva Dharma Samabhava’ which it is integral to the Indian ethos. Thank you Amma for spreading the beautiful message that India has for the world. I am truly, truly happy to be here.”

Ms. Hernandez exhorted the crowd to recognize the precious opportunity in front of them: “We are truly in front of Devi, a being who has achieved the highest spiritual level. As a musician, I must say that Amma is a great Master of music. As she tells us, music or devotional singing is one of the most sacred practices for spiritual upliftment. Amma is the highest spiritual being that I’ve meet in my whole life, and maybe the best musician I have ever encountered, and a great, great Master.”

As part of the formal program, 10 young refugees were given scholarships from Embracing the World. Amma gave each of the refugees their first scholarship check.

Amma encouraged everyone to laugh together saying: “Seriousness is a disease and we should try to give that up and allow our selves to laugh more. Let us clear away the mental dirt of hatred and jealousy and awaken positive thoughts. If we can do this, we will be able to see newness and beauty everywhere and discover joy in that. Laughing the way we did — from our hearts — is the best way to open our hearts and experience joy.”

Amma’s final darshan of the European Tour went throughout the night and well into the following day, concluding only at 11 in the morning. At the close of the program, Amma came to the front of the stage and showered flowers on each person as they passed in front of her – her way of worshipping God within each of us. Just as at the start of the program, it was as if a sea of humanity was passing in front of Amma. Along with the flower petals, the feeling of Amma’s Grace and Love was palpable, showering down not only on the people of Barcelona but of all those who had passed through the doors of the program venues and into Amma’s arms throughout the tour. Ms. Hernandez’ words from the previous day reverberated: “We are truly in front of Devi.”

Whether we laugh or cry, days will pass by. Why not choose laughter

13-14 Nov, Metro Areena Espoo, Espoo, Finland, – Europe Yatra 2019
People from all over Scandinavia, as well as Russia and Estonia came to meet Amma at the Espoo Metro Areena in Helsinki, Finland–– the tenth stop of her 2019 European Tour. This was the largest venue ever to host Amma’s visit to Finland. Though the program was held on weekdays, the stadium seating perfectly matched the size of the crowd, affording everyone a clear view of Amma and the programs.

Amma was welcomed to Finland by the mayor of Espoo, Mr. Jukka Makela; member of Finnish Parliament, Ms. Tiina Elo, actress and entrepreneur Ms. Satu Silvo, and India’s Acting Ambassador to Finland, Mr. Nirmal Kumar Chawdhary.

MP Elo reflected on Amma’s quote: “Our love is the best protector of nature.” She said, “The trees and the forests are the lungs of the globe. We have to strengthen these lungs in order to defend the climate crisis which is threatening the human race successfully. All of Amma’s numerous humanitarian projects are always implemented following the principles of sustainability. We can all learn from that example. The sentence ‘Our love is the best protector of nature’ can be seen in all of Amma’s work. Let us keep this sentence as our guideline and raise our children, grandchildren and our loved ones so that they will love nature. Thank you, Amma.”

Ms. Silvo spoke about the inspiration she took from Amma’s perseverance in the face of adversity. “When you look at Amma’s life and its exceptional affect, one can only wonder how an uneducated woman from a small fishing village ended up becoming such a great example and role model for her millions of followers. Her starting point could not have been more challenging.” After sharing some of the challenges in her own life she had overcome with the strength of the love she received from Amma, she concluded, “Despite all the difficulties, it is good to think like Amma: hardships only make us grow as we strive to make the world a better place. The thought is simple, comforting and works extremely well. Amma is a living example of this – how every one of us can make the world more compassionate and loving, it is time for higher, loving energies. Thank you, Amma.”

The program was also graced with captivating musical performances by renowned Finnish singers Samuli Edelmann and Tuure Kilpelainen.

At the close of the Devi Bhava, Amma spoke informally to her Finnish children about the importance of laughter. Amma recited a few lines from the bhajan, Sirikka sonnal:

We have forgotten how to laugh
Many cry from the moment they are born until they leave this world.

Amma added a thought: “Whether we laugh or cry, days will pass by. Why not choose laughter?” With that, Amma asked her Finnish children to join her in laughter, and the two days of programs came to an end on a joyful note, the air filled with lightness and celebration.

Every time her embrace surprises us, comforts us, wraps us in her sweetness

9-11 Nov, Malpensafiere, Busto Arsizio, Milano, Italy – Europe Yatra2019

The warm-hearted people of Italy welcomed Amma to Milano, the ninth stop on Amma’s 2019 European Tour with much love and enthusiasm. On the first day, long lines began forming in the early morning hours amidst a chilly alpine setting outside the Malpensafiere in Busto Arsizio. “Just like the sun, Amma has emerged bringing us the warmth and light of compassion,” said Stefano, a local coordinator who was managing the welcome desk for the crowds pouring in.

Amma was formally welcomed to Italy by Giacomo Campiotti, award-winning film and television director; Thomas Torelli, author and documentary filmmaker; Emanuele Antonelli, Mayor of Busto Arsizio; and Massimo Citracca, Mayor of the town of Valfornace, near the epicenter of the August 2016 earthquakes in Central Italy which claimed more than 300 lives.

At the time, the town of Valfornace in the province of Macerata had suffered major damages. Immediately after the first quake, under Amma’s instructions, the volunteers of Amma Italia got in touch with the Civil Protection authorities, to help the people who had lost their homes. Valfornace’s mayor expressed the need to have a community hall, where people could gather to meet and support each other. Coming to know of this need, Amma asked the volunteers of Amma Italia to go ahead and construct this community multi-purpose hall for the people in Valfornace.

Now, with construction of the community hall complete, Amma handed over the key to the Mayor of Valfornace. Receiving the key, the Mayor Citracca said, “Amma has done so much for our small community which has received Amma’s and her volunteers’ attention/help since 2017. I am here to convey the gratitude of our small community. To tell you the truth this is the first time I have met Amma, but I will come back in the future because I have found here a great organization made up of people who work and help people in need with all their heart. Ours is a very small town where, in 2016, 85% of private buildings and 100% of public buildings were destroyed by the earthquake. With Amma’s help we now have a beautiful multipurpose hall to the benefit of the whole community. So, I will bring Amma’s embrace to my fellow citizens and heartfelt thanks to all of you.”

Busto Arsizio’s Mayor Antonelli reflected on the impact of Amma’s darshan on the community, on himself on his work: “Every time her embrace surprises us, comforts us, wraps us in her sweetness, her generosity, her spirituality. Every time, she instils energy and gifts hope to us, the hope that a better world is possible. And each time Amma embraces us, we realize we have found the answer to our need for being welcomed, understood, and each and everyone is seen as a unique human being. Her embrace is not a ritual always remaining unchanged, it’s a simple and complex gesture at the same time, a gesture which is both concrete and symbolic, a gesture encouraging us to open up our arms to the others and to really meet them, by overcoming prejudice, embarrassment and difficulties. This embrace is not pent up in the venues where Amma gives her darshan, but reaches out to the whole world thanks to the very important social and charitable activities she carries out and coordinates. Her commitment is a model of global catering for essential needs, overcoming every barrier, every discrimination, and gets to alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable people.
“I am sure that her embrace will be able to instill even more enthusiasm in my commitment, as it has done for the last three years, giving me strength to do my utmost for our town and the province to the benefit of everybody, no one excluded. Thank you, Amma.”

Mr. Campiotti spoke of Amma’s love through a beautiful analogy. “An image that comes to mind is that of a bee. I see Amma as a big flower and through her embrace I — and I think all of you as well — try to get as much ‘nectar’ as possible, like a tiny bee, a bit for myself but above all to try, in my small humble way, to spread this message of Love everywhere because the most beautiful thing about Amma’s great Love is that it is spiritual but very, very concrete. Thank you, thank you Amma.”

Amma spoke about the importance of selflessness, “The more space we create for others within our heart, the more happiness we experience. The more our ego grows, the less happiness we experience. The law of Nature and of life is selflessness.”

As Amma entered and exited the hall for each program, the entire room erupted in applause and heartfelt cheers. After the conclusion of Devi Bhava, as Amma made her way out of the hall, the entire crowd spontaneously began chanting “Grazie, grazie, grazie,” (thank you) in unison. Amma took one last look at her Italian children, her eyes beaming with love, as their gratitude overflowed from their hearts.

“Amma, when you put joy in a human heart, it is forever”

Nov. 4-6 Nov, Palais des Sports, Marseille, France – Europe Yatra2019

Though this was Amma’s first visit to Marseille in more than two decades, massive crowds gathered at Marseille’s Palais des Sports for the eighth stop on Amma’s European Tour. Countless well-wishers, from new-comers to dedicated volunteers, flooded the arena with enthusiasm and passion and shared precious moments together with Amma.

Amma was formally welcomed to the South of France with a special reception from dignitaries like Frédérick Bousquet, former world champion swimmer and current representative of Marseille, and Monique Robineau, advisor to the president of the region and to the city of Marseille. Acclaimed author Pierre Lunel, the biographer of Pope Francis, launched his new biography of Amma: Amma, Celle Qu’on Attendait (Amma: the One We Were Expecting) to the delight of all present.

With the launch of the book, Pierre Lunel spoke at length about the experience of writing about Amma over the past two years, and how it changed him: “The most extraordinary was that, when the book was finished, the joy didn’t leave me. As if it was in me and had built its own small house. I didn’t know, Mother, that when you put joy in a human heart, it is forever. It was not a holiday rental but a lease for eternity. It was never to come backwards.”

In her own remarks, Amma spoke about the power of love and compassion to protect us in these troubled times: “The love and compassion overflowing from our heart form the power that leads us to victory. What saved the lives of millions of people during all the recent natural disasters? It was the love and compassion filling the hearts of people all over the world. This strength destroys all barriers and unites all hearts on a single thread. May this love and compassion ever illumine our hearts.”

At the end of three-day program, as Amma was about to leave after giving darshan all through the night, the venue seemed as full as it had throughout, as the devotees waited patiently for one last glimpse of Amma, their hearts full of love and gratitude.

We will walk with you and work together to bring knowledge

1-2 Nov, Sandown Park, Esher, London – Europe Yatra 2019

Amma arrived in London after a long drive from Munich. Though it was past midnight, hundreds of her well-wishers had gathered to welcome Amma to the United Kingdom, their eyes bright with joy as Amma emerged from her vehicle.

The following morning, the first program was opened with a special event. Mr. Duncan Ross, Chief Data Officer of the Times Higher Education Rankings Agency had come to present Amma, in her role as Chancellor of Amrita University, with a certificate ranking Amrita University the #1 private university in India. In presenting the certificate, Mr. Ross said, “It gives me great pleasure to be able to present that certificate, because Amrita University is truly one of the leading universities in the world. But that only tells part of the story. And, the thing that most impresses me about Amrita University, under Chancellor Amma, is the very different way that it approaches knowledge and learning. There are many, many great universities in the world. And often these universities seek out knowledge and they have a beacon of knowledge, and they say to people, ‘Come to us, follow us. Here’s the knowledge that’s on this hill, over here’. And I think one of the things I’ve learned about Amrita University is that you don’t say ‘Follow us, come to us’. You say, ‘We will walk with you. We will take the light that is in everyone and work together to bring that knowledge and to bring that learning into the communities around the world.’

“Because it’s not enough for universities just to excel. They need to be part of society. They need to reach out to the peoples across the world. In these times where we see walls being put up, they need to be truly global, in giving us hope for the future of humanity within the universe. So once more, thank you very much Chancellor Amma for your excellent leadership.”

In the evening, Amma was welcomed to the United Kingdom by Lord Michael Hastings, member of the British Government’s Upper House of Parliament, Vice President of UNICEF and Global Head of Citizenship for KPMG, as well as by Lisa Faulkner, renowned actress, presenter and celebrity chef.

In his remarks, Lord Hastings reflected, “It’s a wonderful privilege to welcome you Amma, and as a part Indian as I am it’s a joy for me to see you here. And having read so much of your dedication, compassion, commitment, energy and persistence, it’s a pleasure for all of us to spend this evening in your presence.

“I firmly believe that embracing the opportunity of love gives all of us to transform others ultimately transforms us. If you want to gain life you need to give it away. If you hold tightly to life, you’ll lose it. And to give life away is to give away the best instincts of how God has made us. To be lovers of one another. Lovers and longers for truth, lovers of simplicity in the horrendous complexity, eager and keen for quiet moments when we can reflect on how our heart really beats.

“Amma you have come again, here, to exemplify that love. We all need to see love in physical form, in one another, in people who can encourage us, and those who can lead us… this simple expression that I am made whole when you are made whole. That when I love you receive, and you give back. This is richer than any mountain of gold or any gems, finer than any possessions, deeper and more meaningful than any holidays. More significant than anything stored in the bank.”

Ms. Faulkner reflected on the profound impact Amma has had on her own life: “This is only the 3rd year that I have received darshan, but my relationship with Amma feels like it transcends all time. For years I have been drawn to photographs of her, often asking people who this smiling woman was.
Even though it’s only been 3 years, it feels like I talk to Amma all the time. I carry her picture everywhere with me – as does my daughter. When I can’t sleep, when something is troubling me, I talk to Amma and I put her picture under my pillow. And you know what? I fall asleep, and I find the answers I was looking for. And I also share with her my joyous times, and my times of celebration…

“I felt that amazing connection to Mother Amma that you don’t have to be a mother to mother. To mother is a verb that transcends all gender, to mother is to love and to nurture unconditionally. Amma is that Love.”

In her own remarks, Amma spoke of the way love lies at the very core and fabric of our being, as well as the universe itself. “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 behavior 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.”

After completing the final evening darshan, which stretched into the following morning, Amma expressed a desire to stay back and help the volunteers with the clean-up. She explained that to them that she had a 1,300 kilometer drive to Marseilles, and a program starting the very next morning. As Amma’s vehicle pulled away for the journey, the volunteers’ hearts were full with the knowledge that they remained in Amma’s thoughts as they continued their tireless work.

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Amma – A role model for decision-makers in politics and business

29-30 October, Montessori Biberkor, Munich – Europe Yatra 2019

This was the second year Amma’s Munich program was held at the grounds of the Montessori Biberkor. As in the previous year, the grounds were overflowing with devotees who had come from all parts of Germany to spend the two days in Amma’s presence. Despite the stormy weather, devotees were undaunted in their determination to see Amma. Even more inspiring, the local volunteers cheerfully faced the rain, cold, wind and mud for hours and days on end to help park cars for those who had come to see Amma, guiding the devotees carefully into each spot on the grounds and showing them to the program hall.

The devotees of Munich have a unique way of welcoming Amma to the hall – with a traditional Bavarian welcome, complete with traditional dress and a full complement of classical orchestral instruments. The devotees also form an archway of ornamental wreaths over Amma’s path, lending a delightful local color to the program.

Amma was officially welcomed to the region by Member of Parliament Mrs. Margarete Bause and Indian Consul General Mr. Sugandh Rajaram and by Deputy Mayor of Berg am Starnberger See, Andreas Hlavaty.

Amma, with your work you give hope. You are a role model for many people. It would be desirable for decision-makers in politics and business to take you as their role model.

Speaking on the occasion, MP Bause reflected: “Amma’s work is so infinitely valuable, especially at a time so often marked by hatred and violence, by poverty and exploitation, by division and exclusion.” Addressing Amma directly, she said, “Amma, with your work you give hope. You are a role model for many people. It would be desirable for decision-makers in politics and business to take you as their role model. For me as a human rights politician, you stand for exactly what the first article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights says: ‘All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.’”

Consul General Rajaram celebrated the fact that Amma was in Munich during the festival of Diwali. “What could be more fortunate than to celebrate Diwali while seeking the blessings of Amma who has been spreading the light of love and compassion throughout the world? The message of Amma is of compassion, to bring the humanity together for the peace and prosperity of the whole world, which has been the underlying essence and cause of Indian culture and heritage. This message is all the more important today when humanity is falling apart. So tonight, we are seeking blessings of Amma. Let us all work for compassion to bring the whole world together.”

In her address to the assembled crowd, Amma reminded everyone of the impermanence of all things, and stressed the importance of responding practically by focusing on the good we can do: “In the infinite span of time, each of our lives is like a tiny bubble. It may pop any time. Our next breath may be our last. Even the next moment is not in our hands. So, without wasting time on insignificant interpersonal conflicts, we should try to do as much good as possible. In life, things rarely happen according to our plan. When our plans go astray, the only way to maintain peace and move forward is to surrender to divine will.”

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The eyes of eternity and faces flickering with love and innocence

25-27 October, Châlons-en-Champagne, France – Europe Yatra 2019

Amma’s program was held again this year at the Le Capitole event center in Chalons-en-Champagne. The massive venue is fit for the crowd, which as in years past was like a sea of humanity flowing through the doors and into Amma’s arms.

Amma was welcomed to France by Mr. Benoist Apparu, Mayor of Châlons-en-Champagne, renowned singer Mrs. Sylvie Vartan, and Nikos Aliagas, acclaimed journalist, TV presenter and photographer.

Mr. Aliagas addressed his remarks directly to Amma: “Who am I to speak to you? A dust in the cosmos certainly, a wandering soul, passing through your soil, who has come for hugging. It is perhaps the first thing we ask for in our lives, since this is the first thing we all receive when we arrive here, a simple embrace, naked of any certainty or social posture. This is also how we leave. When we are lucky we have someone who gives us a hug, a part of her soul, a part of herself. I did not come here to understand, I did not come here to learn, to see, observe. I just came as a passerby to be with you, to be here in the moment, this infinitesimal moment that lasts only a beat of a butterfly wing and that also lasts an eternity. I came to share this energy, this light that I received. I was lucky to receive it and I will never forget it. I was raised in the Greek Orthodox tradition and I remember a phrase that we learnt, that Jesus Christ said, ‘Only those who have a child’s eyes will be saved,’ and yours, dear Amma, are the eyes of eternity. Thank you very much.”

The third and final day of programs fell on Diwali, India’s festival of lights. Accordingly, as Amma took the stage for the final program, her path was lined by hundreds of little children with lamps in their hand, their faces flickering with love and innocence. The stage, too was covered with lights. As Amma bowed to the assembled crowd, they exclaimed as one, “Happy Diwali Amma!” waving the lights of their mobile phones.

In return, Amma waved an oil lamp in unison with them. It was truly of festival of light, and called to mind Amma’s quote, “If all of us can light the lamp of faith and love in our hearts and walk forward together, then we definitely can bring about a change in society.”

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Amma a beacon in a world which faces huge challenges

October 22-23, Copenhagen, Denmark – Europe Yatra 2019

Amma arrived in Copenhagen after a long journey by road from Winterthur. Despite the late hour of her arrival, Amma’s path was line by the bright faces of her Danish children, who were overjoyed that Amma had come again just one year after her first visit. The program was held in the renowned stadium, Brondby Hallen.

Amma was welcomed to Denmark by Mr. Ajit Gupte, Indian Ambassador to Denmark and by Ms. Camella Bruckner, Director of United Nations Development Programme, Nordic Region, and renowned journalist, author and politician, Paula Larrain.

UNDP Director Bruckner spoke of the importance of Amma’s work in realizing the United Nations’s goals. “Just like Amma’s organization, the UNDP works across multiple tracks, and is working to realize the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. But we cannot do this alone. That is why I am greatly encouraged by Amma’s efforts, her generosity, and the extraordinary work done through Embracing the World. Let us seize the moment, the exact presence of Amma, to reach the UN’s 2030 goals – both for people and plant.”

Ms. Larrain, who came to Denmark as a refugee at the age of four years old, offered her perspective on the importance of Amma’s message for a world torn apart by conflict and strife: “Amma is changing the world not by fighting, not by shouting or igniting anger at the injustices of the world, but by the exact opposite – by repeating the message of compassion, by giving hope and sharing your infinite love with everyone who comes to you – by literally embracing the world. Amma, your embrace made me see clearer. It made me see stronger, and I am eternally grateful for that. I wish that your love will flow to everyone present here today, and that more would follow your heart and your example. Thank you so much.”

Mr. Gupte said reflected on Amma as a light for the world: “Amma has emerged as a beacon in a world which faces huge challenges, from war to terrorism to natural disasters. Amidst all this, Amma offers hope to millions of people around the world. Likewise Amma has awakened empathy within millions. Amma motivates us to put aside our selfish desires and work selflessly for the improvement of society.”

As the local organizers thanked Amma for returning to Denmark, the assembled crowd’s voices welled up as one with a Danish song of gratitude for Amma’s love. Waving the flags of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, they sang together:

Call it love
Just call it whatever you feel
There are no words
No words that really express this feeling
So call it whatever you feel

In her address, Amma spoke of the importance of valuing the people in our lives more than the devices in our hands: “Most people live in a virtual world. If we cannot give our family members even a small part of the attention we give our gadgets, then what is the meaning of family? 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.’”

We need you to make the world a much better place

18-20 October, Winterthur, Switzerland – Europe Yatra 2019

After Amma’s arrival at Winterthur, she was given a warm and rousing welcome by the local volunteers and well-wishers. Amma served a prasad dinner to the local volunteers as well as the tour group. This was followed by a group meditation for world peace and a joyful bhajan session concluding with Bandalo Bandalo.

Across three days in Winterthur, the Eulach Hallen Sports Center was overflowing with devotees from all parts of Switzerland. Amma was welcomed to Switzerland by Swiss Member of Parliament Nik Guger, and the Indian Ambassador to the United Nations Rajiv Chander; and renowned actress and former Miss Switzerland, Melanie Winiger.

Speaking on the occasion, MP Guger said, “I wish us all to be able to honor each other, to build bridges and to give everyone the right to live in a peaceful world. If we follow Amma’s advice, we can achieve that.”

Ambassador Chander noted that the United Nations is approaching its 75th anniversary, and harked back to Amma’s address to the UN General Assembly on its 50th anniversary in 1995: “I would recommend to all of you, Amma’s address to the 50 th anniversary of the United Nations in 1995. And the analysis that she gave of what was wrong with the world and how to heal ourselves is still very, very relevant today. In fact, in 1995 she said that the world is like a burning volcano and that life is like a battlefield. It is because human beings’ ego and self-interest was making relationships into a business. And her advice was that if we look inward and you discover the humanity within and that is what unites all of us and that is what can lead us to happiness and peace in the world. So today we thank for her continued presence and blessings and we need you to make the world a much better place and to embrace it in peace and harmony.”

In her talk, Amma encouraged the assembled crowd to always remember Nature and natural laws as they proceed through life. “Today, we give the most importance and respect to science and technology. These are certainly important, but we need to give equal importance to mother nature, culture and our fellow living beings. When we fail to give equal importance to all these factors, society becomes like a chair balancing with only three legs. It may look like there is no problem with the chair. But, what happens when we sit on it? It will immediately fall, unable to bear our weight. A song is not enjoyable when it is off beat and out of tune. Nature forms the fundamental rhythm and melody of life. We won’t be able to experience peace and happiness if our lives fail to adhere to the laws of nature. Just as we obey man-made laws, we need to follow nature’s rules and regulations, perhaps even more attentively. What are nature’s laws? They are unity, sacrifice and selflessness.”

-Dass

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Every time that you embrace a human soul, it is felt everywhere in the world

15-16 October, Houten, Netherlands -Europe Yatra 2019

Amma was welcomed to Netherlands by Rabbi Soetendorp, renowned interfaith leader; Leontine Borsato, star actress; and Lucia Rijker, world champion kickboxer and star of Dreamschool, a television series in which she inspires underprivileged youths to get their life together and use their talents.

Over two days of programs at Expo Houten, devotees old and new flowed into Amma’s arms.

In his remarks, Rabbi Soetendorp said, “Amma, I feel that you are the preparer of this decade that lies before us. As a human community, we are one body. When one part of the body is in pain, the rest of the body will feel it, because if it does not, it is dead. We, as humanity, can feel the power of love and healing. Every time that you embrace a human soul, it is felt everywhere in the world. You are this force that allows the healing in all parts of our one human body to be healthy.”

Lucia Rijker reflected, “Amma is my inspiration and my role model, a role model beyond human abilities. All that Amma does is indescribable. To feel how she charges our battery and how she connects us again and again with the purity in our hearts so that we can share this love with the world. This is how I experience it. The work I do in the world is sometimes intense. I recharge with Amma and when I feel down, I think of Amma who continues sitting for sometimes 19 hours until she embraced the last person who came to see her with a supernatural perseverance.”

To commemorate the 20th year of Amma’s visit to Holland Amma’s Dutch children had prepared a special surprise for Amma. Netherlands being known as the nation of flowers, each member of the audience had a rose in their hand, and as they sang a traditional Dutch song “Hundred thousand roses for you” they passed the roses forward and slowly passed huge bouquets onto the stage and arranged them behind Amma as in a rose garden, all the while singing in unison:

Honderdduizend rozen
Honderdduizend rozen
Honderdduizend rozen voor U
Amma

In her Satsang, Amma spoke about the need to remember the true importance of the natural world, as well as realizing our own true nature, warning that we cannot take refuge in technology alone. “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.”

-Dass