“Children, always act without any expectation of the fruit of our action.  Expectation is the cause of all our grief.  We should dedicate our lives to the Lord.  Trust that He will guard us.” - Amma

Ashram News

One of the highlights of Amma’s 2008 programme in Melbourne was the performances by a group of Aboriginal dancers from South Australia. We wish to thank all those who have given so generously of their time and energy to make Amma’s 2008 Tour such an unforgettable experience.

Now that our Beloved Amma has left our shores it is time to settle back into our daily affairs. One such affair is the appointment of the Melbourne Ashram committee.  Another is to pass on the news about a planned meditation weekend retreat.  A third is to convey news of Brahmachari Shantamrita Chaitanya’s Australian Tour. And finally to ask support in raising funds for work to be undertaken at the Melbourne Ashram according to Amma’s specific instructions.

Meditation weekend retreat

The Ashram is planning a meditation weekend retreat starting at 7.00 pm Friday 20th June and finishing after Satsang on 22nd June.  This is the weekend of the Winter Solstice, a time of introspection.  During this weekend participants have an opportunity to experience Ashram life, to be included in the programmes, in seva as well as having silent time to reflect. Proposed cost for the weekend including accommodation and meals $65.00 per person. More details in the June Newsletter.

For further information or to enrol, please contact the Ashram on 03 9782 9927 or email ashram@ammaaustralia.org.au

Brahmachari Shantamrita Chaitanya’s Melbourne Tour

Brahmachari Shantamrita Chaitanya will be visiting the Ashram from 13th to 19th August and again from 21st –to 25th August.  He plans to perform homas during his stay.  More details in the June Newsletter.

Fundraising for works to be undertaking according to Amma’s instructions

The main concern for the Ashram is the lack of a dependable source of water. Currently a tank is the only water supply.  Amma has given permission to accept the offer of our neighbour to share their town’s water with us, providing we supply the connection.  Furthermore, Amma has told us to go ahead with sinking a bore on the property. 

We are urgently trying to raise fund for these projects.  Anyone who likes to support the Ashram financially in these undertakings is more than welcome to contact the Ashram on 03 9782 9927 or to email ashram@ammaaustralia.org.au

The Perfect Birthday Gift from my Two Mothers:
Tales of Love and Grace from Amma’s 2008 Australian Tour
By Ambujam (Lindy Lee)

Deep in the recesses of my early childhood, swirled an intoxicating dream.

A dream that one day I would sing till my heart soared like an eagle. That music would fill my soul to the point where I would not know where it began and I ended.

Like most stories around Amma, mine finds its roots in a childhood wish. Permit me to add some extra flavour, with a little sprinkle of history.

Music has always been a major part of my life, beginning when I first learnt the electronic organ at age 5. I was so desperate to learn the organ, that my parents agreed to pay for lessons even though my feet couldn’t touch the pedals. Picture a little blonde haired, blue-eyed poppet, feet dangling aimlessly from the organ stool, while chubby fingers stretched beyond their limits playing ‘Ode To Joy’ and ‘Amazing Grace.’  Click here to read full story >

"Have You Given Prasad Yet?"

What a blessing to have Amma come and see us all again. During this tour I was fortunate to help organise the Prasad in Melbourne. Being involved with Amma’s Prasad has always been one of my favourite sevas. Giving Prasad to Amma can be an amazing experience and an intense meditation. Perched beside Amma to give Prasad for a few seconds or minutes can be utter bliss. Yet in that tiny space of time it is so easy to lose one’s focus. I have done it myself and I have seen many others do the same while I have been the Prasad assistant. We are there for one specific purpose. Watch Amma’s hand and gently place the Prasad in her hand when she gestures. It sounds so incredibly simple. Although doing this ‘easy’ task can demonstrate how my mind is easily distracted and wanders so freely in a matter of seconds. Before I know it I am watching’s Amma’s smile or face or some irrelevant detail and quickly I force my mind to re-focus on Amma’s hand. We are so privileged Amma gives us these opportunities to be close to her and observe the monkey mind at the same time. Click here to read full story >

Other Tour stories can be found at this link

GreenFriends at the Ashram

 Amma’s connection with Nature is not a relationship
it is total Oneness.

From Embracing the World, Images and Sayings of Sri Mata Amritanadamayi Devi (p. 32)

Thanks to Amma’s grace Green Friends had a fantastic stall during the recent tour. The range of products on the stall is always growing. Already more Green Friends projects have started in other parts of the country with the Adelaide Satsang group doing some tree planting in the recent weeks. Hopefully the awareness of nature and the need to love and protect her will continue grow and Amma will inspire us to do much needed environmental seva.

It is wonderful that all over the country devotees spent the months leading up to the tour growing Tulsi plants to sell. We also tried to sell native tree saplings in Melbourne as well. There are still some native trees available so if you would like to purchase any please email: gfashram@ammaaustralia.org.au 

Hoping you all enjoyed the tour and have gained new inspiration for green friends projects and nature care. In Amma, Sri Devi

Fundraising activities

“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

Online Donations for Amma’s Australian Ashram:
It is through the generosity and selflessness of a dedicated group of people that the Ashram has been made possible. In order to make a donation towards Amma Australian Ashram or other specific causes, please visit the online donation section of the website:

http://www.ammaaustralia.org.au/Donation.aspx

Donations can be made by MasterCard, Visa or BankCard.

Conscious Film Night at Fitzroy - Saturday 17th May, 8pm

May Film / Chant Night and NEW monthly Fundraiser!! Saturday 17th of May
Dance of Life Yoga Studio, 250 George Street, Fitzroy

Kirtan Chants at 6pm – 7.30pm
Vegetarian Dinner  7.30 – 8.00pm
Film 8.00pm.

Suggested donation (to support Amma’s Australian Ashram) $15 per person

After having a great turnout for the march screening of ‘Darshan’ we have decided to ramp up the film night into a fantastic regular fundraiser for Amma.

The Dance of Life yoga studio is a regular host to a Kirtan group who regularly chant near the full moon. They have kindly agreed to join forces with us to raise funds for Amma. If you attended Yoga Fest last year, you may have already had a taste of this passionate group. They are a cohesive bunch of musicians (last month there were 8) who really know how to rock out the kirtans!

Nava and Alex have also offered to cook a gorgeous vegetarian meal for us, so there is a suggested a donation of $15 for the dinner and film night combined. While its perfectly OK for you to turn up on the night, if possible, we’d be grateful if you could send an email letting us know if you want to join in the dinner. Please email Ambujam, lindy@ezydetox.com.au if you wish to confirm.

So if you really love to chant, eat delicious food and watch an inspirational film, you’ll be sure to enjoy our new fundraising night!  Feel free to invite your friends and family, and come for the whole evening starting at 6.00pm or just the dinner and film at 7.30pm.    

Travellers & Magicians, by Khyentse Norbu (the director of "The Cup")

In the Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan, nestled deep in the Himalayas, two men seek to escape their mundane lives. Dondup, an educated university graduate decides that he will be better off picking grapes in the US than working as a government officer in a remote rural village. Tashi, a restless farm youth studying magic, cannot bear the thought of a life consigned to his village. Through a trick of his brother, he is delivered into a dream world of seduction and intrigue. The two men embark on parallel, if separate, journeys. Their yearning is a common one – for a better and different life.

Dondup, delayed by the timeless pace of his village, is forced to hitchhike through the beautiful wild countryside of Bhutan to reach his goal. He shares the road with a monk, an apple seller, a papermaker and his beautiful young daughter, Sonam. Throughout the journey the perceptive, yet mischievous monk relates the story of Tashi. It is a mystical fable of lust, jealousy and murder that holds up a mirror to the restless Dondup, and his blossoming attraction to the innocent Sonam.

The cataclysmic conclusion of the monk’s tale leaves Dondup with a dilemma – is the grass truly greener on the other side?

Ashram Notices & Regular Events

Monthly Ashram Meeting, Sunday 18th May General Ashram meeting, starting at 2.00pm after Satsang. All welcome. This is an important meeting. The following agenda points will be discussed:
1. Tour finances
2. The structure of the organisation
3. Role of the executive, core committee and subcommittees
4. Nominations for the subcommittees
5. Roles of Ashram and Melbourne coordinators

Special Meeting, Sunday 25th May Short Ashram meeting, starting at 2.00pm after Satsang. All welcome. 
Monthly Seva day.  Each first Saturday of the month is set aside as Seva day.

Ashram wish list
The garden is in urgent need of a good quality pair of secateurs and parrot big loppers for pruning.  Anyone’s help in this area would be very much appreciated.

Any Suggestions?
If you have any suggestions for improving the Ashram monthly newsletter please contact us. We would love hear from you! Email: ashram@ammaaustralia.org.au