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September 2016
Welcome to the September 2016 edition of Amma’s Melbourne and Australian Ashram newsletter. Highlight for this month include Ganesh Chathurthi Satsang, Onam and Amma's 63rd Birthday 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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"Love is our true essence. Love has no limitations of caste, religion, race or nationality. We are all beads strung together on the same thread of love. To awaken this unity and spread the love is our inherent nature, is the true goal of human life.” -Amma
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Events in September 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 3 Sept
Lunch |
Mother's Kitchen
Location: Collingwood Neighbourhood House
Contact: motherskitchenmelb@ammaaustralia.org.au |
Sunday 4 Sept
10.30am - 1pm |
Ganesh Chathurthi Special Satsang
Location: Amma’s Australian Ashram
Contact: melbourne@ammaaustralia.org.au |
Sunday 4 Sept
11.30am - 12.45pm |
Balakendra Class
Location: Amma’s Australian Ashram
Contact: Nava 0415 966 375 |
Friday 16 Sept
7.30pm - 9.30pm |
Satsang in the city
Location: Dance of Life Yoga Studio, 250 George St, Fitzroy
Contact: Yashwin 0452 627 901 |
| Saturday 17 Sept 6.15pm - 10pm |
Chanting Night
Location: Dance of Life Yoga Studio, 250 George St, Fitzroy
Contact: Nava 0415 966 375 |
Sunday 18 Sept
11am |
Special Satsang & Onam Celebrations
Location: Amma’s Australian Ashram
Contact: melbourne@ammaaustralia.org.au |
Sunday 18 Sept
11.30am - 12.45pm |
Balakendra Class
Location: Amma’s Australian Ashram
Contact: Nava 0415 966 375 |
Sunday 25 Sept
11.30am - 12.45pm |
Balakendra Play Rehearsal
Location: Amma’s Australian Ashram
Contact: Nava 0415 966 375 |
Tuesday 27 Sept
7am - 9pm |
Amma's 63rd Birthday Satsang
Location: Amma’s Australian Ashram
Contact: melbourne@ammaaustralia.org.au |
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Upcoming Events |
Saturday 1 Oct
5pm - 9pm |
Amma's 63rd Birthday Celebrations
Location: Amma’s Australian Ashram
Contact: melbourne@ammaaustralia.org.au |
| Saturday 1 Oct - Monday 10 Oct |
Navaratri Celebrations
(Program details will be sent out once confirmed)
Location: Amma’s Australian Ashram
Contact: melbourne@ammaaustralia.org.au |
| Tuesday 11 Oct |
Vijaya Dashami
Location: Amma’s Australian Ashram
Contact: melbourne@ammaaustralia.org.au |
Tuesday 11 Oct -
Friday 18 Oct |
Br Shraddhamrita's Australian Tour 2016
(Program details will be sent out once confirmed)
Location: Amma’s Australian Ashram
Contact: melbourne@ammaaustralia.org.au |
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Forthcoming Event Details
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Ganesh Chathurthi Special Satsang
(4 September 2016)
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Ganesha Chaturthi, the great Ganesha festival is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha.
The story of the birth Ganesha, as depicted in the Shiva Purana goes like this: Once goddess Parvati, while bathing, created a boy out of the dirt of her body and assigned him the task of guarding the entrance to her bathroom. When Shiva, her husband returned, he was surprised to find a stranger denying him access, and struck off the boy's head in rage. Parvati broke down in utter grief and to soothe her, Shiva sent out his squad (gana) to fetch the head of any sleeping being who was facing the north. The company found a sleeping elephant and brought back its severed head, which was then attached to the body of the boy. Shiva restored its life and made him the leader (pati) of his troops. Hence his name 'Ganapati'. Shiva also bestowed a boon that people would worship him and invoke his name before undertaking any venture.
Ganesha is the Lord of success and destroyer of evils and obstacles. He is also worshipped as the god of education, knowledge, wisdom and wealth.
During the birthday celebrations, the statue of Ganesha that has been worshipped for 10 days, is placed on a chariot and taken in procession to the ocean where it is to be immersed.
The message of Ganesh Chaturti is that ultimately all forms have to merge into the formless – all names and forms into the Consciousness.
Please come and join us for Special Ganesh Chathurthi Satsang on 4 September 2016 starting at 10.30am.
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Onam Celebrations
(18 September 2016)
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Every year Onam is a time for great celebration. Amma said of Onam, “All of us are experiencing our own little pains and sorrows in life. Nevertheless, amidst all these, we still usher in Onam with joy. How is it possible? Happiness is a decision. If we so decide, we can create an empire of happiness. This is because happiness is our true nature. The lamp of happiness is ever aflame in our hearts. We must take care not to block this light with the closed curtain of our desires.”
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At present, climatic patterns are changing. It is becoming hotter. There is less rain. The seasons are becoming erratic. In order to live in harmony with Nature, one should love all beings. One must uphold dharma. Dharma used to be the very heart of Onam. Our estrangement from our culture of dharma is the reason for all these irregularities. In the past, people were content with what they received. They were able to find contentment in small things. This is the very message of Onam—the message of sacrifice, simplicity and charity.
The story of Mahabali is also a tale of sacrifice and austerity. It is only because of Mahabali’s self-sacrifice and surrender that he is still remembered today. Each year, we welcome him along with the Lord. Even though Onam actually is the day when Lord Vishnu incarnated as Vamana, we think of Mahabali more than the Lord. This reveals the greatness of devotion and sacrifice. However, initially, there were flaws in Mahabali. He thought all of his accomplishments were exclusively due to his effort. Having such an attitude is like allowing salt to fall into milk; it ruins any sweetness. It is the Lord’s duty to save His devotee from such a predicament. In the end, Mahabali was discerning enough to realize his folly. With this realization came total surrender. His life also teaches us that we must realize our own follies and strive to correct ourselves.
After he had surrendered everything, all that Mahabali asked the Lord was that he be able to see his subjects happy. Mahabali’s love was not confined to words. He did not have any selfish ulterior motive. Such love is very rare in the world today. Many speak loving words but their intentions are impure.
We have heard it sung that during the time of King Mahabali’s reign, all people were considered equal, but that equality was not merely external. It indicates an internal equality—an equal vision that comes from knowledge. External circumstances will constantly change. Happiness will alternate with sorrow. We should try to cultivate an attitude of equanimity and acceptance.
Onam is a symbol of external and internal beauty. Happiness and beauty will be present only in a mind that is devoid of negative emotions. Therefore, may the shadow of negative emotions such as hatred and sorrow leave our minds. Instead, let our minds be filled with the golden light of love and happiness. Let the dark clouds of poverty and conflict lift, and let the world awaken to a new dawn of peace and prosperity. In this way, let the true message of Onam spread all across the world.
May Onam be continuously celebrated in the mind of humanity. May the Paramatman, shower grace for this to happen.
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Amma's 63rd Birthday Satsang & Celebrations
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This year there will be two sets of events celebrating Amma’s 63rd Birthday.
Tuesday 27 September 2016 - 7pm - 9 pm:
Paduka Puja, Bhajans and Arati followed by light refreshments
Saturday 1 October 2016 - 5pm – 9pm:
Bhajans, Multicultural program followed by dinner
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Excerpted from Amma’s 61s Birthday Satsang, September 27, 2014, Amritapuri
As far as Amma is concerned, there is nothing different about this day. Like every day, Amma will see her children, listen to their sorrows and console them. Today is just another day like that. Therefore, Amma has only one thing to tell you: ‘Our lives should be of some benefit to the world. We should sincerely love and console at least one life, for at least a moment, without any expectations.’
In today’s world, there are no guarantees. Anything can happen to anyone, at any time, at any place. At present, the human race is caught in the midst of many serious problems: global warming and other natural disasters, unemployment and economic recession.
If you probe into the source of most of the problems in the world, you will find only one answer: lack of love and compassion. Love and compassion not only provide us with strength and vitality, they also uplift everyone around us. Love is the divine medicine and compassion is the mrita-sanjeevani—the remedy for death.
Another thing that we need to be aware of is the preservation and protection of Nature. Every natural disaster is a warning from Nature that we need to rectify our ways. We should not ignore these warnings.
We need to enjoy every moment of our life, aware of how precious it is. Life does not become meaningful by chasing after sense pleasures like an animal. It only becomes meaningful when we spread happiness to others. It is this understanding that makes a human being truly human. No one knows how long he will live. Therefore, as soon as possible, we should complete all the good actions we are supposed to. Let’s not postpone anything for tomorrow.
Devotion and compassion towards the poor and the needy go hand in hand. They are like two sides of a coin. We should look around us and reach out to people who need our help. If we are able to help even just one person, we can bring about a big change in their life. If my children can become ready to share their lives with the poor and the needy, that would be the best birthday present Amma could ever receive.
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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 Samastha 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 279,753..
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 16 September 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 17 September, 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: 17 September, 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 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
Balakendra classes in September are on the 4th, 18th and 25th.
All children participating in Amma’s birthday play, please attend classes as rehearsals will also be held in each class.
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 3 September 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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