Amma in Toronto

20 July, 2010
Toronto, Canada

Amma's four-day program in Toronto, Canada began on July 19th this year. The city of Toronto accorded an official welcome to the spiritual and humanitarian harbinger with an array of eminent political and public figures such as Bryon Wilfert, Member of Canada's Federal Parliament (Richmond Hill Riding), Tony Ruprecht, Member of Provincial Parliament, Ontario (Davenport riding in Toronto) and David Ryan, Mayor of the City of Pickering, Ontario.

The Honorable Mr. Wilfert was first elected to Parliament in 1997 and has been re-elected in every federal election since. He addressed the crowd assembled for Amma's evening public program in Toronto. He welcomed Amma to Canada and emphasized how fortunate he felt to have her present here. He acknowledged the humanitarian work Amma has done in Canada and all over the world and thanked her for setting an example for all of us to follow.

Mr. Tony Ruprecht was first elected to Ontario's Parliament in 1981. In government, Mr. Ruprecht has actively worked in such portfolios as disabled persons, multi-cultural, community and social services. Mr. Ruprecht also carried a message of welcome for Amma from Ontario's Premier, Mr. Dalton McGuinty. In his address, Mr. Ruprecht spoke about the ancient wisdom of the Vedas and other religious texts. He also spoke about the power of thought at the level of vibrations, and how thoughts can condition the physical body. He emphasized that if we could all learn to think within the context of unconditional love, like Amma, we would have the best anti-aging formula for longer, more vibrant lives.

Mayor Ryan was first elected to Pickering City Council in 1994. In 2003, he was elected Mayor and re-elected for a second consecutive term in 2006. Community building is Mayor Ryan's hallmark, and he works with various faiths and cultures to create a more vibrant and accepting place to live.

Mayor Ryan started his talk addressing the crowd as his brothers and sisters, confessing lightly that this may seem an odd way for a politician to open a speech. He then pointed out that if we could open our hearts to one another in a spirit of love and compassion, the world's problems would indeed disappear.

The final program of the North American Summer Tour, the Toronto schedule also includes a three-day spiritual retreat. At the end of the program, Amma departs for a five-day program in Japan before going back to her ashram in Amritapuri, India.

- Radhika

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