On the occasion of Amritavarsham 50 , Honourable President of India Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam and Chief Minister of Kerala Sri A. K. Antony watering the Kalpatharu , symbolizing a New World of Peace and Harmony, with water collected from all the 191 member nations of U. N ., and blessed by Ammo . · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ltlatruvani
[STOP USING TOXIC CHEMICAL- PESTICIDE~
~ue'4-t4e fl-e't/ed~~ ® NIMBASOL A highly effective neem based organic pesticide
SAFE NON-TOXIC NON-POLLUTING
Based on Neem' s {Azadirachta indica) natural 15, No.3 goodness. Protects crops from a large number of agricultural pests as an anti-feedant and repellent. 2 Causes no harm to beneficial organisms, human health or environment. Leaves no toxic pesticide 7
residues in fruits, vegetables, grains, soil or "Staggering" 10 ground-water. Its systemic action makes it "Phe'"nomenal" 23 difficult for ·insect pests to develop resistance . "Far-reaching" 29
Epilogue 36 Contact: Nimba Foods• (Agro Division) Photo Captions 39 C-476-B, Sushant lok-I, Gurgaon - 122002, Haryana (India) Tel: (0124) 238-6861, 238-6229 Fax: +91 124 .238-6229 e-mail: [email protected]
{Dealer enquiries also solicited from India & abroad) so,·cntbcr 2003 1 ...... · · · · · · · · · · ~latruvaui ~ AMMA'S MESSAGE
Spirituality, the Peacemaker
mma has never felt that She has a birthday or that it should be celebrated. It is the sallkalpa (resolve) of Amma's Achildren that has borne fruit in the form of these Celebra tions. It is an occasion for all of Amma's children to come together to pray to the paramatmcm (supreme SelO, thus lighting the lamp of love and peace at a time when there is so much darkness of sorrow and strife. This occasion is a festival of love. As this celebration helps in kindling the awareness that we are children of the Divine Mother, Amma also agreed to join Her chil dren to share their happiness. May this celebration pave the way to bring smiles to the faces of those in distress and also help in wiping their tears. Today, children worshipped Amma's feet with pada puja (cer emonial washing of feet). Cleaning the drains, within and without, wOL!ld make Amma happier. We should not see service to others as a tiresome endeavour but an opportunity given by God. We should also be able to serve soci ety with the same attitude. We should be able to see these actions as an offering to God and thus experience contentment. Let us reflect a little on some glimpses that we see in society: 1. To study about the worlds \Vithin the ocean and about the mys teries in space, we spend a lot of money and organize expedi tions. But we are not n:ady to explore the inner world within, which is nearer than the nearest. 2. The size of TV screens in our houses is getting bigger and bigger. But at the same time our mental screens are becoming smaller and smaller. Our selfishness and ego are responsible for this. Sm·conbcr 2003 3 2 ~tn·cmhcr2003 We should not see service to others as a tiresome the future. There is nothing its tears, its hunger must be ap endeavour but an opportunity given by God. We should wrong with planning. Suppose peased . The cause has to be we are drawing the plan of a traced and treated first. Usually, be able to see these actions as an offering to God and bridge, our attention should be we solve a problem by substitut thus experience contentment. totally on that. When we are ing it with another. building the bridge, our whole In order to understand the 3. \'1/e have powerful ,·acuum enemies have come even closer, attention should be focused on root cause, we must remain alert. cleaners today that can suck and are inside us. Only by win that. But because we are anxious We must learn about our mind even the smallest speck of ning oYer the inner enemies can abbut the future, the mind is al and its thoughts. dust. But we are not at all we achieve real victoiy. ways tense. There are four ways of com aware of the pile of rubbish Who are the inner enemies? Tension is the cause of many municating effectively: reading, (ncgativities) within increas Ego, jealousy, hatred and greed, diseases. Many are alive because writing, speaking and listening. ing clay after clay. to name a few. To defeat them, of a pacemaker. If we install a We are trained well in reading, 4. We h:l\'e decorated the 'valls we need to strengthen the army peacemaker in our hearts, we can writing and speaking right from of our houses with wallpaper within us. Discrimination, humil do without most pacemakers. our childhood. But our faculty of featuring be 1utiful images of ity, service and love for God con What is this peacemaker? It is listening is not as well trained as nature. We love it ve1y much stitute this army. If we usc these spirituality. the other three. Hence most of that way. But at the same time, positi,·c forces effectively, "'c "·ill When difficult situations arise us are poor listeners.
we cut down the tr~esaround be able to attain victo1y and ex in life, we try to change the situ God has given us two ears our houses. We do not hesi perience real happiness. ation instead of trying to discover and one mouth. We have to lis tate to dump garbage into riv In today's society, the biggest and change the cause of it. Un ten twice as much as we speak. ers or ponds. complaint that cve1ybody has is less we go to the root of the But it is the other way around. It is the mind that makes life lack of time. Eve1yone is busy. problem, we can never arrive at We go on speaking without lis beautiful or ugly. We should first Even a small child can be heard a solution. Suppose a little child tening adequately. We need to beautify the mind. During the saying, "I am in a bit of a hurry." is crying because of hunger. The learn the a1t of listening. If we Satya Yuga (Age of Truth), there This is spreading like a conta mother consoles the child by giv are good listeners, we will ben were intermittent wars between gious disease. ing it toys to play. The child re efit, and we will also be able to the asuras (clemons) and del'as Such is the condition of many mains quiet for sometime. But make others happy. The art of (gods). However, they lived in people. They think about hun soon, when the child feels the listening will help us act appro different worlds. \X!hen Sri Rama dreds of things that needs to be hunger pangs again, it starts ciy priately in all situations and free incarnated, the enemy came a done hut arc not able to accom ing more loudly. In order to stop us from many problems. little closer and occupied the plish anything. Why? Because the neighbouring isbnd. During Sri mind is not still or steady. \Y/e are If we install a peacemaker in our hearts, we can do Krishna's time, the enemy was in not able to live in the present. without most of the pacemakers. the same family. In this age, the Our thoughts are always about What is this peacemaker? It is spirituality.
4 so,·cmbcr 200:1 so,·cmbcr 2003 3 · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ltlatru v ani The reason for the wars and freedom to choose what to dis ~ AMRITAVARSHAMS0 - 1 increase in terrorism today is the card and what to nouris h . hatred in the individual· mind. Through constant effort, we will Bearing hatred towards the en be able to kindle the love within emy is like consuming poison and thus overcome the ego. and expecting the enemy to die; What are the gifts that God Prologue it destroys all peace of mind. has given us? Discrimination and The sight of a physically love. If we use these appropri handicapped person in a wheel ately, we can realize God. Even chair will easily induce compas though we have both within, we "Big numbers have an effect. Even a candle of light sion in us. Likewise, a person often do not use them. We thus contributes increased light in a world of darkness. In a who is not able to control his or become instrumental in wasting meeting of hearts, words lead to action." her anger has a handicap, which our own unused gifts. - Ammo is not visible. Just as we feel com Love and life are not two, but passion towards the physically one. A life devoid of the sweet he st01y of three blindfolded men t1ying to describe an el handicapped, we should have ness of love is like a parched ephant is here worth recounting. One of the men touched its compassion towards people desert. Life and love are as in side and described the elephant as a vast, hard, wall-like sur handicapped by anger. Our love separable as a word and its T face. Another felt its trunk and said that the creature has a flexible, and compassion can help them meaning. Realizing that life is love funnel-like body. The third held one of the elephant's legs and con to overcome that handicap. and working with that awareness cluded that the animal is like a moving pillar. All three of them were All our negati\ e emotions every moment of our lives con right and wrong at the same time. The elephant was all that the men arise from the ego. To recognize stitute the aim of sadha11a (spiri described, and more. the ego is difficult. The medicine tual practice). When we begin to Similar would be the resu lt of try ing to describe for remedying the disease of the thus live life, others will follow Amritavarsham50. Like the blindfolded men, we have perceived ego is love. If we love somebody suit. We should love one another Amma's 50th Birthday Celebrations from a few angles only. But we sincerely, we will never have any and become one. We should ex have tried to bring together as many perspectives as possible in this anger or jealousy towards that press love. We can then create issue of Matnwani to describe an event that has been variously person. If we set our minds to it, heaven in our lives. ~ described as "staggering," "phenomenal" and "far-reaching." we can nurture the love within. The event was staggering in terms of the scale of the Celebra Likewise, if we so wish, we can From the speech giuell by Am ma tions as well as the range and diversity of functions conducted and nourish anger, jealousy and 011 the morn iJZg of September other negativities within. We 27", 2003, !ntenzaliollal initiatives launched. have both within us. We have the Stadium, Kocbi The dynamism of the Celebrations and the response evoked sur passed all expectation. Amritauarsham50 generated tremendous ~ goodwill, rapport and enthusiasm for Amma's mission. It was, in short, phenomenal. 6 No•·entbcr 2003 November 20 0 3 7 A true measure of an event's communicate, which will mani 'J\mma will be happy if Her children come together and success is its impact. That of fest later, when the right time ar pray for world peace and harmony. 11 Amritauarsham50 is yet to be rives. So, I didn't clare break the fully understood. But it has al silence to repeat my desire. In -Amma ready engendered resolutions, another couple of minutes, action plans and initiatives that Amma left the room. children come together and pray for world peace and harmony on will, if well implemented, have "After the traditional worship that day. So, if at all something like what swami-man (son) an far-reaching effects. of Amma's feet, I was about to nounced is going to take place, Amma would like to see it as a conclude the formal birthday unified effort for world peace, not as a birthday.' So, that is how the (\.v function. There, at the podium, whole thing began." standing in front of various dig The seed of inspiration germinated over a year, fertilized by dis When and how did it all start? nitaries, I suddenly felt a strong cussions, untiring efforts and the sacrifice of devotees all over the urge to say the following: 'A.mma, world. The taproot of the vast tree of activities was, of course, Amma. September 27th, 2002, Atnrita may I now seek Your permission She was the powerful nucleus of the dynamism evident before and puri: Swami Amritaswarup and blessing to inform all Your during the Golden Jubilee Celebrations, the luminous heart of good ananda Puri, later to assume the devotees, admirers and follow will that palpitated in each and every cell of the Celebrations, and role of International Convenor, ers that we, as Your children, the spring of Grace that anointed Amritauarsham50. ® Amrilauarsham50, asks Amma, would like to celebrate Your 50th minutes before She leaves Her Birthday as an international room to go to the hall where Her event?' I paused and looked at children are waiting, "Amma, can Amma to see Her response. we celebrate Your next birthday Amma looked at me and smiled. as an international event?" I continued my announcement, This was what transpired, in 'I consider that smile as Amma's Swamiji's own words: "There permission.' The devotees and pranaM~ was no verbal response--only a dignitaries present applauded profound silence. To be honest, and received the decision whole I still don't know how to inter heartedly. pret Anuna's silence. During such "However, that was not the occasions, I rather accept it as it end. When the excitement sub is, than arrive at conclusions sided, Anuna said, 'Amma never based on my own judgements. remembers Her birthday and She Purna Consulting Engineers From experience, I also has no interest in celebrating the Piping & Project Engineers know that such moments always occasion as a special day. How Bangalore have something deeper to ever, Amma will be happy if Her E-mail: [email protected]
8 No•·cmbcr 2003 N'ovt:mbcr 2003 9 · · · · ~latruvanl ~ AMRITAVARSHAMS0-2
f1J """"r"' (9~-~ ~) "Staggering''
"We have done a lot of big shows but nothing like this before. We are stunned at the magnitude and the happenings around." -Michael and Vijay, Sound & light Specialists, Bangalore
midst the regal tones of the Thayambaka' led by Shri. Mattanur Shankaran Kutty, and in Amma's divine presence, AH.H. Madhvacharya Swami Vishvesha Tirtha, pontiff of Pejaver ashram, Udupi, Karnataka, raised the Amritavarsham50flag. As it rose-its ochre, yellow and white colours and Amrita varsham50 logo conspicuous against the azure skies-hopes for world peace and hannony must also have soared. The Amritavarsham50 flag was only one of many flags fluttering in the early morning breeze. The broad avenue leading up to the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium was lined on either side by flag poles hung with flags from the 191 United Nations member countries, as if paving the way for world unity. If the assortment of flags was a visual metaphor of world pe·ace and harmony, the aural equivalent was surely the musical rendition of Lokah SaJrlastah Sukhino Bhavantu. Composed by Rahul, the piece was an evocative blend of Malayalam, Sanskrit, Hindi and English lyrics, its music suggesting East-and-West fusion.
H.H. Madhvacharya Swami Vishvesha Tirtha raising the flag in Ammo's divine presence, watched by dignitaries and devotees. 1 Traditional Kerala drum-cymbal-and-horn ensemble
••,.••u•~•••'-·-··-~··~···- 2003 11 10 Novo:miK:r 2003 Dayl function, during which 108 ~~$ununi!J sannyasins (Hindu monks)-in "People like Amma make cluding 10 sannyasinis (nuns) religious leaders realize that and six swaminis of the Jain or in order for their religion to der-were worshipped in the tra be of relevance, they have ditional way. Sannyasins are tra to commit to authentic ditionally the torchbearers of action." spirituality, and it is considered -Sri. Bawajain, Secretary an honour to worship them. General, World Council of Religions, Chairman, The Day2 World Youth Peace Summit /: "We are affirming the Chords of harmony were beauty of diversity" struck by the Interfaith Summit, -Ms. Linda Evans, Actress and a gathering of spiritual and reli Environmental Activist gious leaders from around the world to discuss and endorse The Women's Summit on the resolutions to promote healthy second clay resonated with ech dialogue between faiths and re oes of Amma's speech during last ligions. The inauguration began year's Global Peace Initiative of with each participant lighting one Women Religious and Spiritual of the wicks on a lamp. A chorus Leaders. Speakers, female and of over 50 singers rang out in male, offered their vision of how harmony, heralding the start of awakening motherhood in every the Celebrations. one could bring about global The morning talks were fol peace and harmony. lowed by Achatya Vandanam Clit The speakers also paid trib erally, "worship of the spiritual ute to Amma. During Her inau preceptor"). Swami Turiy gural speech, Ms. Yolanda King, amritananda and Swami Amrita Director, Martin Luther King, Jr., ...... -..... -----· geetanancla presided over the Center for Non-violent Social (top left) H.H . Modhvochoryo Swami Vishvesho Tirtho; Ammo and Sodhvi Somani Jyotiprogyo, Anuvrot Movement; (centre) His Groce Cyril Mar Boselios, Archbishop of Trivondrum, lighting the lamp; on his OUR HUMBLEPRANAM) AT TH€ LOTU) F€€T OF AMMA left ore H.H. Modhvochoryo Swami Vishvesho Tirtho, Shri. P. P.Dhanraj & Family,Mulund, Mumbai Poromeshworon, Sodhvi Somani Jyotiprogyo and Rabbi Leah Novick. 12 Ncn·£mlK:r 2003 Scn ·a.:rubcr 200;1 J 3 Change, declared, "Amma does women's issues. Swamini Niran not just talk the talk, but She janananda, Resident Acharaya, C:Women/Sl 3UI1Unii/ walks the talk of unconditional Chinmaya Mission International love." Dr. Najma Heptulla, Foundation, lauded Amma for Deputy Chairperson, Rajya reinstating women as priests. Sabha (Indian Parliament), re Prof. Mangalam Srinivasan, Spe minded everyone, "Amma cial Advisor, John F. Kennedy teaches that we should treat all School of Government, Harvard girls like Durga, Lakshmi and University, pointed out that in Saraswati." equalities between the sexes im Musing on the nature of God, poverish men as well as women. Shri. P. Parameshwaran, Director, Dr. Poornima Advani, Chairper Bharatiya Vichara Kendra, said, son, National Commission for "To worship God as Mother is the Women, said, "Let us follow easiest and the most natural thing Amma's teachings and make a _ in the world." Rabbi Leah bridge between the 'haves' and Novick, Pathfinder of the Jewish 'have-nots' with the path of love." Renewal Movement, discussed Dr. Kapila Vatsyayan, Former "Shekhinah," God's feminine as Secretary, Department of Arts, pect, then declared, "Here we Ministry of Human Resources, have sitting with us right now, called for "complementarity, not the Shekhinah in this room, our competition" as a way of combat Amma." Going by the applause ing conflict created by focusing that followed, it seemed that ev only on differences. Smt. Mridula eryone had endorsed her view! Sinha, Chairperson, Central So Another speech that was well cial Welfare Board, India, quoted received was by Dr. K.S. Fathima India's Prime Minister, Shri. Atal Beevi, Member, Syndicate, Ma Behari Vajpayee: "All those who hatma Gandhi University, who are out to render women into spoke in Malayalam. She said that men in the name of equality de "Amma has so much love for Her Serve ridicule. Women are not children, we can come to Amma men. They are women." to get love always." Dr. Saleha Mahmood Abedin, Some of the speakers en Sociologist, Muslim Scholar and larged the social perspective on Director, Institute for Muslim captions on pg. 39
14 Novc;mb<;r 2003 November 2003 15 Day3 their lives. Expertly compeered by Dr. Shrikant Jichkar, Scholar " ... the greatest and most and former State Minister, transformative birthday Maharashtra, the session was by party in human history." consensus one of the most inspir -Ms. Hanne Strong, Spiritual ing sessions during Amrita Leader and Envimnmentalist uarsham50. The CEO Summit saw the The third day registered a cre creme de Ia creme of the Indian scendo in the number of func business community discussing Ms. Dena Merriam, Convener, Minority Affairs, London, dis tions: Youth Summit, CEO Sum ways of propelling India into the puted the demand for equality Global Peace Initiative of Women mit, ]ala Mabasangamam (Great league of developed nations. The made by some feminists. Equity, Religious and Spiritual Leaders, Confluence of Waters) and Presi Summit was presided over by His not equality, she said. She added recalled having Amma's clarshan dential Address. Excellency the President oflndia, that women should be given the when she was preparing for the The youth speakers were Bharat Ratna Dr. A.P.J. Abdul choice to stay at home and have Conference of Women Religious drawn from different countries Kalam, who outlined his vision, children rather than be forced to Spiritual Leaders at the and and walks of life, attesting to India 2020. United Nations in last work. Motherhood, she stressed, Geneva Amma's spiritual magnetism. All Amma reminded the corpo should become the principle on year: "I tapped into a mother's of them spoke about how Amma rate leaders, "Business is for life, which we expand the presence love, power and energy, and I had effected a transformation in but life should not become a busi- of religion in our daily lives. knew then that no force could Shri. Joseph Pulikunnel, Di stop us." rector, Indian Institute of Chris Swamini Krishnamrita Prana, President Kalam at the tian Studies, explained that Trustee, Mata Amritanandamayi CEO Summit facing page: Speakers at although it is commonly believed Sevika Math, said that loving that Semitic religions-Judaism, Amma inevitably makes one the Youth Summit Christianity and Islam-hold more motherly. She described male dominance as a divine Amma as a "divine accelerator," diktat, this is untrue. He cited powered not by domination but stories from the Bible and by softness, calm, femininity and Qur'an to substantiate his talk. empathy.
'~mmadoes not just talk the talk, but She walks the talk of unconditional love." -Ms. Yolanda King
16 Novo:mbo:r 2003 ness. The talents given by God wanted to become-doctor, en "Business is for life, but life should not become are our wealth and the wealth of gineer, lawyer, fashion designer a business. The talents given by God are our wealth and the world." or even simply a good person the wealth of the world." · The ]ala Mahasangamam one needs to dream about it and -Ammo was, perhaps, the heart of work towards achieving that Amritauarsham50. It began with goal. He also had the 100,000- a procession of representatives odd youth repeat after him: perseverance and determination. the Math and Government of from all the 191 UN member "Learning provides thinking! To the heart, it is a feat of Love. Kerala, and between the Math countries. The parade was a Thinking provides knowledge! For those around Amma, there is and the Greater Cochin Develop colourful celebration of Knowledge makes you great!" nothing novel or surprising ment Authority; distribution of humanity's richness and diver President Kalam later distributed about Her darshan. But it does free sareesto 5,000 poor women; sity. Clad in national costumes, prizes to winners of the national not cease to amaze. The stadium release of a Souvenir magazine, the representatives constituted a Essay Writing Competition. was a perfect setting for one of Colors of Compassion featuring microcosm of the world, and Her most remarkable plays. paintings inspired by Amma, a their procession, hope for amity Day4 Amma was the proverbial coffee-table book on Amma with amongst all. The head of the con calm eye of the storm of activi sayings, four new books by tingent then handed a vessel con "Amma is still a wonder to ties whirling around Her. Over Amma's sannyasin disciples, and taining waters from India's seven me, an incomprehensible the four days, many initiatives a book in Braille on Amma; and sacred rivers and those of other phenomenon, even after were launched, including the re the presentation of the Amrita countries to Amma, who blessed spending 24 long years lease of the Amritavarsham50 Keerti aw~rdsfor fostering it and handed it over to President with Her." Postal Envelope and Cancella Indian's national and cultural Kalam. With the water, His -Swami Amritaswarupananda tion Stamp; Amrita Kripa Neeti heritage to the state and national Excellency watered a kalpataru Pratishtan, a cell of 1,008 law winners. sapling, symbolically nurturing Amma arrived shortly after yers dedicated to offering free le C\.v the promise of the cooling shade 9:30 a.m. and left the next day gal services to the poor and of world peace and harmony. after 8:00 a.m. No stadium in the needy; a mass wedding for 108 The logistics involved present In his address, President world would have ever wit economically-disadvantaged an even more mind-boggling Kalam dared youth to dream, set nessed a 22Y2-hour marathon. To couples; Gift of Sight, a pledge picture. The sound system, for a goal and have a mission. He the eyes, Amma's darshan is a by 25,000 to donate their eyes example, comprised high-end pointed out that whatever one marathon of physical stamina, after death; the inauguration of double cables, double speakers an AIDS Care Centre in Thiruv and double mix panels, and a ananthapuram and a Care Home total audio output of 80,000 "Learning provides thinking! Thinking provides for the Aged in Kottayam; the watts. Similarly, the lighting crew knowledge! Knowledge makes you great!" next phase of Amritakuteeram, used 200 sparks and 20 remote- -President Kalam featuring a joint venture between (colltd. on pg, 22) J8 November 2003 1\'ovc•bcr 2003 19 r
,·~ . .) · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ltlatrnvaui controlled, moving lights for the Transportation: A reception AMRITAVARSHAMS0-3 stage alone. Total output for il office was set up at Cochin Inter ~ lumination: 60,000 watts. national Airport for Amrita To ensure that the maximum varsham50 guests, and vehicles number of people could watch arranged to drop guests at their 11 11 the functions, four giant screens hotels. Special trains carrying Phenomenal and 90 1V sets were installed in Amritavarsham50-bound pas the stadium; 60 1V sets were in sengers ran from Bangalore and stalled at the Exhibition area, Kanyakumari to Cochin. In ad kitchens, canteens, medical cen 1 dition, the Indian Railways of 'A perfect blend of modernism/ spirituality and tres and other areas; and 100 1V fered group concessions to those professionalism. A miracle is happening here. The sets were strategically placed travelling to Cochin. 11 around the stadium complex. And then there was a whole convergence of the whole world has started. Feeding the hundreds of thou system devised to manage waste, -Om Prakash, free-lance journalist, Delhi sands who participated in food and human waste; a vehicle management system that actually Amritavarsham50 made even "Varsham," in Malayalam, has two meanings: "year" and "shower." more staggering demands. Three did away with traffic in Cochin, "Amritauarsham" can thus be taken to mean both "Year of Amrita free meals a day for everyone notorious for its traffic jams; se (ananclamayi)" and "Shower of Amrita, the Nectar of Immortality." translated into 85 tonnes of rice, curity operations involving 3,500 What was phenomenal about Amritavarsham50? What is phe 115 tonnes of vegetables, six police constables and 400 offic nomenal about Amma? The answer to both: everything! tonnes of salt, 30 tonnes of pota ers; a corps of 12,000 trained 2003 marks the 50'h anniversary of Amma's incarnation. Her toes, 15 tonnes of milk, 11 tonnes volunteers; a Media Cell catering sadhana (spiritual practices) during the first 20 years cut a high of sugar, 10,000 tonnes of rava to the needs of the Indian and watermark in the history of spiritual striving. Her ministry over the (semolina), 800,000 pappadams, international media; electrical sta next 30 years enabled Her to reach out to and touch the hearts of 800 vegetable choppers and 200 tion; fire station; generator room; people the world over like no one has before. She rules a spiritual food counters. announcement booths; Medical empire whose centre is everywhere and circumference nowhere. Accommodation: All hotels lo centres; stalls selling ashram mer For souls like Amma who identify with their Self, birth and death cated in Cochin and within 12 chandise; Indian and Western are fictions. Therefore, birthdays, theirs or others, have no special square kilometres were booked dining halls; South Indian, Notth significance for them. Our real birthday, Amma says, is the clay we by M.A. Math months in ad Indian and Western canteens; forget that we were born, for then we are born to our real Self, vance. In addition, marriage Juice Stall; Inquiry counter; and which is immottal, eternal and immutable. halls, auditoriums, schools and much, much more. Though abiding in that highest state, Amma has never turned a colleges in Ernakulam District Suffice to say that a lot went blind eye to the travails of humanity. Amritauarsham50 is a com accommodated more than into the making of Amrita passionate offering to the world, caught in the throes of conflict and 100,000 devotees. varsham50. ~ violence. Scintillating with the beacon-light of love and peace, its
22 Ncwcatbcr 2003 Nov<:mbcr 2003 23 programme proves that She is a global personality," declared New York's Millicent White of PR. Reider Fillance. Media cov erage transcended hype, as jour nalists strove to capture Her spiritual magnetism and cha risma. Usually eloquent word smiths floundered when faced with the phenomenon that is Amma. "I am at a loss for words," admitted Shri. D.L. Prabhakaran, Chief Editor of jans Sparsha. The media did not miss the genuine esprit de co1ps among devotees and volunteers. "The Capturing Ammo's charisma spirit of volunteerism is great and you're helped with a genuine allure drew, according to one smile on the face. It is amazing estimate, one million people over to see the rich and poor both the four days. standing in the same queue for a Scores of national newspa long time to enter the stadium." pers and magazines in English This, an observation made by and Indian languages covered the Charles Haviland of BBC Radio event extensively. BBC News and and Audio Services. Services carried three pieces on Indeed, those with the eyes the Celebrations. Amrita would have seen a teaching writ varsham50 also made headlines large in evety instance. Amma's in Associated Press, 'flJe Washing bhajans, for example, were a lOll Tirnes, Gulf News, Guardian blend of various languagues. Unlimited, independent.co. uk, During the days leading up to Taipei Times, The Miami Herald and including the Birthday Cel and 7he New York Times. ebrations, Amma sang "Ish war "The response of the interna Tumhi DaJ•a Karo"' in Hindi, En tional media for Amma 's glish, French, German, Italian, captions on pg. 39 24 Ncn·cmbcr 2003 Novo:aabo:r 2003 25 "The response of the international media for Ammo's programme proves that She is a global personality." -Millicent White, P.R. Reider Finance, New York
Spanish, Czech, Arabic, Hebrew, Flamenco performance, Amma Japanese and Malay. The under chided someone who looked lying message though was one: bored: "Try to appreciate the ar "Lord, shower me with Your com tistic performances from other passion." Through prayers like cultures. Open yourself up to the these, the language of Love over culture of a new country. That whelmed the Babel of religions. way you will be able to become ll \ ~...'' ~ ll It was significant that each day more accepting and expansive." ll ~ur
11 Far-reaching11
"Quite absorbing. A mass movement of some sort may emerge from this." -Khozen Merchant, Financial Express, London
AmritavarshamSO: phenomenal response Can the dream of world peace and harmony-Amritavarsham50's noted that "Love, Compassion have such energy coming from raison d'etre--become a reality? Yes. But will it? We have every rea and Tolerance are the hallmarks one religious leader, this is of a son to be optimistic. of Aroma's life." Calling Amma a magnitude I have not seen." Peace and harmony begin with the individual. Peaceful individu "Goddess of Bliss,., Sri. T.N. H.H. Shankaracharya Swami als make up a peaceful society. There are signs that Aroma's magic Chaturvedi, the Governor of Raghaveshwara Bharati paid trib worked at the individual and collective levels. For example, G. Karnataka remarked, "Mata ute to Amma: "Kerala is Glllecl Narayana Pillai, 68, whose seva during the Birthday was giving water Amritanandamayi embodies in God's own land. We call it to thirsty devotees, said, "I am very happy to do this job. I am ready Herself the eternal verities of our Mother's own land. Amma lights to work for Amma anytime." He then became so emotional that he ancient heritage. . . . She is the the spark of Divinity in could no longer speak. messenger of humanism for hu eve1yone's heart. Inner enemies An army of 15,000 devoted volunteers like Narayana Pillai is manity torn by discord and sec are more dangerous than outer formidable. They fom1ed the Celebration's support system. None of tarian strife." enemies. No government or army them went for An1ma's darshan. Because of their love and concern Ms. Dena Merriam, Convenor can establish peace in this world. for Aroma's physical well-being, they were content to see Her be of the Global Peace Initiative of It is established only by great loved form from a distance. Such innocence and love can illumine a Women Religious and Spiritual spiritual leaders such as Amma." world dimmed by selfishness and conflict. Leaders, expressed her views on All said and clone, "phenom More specifically, Amritavarsham50 harnessed the strengths of Amritavarsbam50: 'This event enal" seems to be an understate business and women for the spiritual uplift of the world. Business, has been phenomenal. Of all the ment. Amritavarsham50 was, seen as Mammon's altar, is generally regarded as having either no religious and spiritual gatherings like Amma is, a juggernaut whose relation to spirituality or as being its antithesis. As for women, soci I have been to around the world, momentum is gaining force and ety has been deeply conditioned to underestimate their capacity this is something special. To velocity. ~ and potential. The CEO Summit and the Women's Summit did much
2H Scn·~.:utbcr2003 Non:mber 2003 29 to dismantle the superstmcture encouraging media to stop permits only their advancement. Providing Urban Amenities in of false perceptions; they also portraying women as sexual Society should become a high Rural Areas. The Summit partici forged concrete steps to capital objects, and by asking gov way that gives equal freedom for pants discussed the scheme, then ize on the strengths of business ernments, commerce and in women to progress." issued the following resolutions: and women in order to build a dustry to promote dharmic Another meeting, Women Be 1. We agree with the India 2020 new social order based on mu values and training in the yond Borders, was dedicated to vision. We think it is do-able. tual love and respect. principles of Motherhood promoting peace and under 2. We believe fundamentally within their work spheres standing between India and Pa that we can mobilize efforts Women's Summit 6. Engaging female priests in kistan. This meeting, moderated for the entire Indian Family places of worship by Dr. Shrikant Jichkar, saw six across the globe. The resolutions and action items Amma has also already rein women from the two countries 3. We believe that that it is di passed include: stated women priests in Her and representatives from M.A. rectional and motivational. 1. Gender awareness and edu temples. She has also helped Math discussing possible cross 4. We believe it is a win-win cation programs many hapless widows through border projects. If implemented, strategy-win for the rich and 2. Elimination of harmful social Amrita Nidhi, which gives them the projects could improve rela win for the poor; win for In customs such as dowty and free monthly pensions. The free tions between the two countries. dia and win for the world. female feticide and infanticide weddings sans dowry that Amma The meeting is also a step to 5. We believe the intent of the 3. Caring for the physical needs conducted during Amrita wards realizing Amma's vision of resolutions can be widely of abused women, especially varsham50 were another step in the world as a flower, each coun shared. through provision of havens the same direction. But the stron try representing a petal therein. 6. We believe that we can cre 4. Education of men and boys, gest impetus, some would say, ate the same energizing mo especially first offenders, who came from the satsang Amma CEOSumm.it ments as when man landed have abused women, by im gave on the evening of the on the moon. parting spiritually-based and Women's Summit. "Amma is not The objective of the CEO Sum 7. We believe that our focus will educationally sound, correc a feminist. She is just stating mit was novel and relevant: how not only be on the ntral poor tive principles facts." That said, Amma stressed to frame a practicable resolution but also on the urban poor, 5. Protection of women's integ that men "should not turn soci to transform India into an eco with higher focus on rural rity in public spheres by ety into a one-way road that nomically secure and spiritually poor. We need to connect the strong global leader within the poor with the rich. framework of India 2020, Presi 8. PURA allows us to express, "Men should not turn society into a one-way road that dent Kalam's vision of transform adapt and implement across a permits only their advancement. Societ}' should become ing India into a developed nation wide range of activities. We re a highway that gives equal freedom for women by 2020. quire a deep commitment to en to progress." This vision is going to be trepreneurship and innovation. -Ammo driven by PURA, a scheme for 9. We have defined certain
30 No•·cmbcr 2003 Ncwcmbcr 2003 31 "I have been in India many, many times, but I have not Balasubramaniam, Chairman, of the violence and bloodshed in Bannari Amman Group the world. Amma has pointed out seen the type of enthusiasm that I have seen at the 4. Sarvanampetti Amrita-PURA that many are prepared to die for Amritavarsham50 CEO Summit." by Shri. G. Bhaktsavasalam, their religion, but few to live by -Dr. C.K. Prahalad, Management Guru Chairman, K.G. Hospital and its principles. The Interfaith Sum Post-graduate Medical Insti mit suggests that inter-religious milestones that are critical and starting point and a Core tute dialogue can be an effective tool will get involved with them. Group has been formed to One business leader sug for fostering harmony. Universal education is a must. initiate and implement the gested that PURA should be re Following the Summit, reli We have 200 million gradu process. named AmritaPURA! gious and spiritual leaders drew ates and 500 million skilled One of the Summit partici up the following resolutions: people. pants, Dr. C.K. Prahalad, later Interfaith Summit 1. To create a sustainable vision 10. We have a tremendous op said, "I have been in India many, for all members of various re portunity. If we learn to solve many times, but I have not seen Even as the other spheres of life ligions to work together as the problems of the poor in the type of enthusiasm that I have look to spirituality to help bring one family through an inter India, we also get the oppor seen at the Amritauarsham50 about peace and harmony, spiri faith unity network. tunity to solve the problem of CEO Summit." An observer, tuality must not forget to put its 2. To establish an interfaith five billion poor people in the Manish Pachalia of Bombay own house in order. Religions unity network for this world. For this, we need to Times, noted, "If these CEOs are often seen as causing much purpose. create a knowledge base, be reach a consensus and work to cause human innovation of gether for the development of the this scale and scope has not nation, it will do wonders for the been tried in history. country." 11. By 2020, we (India) shall be They have already started benchmarked by others, working. During the Summit it rather than be benchmarked self, four PURA projects were against others. We have the launched: opportunity to create the 1. Bagalur Amrita-PURA by Shri. "Next Practices." B.V. Jagdeesh, C.E.O., 12. We believe that this vision is Netscaler going to be continuously re 2. Pollachi Amrita-PURA by Shri. interpreted, morphed and M. Manickam, Vice-Chair adapted. We will mobilize man, Sakthi Sugars Group energies collectively to find a 3. Sathyamangalam Arm·ita- focal point. This summit is a PURA by Shri. S. V...... l 32 November 2003 November 2003 33 3. To promote universal values At the Summit's conclusion, by envisioning new religious Shri. Bawa Jain, Secretary Gen norms by finding common eral, World Council of Religions, ground in the religions. asked everyone to stand and 4. To promote freedom of ex hold hands. Addressing Amma pression without sacrificing directly, he said, "It is Your mis basic human values. sion and responsibility to unite 5. To promote equality of the religious leaders of the world women in religious activities. together in hannony and peace. When one of the participants, You are not bound by religious Rev. Dr. IpeJoseph, General Sec institutions or traditions." retary of the National Council of Churches in India, was asked (\.v how the church's doctrine that Jesus Christ was the only son of Women without boundaries; God could be reconciled with the spirit underlying religions; someone like Amma, he smiled business enterprise as a means gently and said, "Doctrine must for connecting the haves with the take a back seat." have-nots-Amritavm·sham50 Jala Mahasangamam: Ammo consecrates the mingled waters Ms. Dena Merriam, Convenor held the utopian promise of taken from India's seven sacred rivers and the oceans of the of the Global Peace Initiative of peace and harmony. This vision world (picture on top) Women Religious and Spiritual was crystallized by }ala Leaders, felt that only Amma Mahasangamam. Just as the could bring about peace in war waters from rivers and seas transformation and peace pos The seeds of world peace and torn Palestine and Israel. "I lay mingle in the ocean, world unity sible." This was the view of Ms. harmony have been cast in each at Your feet the tears of the Is can dissolve all human-made di Yolanda King. The presence of one of us. The roots of global raeli and Palestinian people," visions. We may then say, "East politicians from the crown of transformation must sprout in in and requested Amma to visit was east. West was west. But the India's administration, ministers dividuals. We must nourish Jerusalem and Ramallah. twain have since met." and other distinguished luminar Amma's message with love, de Rev. Takeda Hakusai, repre This vision is necessary. "It is ies from around the world dur votion, faith, understanding and senting Tendai Buddhism, ex important to bring spirituality ing the Celebrations gives us discrimination. That would be pressed the spirit of the Summit into politics. The principles that hope that politics may yet be the best Birthday present for our with these words: "We must fo we are all one and that we come come spiritualised. beloved Amma. ~ cus on the Spirit inherent in all from the same source have to living beings." enter politics. Only then is real (\.v
34 l\'o•·cmbcr 2003 l\'ovcml,.;r 2003 33 · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · .ltlatrnvani ~ AMRJTAVARSHAMS0-5 The smallest gesture, it is said, reveals the great ness of a person. From just this one Epilogue gesture of Amma's, it is clear that She stands 11 We can't build brick walls, so we use sacks. 11 head and shoul ders above every -Ammo one. The stitching of sacks brims with the noblest fficially, Amma was clue to stop giving darshan on Septem lessons that hu 11 ber 14' , 2003. The amount of work that demanded Her manity can learn. 0 attention was Himalayan. She had to attend to everything, Firstly, it was "from salt to camphor," as the Malayalam expression goes. Salt de born fro~1con notes the smallest detail (How much salt does one add to flavour a cern for others. So certain dish?) and camphor, the biggest (it is symbolically associ dominant is ated with the totally dissolution of the ego; when it burns, it leaves Amma's urge to no residue). love and serve But She continued to give darshan, meet media corps seeking that She has ef- interviews with Her, conduct question-and-answer sessions with faced Her own Head and shoulders above everyone Western devotees, give guidance on matters pertaining to needs totally. De Anzritauarsham50, instruct those She has entrusted with the run spite the various demands on ning of the Math's various establishments, respond to sacks of let Her time, Amma had eyes for the Last, but not least, Her capac ters, lead evening bhajans, feed Ram, the elephant, ... smallest detail in the vast canvas ity to make the most of the re One evening, shortly before the start of Amritauarsham50, Anuna of Amritauarsham50, demon sources at hand, even those that initiated another project: the stitching together of discarded sacks. strating Her total sbraddba. would have othef\vise been con Since the Math could not build brick walls to segregate the 250 Like the best teachers, She signed to the rubbish bins, is a toilets constructed around the stadium complex for the Birthday, taught by exan1ple rather than remarkable lesson in simplicity. Amma suggested stitching discarded sacks together to make tempo precept. If Amma had not initi If \Ve can understand the les raJy walls. She did not just suggest it; She started doing the work ated the seva, how many people sons from this episode, we Herself, thus inspiring many of the ashram residents and visitors to would have participated in this \vould have understood and ap join in the seua. humble service? preciated Amritauarsbam50. 3b
36 No••.,mb"r 2003 Scn·cmbcr 2003 3"1 J";l!fF'JS' pg. 15: 1. Dr. Najma Heptulla; 2. Dr. Poornima Advani; 3. Dr. Kapila V
f".::w Tredc enqwne~ lienmdren 'R.ubb!'TS The Editorial Board Matruvani would like to thank the writers, K.ollem- tiC!I 008. 1\>:relo. lnd1e of Ph: 9H74-7.J.JC!07.7-+9.">-4 I. N2.J'll. fex. 91-+7-+-7-4-1069. researchers, reporters and photographers from all over the world ~mo1l: lvpflovr@v~nl."om. www.topflvr.cvm whose selfless labours have gone into the making of this issue of Matnwani. a~ ..'\tn ·&:mh&:•· 2oua l\'cn·cmi.K:r 2003 39 AMMA's Europe-North America Tour 2003 First B.Ed. College Managed by Mata Amritanandamayi Math To be commenced from the academic year 2004-05 cffu,JtO/?.,e Contact Info. WANTED Oct. 7-10 Paris, France Oct. II-12 Helsinki, Finland [email protected] Applications are invited for the following posts:
Oct. 14-16 Barcelona, Spain [email protected] I 1. PRINCIPAL Oct. 18--19 Toulon, France mmt.amrita@"Yanadoo.fr UGC norms with PG degree in Education and 10 years Oct. 26--28 Frauenfeld, Switzerland [email protected] experience in teaching, research I administration of which at Oct. 30--Nov. I Munchen, Germany [email protected] least 5 years is related to Teacher Education. Nov. 3--4 Bensheim, Germany [email protected] 2. READERS/LECTURERS Nov. 6--8 Hertogenbosch, Netherlands [email protected] UGC norms with PG degree in Education, M.A.(Edn.) I M.Ed.l Nov. 10--12 London, UK Shanker@ P.G. in relevant school subject, 5 years experience in Teacher Shanker.fsbusiness.co.uk Education institution, Ph.D. in any subject, preferable in Nov. 14-16 Torino, Italy [email protected] Education. 3. LECTURERS UGC norms with Master's degree in a school subject (Science JVOJtth dm,eJtica & Arts) & PG degree in Education. 4. INSTRUCTOR IN WORK EXPERIENCE Nov. 19 Ann Arbor, Michigan (morning & evening public programmes) Certificate I Diploma in craft. Nov. 20--22 Ann Arbor, Michigan (retreat for pre-registrants) 5. INSTRUCTOR IN ART, MUSIC & PERFORMING ART Nov. 22 Ann Arbor, Michigan (evening Devi Bhava public progranune'' Degree/Diploma/ Certificate in Fine Arts/Music/Performing Arts Nov. 24 San Ramon, California (evening public programme) Applications with full details may be sent to the Administrator by Nov. 25-26 San Ramon, California (morning & evening public progranunes) Nov. 27-29 San Ramon, California (retreat for pre-registrants) the lOth ofNovember, 2003. Nov. 29 San Ramon, California (evening Devi Bhava public programme) #114, 7th Cross Road, Bogadi II Stage, Mysore- 570 006 For more informat'ion, please visit www.amma.org Ph: 2343479 I 80 Email: [email protected]