Author: Lavanya Waechter

Welcome to Amritapuri Ashram, Kerala India

Who is AMMA?? Spiritual leader, humanitarian and visionary, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi is known throughout the world simply as “Amma”. She has served the world-community for decades. Through extraordinary acts of love and self-sacrifice, Amma has endeared herself to millions. She inspires thousands to follow in her path of selfless service. Truly a global citizen, Mata Amritanandamayi holds free public programs throughout the world. She travels through India, Europe, and North America. She also goes to Australia, Southeast Asia, Africa and South America. In her talks, she offers both personal words of wisdom and guidance on global issues. She...

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Shiva Shakti Yoga Sadhana Workshop 2017

The Shiva Shakti Sadhana Workshop was a wonderful way to start the new year by finding a deep inner balance. This Workshop is designed to be a restorative journey into our essence. Many students found inner healing and acceptance of their physical (and emotional) imbalances. One devotee in particular, Chidambaran, shared his experience of surrender.  He had hurt his shoulder but was able to fully experience the workshop in a state of surrender with an open heart and a great sense of humor! Chidambaran reflected, “I realized that my shoulder injury showed me how powerless I was in this...

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Deeper Essence of Sivarathri

For Sivarathri, we stay awake the whole night worshipping Bhagavan Siva (Lord Shiva). For Amma’s children, staying awake one whole night is nothing extraordinary or difficult. In fact, with all humility, we can say that it is Amma’s children who really observe Sivarathri. At Amritapuri and Amma’s programs at many branches, there are days when the Darshans (divine blessings) go on late into the night and get over only in the morning. And Amma’s Divine Presence makes it easy for us to keep awake. Thinking of Siva is the most important part of Sivarathri. Drinking extra glasses of tea...

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The Difference Between a Nice Man and a Good Man

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A NICE MAN A GOOD MAN Swami Amritageetananda Puri (a senior disciple of Amma) addresses two related questions. These relate to the two guardian statues at the entrance of the Kali Temple in Amritapuri. His answer gives us good insight into the ways Amma molds her disciples. “If Amma is Compassion Incarnate, why are there two snarling lions in front of the Ashram ready to pounce on us?” “Why is the chariot with Sri Krishna and Arjuna in a battle scene and not Geetha Upadesha?” In other words, why is the chariot depicted in the battle...

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Amrita Yoga Blossoms In An Indian Village

Amrita Yoga Takes Root In A Beautiful Malanad Village Amma started an Amrita Vidyalayam school near this Indian village about 10 years ago and the village, Byse, five kilometres from the Amrita Vidyalayam school, has been the beneficiary of several of Amrita Serve’s activities. Women have learned the art of making blocks and building toilets, in addition to several other skills. Yoga Nurtures The Villagers (and vice versa!) Three years ago, Amrita sent a team to start yoga courses exclusively for women. The course included several literary as well as cultural activities. Then many more courses began to be...

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