Aum Amriteswaryai Namah!
AYUDH Americas is happy to announce the 2nd Annual Youth Meet.
Please visit ayudh.org for more information.
We look forward to seeing all of you there!
-Gilad
Monday, December 8, 2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Apples, Soccer and More!
Aum Amriteswaryai Namah,
Dear Bay Area AYUDH Members,
We are pleased to announce the first post-tour AYUDH event.
On September 20th, 2008 all Bay Area AYUDH members are invited to come to the M.A. Center (10200 Crow Canyon Road, Castro Valley) for a day full of fun activities!
At 10am sharp, We will be creating some kind of Apple Delight. It might be chutney, it might be pickled Apple. It will DEFINITELY be good to eat. So please come for this selfless service (it's really a service, we have many lbs of homegrown apples to use up).
After sumptious lunch break AYUDH will hold a meeting for all new and old members to discuss why they love AYUDH and what goals/new ideas we have for the coming monthes.
This will all be followed by a rousing game of Soccer, or perhaps capture the flag. Your vote can decide.
Please RSVP to GiladGressel@gmail.com
Bay Area Coordinators,
-Gilad, Sridevi and Kripa
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Circle of Love Letter Writing
Good Job on the Circle of Love and AYUDH Tour Promotions!
"I was surprized to see that we did pick up 26 writers this summer. We now have 74 writers. Last year at this time we had 42. So thank you for your help promoting the program. In Amma, Sivamayi"
Circle of Love Letters Contact:
circleofloveletters@hotmail.com
AYUDH Circle of Love Letter Point Person:
Lara, lara4art@yahoo.com, At Her Feet
"I was surprized to see that we did pick up 26 writers this summer. We now have 74 writers. Last year at this time we had 42. So thank you for your help promoting the program. In Amma, Sivamayi"
Circle of Love Letters Contact:
circleofloveletters@hotmail.com
AYUDH Circle of Love Letter Point Person:
Lara, lara4art@yahoo.com, At Her Feet
Thursday, August 28, 2008
An Invitation to Change
Aum Amriteswaryai Namah!
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Please carefully read the following message:
This summer during the Boston retreat, 20 of Amma's AYUDH children planted 2 sugar maple trees and 8 blueberry bushes. The significance behind this is quite vast, given the amount of attention Amma lavished on Her children. Not only was Amma completely supportive before the planting, afterwards Amma spend a long time watching a video of the planting, pausing it in order to continue giving darshan. Amma made two comments that night, the first was "It is so nice to see that Amma's children have made a place in their heart to love Nature" This was followed by Amma's instruction that "You should all think to yourselves, 'In this life I have taken so much from the world, what can I do to give back to the world?'" Amma wrapped up her discussion with us by feeding chocolate prasad.
AYUDH Americas would like to now invite everyone, across the continent, to become as active as possible in the many opportunities available to give back - to make a change. If you cannot plant a tree or bush, you can at least show some love and affection towards nature, by talking, singing and interacting with nature, or simply by picking up some litter.
One of AYUDH.Americas' prime objectives is to provide easy and simple activities in which Amma's youth can participate in seva and having fun. We are currently in the process of establishing chapters nationwide. In order to facilitate this we are asking that everyone who is interested in participating in AYUDH to write an email to GiladGressel@gmail.com
The text body should be something like "My name is X. I am X years old. I live in X. I am very
intersted in X" From that point we can start connecting the local groups.
Aum Amriteswaryai Namah
AYUDH Coordinators,
Sri Vidya, Gilad, Sri Devi, Neela, Kripa, Lalitha
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Please carefully read the following message:
This summer during the Boston retreat, 20 of Amma's AYUDH children planted 2 sugar maple trees and 8 blueberry bushes. The significance behind this is quite vast, given the amount of attention Amma lavished on Her children. Not only was Amma completely supportive before the planting, afterwards Amma spend a long time watching a video of the planting, pausing it in order to continue giving darshan. Amma made two comments that night, the first was "It is so nice to see that Amma's children have made a place in their heart to love Nature" This was followed by Amma's instruction that "You should all think to yourselves, 'In this life I have taken so much from the world, what can I do to give back to the world?'" Amma wrapped up her discussion with us by feeding chocolate prasad.
AYUDH Americas would like to now invite everyone, across the continent, to become as active as possible in the many opportunities available to give back - to make a change. If you cannot plant a tree or bush, you can at least show some love and affection towards nature, by talking, singing and interacting with nature, or simply by picking up some litter.
One of AYUDH.Americas' prime objectives is to provide easy and simple activities in which Amma's youth can participate in seva and having fun. We are currently in the process of establishing chapters nationwide. In order to facilitate this we are asking that everyone who is interested in participating in AYUDH to write an email to GiladGressel@gmail.com
The text body should be something like "My name is X. I am X years old. I live in X. I am very
intersted in X" From that point we can start connecting the local groups.
Aum Amriteswaryai Namah
AYUDH Coordinators,
Sri Vidya, Gilad, Sri Devi, Neela, Kripa, Lalitha
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Update From San Ramon
Aum Amriteswaryai Namah,
Hello brothers and sisters. A small update here from San Ramon. Amma's US tour for the AYUDH.Americas was a smashing success. We have over 400 signatures of interested Youth across the country. Amma herself was overwhelmingly supportive of all our ideas for Seva and projects. In particular she has been talking about protecting and loving nature.
I know that many people are most likely wondering, "what now?"
The current answer is please stay tuned, by the end of this week we will be sending out some information about how you can get involved and the upcoming AYUDH events.
Of course there is no need to wait, you can go do something right now - please go out and serve the world. However if you are eagerly waiting for the next official AYUDH event! (and I know that's all of us), then please just stay tuned.
Additionally at this time AYUDH Americas is definitely looking for ideas on how it can grow and expand, so please if you have any ideas email them to info@ayudh.org
-Gilad
Hello brothers and sisters. A small update here from San Ramon. Amma's US tour for the AYUDH.Americas was a smashing success. We have over 400 signatures of interested Youth across the country. Amma herself was overwhelmingly supportive of all our ideas for Seva and projects. In particular she has been talking about protecting and loving nature.
I know that many people are most likely wondering, "what now?"
The current answer is please stay tuned, by the end of this week we will be sending out some information about how you can get involved and the upcoming AYUDH events.
Of course there is no need to wait, you can go do something right now - please go out and serve the world. However if you are eagerly waiting for the next official AYUDH event! (and I know that's all of us), then please just stay tuned.
Additionally at this time AYUDH Americas is definitely looking for ideas on how it can grow and expand, so please if you have any ideas email them to info@ayudh.org
-Gilad
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Tree Planting in Natick MA
Namah Shivaya ALL!
We are pleased to inform everyone that AYUDH successfully planted 2 maple syrup trees and 8 blueberry bushes at the Natick Community Farm in Massachusetts.
On July 16th, the first day of the Boston area retreat, 20 AYUDH members travelled 30 minutes from Amma's program to the Natick Organic Community Farm.
Scenes from the event can be viewed at www.amritapuri.org. Click on the link for "video from Boston" (to be posted soon).
Perhaps more exciting than the actual planting was later that night; AYUDH members were able to carry a laptop up to Amma, who watched a short video trailer that highlighted the event. Amma asked a few questions about the event, such as what did we plant, what kind of farm it was, etc. Then She told all the youth present two very nice things. She said "It is so nice to see young people making a place in their hearts to love nature. We should all think, 'I have been alive so long, I have taken so much from the world, what can I give back?'"
Next year AYUDH will hopefully plant in more than one city on tour.
-Gilad
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Albuquerque
Aum Amriteswaryai Namah,
Hey Folks! Just writing a little update from the middle of Albuquerque. Things have been going very well for the AYUDH table, we've collected over 200 signatures during the last 2 weeks. Every stop has had a Swami talk.
In Seattle we had a talk with Dayamrita Swami. One youth asked the question "Swamiji, after hearing you speak I am very inspired to take part in AYUDH however, where I live there are no other AYUDH members, so what can I do?" Swamiji responded beautifully by saying
"It only takes one person. You don't need anyone else. Just start now." Swamiji went on to illustrate a story of a young child in Colombia who at a very young age began to care for the elderly. Since then a large organization has sprung up and that young child is now 22 and internationally recognized. However it all began with one action.
AYUDH members have had the chance to tie two Rakhi bracelets onto Amma's wrist. Once in Seattle and another time in L.A. Amma was very happy to see both bracelets and fed chocolate prasad to the AYUDH members.
In San Ramon AYUDH had the priviledge of meeting with Swami Amirtaswarupananda Puri (AKA "Big Swamiji"). The event took place behind the temple in the teen tent, and the house was packed. Swamiji asked all the AYUDH members in the tent "Why do you come to see Amma?" After illiciting responses from many members he proclaimed "What can I tell you? You already know enough". From that point he answered a few questions one of which was quite profound. A British AYUDH member asked,
"What can I do to feel close to Amma during the year, when I am away at school? I feel all alone."
Swamiji answered in good form explaining that there is a difference between feeling "lonely" and "alone". The former, "loneliness", is a product of the mind; it is when our mind is full of fears and thoughts of the past and future. The latter, "aloneness", is quite healthy for a spiritual aspirant, as it allows us to delve deeper into our true selves. Swamiji wrapped it all up by saying that the only way to beat all feelings of aloneness or loneliness is to take refuge in Amma through prayer. When you are feeling all alone in the world, simply sit down and pray to Amma.
In L.A. AYUDH met with Br. Shantamrita Chaitanya. Swami Shantamrita held a very open question & answer with AYUDH. In response to the question "how do you know when you've found your Guru?" Shantamrita Swami replied
" You just do." However he went on to further elaborate, saying that it is better if no one pushes you, and you should come to your own conclusions. He shared his personal experience of learning that Amma was his Guru, explaining that he believed he would go on a long pilgrimage throughout India. However it "ended after about 3 days, 2 of which included intense giardhia." The talked ended with Swamiji's advice for AYUDH organize a good infrastructure in order for the group to function.
Of course much more has happened during the tour, but this is probably long enough for all of you to read!
For those who have experiences they want to share from the tour send them to me (gilad -- thebluejew@gmail.com) and I'll do my best to post them here.
Namah Shivaya
-Gilad
Hey Folks! Just writing a little update from the middle of Albuquerque. Things have been going very well for the AYUDH table, we've collected over 200 signatures during the last 2 weeks. Every stop has had a Swami talk.
In Seattle we had a talk with Dayamrita Swami. One youth asked the question "Swamiji, after hearing you speak I am very inspired to take part in AYUDH however, where I live there are no other AYUDH members, so what can I do?" Swamiji responded beautifully by saying
"It only takes one person. You don't need anyone else. Just start now." Swamiji went on to illustrate a story of a young child in Colombia who at a very young age began to care for the elderly. Since then a large organization has sprung up and that young child is now 22 and internationally recognized. However it all began with one action.
AYUDH members have had the chance to tie two Rakhi bracelets onto Amma's wrist. Once in Seattle and another time in L.A. Amma was very happy to see both bracelets and fed chocolate prasad to the AYUDH members.
In San Ramon AYUDH had the priviledge of meeting with Swami Amirtaswarupananda Puri (AKA "Big Swamiji"). The event took place behind the temple in the teen tent, and the house was packed. Swamiji asked all the AYUDH members in the tent "Why do you come to see Amma?" After illiciting responses from many members he proclaimed "What can I tell you? You already know enough". From that point he answered a few questions one of which was quite profound. A British AYUDH member asked,
"What can I do to feel close to Amma during the year, when I am away at school? I feel all alone."
Swamiji answered in good form explaining that there is a difference between feeling "lonely" and "alone". The former, "loneliness", is a product of the mind; it is when our mind is full of fears and thoughts of the past and future. The latter, "aloneness", is quite healthy for a spiritual aspirant, as it allows us to delve deeper into our true selves. Swamiji wrapped it all up by saying that the only way to beat all feelings of aloneness or loneliness is to take refuge in Amma through prayer. When you are feeling all alone in the world, simply sit down and pray to Amma.
In L.A. AYUDH met with Br. Shantamrita Chaitanya. Swami Shantamrita held a very open question & answer with AYUDH. In response to the question "how do you know when you've found your Guru?" Shantamrita Swami replied
" You just do." However he went on to further elaborate, saying that it is better if no one pushes you, and you should come to your own conclusions. He shared his personal experience of learning that Amma was his Guru, explaining that he believed he would go on a long pilgrimage throughout India. However it "ended after about 3 days, 2 of which included intense giardhia." The talked ended with Swamiji's advice for AYUDH organize a good infrastructure in order for the group to function.
Of course much more has happened during the tour, but this is probably long enough for all of you to read!
For those who have experiences they want to share from the tour send them to me (gilad -- thebluejew@gmail.com) and I'll do my best to post them here.
Namah Shivaya
-Gilad
Sunday, May 18, 2008
AYUDH Americas Summer Tour
Namah Sivaya Everyone!
Tour is almost here! I know a bunch of us are counting down the days until we see Amma - I am so excited!
AYUDH Americas is so lucky this summer, because we have been given table space to have a display, mailing list, sell t-shirts and rakhi, and other information about AYUDH and all of our fabulous activities. This is a really precious opportunity, and we would like to invite all of you to participate and show your support.
We are inviting youth (15 - 30) in each city to come and spend time with us at the AYUDH table, talk to people, hang out, and have a good time.
If you are interested in doing this, just drop by the table. Bring friends, laugh, have fun! We get this opportunity to represent Amma's youth to the public, so let's show them who we are!
It would be really exciting to see everyone there!
I hope we do!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Circle of Love Letter Writing
AYUDH members
have taken an interest
in writing for Circle of Love Letters!
Circle of Love Letters
is a group of people
all over the world
that write uplifting words
to other people
in need of
friendly words, a card, art or poetry etc.
Contact Lara at info@ayudh.org if you are interested AYUDH!
In Amma
May we all have peace.
(non AYUDH members very welcome also!)
Celebrate Life
and help someone else celebrate too!
"Compassion is not something one person has for another,
but rather something that arises
when one begins to see all others as ones own self"
-Amma, on compassion-
Let's do this together AYUDH America!
have taken an interest
in writing for Circle of Love Letters!
Circle of Love Letters
is a group of people
all over the world
that write uplifting words
to other people
in need of
friendly words, a card, art or poetry etc.
Contact Lara at info@ayudh.org if you are interested AYUDH!
In Amma
May we all have peace.
(non AYUDH members very welcome also!)
Celebrate Life
and help someone else celebrate too!
"Compassion is not something one person has for another,
but rather something that arises
when one begins to see all others as ones own self"
-Amma, on compassion-
Let's do this together AYUDH America!
Friday, April 4, 2008
Santa Cruz Homeless Garden Project!!!
The Santa Cruz Homeless Garden project is dedicated to helping the poor with job training and it provides them with fresh organic produce straight from the garden itself.
Amma is always stressing how essential it is to help and support people who are less fortunate then ourselves, and that it is important to stay connected and tuned into nature. On April 26th we will be volunteering and helping the Santa Cruz Homeless Garden project do that exactly!
The event will consist of gardening (planting/weeding) and a delicious picnic lunch and games at Natural Brides beach!
Be at the MA Center by 8:30am, we will garden for a few hours and then have lunch until 3pm, returning to the ashram at 4:30pm.
Please bring clothes you can get dirty in as well as layers, sometimes Santa Cruz is nice and warm and sometimes not, so a t-shirt, sweater and jacket are advised. Also please bring 5 dollars to cover lunch costs.
Please RSVP by contacting AYUDH.Americas@gmail.com
What: Gardening at the Santa Cruz Homeless Garden project
Where: Santa Cruz
When: April 26th 8:30 am-4:30pm
What to bring: Layered clothes to get dirty in and $5 to cover lunch.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Back to the Bay!!!
Half Moon Bay Habitat Restoration!
Half Moon Bay Habitat Restoration!
On April 5th AYUDH shall return to Half Moon Bay to continue helping in the on-going process!
Details
Departure: MA Center 8:30am Sharp!*
Return: We'll be back to the MA Center around 4pm.
Bring: Please bring some clothes you can work in, get muddy etc. Please also bring 5 dollars to cover lunch costs.
Please RSVP to AYUDH.Americas@gmail.com
We absolutely need to know who is coming to this event in order to plan transportation, food, and coordinate with the HMB officials.
Thanks!
-Gilad
*If you would like to meet us at the beach, rather than carpool from MA Center. Please email thebluejew@gmail.com for directions.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Pysanky Eggs with Lara!
Namah Shivaya Folks,
We are lucky enough to be hosting a very cool workshop at the MA Center. Lara Lenta will teach us how to paint Pysanky Easter Eggs. Example is below
Please come and join us at the MA Center. This Saturday, March 15th, 2pm. We'll be meeting on the deck of the main house. Space is limited so RSVP to lara4art@yahoo.com. All materials will be provided.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Circle of Love Letter Writers
Hello Everyone!
I would like to share Circle of Love Letters with all of you!
I have been doing Circle of Love Letters since 2007!
Circle of Love Letters is a group of people who write to others once a week for 3 months.
The people written to may have an illness, take care of someone, or just need to know that a complete stranger cares about them and that they are loved. It can be any sort of reason and the people who write can be any sort of people.
I have written to people who are caretakers, a person who moved far away from home, a woman in a convalescent home, people with illnesses, and so on. I have learned a lot about myself by this wonderful SEVA. It is organized by Amma devotees but you do not have to be an Amma devotee to be a Circle of Love Letter writer nor do you have to be an Amma devotee to be a recipient of the Circle of Love Letters. The people getting letters do not have to write back. However, they are told that they may if they want to.
You can send notes, letters, poems, art, tea bags and any other number of small items per week. There are guidelines and you and your recipients would be checked on via email, especially when you first start out. All the letters you write to recipients are sent through the "snail mail" post.
It is also a good support system. For example: My grandmother died this January. I let my the Circle of Love Letters writers know. Within the next few weeks about a dozen letters were sent to my family's house with love and support for me and my loved ones in a time of need. It was really good to have and some of the words written were so touching I cried.
So even if you are only interested, please feel free to contact me (Lara) and I can send you further information or refer a question to Sivamayi who is currently organizing the letters.
*It would be great to be participating with Circle of Love Letters as a group: AYUDH America!*
Thank you so much for reading!
At Amma's Feet,
Lara of Amma's AYUDH
lara4art@yahoo.com
510 825 8944 if you prefer talking. :)
Contact Sivamayi.
Email: circleofloveletters@hotmail.com
if you already know you would like to participate.
Please note there is also a different Amma inspired group writing to incarcerated people. This is not that group. Facebook-ers, can check out: Circle of Love Letter Writers on Facebook
Om Amritheswaryai Namah
Saturday, February 23, 2008
AYUDH Bakesale at MA Center on March 8th!!
Hi All,
It's already time for our 2nd Bakesale!! We are scheduled for March 8th - we did really well last time so let's try to do even better!! Lessons learned from last time:
1. Need more pizzas
2. More savory snacks
3. We had a lot of duplicates so ended up with excess. This time if each person can make sure they let me know what they are bringing ahead of time we can be more organized.
E-mail me at ammasg3@hotmail.com or call me at 925-819-6532!
Namah Shivaya,
Gayathri
It's already time for our 2nd Bakesale!! We are scheduled for March 8th - we did really well last time so let's try to do even better!! Lessons learned from last time:
1. Need more pizzas
2. More savory snacks
3. We had a lot of duplicates so ended up with excess. This time if each person can make sure they let me know what they are bringing ahead of time we can be more organized.
E-mail me at ammasg3@hotmail.com or call me at 925-819-6532!
Namah Shivaya,
Gayathri
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Tree/Acorn Planting at MAC Feb 16th.
Namah Shivayah AYUDH members,
An exciting opportunity has arisen! Come February 16th, 2008 the MA center is hosting a Greenfriends/AYUDH adventure. We will be planting Acorn seeds, which will hopefully grow up to become big beautiful trees. Acorns are wonderful trees to plant at the ashram because they are native to the land.
Greenfriends is organizing the logistics of the event and has kindly invited AYUDH to help facilitate the event. This means that we (AYUDH) would be there helping instruct people as how to correctly plant acorn seeds. Already three of our members have been trained. For the rest of us who require training please show up at 9am on the 16th. Seethala will then teach us everything we need to know.
Please come! IT will be FUuuuun!Here are the details for the planting.
Acorn Planting Opportunity*
"If we haven't done any selfless act, we should plant a tree or sapling; that would be a truly selfless deed, benefiting others and ourselves." Amma
Om Namah Shivaya,Come Join Green Friends and AYUDH youth in planting acorns above Amma's meditation meadowSat. February 16th10:30am to 12:30pmand2:30pm to 4:30pmMeet in the meditation meadow by the Swan PondWear boots and rain gear, gloves, acorns and shovels provided
An exciting opportunity has arisen! Come February 16th, 2008 the MA center is hosting a Greenfriends/AYUDH adventure. We will be planting Acorn seeds, which will hopefully grow up to become big beautiful trees. Acorns are wonderful trees to plant at the ashram because they are native to the land.
Greenfriends is organizing the logistics of the event and has kindly invited AYUDH to help facilitate the event. This means that we (AYUDH) would be there helping instruct people as how to correctly plant acorn seeds. Already three of our members have been trained. For the rest of us who require training please show up at 9am on the 16th. Seethala will then teach us everything we need to know.
Please come! IT will be FUuuuun!Here are the details for the planting.
Acorn Planting Opportunity*
"If we haven't done any selfless act, we should plant a tree or sapling; that would be a truly selfless deed, benefiting others and ourselves." Amma
Om Namah Shivaya,Come Join Green Friends and AYUDH youth in planting acorns above Amma's meditation meadowSat. February 16th10:30am to 12:30pmand2:30pm to 4:30pmMeet in the meditation meadow by the Swan PondWear boots and rain gear, gloves, acorns and shovels provided
Friday, January 18, 2008
Retreat 2007 Memories!
Om Amriteshwaryai Namaha!
Ayudh 2007 Retreat
I was fortunate enough to attend the first ever AYUDH America youth retreat, which took place between December 27th and December 30th 2007 at the MA Center- Amma’s ashram in San Ramon, California. It was an incredible experience to connect with a group of young people who were so diverse, yet also like-minded in intentions and goals.
This fall, some of the young people from America went on Amma’s European tour and were very impressed with the camaraderie and enthusiasm of the youths around Amma in Europe, and were inspired upon hearing about the AYUDH International Youth Exchange that took place in Germany this year. With the roots of AYUDH in India, and a strong branch in Europe- it was time for a branch in America to be initiated, and with less than two months of intense planning, it began!
Most of the retreat took place in a very picturesque part of the ashram, which is actually a beautiful house in the hills, with no roads or highways in sight; the perfect place for a “retreat” from the rigors of high school, universities and the working world. We all began arriving Thursday afternoon and the initial activity we did was some light seva while watching the Amrita TV program Ammayodappam. Once everyone arrived, we began with some ice-breaker games so that we could get to know each others’ names and to kick-off the retreat with some fun and laughter. After the orientation and dinner, we celebrated all the December and January birthdays with a big cake that said “Happy Birthday AYUDH America” which was appropriate, as we were also there to celebrate the birth of AYUDH America itself. After dinner we sat in the main temple of the ashram and Dayamrita Swami gave an inspirational talk on the meaning of AYUDH- Amrita Yuva Dharma Dara, or the flow of Dharma through the youths, and he also taught us that the Sanskrit word Ayudh literally means “without war.” After the talk, we all participated in the evening bhajans.
The next morning at 5:30 AM, and for every morning of the retreat, there was the chanting of the Sri Lalitha Sahasranama archana in the temple. After the archana, the Mahisasuramardini stotram was chanted as well. Even though attendance was optional, there was a nice turnout everyday! The true inauguration of AYUDH America took place that next morning, with Dayamrita Swami leading us all in a Puja, which included the chanting of the 108 names. He also spoke to us about the importance of spiritual practice, and gave us very practical advice on how to incorporate it into the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. A deep peace pervaded the atmosphere as Swamiji led us in a meditation; and it truly felt like Amma’s blessings were there with all of us.
Following a tasty pancake breakfast was an infinitely special treat; a live web cast of Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri from Amma’s ashram in India. In the midst of his ever-busy schedule, Swamiji took the time to talk to us- and with us, about the theme of this retreat and AYUDH America- Be the change. Swamiji told us that if we change ourselves that is the first step in changing the world around us. He gave us advice on how we can make an inner change. He taught us that music does not come from the guitarist’s fingertips; that the music comes from beyond, and like that, change also comes from beyond, and that Amma, or God is the changeless core of life. Swamiji told many funny stories and anecdotes that had us all laughing, and he even asked us questions and interacted with us. What stuck out the most to me was when Swamiji said that we should think simply, that as a group we should not start out with huge ideas, but small accomplishable ones, and that we should use Amma’s simplicity as a role model. Towards the end, one of the retreatants asked Swamiji to sing a bhajan. He sang Shristiyum Niye, and all of us sang along in response. It was such a beautiful moment, and definitely a major highlight of the retreat. Afterwards, we sat together to further discuss the meaning of be the change and had an opportunity to ask specific questions to Dayamrita Swami.
The rest of the afternoon was spent participating in an interesting array of activities. We split up into 4 groups and rotated between 4 different workshops. The first, named “Creative Giving” gave us an opportunity to make one square of what will later be a quilt. We had many paints to work with and a stencil of the AYUDH logo, and were given free reign to create any design we wanted. Another workshop was a question and answer session with Dayamrita Swami. It was so nice to sit in a small intimate group and to feel comfortable to ask him anything that we felt like. He also told us many funny stories of his experiences with Amma, and on the spiritual path that made us laugh, and in some cases moved us to tears. One of the facilitators of the retreat put together a power point presentation as one of the workshops, which highlighted the words and works of some of the great movers and shakers of our time- and before our time- like Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Einstein, Teddy Roosevelt and Amma. The final workshop, Divine Delights, had us hands-on baking cookies and cupcakes and decorating them. This showed those of us not familiar with baking, just how easy and fun it can be. The cookies were sold at the next evening’s satsang to raise money for Amma’s charitable activities.
Later in the afternoon we played a competitive, yet fun game of charades, as well as a game of Jeopardy- it was projected on the big screen and we even had buzzers! The game tested our listening skills by giving us questions on Swamiji’s web cast and Dayamrita Swami’s satsangs. After dinner, and the evening bhajans, we relaxed after a packed day, with popcorn and a light hearted movie.
On Saturday morning, Dayamrita Swami again lead us in meditation and prayers and then we quickly set off on an outing; AYUDH America’s first service project. We caravanned to Half Moon Bay to do some habitat restoration on the coast. The weather had been quite stormy the day before, but by the time we reached the beach, the rain let up. A park ranger met with us and explained that the native plants of the California coast were being choked out by foreign-introduced invasive species, and that this has an effect on the entire ecosystem. She showed us the invasive species, gave us all hoes, and we dug in! After removing many of the invasives, we began to plant native species such as strawberry and sage plants. This was so much fun and it quickly became obvious that with so many people working together, seemingly big jobs can get done almost effortlessly. While we didn’t completely finish removing all of the invasive species in the area, we cleared a good chunk of it, and we get to look forward to doing more work there together in the future. As we were leaving the beach, it began to rain, which felt like a blessing for the new plants, giving them a good chance to grow and thrive.
In the late afternoon we had a discussion group with Jay Misra, one of Amma’s devotees that lives in the San Ramon ashram. He spoke to us about the problem of farmer suicide in India, and showed us a very informative video on the matter. Most of us had not been aware of this issue and it sparked a lively discussion on why it is happening and what we can possibly do individually and as a group to help bring about a remedy to this horrible situation.
That evening at the ashram was the regular Saturday public program, and all of us wore our new AYUDH t-shirts. Four of the retreat participants gave a short talk about their experience of the retreat so far. The Bhajans themselves were lead by Dayamrita Swami along with the youth singing and playing the instruments and performing the Arati.
The next day was the final day of our retreat. After the final round of meditation and prayers, we all came together to talk about some short term and long term goals that we as AYUDH America want to accomplish. Over the course of the retreat, numerous ideas had come up about different fundraisers and seva activities that we can do together, and it became obvious during the discussion which ideas had the most steam. Environmental projects seemed to be very popular for our group, so one pledge we made was to plant a certain number of trees before Amma’s next visit. If everyone does just a little bit, then as a group we should easily be able to accomplish that goal. My favorite pledge is that we will meet again at least 3 more times before Amma’s visit in June. And since be the change is not just about how we can change the world, but how we can change ourselves, we each wrote a letter addressed to ourselves with a pledge of how we plan to change our own thoughts and actions this year, and this will be mailed to us around the same time next year. For the final activity of the retreat, we all gathered on a hill just above the Amrita Hall to plant a tree. We planted this tree together not just to mark the end of the retreat, but as a prayer for the beginning of AYUDH America. While chanting Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu, we each put some soil and poured water on the base of the tree, and when it was finished, one of the kids said that we should name it “Amrita Ayudh,” meaning “Immortal Peace”. May its roots grow deep into the soil, and with Amma’s grace, may it grow towards the sky with strength and perserverence.
This fall, some of the young people from America went on Amma’s European tour and were very impressed with the camaraderie and enthusiasm of the youths around Amma in Europe, and were inspired upon hearing about the AYUDH International Youth Exchange that took place in Germany this year. With the roots of AYUDH in India, and a strong branch in Europe- it was time for a branch in America to be initiated, and with less than two months of intense planning, it began!
Most of the retreat took place in a very picturesque part of the ashram, which is actually a beautiful house in the hills, with no roads or highways in sight; the perfect place for a “retreat” from the rigors of high school, universities and the working world. We all began arriving Thursday afternoon and the initial activity we did was some light seva while watching the Amrita TV program Ammayodappam. Once everyone arrived, we began with some ice-breaker games so that we could get to know each others’ names and to kick-off the retreat with some fun and laughter. After the orientation and dinner, we celebrated all the December and January birthdays with a big cake that said “Happy Birthday AYUDH America” which was appropriate, as we were also there to celebrate the birth of AYUDH America itself. After dinner we sat in the main temple of the ashram and Dayamrita Swami gave an inspirational talk on the meaning of AYUDH- Amrita Yuva Dharma Dara, or the flow of Dharma through the youths, and he also taught us that the Sanskrit word Ayudh literally means “without war.” After the talk, we all participated in the evening bhajans.
The next morning at 5:30 AM, and for every morning of the retreat, there was the chanting of the Sri Lalitha Sahasranama archana in the temple. After the archana, the Mahisasuramardini stotram was chanted as well. Even though attendance was optional, there was a nice turnout everyday! The true inauguration of AYUDH America took place that next morning, with Dayamrita Swami leading us all in a Puja, which included the chanting of the 108 names. He also spoke to us about the importance of spiritual practice, and gave us very practical advice on how to incorporate it into the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. A deep peace pervaded the atmosphere as Swamiji led us in a meditation; and it truly felt like Amma’s blessings were there with all of us.
Following a tasty pancake breakfast was an infinitely special treat; a live web cast of Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri from Amma’s ashram in India. In the midst of his ever-busy schedule, Swamiji took the time to talk to us- and with us, about the theme of this retreat and AYUDH America- Be the change. Swamiji told us that if we change ourselves that is the first step in changing the world around us. He gave us advice on how we can make an inner change. He taught us that music does not come from the guitarist’s fingertips; that the music comes from beyond, and like that, change also comes from beyond, and that Amma, or God is the changeless core of life. Swamiji told many funny stories and anecdotes that had us all laughing, and he even asked us questions and interacted with us. What stuck out the most to me was when Swamiji said that we should think simply, that as a group we should not start out with huge ideas, but small accomplishable ones, and that we should use Amma’s simplicity as a role model. Towards the end, one of the retreatants asked Swamiji to sing a bhajan. He sang Shristiyum Niye, and all of us sang along in response. It was such a beautiful moment, and definitely a major highlight of the retreat. Afterwards, we sat together to further discuss the meaning of be the change and had an opportunity to ask specific questions to Dayamrita Swami.
The rest of the afternoon was spent participating in an interesting array of activities. We split up into 4 groups and rotated between 4 different workshops. The first, named “Creative Giving” gave us an opportunity to make one square of what will later be a quilt. We had many paints to work with and a stencil of the AYUDH logo, and were given free reign to create any design we wanted. Another workshop was a question and answer session with Dayamrita Swami. It was so nice to sit in a small intimate group and to feel comfortable to ask him anything that we felt like. He also told us many funny stories of his experiences with Amma, and on the spiritual path that made us laugh, and in some cases moved us to tears. One of the facilitators of the retreat put together a power point presentation as one of the workshops, which highlighted the words and works of some of the great movers and shakers of our time- and before our time- like Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Einstein, Teddy Roosevelt and Amma. The final workshop, Divine Delights, had us hands-on baking cookies and cupcakes and decorating them. This showed those of us not familiar with baking, just how easy and fun it can be. The cookies were sold at the next evening’s satsang to raise money for Amma’s charitable activities.
Later in the afternoon we played a competitive, yet fun game of charades, as well as a game of Jeopardy- it was projected on the big screen and we even had buzzers! The game tested our listening skills by giving us questions on Swamiji’s web cast and Dayamrita Swami’s satsangs. After dinner, and the evening bhajans, we relaxed after a packed day, with popcorn and a light hearted movie.
On Saturday morning, Dayamrita Swami again lead us in meditation and prayers and then we quickly set off on an outing; AYUDH America’s first service project. We caravanned to Half Moon Bay to do some habitat restoration on the coast. The weather had been quite stormy the day before, but by the time we reached the beach, the rain let up. A park ranger met with us and explained that the native plants of the California coast were being choked out by foreign-introduced invasive species, and that this has an effect on the entire ecosystem. She showed us the invasive species, gave us all hoes, and we dug in! After removing many of the invasives, we began to plant native species such as strawberry and sage plants. This was so much fun and it quickly became obvious that with so many people working together, seemingly big jobs can get done almost effortlessly. While we didn’t completely finish removing all of the invasive species in the area, we cleared a good chunk of it, and we get to look forward to doing more work there together in the future. As we were leaving the beach, it began to rain, which felt like a blessing for the new plants, giving them a good chance to grow and thrive.
In the late afternoon we had a discussion group with Jay Misra, one of Amma’s devotees that lives in the San Ramon ashram. He spoke to us about the problem of farmer suicide in India, and showed us a very informative video on the matter. Most of us had not been aware of this issue and it sparked a lively discussion on why it is happening and what we can possibly do individually and as a group to help bring about a remedy to this horrible situation.
That evening at the ashram was the regular Saturday public program, and all of us wore our new AYUDH t-shirts. Four of the retreat participants gave a short talk about their experience of the retreat so far. The Bhajans themselves were lead by Dayamrita Swami along with the youth singing and playing the instruments and performing the Arati.
The next day was the final day of our retreat. After the final round of meditation and prayers, we all came together to talk about some short term and long term goals that we as AYUDH America want to accomplish. Over the course of the retreat, numerous ideas had come up about different fundraisers and seva activities that we can do together, and it became obvious during the discussion which ideas had the most steam. Environmental projects seemed to be very popular for our group, so one pledge we made was to plant a certain number of trees before Amma’s next visit. If everyone does just a little bit, then as a group we should easily be able to accomplish that goal. My favorite pledge is that we will meet again at least 3 more times before Amma’s visit in June. And since be the change is not just about how we can change the world, but how we can change ourselves, we each wrote a letter addressed to ourselves with a pledge of how we plan to change our own thoughts and actions this year, and this will be mailed to us around the same time next year. For the final activity of the retreat, we all gathered on a hill just above the Amrita Hall to plant a tree. We planted this tree together not just to mark the end of the retreat, but as a prayer for the beginning of AYUDH America. While chanting Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu, we each put some soil and poured water on the base of the tree, and when it was finished, one of the kids said that we should name it “Amrita Ayudh,” meaning “Immortal Peace”. May its roots grow deep into the soil, and with Amma’s grace, may it grow towards the sky with strength and perserverence.
-Vilasini
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