AYUDH Archives - Page 2 of 5 - Amma, Mata Amritanandamayi Devi

A new generation of peace – AYUDH’s 14th European Youth Summit

14 – 22 July 2018, M.A. Center Germany

250 youth from 23 nationalities gathered to participate in the 14th European Youth Summit Generation of Peace. The different elements of the summit – talks, interactive panel discussions, youth-driven working groups, creative workshops and sharing groups – all aimed to explore the theme subdivided into three categories: Peace with the Environment, Peace with Others, and Peace with Yourself.

Peace with Yourself

Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri delivered a touching and inspiring talk on the topic and held a beautiful Q&A session with the youth. Later, he led the evening bhajans, where everyone participated with enthusiasm and devotion. This was followed by a meditation and prayer for peace at the small ashram lake. As the collective sound of everyone chanting “Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu” rung peacefully through the German countryside, everyone floated a small candle onto the water of the lake, praying for the happiness and peace of all beings.

Peace with Others

Another highlight of the week was the plenary talk by Br. Shubamrita Chaitanya. His interactive session with participants focused on building and maintaining interpersonal relationships with the people in one’s life.

Focusing on another important aspect of peace with others, Jelena Sporin from the Netherlands spoke about her work with the peace organization PAX in war-torn Sudan. Hearing about the slow and challenging process of rebuilding trust and peace, as well as the dangers and violence of war was deeply moving to many of the youth.

Another different, yet important aspect to create peaceful societies was highlighted by UK fashion icon Lynne Franks, who focused her talk on promoting women’s leadership, sustainability and social responsibility in business.

Peace with the Environment

During the summit, AYUDH launched its new sustainability campaign Trees for Peace. As a partner organization of the Trillion Tree Campaign, mentored by Prince Albert from Monaco, AYUDH commits to plant 1,000 trees across Europe over the next three years. Together with Plant for the Planet ambassador Johannes and Willi Kredel, Mayor of Brombachtal, the first ten fruit trees were planted on municipality ground. The saplings were then fed with a mixture of water brought from the participants’ home countries.

To further explore the theoretical background of sustainable living, Katja Kukolj (Sweden) from the eco-village network GEN, gave a talk highlighting many practical and simple examples of how to implement small, but impactful, changes in daily life.

After the morning talks, participants could choose to participate in one of three thematic working groups, which created an inspiring and intimate atmosphere for learning, intercultural exchange, team building and bonding. The ‘Peace with the Environment’ working group explored the relationship between sustainability, global stability and active citizenship. In the ‘Peace with Others’ working group, participants learned how to transform conflicts from negative interactions into positive ones. They also carried out a Human Library, where participants could listen to human ‘books’ telling their remarkable stories, helping each other to overcome stereotypes and preconceived notions. During the ‘Peace with Yourself’ working participants learnt about mindfulness and how to create a safe inner space for emotional and spiritual growth.

This year the choice of workshops was bigger than ever with AcroYoga, Sustainable Fashion, Singing, Hip Hop Dance, Bhajans, Psychology, Tai Chi, Dance, Art, Permaculture, Photography and Acting all on offer. Amrita Yoga sessions were offered every morning, Bhajans and Meditation in the evenings.

Bri. Dipamrita Chaitanya hosted a beautiful evening painting session where she asked participants to take a moment to focus on the feeling of peace within themselves, and then to express this feeling through art. Everyone painted peacefully while enjoying some gorgeous soft musical performances by fellow AYUDHians.

On the final night of the summit, many participants performed in the AYUDH Talent Show. The high standard on display from each act was truly astounding and totally wowed the crowd. The 14th European Youth Summit was an action-packed week full of learning, self-reflection, fun and community building activities. When departing M.A. Center Germany to head back to their homes, the inspired youth held strong in their hearts the belief that, together, we truly are a Generation of Peace.

As Amma says “Let us stand together and show the world that compassion, love and concern for our fellow beings have not completely vanished from the face of this earth. Let us build a new world of peace and harmony by remaining deeply rooted in the universal values that have nourished humanity since time immemorial. Let us say goodbye to war and brutality forever, reducing them to the stuff of fairytales. Let us be remembered in the future as the generation of peace.”

-Dass

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Amma’s teachings are more relevant than ever

4-6 July, New York — America Yatra 2018
Amma’s 32nd visit to New York took place in the heart of Manhattan — Times Square. Amma’s face was shining on Broadway — adding a touch of the spiritual amongst the glittering advertisements of Times Square, attracting thousands walking the street to come and receive her embrace.

The program — as always — was marked by musicians and artists making their annual pilgrimage to receive Amma’s embrace and offer their performances. The first day welcomed a performance by “Samuel J,” a prominent vocalist, composer, producer who identifies with Amma’s message of love and respect for Nature and expresses this through his music. And the second day found longtime Amma devotee and rock guitar legend J Mascis performing with devotees Devadas Labrecque and Tony Jarvis. At the end of the first night of embracing people all day, Amma herself rocked the room by singing a new Punjabi bhajan: Jaga Janani Tu De Bhakti Tu. The crowd joyfully sang and danced along as the song got faster and faster.

The second day Amma was greeted by the Consul General of Mexico in New York, Diego Gómez Pickering, who said he was deeply touched by Amma’s message of compassion for all. He said, “It’s a time of a great many challenges in the world. In a time like this, Amma’s teachings are more relevant than ever and bring us to a better and more united world.”

AYUDH Americas members, excited to represent their Mexico chapter, received seven saplings to be planted as part of the United Nations’ billion tree campaign as well as their youth-designed Nurturing Nature initiative.

Amma’s stop in New York marked the second year of the opening of her brand new New Rochelle center. The center is now a hub Amma’s spiritual and humanitarian efforts in the region, home to monthly satsangs and prayers for peace, weekly soup-kitchen drives and various Nature-oriented efforts.

-Dass

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We all wear a mask and beneath the facade is our true self

23-24 April, Kochi, Kerala – Bharata Yatra 2018

Amma was received with a surplus of energy and enthusiasm upon her arrival at Kochi Brahmasthanam. Amrita Students were present to chant Vedic mantras and cheer “Mata Rani Ki Jai!”

Actor Jayasurya; Seema Jagaran Manch National Organiser, A Gopalakrishnan; Kochi Mayor, Soumini Jain; MP, KV Thomas; MLA, Hyby Eden; and MLA, KJ Maxy, were all there to welcome Amma and offer their thanks.

MP, KV Thomas, said on the occasion, “The love and motherly affection, the brotherhood Amma shows to all, you will not be able to get it from anywhere else. That is why wherever Amma goes, thousands gather without the distinction of caste, religion, or language. Everyone understands her.”

MLA, KJ Maxy, also had kind words to share, “A consolation and peace of mind radiates from Amma to those human minds in Amma’s presence. Amma’s charitable activities are also becoming, not only help to the people but also help to the government—like in the case of disaster relief and the drinking water projects in the villages.”

Actor Jayasurya said: “We can only like someone, or love someone, because of a reason. Such small human beings are we; but without expecting anything from anyone, loving all beings, this is the lesson I have learned from Amma.

Kochi Mayor, Soumini Jain spoke: “A mother will give a lot of instructions to children when they grow up. Those instructions will help a person become a human being. We come to Amma with a lot of problems and sorrows, we want consolation and freedom from all this. After a darshan, we feel relieved from all this, we go back with a peace of mind. If we can imbibe those wise words Amma tells us, only then will we enjoy the full benefit of the darshan.”

On both days of the program, Amma addressed the devotees, sang bhajans, and led all in a Manasa Puja and prayer for world peace.

Addressing the devotees, Amma said, “Society is losing mutual trust, and nobody cares to share love and dedication. We all wear a mask and beneath the facade is our true self, which sometimes we fail to recognize. The world is facing the threat of war, terror attacks, violent crimes, and environmental disaster.

“There is a rhythm in every creation, an undeniable relationship between the universal force and the living beings. The universe is like a vast network. If it is shaken at one place, the vibrations are felt across the entire network.”

To honor the occasion, Amma gave away saplings to AYUDH members in an effort to promote the green initiative in the city.

Working capital for AmritaSREE Self-Help groups and saris for the members were distributed as well.

Clean drinking water units were also gifted to the panchayats of Amballoor, Kodungalloor, and Chottanikkara as part of the ‘Jivamritam’ program.

Students of the Amrita educational institutions were also there to present an array of cultural programs throughout both of the festival days.

After two long days of darshan, Amma sang “Eli Eli Eli Eli” to conclude the Kochi festival and Bharata Yatra 2018, which started in Thiruvananthapuram and traveled to Chandigargh in Punjab. All in all, Amma travelled more than 6,300 km in a span of four months, from January to April, for what was a long and memorable journey to visit thousands of devotees in cities all across India and offer her love and blessings.

-Kannadi

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Parents fulfill all the desires of children without thinking about the consequences

20-21 April, Trissur, Kerala – Bharata Yatra 2018

Amma held a two-day Brahmasthanam festival in Trissur, where the sweltering heat was only reduced by the summer’s evening rain. Despite the hot weather, the program grounds were swarming with devotees that had come to receive Amma’s blessings.

As part of her offering to the city of Trissur, Amma gave away saplings to the local AYUDH team members in order to promote planting more trees.

Certificates of completion were also given to six Panchayats of Trissur, where clean drinking water was made available as part of the Jivamritam project.

AmritaSree Self-Help Group members were also given Saris and working capital.

Amrita Vidyalayam children of Trissur, Chavakkad, and Cheruturuthi were present throughout the festival to present different cultural programs.

One Amrita Vdyalayam student, Annie Ribu Joshy, a 17 year old girl who is the champion of an anti-drug campaign, was in attendance. She has counseled more than 5 lakh students about the ill effects of drugs and alcohol. “If they are ready to change, I just need two hours to convince them and change them,” Annie said with confidence. She started an NGO for this purpose, the Anti-Drugs Campaign. Amma took the time to award her during the occasion of Brahmasthanam festival.

Speaking on the occasion, Amma said: “Parents often fulfill all the desires of their children, expecting them to prosper in life. However, they do not think about the consequences. We should have control over our desires or it will have an adverse effect on our lives.

“People are shrinking themselves to mobile phones and TV. They make friends on Facebook, but in the process, get isolated from the real world.”

Former Speaker of Kerala Asembly, Therambil Rama Krishnan; State Vice President of BJP, S. Jayaram; Police IG, Ajith Kumar; Renowned Music Director, Viswmbaran Master and Bharata Naytam exponent, Padmasree Kalamandalam Shemavati, were among the prominent people there to welcome Amma to the city.

Kalamandalam Shemavati spoke these worlds to the devotees: “Amma is the lamp that sheds light into the dark mind to make people walk on the right path and help them to think in the right direction. She educates us to faithfully love our mother, father, and teachers, and to receive knowledge from them. She helps us to discriminate between right and wrong, and to have good thoughts. To imbibe Amma’s teaching, that is why you have all come. I feel proud about it.”

After two days worth of hot weather and endless darshans, Amma sang “Jai Mata Di Jai Jai Kar Bulavo…” before departing Trissur for the final program in Kochi.

-Kannadi

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Balance life of happiness, health, and longevity: Amma in Palakkad

17-18 April, Palakkad, Kerala – Bharata Yatra 2018

Amma held a two-day Brahmasthanam Festival in Palakkad, Kerala. In spite of the intense heat, many devotees came to see Amma and receive her blessings.

During the festival, Amma gave away saplings to AYUDH team members in order to promote an effort to plant more trees. Certificates of completion were also given to six Panchayats of Palakkad, where clean drinking water has been made available as part of the Jivamritam project. Amrita Vidyalayam children were also there to present various cultural programs throughout both days of the festival.

Addressing the devotees, Amma said that human beings should be balanced in all their activities—including sleep, exercise, speech, work, food consumption, and the expression of emotions. If anyone thing becomes excessive, it becomes our weakness, and this weakness can eventually become the cause of our downfall.

“Thoughts and emotions are food for the mind. Our thoughts and emotions should also be in balance. Moderation is required for our physical, mental, and intellectual activities, it is also required in order to achieve happiness, health, and longevity. “

Amma sang bhajans and gave a Satsang each day. She also led all in a Manasa puja and meditation for world peace.

After two long days spent giving darshan after darshan, Amma sang “Meri Jhoppadi se…” concluding the festival with a song that put a smile on the faces of all who were sad to see her leave for the next program in Trissur.

-Kannadi

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Amma’s hugs are a brave defiance of the age-old practice of untouchability

22 – 28 March, Malaysia-Singapore Yatra 2018

Amma’s programs were a resounding success with venues overflowing with devotees and admirers in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Singapore.

Highlights of the weeklong journey included new and expanded charitable initiatives being rolled out at programs in all three places, including educational scholarships for young students suffering from cancer in Malaysia; an additional 100 scholarships for underprivileged students in Singapore; construction of a water catchment pool to provide clean drinking water for the indigenous people (locally known as ‘Orang Asli’) living in the village of Sekam, located on the way up to the Cameron Highlands Malaysia; and distribution of hundreds of sarees to underprivileged women from remote villages in Peninsular Malaysia.

The programmes in both Penang and Singapore featured an interfaith tableau of special guests upon the dais with Amma; in Singapore, the interfaith representatives included Sneh Kant Gupta, Hinduism; Ervad Rustom M Ghadiali, Zoroastrianism; Phra Chun Kiang Goh, Buddhism; Teo Chai Ngo, Taoism; Jayantilal Amarshi Govindji, Jainism; Martin Yee Yeow Wai; Christianity; Aladad Khan Mulladad, Islam; Harbans Singh, Sikhism; and Chu Kin Mun Daniel of the Bahá’í Faith. The interfaith assembly participated with Amma in a silent prayer for world pace.

In Penang, an invited guest remarked, “Amma, your healing hugs are a brave defiance of the age-old practice of untouchability. In our own country, it is regrettable we live in a society where no one dares to touch another for fear of contamination. But here we have Amma who believes the opposite. She believes in the possibility of being made whole through the warm embrace of love,” while a second remarked, “As Penangites, let us learn from Amma to be more giving. Let us work together to build and uplift our community. May Amma bless the state of Penang.”

The local chapter of AYUDH Penang was also launched on the occasion of Amma’s visit.

-Dass

photos from Malaysia

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Photos from Singapore

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Dignitaries and Devotees in Delhi

13-16 March, Delhi – Bharata Yatra 2018

30 years ago, on March 5th, 1988 at 6:45AM, Amma arrived by train in Delhi for the first time. Back then, Amma had 20 programs spread across the city in various locations.

March 13th was particularly unique day, she spent half a day at the BSF camp in Delhi where 1000 Jawan officers of the parliamentary forces received her blessings.

This year, 30 years since that first arrival in Delhi, Amma visited the city for a total of six days, two of which were for the Delhi Brahmasthanam Festival.

During the festival, Amma delivered a satsang, sang a set of bhajans, and lead all in a manasa puja, instructing the crowd in Hindi.

Priyanka Singh Rawat, MP, was present to welcome Amma with words of kindness, “Amma’s presence and love gives all of us so much of solace and strength.” Priyanka also asked Amma for her support and blessings, requesting that she bless all the initiatives that the government has taken on to strengthen the country, empower women, and create a peaceful, harmonious society.

Narendra Singh Tomar, Minister of Panchayat Raj, Rural Development and Mines, was also there to dedicate the Jivamritam Project to the people of the Village Nagli Chandi, in the Mathura District. He handed the Project Certificate for the first unit to Ishwar Dayal, GramPradhan of the village.

Self-Help Groups were also launched in the States of Haryana, Rajsathan, Uttarakhand, and Uttarpradesh, in an effort to make women in the villages more self-reliant. Working capital grants were also given to them as part of an initiative to aid them in developing economic independence.

Amma distributed saplings and seeds to AYUDH members, encouraging them to work in organic gardens. The AYUDH Delhi wing is currently working to promote and advocating the cause of environment protection, greening Delhi by adopting the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) parks, planting trees there, and working to maintain them.

Addressing the gathering of devotees, Amma pointed out that as long as we are unable to bring our mind under our control, sorrow will continue to hunt us down. However, once the mind comes under our control, no problem or tragedy can devastate or paralyze us. Each action, thought, and emotion has its own vibration, Amma said. Love, lust, hate, fear, compassion all are different vibrations that have the capability to affect the world around us.

On both days of the festival, Amrita Vidyalayam children presented various cultural programs. AYUDH members also ran a food stall to raise funds for their charity work.

Being the capital city, many officials came to receive Amma’s darshan. Amma was also invited to Vice President of India, M Venkaiah Naidu’s house where she met with many of the Delhi dignitaries. “Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi is a great inspiration for people who want to do something for society.” M Venkaiah Naidu said of Amma during the meeting. {news }

With all the festivities and meetings of Delhi concluded, the second leg of the 2018 Bharata Yatra came to an end, but Amma’s travels would not end there. Amma departed Delhi for her Malaysia and Singapore program, where devotees patiently awaited her arrival.

-Kannadi

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Motherhood is not about being a lady, but to envelope the world with your love

7-8 March, Navi Mubai, Maharashtra – Bharata Yatra 2018

Amma held a two day program in Mumbai to celebrate the 23rd anniversary of the Brahmasthanam installation in the city.

Many dignitaries were there to welcome Amma to the city, including Jaywant Dattatrey Sutar, Mayor, Navi Mumbai; Manda Tai Mhatre, MLA, Belapur Assembly Constituency; Yaakov Finkelstein, Consul General, Consulate of Israel, Mumbai; Mandakini Mhatre, Deputy Mayor, NMMC; and Anjali Menon, the renowned film director.

Bollywood actress Vidya Balan receiving Amma’s darshan

Manda Tai Mhatre addressed the crowd, saying that his first meeting with Amma felt to her as if she were meeting her mother. “A mother manages the home,” Mhatre said.  “This mother manages the whole world. She’s adopted the Ransai village and reached out to the tribals there. I see so much change in the people there. I’ve met them before, and now I’m meeting them after Amma helped them. I see so much happiness in them.”

Yaakov Finkelstein, Consul General, Consulate of Israel, help in distributing AmritaSREE working capitals

Jaywant Dattatrey Sutar, Mayor, Navi Mumbai, said of the occasion, “This is the land of Maharashtra, land of sadhus and saints. On behalf of Navi Mumbaikars, I thank and welcome Amma to Navi Mumbai. I feel it’s a blessing that she’s set her feet here. Amma’s taken the initiative of providing basic necessities—food, clothing, housing, and health—not just in India but around the whole world. Definitely, Amma’s playing a role in the development of Navi Mumbai.”

Anjali Menon also had words to share with the crowd, “I am overwhelmed with Ammaji’s national & international charitable activities, especially women empowerment through self-help groups. Someone asked Amma – what is the need for today? Amma’s answer was Matrutvam – motherhood. It’s not about being a lady, but to envelope the world with your love.” She thanked Amma for showing the way.

Film Director Anjali Menon help Amma to distribute bia degradable sanitary napkins

During the program, Amma distributed Working Capital and Sarees to the members of Local AmritaSREE Self-Help Groups. Amma also distributed biodegradable sanitary napkins (made from banana fibre & cloth) created by the Amrita SeRVe project to the teenage girls of Navi Mumbai Municipal School. To promote organic farming, Amma also distributed saplings to Amrita Yuva Dharma Dhara (AYUDH) members of Mumbai.

Addressing the gathering of devotees, Amma said, “In the past, people did not have watches, and yet, they still found time for everything. Today, even children wear watches, yet, no one has time for anything. The life of the younger generations is highly influenced by social media, and Amma is worried about the negative impact this has on them.” Amma went on to say that young people should understand the need to develop self-confidence and must learn to gain the mental strength required to face life’s challenges.

After two days of bustling crowds, the Mumbai program came to an end. Amma sang Mata Rani and Jay Jay Kar before departing, and despite the tears of devotees who were sad to see her go, their smiles spoke to the warmth that Amma’s presence instilled in their hearts.

-Kannadi

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Holi in Hyderabad

28 Feb – 1 Mar , Hyderabad, Telangana – Bharata Yatra 2018

Amma arrived in Hyderabad just before midnight to a crowd of devotees that had gathered to welcome her.

The next morning, Irrigation Minister, T. Harish Rao, and Special Advisor to the State Government, S. Venugopalachary, were to meet Amma on her first day of scheduled programs.

Amma appreciated the effort put forth by the state government in their aim to prioritize much-needed irrigation projects. In a private meeting, Harish Rao asked Amma to give her blessings for the irrigation projects, which supply much needed agricultural water to farmers.

As part of the Amrita Serve project, MAM has adopted Kodur village in the Medak district and Gudipaticheruvu in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. In Kodur village, Amma has initiated a program that trains locals to produce low-cost, biodegradable sanitary napkins, and, separately, has begun providing tuition for children from kindergarten age to Class 10. Amrita Serve also installed a compressed mud block manufacturing unit, which serves as a durable, eco-friendly alternative to the existing bricks. The unit is enabling villagers to earn a livelihood.

Amma distributed saris and working capital to the AmritaSREE Self-Help Group members, and AYUDH members were given saplings to promote organic farming. Biodegradable sanitary napkins made by the Amrita SeRVe project were also distributed to the teenage girls in attendance.

Speaking on the occasion, SK Joshi, the Principal Secretary of the Govt of Telangana said, “Amma is a living example of an integral human. We all have seen how much effort Amma has put towards help elderly people, orphans, and others.”

Amma led all in a meditation and Manasa puja, delivering the instructions in Telugu (the local language). Her Satsang was translated into Telugu and she also sang a number of Telugu bhajans.

The two final days of the festival fell on Holi. Many devotees brought colours and ‘Pichkari’ to Amma. As is the tradition on Holi, Amma sprayed the colours on all around her, creating a vibrant atmosphere full of joy and laughter. As well, Amma sang a Holi themed bhajan with the line, “Jagadeeswary prem ki rang me rali…” which can be translated as, “oh Divine Mother spray the colours of love all around….”

Finishing the Hyderabad program with an ecstatic Holi celebration, Amma and the tour group departed the city for the next stop in Pune.

-Kannadi

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We have to turn inward for inspiration

24-25 February, Bengaluru, Karnataka – Bharata Yatra 2018

Despite the fact that Amma reached Bengaluru in the early hours of the morning, a group of devotees were patiently waiting there with tears in their eyes to greet her.

On the day of the program, Amma was welcomed to the stage with Vedic chants performed by the students of Amrita Vidyalayam.

Amma guided a Manasapuja and meditation in Kannada, and also sang many Kannada bhajans.

Speaking on the occasion, Amma noted that drawing inspiration from nature teaches us to “live in harmony,” while the modern world teaches us to, “live only for ourselves.” “Our mind is a great servant, but a poor master,” she went on to say, “and with growing attachment towards external pleasures, our mind weakens. We have to live minimally and turn inward for inspiration.” Amma also highlighted the benefits of meditation, such as its ability to aid in the attainment of mental peace.

Former Chief Minister, B S Yeddyurappa, met Amma and sought her blessings.

AYUDH members offered organic vegetables to Amma, which they had grown themselves.

Amma gave away saris and working capital to the Amrita Sree Self-Help Group members.

Amrita Vidyalayam and Amrita University students presented different cultural programs and bhajans on both days of the program.

Seventy-two Japanese University students from IVUSA came for two weeks to assist in Jivamritam drinking water project of MAM. They came to meet Amma, danced for her, with full of joy and energy. They had darshan and a photo session with Amma too.

Darshan ended around 2:45AM, and Amma prepared to head out for the next stop in Hyderabad.

-Kannadi