A Morning and Picnic with Br. Shantamrita - 1 May 2010
Around 40 people arrived on this sunny morning at a beautiful beach near Byron Bay to chant and meditate with Swami Shantamrita. Everyone gathered around Amma's photo on the sand altar which was embraced by rocks in the shape of a heart. A cleansing shower of rain fell as we began, then the sun returned. We chanted 108 names and 1000 names of the Divine Mother, meditated and sang bhajans. The arati offered by Swami with the clear blue waves crashing in the background was so beautiful to see.

After a break and some photos we moved camp to a grassy area under a tree where we sang more bhajans, (including He Amba led by Amadeus who is 4!), asked some questions relating to spiritual teachings and texts, listened to some stories and ate a picnic lunch. Swami told us an amusing story of his first meeting with Eric Wainaina, a (unknown to Swami then!) famous Kenyan musician. Eric is also a UN ambassador for peace and his music features on the DVD of Amma's visit to Kenya in 2009.

But all too soon it was time for Swami to leave for Melbourne. I think we could have listened for much longer. Thank you Amma,(Written by Karen Dandy)