Category: General
not this nor that
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Amrita SeRVe in Kolkata
Kalinagar is a small village about 25kms South of Kolkata. A typical Bengal village that can be reached only by walk or a two wheeler, or with the special grace of a three wheeled auto riksha driver. Miles before the village, as you take the right turn from the tarmac road you get to pass through the narrow strip of road with water bodies on either side. You ride on the boiled and drying paddy spreads on the cemented stretch of road. Innumerable water bodies in which flourish algae, hyacinths as well as ducks and fish; in which are sailing…
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What did you decide about selling tobacco?
Dharmendar Singh of Hadiabad village was quick to pick up Amma’s Teachings. He was dissuaded from selling tobacco in the tiny village. He stopped it the same day, in Amma’s Name. Amma’s children from Amritapuri were in Hadiabad, the village by the Mushar tol (Mushars are a community who are in dire need of evolution) in Ratanpur village of Ara-Bhojpur district of Bihar State. And we went round the village speaking about Amrita SeRve- the team Amma sends to serve the villagers in order to make them self reliant. This was my second visit here. Till date I had visited…
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An Origami Moment
For Amma’s birthday celebration, a number of villagers visited from all over India. One group came from the tribal village of Motakkara. They had never been any distance from their village before and were wide eyed at all the sights of Amritapuri. A group of the children had also come, as they would be given scholarships on the birthday. Earlier, a group of Japanese visitors had expressed an interest in visiting their village, but this hadn’t been possible. However, the villagers ended up coming to them, giving the opportunity for interaction. The children were gathered and the Japanese arrived, some…
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Two hearts united in compassion
21 Sunday, September 2014 This Sunday in Amritapuri, Amma married Radhika and Rateesh, a young couple who came to Amma’s ashram as troubled youth. Here are their stories: Radhika My name is Radhika. Today, the 24th of September, I married Rateesh, who works in Dubai. For both of us, life was a long tragic story before we came to Amma. My home was in Pathanamthitta. But for me and my younger sister, Revathi, Mata Amritanandamayi Math is our home now. How did the Ashram become our home? Behind it there is a story soaked in tears. Beyond Konni in the…
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If there is Heaven on Earth, It is This …
Imagine somebody who has embraced over 34 million persons individually. Imagine someone who has travelled across continents, year after year, for 40 years, wiping the tears of those seeking solace– irrespective of country, colour, caste or socio-economic background. Imagine a being, whose sole mission in life is to shower unconditional love and compassion.Imagine a person for whom round-the-clock selfless service is something which flows straight from the heart. Imagine a leader whose personal example has inspired ordinary mortals to create a wonderful edifice of: national and internationally recognised charities, globally respected health and wellness institutions; a nationally accredited and respected…
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Mother and Children in Sensō-ji Temple, Tokyo
A couple of years ago, I attended Amma’s Japan programs. After Amma’s program in Tokyo, I went to see the local temples. I went to the Sensō-ji temple, which is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan. It is Tokyo’s oldest temple, and one of its most significant. The temple is dedicated to the Bodhisattva Kannon. It was formerly associated with the Tendai sect, it became independent after World War II. While going around the temple, I was pleasantly surprised to see a statue of Mother and her children. The statue reminded me of Amma and Amma’s logo!…
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Marriage in Batwadi
A wedding is one of the top expressions of Garhwali culture, bringing together large extended families, with good food and festivities. As a cultural experience, the wedding of Harish and Pria was a fascinating day. Yes, the bride was beautiful. However, as I look through the hundreds of photos I took of this event, I also see two scared children trying to trust that this rite of passage into adulthood will lead to a good life. Batwadi is a wonderful village, full of good hearted people who have already given much support to this family. Perhaps village life can provide…
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All decked out for a wedding
I have told you in the past about Shanti Devi, the recipient of our first house, but have said little about her son Harish who will also be living there. He too shares her pain, the loss of a father, brother, and the mules that were the source of his family’s income. Today Harish was married. Although the house is far from completed, a temporary tarp roof was added, and they moved in for the occasion. As they have been living in a tent for many months, the unfinished house seemed quite spacious and took on a very festive air.…
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Fertile fields
The Himalayas are the youngest mountain range on earth. That is both a good and a bad thing. They are prone to dramatic earthquakes, landslides, and devastating floods like we saw last summer. But the mountains also thrust up fresh, nutrient rich soil that makes this an extremely productive place to farm. When I first arrived in late December, the fields in the Mandakini valley were ablaze with the brilliant yellow of mustard flower. Actually the mustard is a cover crop, planted along with winter wheat. In the past few weeks, the mustard has been harvested by hand from amongst…