Amma´s Australian Ashram - To Love and Serve

AUM AMRITESHWARIYAH NAMAH

A SPIRITUAL CENTRE FOR ALL

Dear Amma's Children,

M.A. Centre (Aust) Foundation is excited to announce that Amma has now given her approval to commence building works, following planning approval from Frankston City Council, for further development of Amma's Australian Ashram in Carrum Downs, Victoria.

Amma says that the purpose of her ashrams or centres are to provide a "place where people can devote all their time and energy to the remembrance of God, doing selfless service and developing qualities such as love, patience and respect for others".

Amma's Australian Ashram, which was founded in 2006, is located on 2.023ha in a semi rural setting and an hour south from central Melbourne. Amma has visited the ashram several times, and also stayed in the current premises during the last two tours held in Melbourne. Many of Amma's senior Swamis have conducted programs, pujas and homas at the ashram. During the 2010 tour, Amma gave instructions to further develop and expand the ashram's activities as a spiritual and community centre.

The development plans include upgrading the current house, building a meditation and program hall, new dining area with servery onto a landscaped courtyard, commercial kitchen, ablution block with toilets and showers, 2 cabins for visiting guests, new storage shed and workshop and extra car parking.

When the project is completed the Ashram will offer a beautiful location for various programs including satsangs, spiritual retreats, festivals on holy days, along with yoga, and meditation classes. The ashram will also host activities related to youth and environmental programmes such as those organised by AYUDH, GreenFriends and Balakendra groups. Further, people can participate in various selfless seva such as volunteering to feed the poor and care for the needy. Daily programs including archana, bhajans and arati will also continue. The additional facilities will also better support residential programs for those attracted to Amma's teachings from local, interstate and overseas. Visitors will be able to partake in healthy and conscious living practices in tranquil surroundings.

This development is a major step towards building a Centre that will help promote Amma's vision for a more loving and caring society based on spiritual and cultural activities. The current development plans involve a two phased project as outlined below. Since Amma first indicated we undertake this exciting new development we have been able to raise $186,700 toward the project costs. However, your financial assistance is much needed to fully complete the project.

Project Overview

Stage 1: To be completed by April 2012, includes planning and permit applications, drainage and site preparation, car parking and deceleration lane on main road, new storage and workshop shed, ablution block and septic system, and upgrading of the pergola and the old garage to a servery and dining area, and much needed improvements to the existing house.

*Stage 1 Total Estimated cost: $ 259,900
Less Funds in Hand $ 186,700
Balance to Raise for Stage 1 $ 73,200

Stage 2: includes Hall construction and fit out, rainwater tanks, 2 cabins for accommodation, a commercial kitchen and hall storage and rear workshop, extensions to car parking, drainage and further electrical work to be completed within two years.

*Stage 2: Total Estimated Cost: $ 361,300

Under the guidance of the MA Centre directors, the Ashram Development Committee (ADC) has been formed to coordinate the restructure plans. Its members comprise volunteer experts (both local and interstate) in architecture, town planning, fund-raising and building in general.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

• Direct Financial Assistance: To provide direct financial assistance through:
  • a one off cash donation   
  • a periodic pledge (e.g. monthly, quarterly, etc) see below for payment details.

  To all who have financially contributed to the purchase of the ashram and are continuing to do so, we are most grateful and hope you will continue your kind support in its further development.

• Offers of Non-Financial Assistance and Volunteer of Services will be gratefully accepted. If interested in donating your services or any building materials, please contact the ashram manager, Mani Kalimuthu (0425114447) or Manfred Riehl on (0423 417520).
  
  
• Become Involved in Fund-raising Activities: If you have fund-raising ideas, or would like to volunteer your services, please contact Nava Subramaniam (0415966375) – ADC Fund raising coordinator.
  
  Some suggested activities include home satsang/fund-raiser dinners; movie dinners; a cultural / musical show organisation; cookery classes, and garage sales. All ideas and suggestions are most welcome. Please email them to navaamma@gmail.com 
  

In Amma's Service
The Ashram Development Committee

Aum Namah Shivaya

“When the deep spiritual yearning of the disciple basks in the effulgence of the guru’s grace, an ashram is born. There one grows in peace and harmony” ~ AMMA

Thank you for your donation and support!