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August 2016
Welcome to the August 2016 edition of Amma’s Melbourne and Australian Ashram newsletter. Highlight for this month include Krishna Jayanthi Celebrations.
For further details and general enquiries please email melbourne@ammaaustralia.org.au. For updates, please check www.ammaaustralia.org.au.
Aum Namah Shivaya
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"Just as the radiance of the full moon transforms night into day, the presence of the Guru dispels the darkness within the disciple's heart. The Guru elevates the disciple to the state of bliss by giving him or her the strength and discrimination to transcend the limitations of the mind. And the disciple, understanding the Guru's infinite compassion, offers himself or herself at the feet of the Master in utter gratitude, knowing that he or she can never repay the debt to the Master." - Amma
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Events in August 2016 |
Sundays
9.30am – 1pm |
Satsang every week at Amma's Australian Ashram
Contact: melbourne@ammaaustralia.org.au |
Saturdays
10am - 4pm |
Seva at Ashram
Location: Amma's Australian Ashram
Contact: Mani 0425 114 447 |
Saturday 6 August
Lunch |
Mother's Kitchen
Location: Collingwood Neighbourhood House
Contact: motherskitchenmelb@ammaaustralia.org.au |
| Sunday 7 August 11.30am - 12.45pm |
Balakendra Class
Location: Amma’s Australian Ashram
Contact: Nava 0415 966 375 |
Friday 19 August
7.30pm - 9.30pm |
Satsang in the city
Location: Dance of Life Yoga Studio, 250 George St, Fitzroy
Contact: Yashwin 0452 627 901 |
| Saturday 20 August 6.15pm - 10pm |
Chanting Night
Location: Dance of Life Yoga Studio, 250 George St, Fitzroy
Contact: Nava 0415 966 375 |
Sunday 21 August
11.30am - 12.45pm |
Balakendra Class
Location: Amma’s Australian Ashram
Contact: Nava 0415 966 375 |
Sunday 28 August
10.30am - 12.45pm |
Krishna Jayanthi Special Satsang
Location: Amma’s Australian Ashram
Contact: melbourne@ammaaustralia.org.au |
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Upcoming Events |
Sunday 4 Sept
11.00am - 12.45pm |
Ganesh Chathurthi Special Satsang
Location: Amma’s Australian Ashram
Contact: melbourne@ammaaustralia.org.au |
Sunday 18 Sept
9.30am |
Special Satsang & Onam Celebrations
Location: Amma’s Australian Ashram
Contact: melbourne@ammaaustralia.org.au |
Saturday 24 Sept
9.15am - 3.30pm |
Integrated Amrita Meditation (IAM) Technique
- Organisational Version
(Shorter Version of the IAM Technique)
Location: Amma’s Australian Ashram
Contact: melbourne@ammaaustralia.org.au |
Tuesday 27 Sept
7.30pm - 9pm |
Amma's Birthday Satsang
Location: Amma’s Australian Ashram
Contact: melbourne@ammaaustralia.org.au |
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Forthcoming Event Details
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Krishna Jayanthi Special Satsang
(28 August 2016)
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At the mere thought of Lord Sri Krishna, we feel an overwhelming joy arise within us. Even though it has been 5,000 years since the Lord incarnated on earth, his presence continues to shine in the culture and everyday life of the people of our land. The magnetism of the Lord’s leelas and the relevance of his teachings have not diminished with time. Through his life, Sri Krishna revealed the infinite power of the universe in all its completeness. This is the reason we hail him as a purna avatara—a full incarnation.
The literal meaning of the name Krishna is “he who ploughs.” The Lord is he who uproots the weeds of impurities from the human mind. Another meaning of for Krishna is “he who attracts all.” Krishna drew to himself not just the gopis, but all of humankind, as well as the birds, mammals, plants, trees, stones, thorns and everything else in nature.
In response to the maternal devotion of his mother Yashoda, the Lord became a mischievous child. In response to the romantic devotion of the gopis, the Lord became the divine dancer who played his flute and danced the rasa-leela. In response to the devoted friendship of Arjuna, the Lord took up a whip and became a charioteer. Even though Krishna knew he would be humiliated, he went to the Kaurava court as an emissary of peace.
At the sacred fire ritual of the Rajasuya Yajna, Lord Krishna—being the chosen deity—received the worship of all the assembled kings. Later, at the ensuing feast, he showed no hesitation in clearing the soiled leaf-plates of those who had eaten. Even when he was falsely accused by his own subjects of stealing the precious Syamantaka gemstone, he remained calm and eventually proved the truth. He alternated between different roles seamlessly, with the deftness of a seasoned actor, yet never lost site of his true nature. Whatever was his dharma at the present moment he carried that out without letting personal pride, happiness, shyness or difficulty obstruct him.
From the moment that he was born into Kamsa’s prison, to the moment he was killed by the hunter’s arrow, every action Krishna performed was sweet, attractive and aimed at cleaning the human world of its impurities. The prison that the Lord was born into symbolizes the prison of desires that is currently binding our hearts. If we cultivate awareness of the Lord’s presence in our heart, we will be able to release ourselves from all the bonds that imprison us. May baby Krishna forever play in our hearts. May the wisdom of his words continue to enlighten our path every day.
The above is extracted from Amma’s 2015 Krishna Jayanti message.
Please come and join us for Special Krishna Jayanthi Satsang on 28 August 2016 starting at 10.30am.
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Peace Chant offering for Amma's Birthday
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A new project has been proposed as a birthday offering to Amma. The offering being chanting the peace prayer as many times as possible before Amma’s birthday in September.
The words for the Peace prayer are:
Lokah Samantha Sukhino Bhavantu
The purpose of this project is to prepare a tally of the number of times this peace prayer has been chanted by all who participate before Amma's birthday. We intend to send this tally to Amma as a 63rd birthday present from her Australian children.
Our cumulative total of peace chants to date is 238,501.
It is still not too late to join in presenting Amma this wonderful birthday offering. Please contact Chocotane on 0439 100 275 or email melbourne@ammaaustralia.org.au to get involved.
Please deliver your monthly tallies to the above contact before the 21st of each month.
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THE SHANTI TREE – Fundraising Project
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The Ashram Development Committee would like to invite all to participate in a special sponsorship project pertaining to establishing a symbolic Shanti tree. The tree will symbolize the prayer for peace for all beings in the world. It is made locally in Melbourne from recycled-metal and will be featured externally at the entrance to the hall. All funds from this giving tree concept will be directed to the Ashram development.
The Shanti tree will have 54 leaves, and the sponsorship amount for each leaf is $1,000.00. Each sponsor (or his/her nominee) will be entitled to:
- have his/her initials inscribed on a leaf (up to two letters); and
- a Special Ganesh Homa which will be undertaken at the ashram.
Please see further details on sponsorship below (payment by instalments is possible as well).
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To make a donation, you may pay:
On-line: Donations can be made by credit card (Mastercard or Visa only) through the web site www.ammaaustralia.org.au. Click on the Donation Icon on the home page and choose ‘Ashram Fund’.
For One-off payment click once only and pay the full amount. If by instalment please choose monthly 2 @ $500 each or 4 at $250 each or 5 @ $200 each.
Please complete the donation form and return by mail or email (details below) to ensure your donation is allocated to the Shanti Tree Sponsorship.
Direct Debit: Please send an email to macentreaccounts@ammaaustralia.org.au requesting the banking details and requirements.
By mail: Cheques/Money Orders (made payable to: M.A. Centre (Aust) Pty Ltd “Australian Ashram Fund”) or with Credit Card details: Please complete the Donation form in full and post to address below.
For further information, please contact Nava Subramaniam on 0415966375 or navaamma@gmail.com
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD SHANTI TREE SPONSORSHIP FORM
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Ashram satsang, every Sunday, 9.30am to 1pm
Join us for satsang every Sunday at Amma's Australian Ashram. Satsang at the Ashram begins with chanting the 1000 names of the Divine Mother (Sri Lalita Sahasranama) followed by the washing of Amma's padukas and children's bhajans, the 108 names of Amma, 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.
| 9.30am – 10.30am |
Chanting Lalita Sahasranama |
| 10.30am – 11.00am |
Pada Puja & Children's Bhajans |
| 11am – 1.00pm |
Satsang: 108 Names of Amma, Spiritual Message, Bhajans, Arati, Meditation, and Closing Prayers |
| 1.00pm |
Lunch |
Contact: melbourne@ammaaustralia.org.au
To sponsor satsang is a wonderful opportunity for you and your family members to be guided in the ritual washing of Amma's padukas; adorning them with sacred sandalwood paste, kum kum, vibhuti (ash) and flowers.
You will also be guided to do the "food offering" to Amma. Such rituals are a beautiful way to express your love for Amma and receive Her grace and blessing for any special occasions; be it a birthday, anniversary etc.
If you would like to sponsor a satsang, perhaps for a special occasion such as a birthday, please contact Udayan for more information on 9700 6301.
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City Satsang in Fitzroy - Friday 19 August 2016 - 7.30pm – 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.
Location: Dance of Life Yoga Studio, upstairs 250 George St, Fitzroy
Contact: Yashwin - 0452 627 901 / Karri - 0455 502 267
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Chanting and Fundraising Dinner
- Saturday 20 August, 6.15pm - 10pm
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Come along for an evening of singing and feasting, hosted by Dance of Life Yoga studio in Fitzroy.
Date and time: 20 August, 6.15pm–10pm
Location: Dance of Life Studio for Yoga and Healing, 250 George St, Fitzroy
Contact: Nava 0415 966 375
Suggested donation: $15.
Dance of Life will donate all funds raised towards Amma’s Ashram Development Fund.
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Amrita Balakendra – 2016 at Amma’s Australian Ashram
“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
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The theme for Balakendra classes this year is "Creative recycling" as decided by the children themselves.
Balakendra classes in August are on the 7th and 21st.
Children are encouraged to participate in a special Children's Chanting and Bhajan session from 10.30am - 11.00 am on Sundays.
Location: Amma's Australian Ashram
Contact: Nava 0415 966 375
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SEVA (Selfless Service) at Amma’s Australian Ashram
Every Saturday (10am - 4pm)
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Our beloved Amma has given us a wonderful Ashram property to develop and maintain. All year people have been undertaking seva at the Ashram during the week and on Saturdays, preparing the hall and buildings for use and beautifying and maintaining the whole property.
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Ashram Garden Seva
The cooler months are the busiest time in the garden with pruning, weed control, transplanting, disease control, edging and mulch removal. Much of this work is light, so there is something for everyone to do.
If you are able to contribute some/part of your Saturdays in this period, please come between 10am and 4pm.
It assists with organisation, if you are able to notify Mani on manik.kalimuthu@gmail.com or 0425 114 447 beforehand. However if you haven’t been able to call, don’t worry, just come.
Your seva contributions are greatly valued and appreciated, Jai Ma!
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Mother's Kitchen
Collingwood, Saturday 6 August 2016, Lunchtime
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Mother’s kitchen Melbourne is serving free lunch every first Saturday of the month at Collingwood Neighbourhood House. Our vegetarian meal includes a main vegetable dish, noodle or pasta, rice, spring roll or dumpling, salad, fruit, and desert. We have been receiving positive feedback from our kitchen.
Should you wish to support this worthwhile service but cannot volunteer in a physical sense, then please do not hesitate to make a donation online. These funds are used to cover the cost of ingredients and incidental expenses in running the program.
Please contact motherskitchenmelb@ammaaustralia.org.au if you are interested in volunteering at the Collingwood kitchen in Melbourne.
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Following Amma’s Australian Tour April 2015, at Amma’s request that our organisation should be more involved in community service, the M. A. Centre Foundation (Aust) - with Swami Ramakrishnananda Puri’s (one of Amma’s senior disciple) guidance, initiated a Breakfast Club Program in July 2015. The program started with five schools neighbouring the Melbourne Ashram – Food items were supplied to the schools in order to provide breakfast meals for children who would otherwise start the day without breakfast due to a variety of reasons including the economic and social circumstances.
The M. A. Centre (Aust) is really pleased to have undertaken such a project which is very much in line with Amma’s dream: 'Everyone in the world should eat to his fill, at least for one day’. With Amma’s Divine Grace, we have been able to set up this project in a really short time and it is already bearing fruit.
In early 2016, working closely with our local MP's office to identify those schools in most need, the Foundation was able to add 3 new schools to the existing five that MAC provides breakfast meals. The schools run the breakfast program 2 – 5 times a week depending on their respective needs and approx. 300 primary school students can now have a healthy meal to start their day at school.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day – this is known to one and all. Most of us are very fortunate to wake up every morning and a hot meal would be ready for us. However, this is not the case for everyone and it is quite concerning that, in today’s world, there are still children who are going to school without eating breakfast or any food at all for the rest of the day.
The breakfast program has a range of impact on students – including better health, educational and social benefits. With a proper breakfast to start the day, they can better concentrate in class and also have a much better learning experience and as well proper nutrition.
As Amma’s children, we are very pleased to be able to make a direct impact on the community. The Breakfast Club has been well received by the community and we are very grateful to Amma for her unconditional love towards all of her children. This project is only possible with the help of volunteers (including school staff and parents). Should you wish to be part of this project, we would love you hear from you.
Contact:
Yashwin Mahadea
Email | breakfastclubmelb@ammaaustralia.org.au
Mobile | 0425 627 901
Online Donations: If you wish to contribute to the Breakfast Club program, donations can be made by credit cards (Mastercard or Visa only) through the web site www.ammaaustralia.org.au. Click on the Donation Icon on the home page and choose Melbourne Kids Breakfast club or follow the following link: Donate to Breakfast Club. |
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Bi-Monthly General Meeting
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The next general meeting will be on the 9 October 2016, 1.45pm - 2.30pm.
All are welcome to attend.
If you would like to suggest an item for discussion at the monthly meeting, please email melbourne@ammaaustralia.org.au
If you have any queries, please email melbourne@ammaaustralia.org.au
MONTHLY ASHRAM WEEKEND PROGRAM
| Every Sunday |
9.30am – 1pm |
Satsang |
| 1st Sunday of every alternate month |
1.45pm – 2.30pm |
General Meeting
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| 1st and 3rd Sunday |
10.30am – 11.45am |
Balakendra Class |
| Every Saturday |
10am – 4pm |
Seva Day |
MONTHLY outside Ashram WEEKEND PROGRAM
| 1st Saturday |
12.30pm |
Mother's Kitchen Collingwood |
| 3rd Friday |
7.30pm – 9.30pm |
City Satsang |
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Contact Us
Want to subscribe to receive this newsletter by email?
Email us and we will add you to our mailing list. To unsubscribe from our mailing list, click "unsubscribe from this list" link below, or email us 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 us 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 – Melbourne
PO BOX 2587, Cheltenham,
Victoria 3192, Australia
Office Phone: (03) 9782 9398
melbourne@ammaaustralia.org.au |
Aum Amriteswaryai Namah
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