Donation Update

Dear Yogi's

As many of you know, for Evan's first birthday instead of gifts we've been raising money for Amma's children's charity's. Nearly a thousand dollars have been raised so far! and contributions continue to flow in. At this time, I thought I would copy the letter that we had at the birthday party with links to Amma's websites. Thanks to all of you! BTW, we've posted some pictures on our baby blog www.ahyoga.blogspot.com

If you would still like to make a donation you may do so through us or you can also go directly to:
https://www.amma.org/donations/make-a-donation.html

About the Charities

I made my first trip to India in 2002 to follow Amma on her annual tour of the Sub Continent. As a young spiritual seeker, I planned on having deep meditation practices and transcendent visits to temples and other holy sites. Little did I realize the true mission of a spiritual master.

Although I did have time sitting in my meditative posture, the real practice was spent in selfless service. Amma frequently says that "to love God is to love others and to serve God is to serve others."

I feel very fortunate to have seen her tireless example of love and service.

While travelling the Indian countryside by bus, we would stop for food and lodging at Amma's many charitable centres. Many meals were eaten at schools and orphanages along the way. We slept on the floors of classrooms. I had the great privilege of sharing the quarters with bramachari's (spiritual renunciates). We also visited some of India's most high tech colleges and hospitals, which have been established through Amma's mission.

So much of the 4 months with Amma has made a lasting impression on me. The main realization was that no matter how lofty my goals with yoga, the real work is found through love and devotion and service to others.
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

On the occasion of Evan's birthday, we have chosen the Amrita Niketanam and Balamandiram (Orphanage and Youth Hostel) in South India.

The Amrita Niketanam (Orphanage) and the Amrita Balamandiram (Hostel for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribal Children) in Parippally, in the Kollam district of Kerala, serve more than 500 children from the most disadvantaged sections of society. They are provided with free food, accommodations, schooling, and vocational and cultural training.

The Parippally Orphanage is a particularly poignant example of Amma's compassion for the needy and suffering. In 1989, when Amma directed the M.A.Math to take over this orphanage, it was operating under extreme dilapidated conditions. There were inadequate facilities for sanitation, a definite lack of sufficient food and nutrition for the children, not enough clothing, and dark, dirty and cramped housing. These children were neglected physically and emotionally. Volunteer renunciates from the math helped renovate the orphanage. Old buildings were replaced or upgraded. Old latrines were torn down to create an open space, the ground was levelled to install a huge underground septic tank and new drains. Special wide metal-framed bunk beds were hand made at the Amrita Math workshop for two new dormitories for the older girls. Sources of hygienic drinking water were provided and smokeless ovens installed in the kitchen.

Today the orphanage is home to 570 boys and girls of which about 500 are from tribal and scheduled caste families. Many of the tribal children have families, however, the parents are too poor to take care of the children. They come to the orphanage to receive hope, wholesome meals, loving care and the education that is not available in their home regions. The orphanage children receive academic training as well as lessons in basic health, yoga, art and culture. They are provided three nutritious meals a day and adequate clothing and medical attention. All of these improvements have greatly contributed to the basic material needs of these children; however, what is most remarkable is the non-material help related to their educational, cultural and spiritual needs. Above all, the children have found in Amma a loving mother who gives them love and compassion. Through their loving relationship with her and the many Ashram residents who are dedicating most of their working hours to their education and general well-being, a sense of security and belonging has been instilled in the children's hearts.Paripally Educational Center
The orphanage children have won several prizes for their commendable performances in academics as well as in state and district level sports competitions. Both boys and girls are taught the ancient temple art of Kerala Panchavadyam. Those who have received training from the Amrita Arts and Cultural Center at Parippally have already presented several performances in various parts of the state.

The healthy, happy environment that now exists at the orphanage has helped them to better concentrate on their studies, and they now get good grades both in class work and on examinations.

Amrita Bhavanam Hostel
The tribal people are among the poorest and most exploited sector of society. To provide hope and the opportunity for a better life for the younger generation, Amrita Bhavanam, a hostel for tribal children, was founded in 1993. Children from various tribal groups in Kerala and Tamil Nadu are accommodated in the hostel. They are provided with housing, food and exceptional educational facilities, including training in computers.

Please visit http://www.amma.org/ to learn more about Amma's charitable and spiritual activities in India and around the world

http://www.amritapuri.org/
http://www.amma.org/


***