Author: Arun Ganesan

Star Gazing

Star Gazing

Jan 20, 2021 | , |

Brahmachari Atmaprakasha Chaitanya (Ramkumar) addresses the importance of choosing a role model with integrity. His story of how Amma modeled compassion is startling. Some time ago, a devotee told me his name was Jimbo. Seeing the puzzled look on my face, he explained, “An English film made such an impression on my father that he named me after its hero… a monkey.” Film stars and celebrities exert great influence. When they endorse products, their fans believe they can buy into their lifestyles. Such infatuation doesn’t stop there: admirers imitate hairstyle, dress, mannerisms and accents. We may even hear of...

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Universal Motherhood: What that Means

Universal Motherhood: What that Means

Nov 12, 2020 | , |

The theme of our 4-Day Intermediate to Advanced Amrita Yoga Retreat (January 27-31, 2015) was Universal Motherhood. As a man, I felt somewhat marginalized, but it took me by surprise and led me to the truth in a loving way. Coming from the strenuous background of Ashtanga Yoga, I was expecting an asana class centered on motherhood that would be too easy and gentle. Instead it was intense, fun-loving and challenging. I come from a culture that views motherhood with condescension, even so-called feminists daring to treat wives and mothers with disdain. But this was different. The first-day asanas...

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Amrita Yoga at Prisons in India

Amrita Yoga at Prisons in India

Oct 30, 2020 | , |

The Circle of Love, an initiative by Mata Amritanandamayi Math, has started Amrita Yoga classes in the prisons of Kerala. Mata Amritanandamayi Math helped prison inmates by conducting holistic workshops that motivated them to willingly pursue the path of good citizenship. The Amrita Volunteers reached out to more than 50 prisons including central prisons, district prisons, sub-jails, and special sub-jails spread across Kerala. The session started with a brief introduction followed by Yoga practices, ice-breaking games, philosophical discussions, and Ma Om meditation. The sessions were concluded by chorus chants of the universal prayer for world peace and happiness, Lokaha...

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Discipline

Discipline

Oct 14, 2020 | , |

If we are considering a spiritual discipline, we want to know why. What is the purpose of my life? Why would I do these things? This is one advantage to being human; we have the ability to ask questions. And the answers are bound to reveal themselves. It’s inevitable. This is how many people, including myself, end up on the spiritual path. I considered myself an average guy without any inclination towards the higher goals of life. For some unknown reason, though, I started questioning. I used to be an Olympic athlete. I achieved a lot in my life,...

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The Divine Guidance of the Guru

The Divine Guidance of the Guru

Sep 23, 2020 | , |

Swami Amritageetananda Puri tells new students that Amrita University is perhaps the only university in the world where the students can meet the Chancellor in person and discuss their problems! The Chancellor of Amrita University is, of course, Amma. Since not all students are devotees, Swami Amritageetananda explains why we regard and worship a human being–we mean Amma–as Jagadamba (the Divine Mother) in an unassuming human form. The Teachings are Offered I told some students of an experience I had many years ago visiting a home in North India. The host was an elderly person who had a twenty-year-old...

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