WELCOME to the first edition of amrta shala The Quarterly magazine which aims to bring you up to date with the Australian Ashram with information on

the Building Project, the plans, hopes and dreams of Amma’s Australian Community.

The ashram community is as inclusive as it is diverse, spanning different cultural backgrounds and ages. Indeed, the Foundation strives to embrace all of the world’s religious traditions in our community whilst sharing a common appreciation of the great spiritual truths that transcend religious affiliations, such as compassion, devotion, love, and service. In a spirit of unity, the ashram brings seekers together from all denominations who wish to know their True Selves through spiritual practices and selfless service.

Many individuals who come to the ashram experience a sense of connectedness and renewal while on the grounds. The natural surroundings, lovingly prepared vegetarian meals, and attractive facilities offer a refuge from the hectic pace of daily life and provide a space to encounter the Divine within. By taking the time to nourish our hearts and minds, we deepen our awareness of each moment and learn to approach life’s experiences with greater ease and grace.

We warmly welcome your presence at the ashram and invite you to participate in our ongoing activities. Whether at a retreat, yoga class, ritual worship or a Sunday morning satsang, we hope you will take advantage of our programs to meet new friends, relax, and discover your highest nature. There are many opportunities to deepen your spiritual practice and strengthen your relationship with Amma throughout the year and we look forward to seeing you at any of these events.

Daily Programs: Every day of the week all are welcome to attend:-*early morning meditation at 6.30am followed by Archana, chanting of Amma’s 108 Names and Sri Lalita Sahasranam (The Thousand names of the Divine Mother) from 7 to 8.15am;Special Devi Day. Every Friday Pada Puja and Archana from 9.15am to 10.45am followed by breakfast.*evening Arati at 6pm followed by a 30 minute meditation;

Ashram StaysLocal, interstate and overseas Amma devotees or spiritual aspirants are encouraged to stay at the ashram for overnight and short term stays. Even a short stay will offer participants an opportunity to experience ashram living and learn valuable spiritual tools like chanting, meditation, Sanskrit studies, and bhajan classes. The ashram also has the Amrita Karma Yoga Program which offers approved applicants the opportunity to engage in a schedule of intensive selfless service in addition to the regular ashram routine.

Seva and Service ProjectsThrough an ever-increasing range of charitable projects both at the ashram and in the wider Melbourne metropolitan area Amma provides opportunities for spiritual seekers to deepen their spiritual practice through selfless-service. Through such outreach, participants find ways to embody Amma’s teachings and relieve the suffering of individuals in their own communities. The MA Centre (Aust) Foundation not only raises funds for Amma’s numerous charitable activities in India, but it also supports several local outreach programs, such as:

• Mothers’ Kitchens (Collingwood and Dandenong), which feed the needy• Eldercare Program visits to uplift the elderly• Environmental Cleanups• Blood Bank Group• Yoga class• ‘I Am’ Meditation technique• Balakendra• Homas & Pujas

Your participation in any of these projects is most welcome and encouraged!

Meeting in Kyneton in 2006 when Amma spoke on the Australian Ashram

Amma stated that an “Ashram must run on Love and Service”

It was during the meeting with Amma in Kyneton at the end of the Retreat in 2006 that Amma delineated the requirements for the Ashram. She said there should be a minimum of 5 acres, no neighbours, that the cost to be under one million dollars, for there to be public transport and where we could hold satsangs and programs. And in the future as we grew and developed there could be Indian weddings and functions there.

Bricks and MortarThe Ashram in Australia is now taking shape and the excitement is building as are the bricks and mortar.The need to share and embrace all of Australia is the purpose of this quarterly magazine. The metaphor of gradual, permanent and positive changes we have observed in our own lives with Amma’s Grace, we are now witnessing as the Ashram is becoming the Reality which Amma foresaw long before any of us had that vision or ever believed it possible to achieve.

MAP OF THE PROPOSED ASHRAM

The first drawn plan that began the process back in 2010. Now in 2013 every building that is in this drawing is now erected to some degree except the Temple. The final Planning Permit from the Council was granted to go ahead and it was received whilst Amma was in Sydney on her last Tour. It was serendipitous and full of Grace. We also signed the purchase document for the property back in 2006 on Guru Purnima!

SITE MODEL

HALL MODEL

EARLY BEGINNINGS

The Great Australian Ashram AdventureThrough  the  eyes  of  Neeraja  and  Dheera,  Queensland

 We  $irst  heard  about  Amma’s  grand  plan  for  an  Australian  Ashram  in  2001  in  an  article  written  by  Maheswari  in  the  Australian  newsletter.  At  the  time  we  were  living  on  the  Gold  Coast  and  during  that  year’s  Tour  in  Melbourne  we  asked  Amma,  if  she  would  accept  our  offer  of  service  on  the  ashram  project.  That  was  the  beginning  of  our  amazing  adventure  on  the  Australian  ashram  project.  The  $irst  proposal  prepared  was  for  a  site  on  the  Gold  Coast  in  the  Tallabudgera  Valley  this  was  presented  to  Amma  but  she  did  not  agree  to  the  location.  The  second  proposal  prepared  was  for  a  site  in  Melton  in  Melbourne,  this  also  proved  to  be  unsuitable  and  a  third  site  located  by  Maheswari  in  Carrum  Downs  was  supported  by  Amma.

 On  the  2010  Australian  Tour  on  the  Gold  Coast  Kim  Kennedy  a  Town  Planner  devotee  from  Sydney  agreed  to  take  up  the  considerable  task  of  preparing  a  Town  Planning  application  for  the  development  of  the  Carrum  Downs  site  into  the  Australian  ashram.  This  process  spanned  two  years  with  plans  proposed  being  modi$ied  and  con$irmed  by  Amma  through  Swami  Ramakrishna.  The  $inal  Planning  Permit  was  granted  by  the  Frankston  City  Council  during  the  2012  Amma  Australian  Tour  after  an  enormous  effort  in  negotiation  from  Kim.

In  2011  we  were  living  in  northern  NSW  and  in  October  attended  a  meeting  at  the  ashram  to  form  a  working  ashram  project  committee.  Our  house  had  just  been  put  on  the  market  and  we  were  considering  moving  to  Melbourne  in  preparation  for  the  construction  phase  of  the  project.  James  picked  us  up  from  the  airport  and  as  the  car  pulled  into  the  ashram  our  mobile  phone  rang  and  our  property  agent  informed  us  that  he  had  an  offer  on  our  house  that  was  in  excess  of  what  we  had  hoped  for.  Taking  this  as  a  sign  to  make  the  move  we  purchased  a  caravan  and  left  our  family  in  Queensland  to  take  up  residence  at  the  ashram  site  to  begin  work  on  renovating  the  existing  ashram  building.  We  were  joined  in  this  work  by  the  always  enthusiastic,  devoted  and  incredibly  hard  working  Francis  and  Sarita  who  also  travelled  from  Queensland  to  volunteer  their  services.  Many  other  willing  hands  joined  in  the  work  which  was  rewarded  by  the  divine  presence  of  Amma  during  her  stay  at  the  ashram.  

 Since  the  2012  Tour,  construction  of  the  open  sided  Dining  Hall  with  café  blinds  has  allowed  space  for  larger  events,  homas  and  pujas.  Sheds  have  also  been  built  for  workshop  space,  Tour  storage  and  tractor  storage  and  internal  roads  and  car  parking  is  in  place.  The  scale  and  complexity  of  the  work  for  the  construction  of  the  main  Hall,  cabins  and  Ablutions  block  prompted  us  to  step  back  from  a  major  role  and  we  are  fortunate  that  Per  Bernard,  a  devotee  and  experienced  builder  has  taken  up  the  role  of  construction  project  manager.

The  building  work  continues  to  progress  and  we  are  looking  forward,  with  Amma’s  Grace  to  have  largely  completed  by  the  2014  Australian  Tour  the  works  apart  from  the  commercial  kitchen  planned  for  the  existing  garage  which  adjoins  the  dining  hall  and  the  Temple  that  we  are  awaiting  further  instructions  from  Amma.  Our  involvement  has  been  wonderfully  inspiring  as  well  as  challenging  us  to  grow  and  we  look  forward  to  being  a  witness  to  the  continuing  unfolding  of  the  Australian  ashram  project  in  the  future.

THE WORM FARM INSTALLATIONThe Worm Farm Waste System will process sewage, waste water and organic garbage, producing a natural liquid fertiliser for the gardens.

DRAINAGE MIRACLES

Big job, clever answers, lots of digging, getting muddy, tired,

irritated, and finally success! Local devotees working on amagic solution to what seemed an

impossible problem.

EXCAVATIONS

Patiently getting levels accurate - time consuming yet very hopeful moment. Something is actually happening at last! Try to imagine buildings and a temple here.

Devotees ‘home’ parked on the Ashram grounds during the very wet and boggy conditions for over 5 months

PREPARING THE INTERNAL ROAD AND PARKINGThe contractor was really decent and honest and did a number of really good days work. He created parking for more than 40 cars and the internal road that won’t sag under heavy rains. This took a lot of discussion with the Project Team deciding when, what and how the works should be done and finally after waiting for the grounds to dry and harden the bulldozers came in and everything worked to plan.

THAT EUREKA MOMENT! The brand new red tractor. Every boys dream!

But...you can’t beat man power and the trustworthy uncomplicated good old orange wheelbarrow.

Francis and Sarita Armorgan, Queensland We feel very blessed to be given the opportunity to be a part of this project.We  have  enjoyed  mee-ng  and  working  with  people  from  various  parts  of  Australia.We  have  learnt  to  tackle  all  the  obstacles  that  have  come  our  way,  which  has  strengthened  us  physically,  mentally  and  spiritually.We  would  like  to  thank  Amma  for  inspiring  us  in  loving  all,  serving  all,  helping  ever,  hur-ng  never,  and  also  thank  everyone  else  for  their  friendship  and  kindness.With  love  and  blessing 

Sarita and Francis were very involved in renovations on the existing Ashram building with plumbing, plastering and tiling. The beautiful ceramic marble-like tiled floor of the newly constructed dining hall is a magnificent example of their expertise.

Ashram 2006 - 2013

It took almost 6 years to finally pay off the Ashram which has a house with 2 large rooms to hold satsangs, pujas and homas, and programs with Swamis and up to 120 devotees. There is a large lounge, 3 bedrooms, plus a small office used by M.A. Centre Aust Pty Ltd for its national operations, 2 bathrooms, and laundry.

Fortunately there is a well established garden with many mature trees and a lovely secluded inner circle of lawn surrounded by tall shady trees.

The adjoining property of 95 acres has had many horses agisted there. When Amma stayed in the Ashram in 2012 she walked all around the grounds checking the trees, and fed the horses.

The proposed Ashram Development plans were taken to Frankston Council for approval and we patiently waited for the Council to approve the plans. With many interruptions and set backs it took almost 2 years for the green light to finally go ahead.

The plans showed a large hall, a dining hall, an commercial kitchen, ablution blocks with showers and toilets and two cabins for accommodation for men and women to sleep up to 20 in each cabin.Landscaping included garden planting, pathways, lighting, and development of the ‘pergola’ area between the current house and hall.

Around the perimeter of the property there have been many young trees planted to act not only as a wind break but also to beautify the environment, bringing birds and bees.At the rear end of the property is a lake in progress, and many water birds come and visitand the frogs are enjoying themselves enormously

LIFE  AT  THE  ASHRAM  -­‐  Alan  Raab,  Gold  Coast

It is now several years since I went to Mother’s ashram in Melbourne, but the effect of my visit still lingers.

I hadn’t been away from the Gold Coast for years. I knew that the ashram wouldn’t be a ‘holiday’ as such, but I needed time to be quiet and still for a while. I had never been to an ashram before and was unsure what to expect. Rather anxiously I rang up and asked if I could come for a week. The journey there could not have gone more smoothly. I took a simple plane flight to Melbourne – got off the plane, walked across to the busses andarrived at Dandenong where I was picked up for a short drive to the ashram.

Mother’s radiant smile beamed out a greeting at the driveway. I distinctly remember thinking “OMG I’m actually here”… and it was all so effortless. Mother has made it so easy for us to visit her.I have read that humans are motivated by either Love or Fear and I knew that my actions, so deeply imbedded in fear, (and so beautifully and gently described by Swami as ‘negative tendencies’) were tolerated (up to a point!). However, Mother was everywhere at the ashram, constantly showing me reasons why there was no need for fear. An example of this was my almost dogmatic stance that ‘I’m not Indian, I am Australian’ (and unfortunately my words, tone and actions on this topic would test the patience and love of a saint!). For example: indignantly, under no circumstance would I dress in Indian clothes or wear a kumkum dot between my eyes. At Amma’s ashram, Mother gently and lovingly revealed the truth to me. She never ever once put pressure on me to act in a way that was uncomfortable for me. She only ever wants for me to understand who I truly am – a divine, beautiful human being. There is and never was any need to fear being turned into something I wasn’t at the ashram and via the daily spiritual routines, the spontaneous Satsangs that sprang up unexpectedly, the combined effort to prepare meals and all manner of necessary tasks via everyone and everything at her ashram Mother constantly showed me again and again that all of my fears were groundless. There were so many examples of her gentle and loving teaching that I would need pages to outline them all.

I left the ashram at the end of the week speechless. I had been shown something for real that I had somehow felt all my life but had never been able to put into words. I now truly know that Love and Compassion are the only things that matter. Since my visit this is something I don’t believe any more – I know it. There is a difference, and Mother clearly showed me this difference at her ashram.

It is true that Mother resides within us, but I hope that all of her children take advantage of the opportunity she has given us here in Australia to spend a little time with her at her ashram in Melbourne.

FOUNDATIONS FOR THE DINING HALLMany of you will remember when Amma came to the Ashram and served a huge lunch to everyone at the end of her Australian Tour back in 2010. We all sat outside in the sun and Amma was under the small verandah which adjoined the garage. Amma was pointing to the sun and and speaking to those who could understand Malayalam that we needed to construct an extension to the roof so we could all be protected from the sun. Thus the Dining Hall was first building to be built.

The Dining Hall is also used for Yoga classes, Homas ,Pujas, Onam and other celebrations. The garage is to be transformed into a fully operating commercial kitchen at a later date

FOUNDATIONS FOR THE HALLThe foundation stone for the hall had been blessedby Amma and carried it back to Australia from India. The exact spot where the stone was to be ceremoniously installed was decided with the correct Vastu for its most auspicious position on the property. This would be the site for the Hall.

The day for the laying of the stone looked a little like rain so a canopy was constructed over the area. Many people attended the significant event and Br. Shraddhamrita and Hanumant the priest performed the puja, while we all chanted the108 names of Amma.

The pit had been especially prepared to the required depth and width, and mantras were chanted and offerings made. At the precise moment when the first clod of earth was dropped into the pit, down came the rain in a cloudburst. It thundered down at such an auspicious moment that it was undeniable and we all cheered.Bhajans began spontaneously as everyone took turns in taking the shovel and pouring earth over the sacred stone and gradually filled in the pit. We had participated in and witnessed the inauguration of Amma’s Australian Ashram. What a blessing to bepresent at that exact moment in time.

HALL PROGRESSThe Hall is beginning to be recognizable at last with the front doors and windows already in place. The concrete floor will be covered with a combination of carpet and large tiles..

Prashanti, Canberra“Service, love and devotion, and beauty, these are the words that come to mind when I think of Amma's Australian ashram”.

Left:Accommodation cabin one of twoAccommodates 12 people or more with bunk beds for each cabin

Right: View of hall from a distance

with new path being prepared

Left: Entrance to Ashram with new road completed.

Right: Two sheds. One as a tool and work shed, the other stores Amma’s Tour equipment

O u r F i n a n c i a l s t a t u s a s o f D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 3

H O W C A N Y O U H E L P ? O n e s u g g e s t i o n i s a c o n t r i b u t i o n o f $ 1 a d a y .

                                                                                   $30  a  month  will  greatly  assist  M.A.  Centre  Aust                                                                                      FoundaEon  meet  it’s  financial  commitments  to  the                                                                                        Ashram  development  

To  Donate  simply  click  the  file  below:hNp://www.ammaaustralia.org.au/apps/donaEon/donaEon.aspx

QUEST ION : W H A T I S T H E M O S T G E N E R O U S N A T I O N I N T H E W O R L D ?

ANSWER : D O N A T I O N

QUEST ION : W H A T I S T H E M O S T G E N E R O U S C I T Y I N T H E W O R L D ?

ANSWER : G E N E R O S I T Y.

S h a n t h y J e y e r a j , P e r t h

Wo w. . . ! W h a t a n e x c i t i n g n e w s t o k n o w t h a t t h e A u s t r a l i a n A s h r a m i s t a k i n g a s h a p e s o f a s t . O f c o u r s e w e a r e s o g r a t e f u l t o t h e d e v o t e e s a n d t h e w e l l w i s h e r s w h o a r e p u t t i n g t h e i r h a n d s i n a c t i o n . We f r o m t h i s e n d f e e l s a d i n a w a y t h a t w e c a n n o t b e p a r t o f t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n a c t i v i t i e s p h y s i c a l l y b e i n g f a r a w a y a n d m i s s i n g o u t t h e p r i v i l e g e a n d b l e s s i n g s t h r o u g h t h e s e l f l e s s s e r v i c e . We a r e h a p p y , w i t h t h e g r a c e o f A m m a , a t l e a s t w e w e r e a b l e t o s u p p o r t t h e t a s k b y r a i s i n g f u n d s i n v a r i o u s o c c a s i o n s a n d d o n a t i n g f o r t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n w o r k , p e r s o n a l l y a n d a s a g r o u p e f f o r t . A m m a ' s s t a y i n t h e a s h r a m w i l l g e n e r a t e t h e d i v i n e e n e r g y w h i c h w i l l s t a y

f o r e v e r f o r t h e b e n e f i t o f t h e A u s t r a l i a n d e v o t e e s . L o o k i n g f o r w a r d t o v i s i t t h e A s h r a m d u r i n g A m m a ' s v i s i t .

W a t e r t a n k s t o r y : 2 0 1 3

A s a r e s u l t o f b u d g e t c u t s o n t h e a s h r a m b u i l d i n g p r o j e c t w e h a d r e l u c t a n t l y d e l e t e d t w o w a t e r t a n k s f r o m t h e p l a n . I t w a s d i s a p p o i n t i n g b e c a u s e w e h a d w a n t e d t o b e a s ' g r e e n ' a n d s u s t a i n a b l e a s p o s s i b l e . T h e f o l l o w i n g w e e k b y A m m a s g r a c e s o m e o n e w h o h a d v i s i t e d t h e a s h r a m a c o u p l e o f t i m e s a n d w h o o w n e d a w a t e r t a n k b u s i n e s s a s k e d i f i t w o u l d b e p o s s i b l e f o r h i m t o d o n a t e w a t e r t a n k s t o t h e a s h r a m . A n o t h e r o n e o f A m m a ' s w o n d e r f u l l e e l a s ! . . . . . . . . . . . . N e e r a j a , M e l b o u r n e

The Cactus Story: 2008Our beloved Amma is coming home. Oh! What a great blessing!We were thrilled and overjoyed. We hurried home in the early hours of the morning and started cleaning the house. We had a few people from the tour group staying and everyone was excited.Each one of us started getting the house ready to receive Amma.Around 10 AM with everyone fervently chanting Om Amritheshwaryai Namaha Amma arrived.As SHE walked the few steps to the entrance HER attention fell on this pot of cactus.( we had completely forgotten to put away this ugly broken pot of cactus while cleaning the house ! The cactus was given by a friend years ago and it had neither grown nor ever produced flowers and so was pretty neglected and had remained in the little broken pot . )AMMA lovingly touched the cactus and walked into the house.AMMA performed a beautiful Pooja and sang Bhajans with all of us. SHE then served food to everyone and got ready toleave to the airport for HER next program in Singapore.

As we followed AMMA we couldn't help noticing some little bumps all over the cactus plant." this cactus which has not done anything all these years is maybe dying after receiving AMMA'S touch" I thought to myself.We drove to the airport had some more time with AMMA , saw AMMA go in and returned home with a heavy heart. We had a surprise waiting for us. Lo and behold ! The cactus had bright orange flowers ! We were spellbound to see the beautiful flowers ! My husband Raghavan said "What a great miracle! if a cactus that not done anything in all these years has these beautiful flowers after the loving touch of our Divine Mother how Blessed are we to have had Amma's hug ! We can be rest assured that AMMA is looking after all of us." We can never fathom the inner transformation that AMMA'S touch brings in all of us. We can only be grateful and bow down at HER Lotus Feet.Aim Amritheshwaryai Namaha.

.......Jayashree Raghavan, Melbourne

Sand story: 2006There is a secret that needs to be told and here is as good a place as any to share with others!We all know that during long hours of Darshan Amma’s back needs heat and sometimes massage.I was asked to collect sand from the beach in Somers and make a calico bag of the dimensions specified and it would be heated up during programs and held on Amma’s aching muscles in her back.As time went by the sandbag was replaced with a more up to date heat pad and I was given the sandbag to do what I liked with it.When we first saw the property in Carrum Downs it was obvious to us it was suitable and fitted all Amma’s criteria. With exalted states of mind and heart two of us returned a second time to the site, but this time I had the sandbag and a pair of scissors! I am agile and could climb the fence whereas my friend was not, so stayed outside chanting Aum Amriteswaryai Namah.

Snipping off the tip of the bag I proceeded to draw a huge Aum sign just inside the front gate on the black bitumen surface. Then following the circular drive to the front door another Aum in front of the door, and continuing around the drive to the front gate. The stream of sand glowed golden in the sunlight and the reverberations of the holy chantAum Amriteswaryai Namah hallowed throughout the whole property.We both felt ecstatic, a little naughty, but driven by full faith this was Amma’s abode in Australia, we were well satisfied with our work. The sand blew softly away in its time leaving no trace but we both knew Amma had come to stay......Maheswari Knox, Melbourne

CHILDRENS ONE DAY RETREAT AT THE ASHRAMWhat a great day we had. About 12 children turned up aged between 3 years and 14 years.The plans for the day were gardening, painting, cooking, yoga, games and singing.Included there was a video of Amma.The amount of sweetness on that day was certainly Amma’s Love and Grace, enhanced by the lollies with which the children decorated the cute cup cakes. They cooked under the tutelage of Sindhu, and made very yummy pizzas. Even the littlest child had a go at creating one of these delectables and everyone was very happy. The painting and gardening along with the yoga made everyone feel very blessed.

Regular childrens programs run fortnightly as Balakendra classes at the Ashram on Sundays and Nava Subramanium and Jayashree Raghavan are the teachers for these sessions

Robin, Elizabeth, Barry and Adelaide Satsang GroupWe  were  in  a  meeting  in  Amma’s  room  at  the  end  of  an  Australian  Tour,  2006  when  She  asked  about  progress  on  an  Australian  Ashram.    Amma  singled  Maheshwari  out  and  said  “Try  Maheshwari”  –  and  she  did.  In  her  old  ford  fairlane  with  a  wire  coat  hanger  as  a  radio  aerial  she  thundered  around  Melbourne  looking  up  and  looking  at  various  properties  until  she  found  the  now  Australian  Ashram  at  Carrum  Downs.    We  take  our  hat  off  to  you  Maheshwari.  Thank  you.

We  were  excited  and  energized  by  the  idea  of  an  Australian  Ashram  and  wanted  to  be  on  board.  We  pooled  our  talents  and  found  we  had  an  expert  brickie  ,  a  roof  tiler,  and  people  who  would  paint,  garden  and  have  a  go  at  whatever  was  needed.  We  would  $ind  cheap  $lights  and  travel  over  as  a  group.  We  all  drove  

over  the  $irst  time  and  have  done  this  four  times  now  and  will  be  doing  it  again  in  the  future.  

We  have  loved  our  visits  to  the  ashram  and  relished  every  moment.  We  all  feel  it  is  our  home  as  well,  and  have  enjoyed  the  Sunday  satsangs  too  and  would  like  to  encourage  other  satsang  groups  to  do  the  same  and  lend  a  hand  –  even  in  the  smallest  way  –  to  the  building  up  of  the  Ashram.    

The  fact  that  Amma  chose  Melbourne  for  Her  $irst  Ashram  in  Australia  is  a  huge  honour  as  She  must  have  known  they  were  capable  of  carrying  this  task  and  responsibility.  The  Melbourne  Amma  community  also  needs  our  support  to  carry  out  this  huge  task.    Apart  from  physical  support  they  also  need  our  emotional  and  spiritual  support.Thank  you  all  you  wonderful  Melbourne  people  who  have  sacri$iced  your  time,  love,  energy,  and  whole  lives  in  some  cases  so  we  can  have  an  Australian  Ashram.

Adelaide  satsang  dedicates  a  healthy  percentage  of  our  fundraising  to  the  Ashram  project,  and  we  will  continue  because  Amma  encouraged  us  to  do  so.    Amma  has  said  that  one  day  thousands  will  come  to  the  Australian  Ashram.    We  have  no  idea  what  Amma  knows  about  the  future  of  the  Ashram  but  we  have  100%  faith  in  Her  vision.

We  would  like  to  acknowledge  the  positive  input  of  our  friends  Neeraja  and  Dheera,  who  have  dedicated  their  lives  to  the  ashram  project  and  also  Francis  and  his  wife  Sarita  who  have  also  come  from  Queensland  and  made  an  impact  on  the  building.

We  have  enjoyed  working  with  Madhumati  in  the  garden  and  have  learnt  much  from  her  knowledge  and  love  of  gardening.  We  remember  with  much  fondness  Raghavan’s  great  desire  to  have  an  Ashram,  and  even  when  he  was  very  ill,    he  made  a  special  effort  to  come  and  see  the  Adelaide  devotees  when  we  were  over  on  one  of  our  working  bees.    We  have  many  good  memories.                                                                        We  also  wish  to  acknowledge  the  enormous  work  done  in  more  recent  times  to  respond  to  Amma’s  wish  to  upgrade  the  Ashram  with  the  building  of  the  hall,  internal  roads,  outdoor  dining  area,  deceleration  lane,  storage  and  plant  sheds,  worm  farm  waste  system,  and  cabins.  People  like  Kim  Kennedy  from  Sydney  who  guided  the  planning  approval  through  the  local  council,    Simon  Sloan  who  along  with  Neeraja  and  Dheera  coordinated  much  of  the  project  management  and  more  recently  by  Per,  now  the  Project  Manager  who  is  $inishing  it  off.    Sri  Nath  who  provides  the  electrical  skills,  Merilyn  Marshall  who  coordinates  the  $inances,  Nava  Subramaniam  who  coordinates  local  fundraising  and  championed  the  commercial  kitchen,  Maheshwari  and  her  team  who  continue  to  raise  thousands  and  thousands  with  their  yoga  workshops,  and  Mani  the  Ashram  manager  for  coordinating  things  on  site.    Manfred  for  his  on  site  maintenance  and  practical  ideas,  and  James  Conquest  for  pulling  it  all  together  with  his  legal  and  organizing  skills  and  being  the  link  between  India  and  Melbourne  and  the  Directors.  

This  Ashram  is  a  growing  rich  tapestry  of  many  people’s  talents,  abilities,  loves,  and  most  of  all  their  love  of  Amma.      Keep  working,  keep  loving.Aum  Amriteswari  Namaha  

NEXT EDITION OF AMRTA SHALA APRIL 2014 Please email eugenieknox@iinet.net.au with your stories, experiences of the Ashram and any ideas you have to enhance the magazine, and help to support the on-going Ashram Building Fund.