Category: AshramDiary
life at the Amritapuri ashram
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A unique seva
Few days back, one ashramite asked the other, “Why do you smell bad?” the latter said, “I am back from my seva.” The former frowned, “I wonder when computers started stinking?” The latter said, “No! Today I got a chance to do a unique seva. You get a chance to do this seva once in 10 years.” And he started explaining. Yes! the bramacharin was referring to ashram septic tank cleaning seva. After 10 years all the 4 huge tanks are full and they needed immediate action. First, a contractor was approached and he demanded a huge cost. He needed…
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A call to Kenya
I first met Amma in 1989 when Amma came to LA for one of her first programs. I cryed in her arms like a baby during my first darshan. I had been seeking the path for 6 years after being fed up with working in the world and being diametrically opposed to the values of such a capitalistic system of greed and materialism. My body was the indicator that something was very much wrong with my way of life. I had two critical brushes with my health that helped me turn to the path. When Amma came to LA, USA…
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prayer hall renovation
Amma says, “Ashram is like a forest.” But, it looks like a factory now! Yes! Ashram’s main prayer hall is undergoing thorough renovation. The prayer hall is very unique. It is spread around one acre of land and doesn’t have any pillars in between. A stranger will be stunned to see its architectural beauty. Battalion of workers under the leadership of half a dozen bramacharis started removing the sound proof ceiling first. The workers need to be perched on 50 feet high beams! All safety measures were carefully taken. The entire work need to be finished within 6 weeks- before…
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Amritasya Putrah Vayam
It is 4:30 PM, September 26, 2009. The stage is already set for the mega events that are lined up for the next two days. All devotees, including Vidyamritam children, are gathered at the venue of the function, awaiting anxiously their Spiritual Master’s appearance on the dais. The dais, meanwhile, is occupied by many Swamis and brahmacharis of the ashram, who too are waiting with us, the arrival of the other guests. Media people are lined up at the given slot, to take all happenings to the doorsteps of their readers, particularly, the devotees who are unable to join us…
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The grand finale
September 26, 2009 The stage is all set to host the grand finale of the elocution competition as a part of the Vidyamritam programme for children. A warm welcome has been extended to our audience – mostly people assembled to witness the competition and to encourage the contestants. We whole-heartedly welcomed our team of expert judges Sri P. Rajan ( Assistant Editor, Matrubhoomi daily) Sri M.G.Radhakrishnan ( Assistant Editor , India Today) and Sri C.P.Nair ( retired Chief Secretary of the Government of Kerala). The respected Judges come over to adorn their seats on their dais, along with the 16…
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The mega dias
9:45 AM, 26 Sep 2009 What was a mere frame-work of a ‘stage’ last evening has been transformed this morning into a rich looking mega dais for the great events to come. It has also taken on a magnificent look – at 9.45 am today (September 26), with an understandable aura of spirituality adorning it. The human sea in the area matches the blue sea not far away from here! We are thus made to reckon with the size of Amma’s family, “Vasudeva Kudumbaka”. That gives also us a glimpse of the infinite dimensions of the Love Amma showers on…
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Doing their bit for Amma
Volunteers are busy at the kitchen in Amritapuri cooking food for tens of thousands of devotees that is going to be here on 26th and 27th of this month in relation to the Vidyamritham and Amma’s birthday celebrations. While chopping away busily for the next meal, they talked about what brought them here and their experiences with Amma. Prabodh San Giorgio is a volunteer who have been in the ashram for many years now. He is from Italy and his devotion towards Amma is what brought him here. He says he has see Amma work hard day and night for…
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Medical aid post
26 Sep 2007 The Medical Aid Post at the ASE grounds has been rendering 24-hour medical services with help from the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences for the past three days. The medical aid is equipped to deal with all types of illnesses ranging from a simple fever to more serious cases of broken bones and heart attacks. “We also have a fully operational ICU ambulance to deal with extremely sensitive cases.”, explained Dr Ravi, the Emergency Physician. Interns from Aims work shift hours with each shift containing 3-4 interns who are guided by a practicing doctor or that shift’s…
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Dreaming “BIG” in life
I had once heard someone say that the dreams and aspirations of small children are as endearing and energetic as the waves that shatter against the rocks on the sea shore. Thirteen year old Unni from a fishing colony of Kodungallur dreams big in life. . He equally enjoys playing soccer with his group of friends at sunset on the sea shore and studying the anatomy of human body in Biology. A seventh standard student of Kodungallur vocational higher secondary school, Unni’s deepest passion is but to fight for his country by becoming a soldier. Unni has come to Amritapuri…