In all the cities on the Europe tour we could see Amma’s teachings on protecting the environment and respecting nature being put into practice. All the programs had recycling and composting of all the waste generated. Near the kitchen there were huge containers for separating the hard and soft plastic, paper and organic waste. Inside all the halls there were recycling stations in different locations. The Italians got the highest marks for artistic and colorful recycling signs decorated with instructive drawings.

Amma’s bookstore went to great lengths to avoid the use of plastic bags. A few departments were lucky enough to have lovely cloth gift bags made from fabric scraps by an 88 year old French woman as her contribution. These were greatly appreciated by the buyers who sometimes seemed more enthused by the bag than the object inside that they had just purchased! Also available were simple cloth bags made by the villagers who were taught sewing as a livelihood after the tsunami.

The Paris program was noticeable for its emphasis on organics. The label “Bio” was widely seen on milk and juice. There were even “Bio-crepes”. For the health conscious, that French specialty was available with organic nuts chocolate and fruit. Organic winter vegetables were for sale in the eating area along with information about the value of eating organic.
Looking at the pumpkins, I was reminded of Ireland’s AYUD group. They had grown vegetables and during darshan they took a giant pumpkin to Amma. It took 4 young men to carry it to Amma. Despite everyone’s pleas, she took the huge pumpkin on her lap! She gave the young people and the pumpkin a lot of attention. The young were ready to carve it and had brought a knife. Amma told them to please not cut it in her presence as she couldn’t stand to see it! So the pumpkin was removed and cut at a safe distance! Such is Amma’s compassion even for a vegetable!

However, the “topper” at the Paris program were the dry composting sawdust toilets. These outdoor, portable, outhouse style toilets, which were “flushed” with sawdust, were more popular than the conventional ones. Even after three long days of programs there was no smell at all! In two months the excrement and sawdust would be useable compost.

The French and German ashrams are both active in growing organic food in innovative ways and the French ashram, as per Amma’s instruction, is collecting heirloom seeds in a seed bank for future generations. Seeds were available from the ‘AYUD Growin’ Project as well as from the ashrams for purchase for home gardens. The German ashram has created a line of lovely soaps that quickly sold out. They also had herbs, teas and lavender products available from their gardens for sale.

As usual, Amma is “multi-tasking”. Visitors to her programs receive her darshan, spiritual teaching and inspiration, as well as environmental awareness. They have a chance to purchase healthy products for body and mind, the proceeds from which will benefit Embracing the World charities around the world. It doesn’t get better than this!

Rta

Munich, 2010