Tsunami and its aftermath

Times rolls on and so does life. Tragic events such as the Tsunami leave bitter scars in the lives of thousands and in the memories of the entire humankind. However, at this time the wounds caused in the minds and bodies of the victims of this terrible catastrophe are still fresh. Various humanitarian organizations are struggling to reach out to as many victims as possible. In this context, it is mind-boggling to see how Amma is handling the situation. Amma's disciple, Br. Dayamrita chaitanya in his heart-rending letter to the devotees wrote thus...

"Amma herself described to me that she had never seen such mass suffering before. Many villagers whom she knew died in the calamity. Most of the remaining villagers lost everything including their houses and belongings. Many have lost their relatives- their grief is unfathomable for a person who has not gone through such a tragedy. The dead did suffer, but those who are left alive are suffering even more. When Amma talked to me, she described that many of the women and children did not even have proper clothing or underclothes to wear and her compassion was so overwhelming that she herself started stitching undergarments for these women and children. This was in the time left over after giving guidance to government officials, working with ashram residents and visitors with regard to concerted relief efforts and many sleepless nights. Amma has been the perfect role model of how a human being should be, like the candle giving out light to others while melting itself."

For a complete report please go here

Experience with Amma
Gratitude - An Orphan's reminiscences

I was feeling completely lost and was crying in the strange surroundings, but my mother paid no heed to it. She forcefully detached her hand and walked away. A teacher roughly took hold of my hand and dragged me into a classroom. She looked at me with contempt, as if to say, " one more wretch has arrived." My memories begin from that time. Read

Web Auction is here again - Shop and support the Tsunami victims

The third annual national Web Auction at www.amma.org is now entering its second and last week. The auction ends 11:59pm Friday Jan 14th. To participate in this auction, please visit Web Auction

As per Amma's instructions, all proceeds from this web auction will directly support Tsunami Relief efforts in India. Web auctions in the past have contributed to Amma's Humanitarian Project, "Amrita Kuteeram" - Amma's Housing Project. The first auction in 2002 spring brought in enough funds to build 21 houses in India for the poor. Net proceeds from last winter's auction contributed to 54 houses.

The auction features more than 350 items, a majority of which have been either used or blessed by Amma, as well as close to 30 services contributed by Amma's children.

Highlight items within the auction include Amma's very first meditation rug, Amma's 50th Birthday Day Saree, Prasad Silver Padukam, Very very Special Jewelry and Prasad Amma paintings. Non-prasad items include rare and hard to find antique collector's items, services by devotees etc.

We encourage everyone to please visit and bid, online between now and Jan 14th.

For auction inquiries, please email: auctions@amma.org

Gems to treasure
Amma walked to the spot where the Tsunami victims were cremated and prayed. The ashram residents and devotees joined her. She said...

"My children, pray for everyone in the world. Pray for those who are dead and also for those who are living. Pray for the wives who lost their husbands. Pray for the children who lost their parents. Pray for the parents who lost their children.

We may claim that we are the ones who are doing everything, but before we could even blink our eyes, the waves came and destroyed everything. We now understand the limitations of our efforts, and that science too has limitations. It is grace that helps to make everything complete. Our only protection is in surrendering to God.

We may claim we are living in the moment, but even the next breath is not in our hands. Living in the moment is stressed by the Masters to help us embrace eternity.

One thing we can do in this situation is to invoke love and compassion in our hearts. Pray with your hearts. Act with your hands.

The dead are gone. To bring them back is impossible. Let us use this situation as an opportunity to share peace and love with the living. Become an embodiment of peace and service - both internally and externally. Pray and put forth the effort - take a vow.

Pray 'lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu.' ( May all the beings in all the worlds be peaceful and happy)."

Amma then sat down in the sand, and everyone chanted the ancient mantra for several minutes. As the chanting slowly subsided, one could see that Amma's cheeks were stained with tears. The ceremony came to a close as everyone walked around the cremation ground in a circle, holding lit lamps. As Amma offered her lamp to the Arabian sea, the others followed suit.

Events in Amma Centers nationwide.

Relief efforts in the Bay area
Help bring life and hope back into the lives of those victims!

BENEFIT LUNCH for TSUNAMI RELIEF at the Aqua Hotel, Mill Valley, CA on Sunday, January 16th, 2005, 11:30 pm. This is an invitation to join hands and make a difference! For more information

BENEFIT CONCERT for TSUNAMI RELIEF at the MA Center Friday, January 28th, 2005, 7:30 pm.The Turtle Island String Quartet is a world-renowned ensemble consisting of two violins, cello, and viola, led by our very own Dave Balakrishnan. "They are a unified voice that truly breaks new ground...authentic and passionate...a reflection of some of the most creative music-making today." --World Renowned cellist, Yo-Yo Ma.
For more information

To buy tickets for both these upcoming events

Links to our satsang websites

New Satsangs
  Maine satsang (meets every month, first sunday)
  Western New Jersey satsang (meets every day)
  St. Louis, Missouri (the first one in the state of Missouri)

IAM Courses
The IAM - Integrated Amrita Meditation Technique^SM (IAM Technique) is a powerful way to reconnect with our real center, our inner Self and thereby experience true joy and peace in life. By practicing this meditation everyday, we can experience these benefits.

More About the Technique
Born out of Amma's Divine inspiration, the IAM Technique^SM, when practiced with dedication, is designed to bring about integration in our lives-an integration of body, mind, intellect and heart; an integration of our True Self with God.

Current schedule of classes in North America for the year 2005 starting on January 4th has been announced here

January 2005