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AMMA - Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi
 
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Ashram
 
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February 2012

Welcome to the February 2012 edition of Amma’s Melbourne and Australian Ashram newsletter. An important meeting for all to note is the Australian Tour 2012 meeting this month. We restart the Balakendra program. Mother’s Kitchen opens it door again.  An IAM course for beginners is scheduled.  And we also celebrate Shivaratri with an evening of bhajans and a puja.  Included is an update on the Amma’s Australian Ashram – Development Project.


Aum Namah Shivaya

Amma - Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, Australian Ashram

"As long as her hands can move a little bit and can reach out to those who come to Her, Amma will continue giving darshan." - Amma

In this newsletter:

Calendar

Events

Satsang

Meditation

Service

Meetings

Australian Tour 2012

Ashram Development & Fundraising

Balakendra

IAM

Mother’s Kitchen

Notices & regular events

Contact us

 Calendar
calendar of Events
February 2012

Click on event heading to get more information

Sundays
10am–1pm
Satsang every week at Amma's Australian Ashram
Contact: Ashram on 9782 9927
NOTE: satsang on Nov 7 is 4pm–6pm

Friday 3 February
7.30pm–9.30pm
Satsang in the city
Location: Dance of Life Yoga Studio, 250 George St, Fitzroy.
Upstairs - 3rd door on the right of the corridor.
Contact: Arati 0418 551 958.

Saturday 4 February
6.15pm -10.00pm
Chanting and film night
Location: Dance of Life Yoga Studio, 250 George St, Fitzroy
Contact: Nava 0415 966 375 or Maheshwari 0429 092 331

Sunday 5 February
11.30am
- 12.30pm
Balakendra Class
Location: Amma’s Australian Ashram
Contact: ashramcommitee@gmail.com

Sunday 5 February
2
.00 -3.30pm
MA Centre and Ashram Meeting
This Monthly General Meeting will be used to start discussions for Amma’s next Australian tour

Saturday 18 February
7.00pm start

Ashram Development Fundraising Dinner
Location: 63 Jacksons Road Noble Park North
Contact: Raji 9795 8002

Sunday 19 February
11.30am
- 12.30pm
Balakendra Class
Location: Amma’s Australian Ashram
Contact: ashramcommitee@gmail.com

Monday 20 February
8.0
0pm - midnight
Shivaratri
Location: Amma’s Australian Ashram
Contact: 9782 9398

Saturday 25 February 8.30am-5.30pm IAM - Integrated Amrita Meditation Technique® CourseLocation: 3 Sean Close, Wheelers Hill
Contact: email: iamtmelb@gmail.com

Sunday 26 February
2.00-3.30pm
2012 Tour Meeting
Location: Amma’s Australian Ashram
Contact: Arati 0418 551 958

Friday 2 March
7.30pm–9.30pm
Satsang in the city
Location: Dance of Life Yoga Studio, 250 George St, Fitzroy.
Upstairs - 3rd door on the right of the corridor.
Contact: Arati 0418 551 958.

 Reports & Events


Amma's Australian Tour 2012
Special Tour Meeting: Sunday 26 February 2.00-3.30pm

As many of you are aware, over recent years Amma has visited Australia every two years. While we are yet to receive final confirmation we are getting closer to consolidating Amma’s tour dates for mid-April 2012 (after Easter). At this stage it appears that Amma will come to Melbourne for two days of public programs, followed by a non-residential retreat. Amma will then travel to Sydney, Brisbane and then finish the tour with a residential retreat on the Gold Coast. 

After a very productive tour meeting on 15 January we will be holding our second tour meeting at 2.00pm - 3.30pm on Sunday 26 February (after the regular satsang) to further discuss the allocation of seva/volunteer roles and other issues in preparation for the tour. 

There is much work to be done to prepare for this tour and almost 200 volunteers are needed to make the tour a reality. If you would like to help out during Amma’s next Australian tour and have not already completed a Seva Preference Form, please download and complete this form and send it to melbourne@ammaaustralia.org.au. If you have volunteered on Amma's previous tours we would be grateful to have your assistance again in 2012. If you are new to working on Amma's tours, we will give you the information and training you need to perform your role and you will be working under an experienced tour coordinator for your section. 

If you would like to volunteer to work during Amma’s tour we ask that you attend all tour meetings where possible. If you are unable to attend a meeting please email melbourne@ammaaustralia.org.au.  

Amma’s Australian Ashram – Development Project
During the 2010 tour, Amma gave instructions to further develop and expand the ashram’s activities as a spiritual and community centre. Having recently received Frankston City Council’s approval for re-development,  we have commenced work on the existing Ashram building, painting and renovating. We hope to start the new building works, stage one, soon.
working bees every Saturday. If anyone is available to assist, just come to the Ashram – even during the week.  There are plenty of seva jobs available for anyone interested in making this a communal project.  Lunch will be provided to willing hands.  Please wear old clothes and bring plenty of energy.

Amma's Ashram Melbourne

Beginnings of the Australian Ashram
Below are some notes about the beginnings of Amma’s Ashram, which reflects the commitment and support by various devotees over the years in making it a reality. We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge this gift and thank all who have so generously contributed.

The Ashram Dream Begins
Amma first came to Australia in 1990 and during Her visits She stated that there would be an Ashram in Australia. Over the ensuing years Swami Ramakrishnananda Puri was shown various properties in different locations and he finally selected Bangholm, Keysborough and Carrum Downs as appropriate sites for the future Ashram.

Amma’s Instructions in 2006
At the end of the Kyneton Retreat in Victoria, Amma called all who were helping with the cleanup after the program to talk about the kind of property She had in mind, one that it should be at least 5 acres in size, and no more than 35 to 40 kms from the city, and once set up should have as its fundamental purpose the remembrance of God, selfless service and the development of such qualities as love, patience and respect for others.

The Search for a Property
As soon as the 2006 Australian Tour was over the search for an Ashram site began in earnest.  Keysborough was quickly ruled out as too expensive.  A property in Carrum Downs looked suitable, being close to a major arterial freeway, on five acres of land, and not too close to neighbours. However Amma encouraged us to keep trying, as we might find something better.

The Property is Found
The search continued, however none fitted Amma’s criteria. Taking a set of files containing maps, photographs and other details pertaining to the Carrum Downs property, one of Amma’s devotees delivered these files to Swamiji during the 2006 American Tour, who showed them to Amma and gained Her permission to start negotiations. The contract was signed on 10 July 2006 (Guru Purnima) and we took possession of the property at 9 a.m. on Saturday 15 July 2006. And on Sunday 16 July a Mahaganapathy Homa was performed to sanctify our first Australian Ashram.

Ashram Development Fundraising - House Satsang / Dinner Fund-Raiser
You are invited to a special satsang followed by a sumptuous dinner at:

Ranjith and Raji's home
Address: 63 Jacksons Road Noble Park North
Date/Time: Saturday 18th Feb. 2012, 7.00 p.m start

Suggested donation: $20 per adult. All proceeds go to the Ashram Redevelopment Fund.
For further information on the re-development of the Ashram and How you could help, please go to the section on the website under News Around Australia.
http://www.ammaaustralia.org.au/ashram/Amma_AshramAppeal.htm

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Christmas at Mother's Kitchen Melbourne

We are excited to see the continued growth of the new Mother’s Kitchen project in Melbourne with 50+ people (adults and children) attending the food service in December.

Our December Mother's Kitchen was full of Christmas joy – there were decorations, wonderful Christmas sweets and presents for the children. When the youngest of our volunteers willingly gave his own Christmas present to one of our child guests, we truly saw Amma’s spirit in action. 

It was lovely to see the response of the children when they received their presents. We were met by the most gorgeous of smiles.

 

In January we accompanied the food with children's activities like stories, sticker books and colouring-ins, which was enjoyed by all the young ones. In February we hope, besides food, to offer origami activities.

The adults present were just as happy to receive the gifts in food from our Mother’s Kitchen. One elderly man let us know how the spirit of hospitality he felt was to him an expression of real worship. Another man, though not really fussed about vegetarian meals in the past, commented that the food he received was absolutely delicious.  Someone else again fed back to us that he understood the underlying reason for Mother's kitchen in providing nutritious food.

We ourselves picked up some good tips about nutrition and diet as well after an interesting conversation with one of our knowledgeable volunteers.

To help provide food for Mother's Kitchen Melbourne anyone can donate online by visiting http://www.ammaaustralia.org.au/apps/donation/donation.aspx

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Shivaratri

ShivaratriThis year Shivaratri will be celebrated at Amma’s Ashram on Monday 20 February
8.00pm-midnight

Shivaratri is generally considered a festival of austerity—a night wherein food and sleep are forgone so that one can spend their time in remembrance of the divine.

Typically, the significance of staying awake all night on Shivaratri is referred to the Puranic story – the time the demons and the gods churned the ocean of milk in order to obtain amrita [the nectar of immortality]. When they did this, the first thing to come to the surface was a deadly poison. It is said that Lord Shiva drank this poison in order to protect humanity from it.

Symbolically, the dreaded poison is seen to represent our prarabdha (lifelong karmas).  And Lord Shiva, in the form of the Guru, accepts our prarabdha and protects us. So in order to protect Lord Shiva from the poison, everyone around him maintained vigil throughout the night.

Excerpt from Amma’s talk in 2007 when She was in Amritapuri on Shivatri:

Amma then said that staying awake does not mean just merely keeping the eyes open, but means maintaining awareness of one's thoughts, words and actions. "Ignorance disappears with the dawning of such awareness," Amma said. "Darkness is not something that can be physically removed. But when we let in light, darkness automatically ceases to exist. In the same way, when true knowledge awakens, the darkness of ignorance disappears. Then we awaken to eternal light."

Programme for the Evening:
8.00 - 9.30 p.m.        Amma's 108 names and Bhajans
9.30 – 10.00 p.m.     Short break
10.00 - 11.45 p.m.    Puja starts with vedic Chanting followed by Milk Abhishekam (milk offering) to Lord Shiva
11.45 - 12.00 a.m.    Arati

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Integrated Amrita Meditation (IAM) - Beginner Course

Text Box: Date: Saturday 25th February
Time: 8.30 am – 5.30 pm (lunch included)
Location: 3 Sean Close, Wheelers Hill, 3150

The IAM Integrated Amrita Meditation Technique® is a powerful way to reconnect with our real centre, our inner Self, and thereby experience true joy and peace in life. Born out of Amma's Divine inspiration, the Technique, when practiced with dedication, is designed to bring about integration in our lives - an integration of body, mind, intellect and heart; an integration of our True Self with God.

For more information on the IAM Technique and for guidelines for participation, or any other queries please visit:
www.ammaaustralia.org.au/IAM/IAM.htm


Cost: $30 (to cover administration costs, vegetarian lunch and refreshments only as the course itself is free. Spaces are limited and pre-registration to iamtmelb@gmail.com is necessary. Payment can be made on the day.

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 Satsangs

Ashram satsang – every Sunday, 10.00am to 1pm

Join us for satsang every Sunday at Amma’s Australian Ashram. Satsang at the Ashram begins with a pada puja (washing Amma’s sandals) and includes chanting the 1000 names of the Divine Mother (Sri Lalita Sahasranama) and the 108 names of Amma. followed by a short spiritual talk, bhajans (devotional singing) and meditation. There is no need to attend the whole program; come for as long as you like. We welcome you to stay to share lunch afterwards.

Pada puja: 9.30am–10am
Chanting: 10am–11am
Short talk, bhajans and silent meditation: 11am–1pm
Lunch: 1pm onwards
Suggested minimum donation for lunch: $5

Contact: Ashram on 9782 9927

If you would like to sponsor a satsang, perhaps for a special occasion such as a birthday, please contact Udayan  for more information on 9792 0040.

Amrita Bala Kendra - 2012  
@ Amma’s Australian Ashram – Carrum Downs

“The training and discipline which are given in youth will create a strong impression in the mind and play a great role in the building of character. Parents should take care not only to feed and fulfill the wishes of their children but also to discipline them, instilling faith and good culture."…Amma

Text Box:
The Amrita Bala Kendra at Amma’s Australian Ashram aims to foster among children:Bala Kendra at the Ashram

  • an understanding of spiritual values, traditions and principles, and
  • how to bring these simple teachings into their daily lives through stories, music, bhajans, arts and crafts, celebration of festivals and service projects.

Basic Policies:

  • Parents will need to register children’s names
  • Classes will be held twice a month at the ashram on a Sunday from 11.30 – 12.30 p.m.
  • An attendance record will be kept for each class.
  • There will be a minimum of two adults to oversee activities in each class.
  • Class reminders sent to parents of all registered children (and also dates advertised in newsletter)
  • Parents are also allowed to be with the children during class if they wish to do so, or alternately may attend satsang during that time
  • All parents encouraged to be involved in coordinating a class

The nominated class dates for February, March and April 2012:

Date Time Theme
5th February – Sunday 11.30 – 12.30 p.m. Kindness
19th February - Sunday 11.30 – 12.30 p.m. Courage
4th March - Sunday 11.30 – 12.30 p.m. Awareness
18th March - Sunday 11.30 – 12.30 p.m. Being Good
1st April - Sunday 11.30 – 12.30 p.m. Being Happy

Other dates will be released after Amma’s 2012 tour.
Please contact ashramcommitee@gmail.com with heading ‘Balakendra’ to register for classes and if you would like further information please call Jayashree 95616702 or Nava 0415966375.

City Satsang – Friday 3 February, 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Join us for the monthly satsang in Fitzroy. Come along for a program of chanting, bhajans (devotional singing), and meditation, followed by light refreshments.

Please note the venue has changed from the main yoga room to the room once you come up the stairs, which is the 3rd door on the right of the corridor.

Friday 3 February, 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Location: Dance of Life Yoga Studio, 250 George St, Fitzroy.
Upstairs - 3rd door on the right of the corridor.

Contact: Arati on 0418 551 958
The date for the following city satsang will be Friday 2 March 2012.

Chanting, Fundraising Dinner and Film Night
Saturday 4 February


Come along for an evening of singing and feasting, followed by an inspirational film screening hosted by Dance of Life Yoga studio in Fitzroy.

Date & time: Sat 4 February, 6.15pm–10pm
Location: Dance of Life Studio for Yoga and Healing, 250 George St, Fitzroy
Contact: Nava 0415 966 375 or Maheshwari on 0429 092 331

Chanting: 6.15pm
Feast: 7.30pm
Film:("Something Unknown"): 8.00pm

Suggested donation: $15. Dance of Life will donate all funds raised towards Amma’s charitable activities in Australia and overseas.


About the film:

'Something Unknown' is about a fascinating spiritual journey into the science behind spiritual experiences.

Albert Einstein wrote:
"There are only two ways to live your life;One is as though nothing is a miracle.The other is as if to everything is.I believe in the latter"


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 Service


Selfless service as a spiritual practice:

Amma seva
“Service is also a form of sadhana [spiritual practice]. If you claim that you have attained perfection after doing sadhana sitting in a certain place, Amma will not accept that. Getting out into the world and doing service is very much a part of sadhana. If we want to eliminate the enemies that lurk in the innermost depths of the heart, we have to serve the world. Only then will we be able to tell how effective our meditation has been. Only when someone gets angry with us, will we know whether we still have anger in us.”
Amma

 

Seva (selfless service) Days

The combination of the new Ashram development and Amma's upcoming tour means that there is currently much work to be done at the Ashram. In particular, we are embarking on a number of exciting projects, which involve improvements to the existing building and preparation for future developments onsite (see picture inset of our enthusiastic volunteers at a working bee in January!). This presents a wonderful opportunity to do seva (selfless service), and to help us along we have planned to have working bees every Saturday between 10am - 4pm between now and Amma's tour in April. If anyone is available to assist, just come to the Ashram – even during the week if that suits you better. 

Volunteering at the AshramWe would be grateful for volunteers to come and help out on these projects to get them well underway by the time of Amma's visit. There are plenty of seva jobs available for anyone interested in this communal project. Lunch will be provided on Saturdays. Please wear old clothes and bring plenty of energy.

For details, contact Mani on 0425 114 447.

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 Meetings


Monthly General Meetings

There will be no monthly general meetings until May. Special tour meetings will be advertised in each newsletter. 

Special Tour Meeting: Sunday 26 February 2pm - 3.30pm

As many of you are aware, over recent years Amma has visited Australia every two years. At this stage we are hoping that Amma will next be visiting Australia in April 2012. There is much work to be done to prepare for this tour and almost 200 volunteers are needed to make the tour a reality. If you are keen to help out during Amma's next Australian tour, please email melbourne@ammaaustralia.org.au and indicate the types of jobs you are interested in doing.

For those who are interested in helping out for the 2012 Australian Tour, we will be meeting on at 2.00pm on 26 February (after the regular satsang) to further and discuss/consolidate plans, roles and fundraising for the work that is required. All are welcome to attend this meeting.

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 Regular Dates & Events

Satsang: every Sunday, 10am–1pm
Monthly MA Centre and Ashram meeting: Every first Sunday of the month, 2pm–3.30pm.
Satsang in the city: Every first Friday of the month, 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Bhajan practice: Every second Tuesday of the month
Seva day: every second Saturday of the month, 10am–4pm
Chanting, fundraising dinner and film night in Fitzroy: Saturday closest to full moon each month, 6pm–10pm

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 Contact Us

Want to subscribe to receive this newsletter by email?
Email melbourne@ammaaustralia.org.au and we will add you to our mailing list. To unsubscribe from our mailing list, send an email with "unsubscribe" in the subject line. We do not share your details with anyone.

Any suggestions?
If you have any suggestions for improving this newsletter, or you would like to contribute an item, please contact Shalini at melbourne@ammaaustralia.org.au

AMMA's Australian Ashram
842 Frankston-Dandenong Road,
Carrum Downs, Vic 3201.
Residence Phone: (03) 9782 9927
Email: ashram@ammaaustralia.org.au
M.A.Centre (Aust) Pty Ltd
PO BOX 2587, Cheltenham,
Victoria 3192, Australia
Phone (03) 9782 9398 / 0518 551 958
melbourne@ammaaustralia.org.au

Aum Amriteswaryai Namah


 
 

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