Join with Amma in the Humanitarioan Charitable
projects
As a young girl, Amma would regularly take food, clothes and other
items from Her home to share with Her neighbours in need. Inspite
of the fact that Her parents would beat Her for doing so, She always
was there for the hungry and suffering.
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School supplies, a scholarship, a roof over one's head, a
wholesome meal... these are what make a difference for those
who are struggling to get by. Amma frequently reminds us that
so many in this word suffer needlessly. If we could share
our wealth, those in need of expensive treatments such as
dialysis, heart surgery, cancer and other ailments could be
helped. Amma has seen many suffer terribly due to their inability
to afford even a single painkiller. Those who smoke cigarettes
or drink alcohol and spend so much on luxuries could easily
alleviate these people's pain. |
Amma says everyone needs to understand that happiness
comes from within, and not from such objects. For if happiness were
truly inside the cigarette, would not everyone enjoy it? But many
people can not stand to even be in a room with someone who is smoking.
Similarly, if happiness were in chocolates, would you not be happy
to eat 50 of them? But after 10 or so, doesn't one feel sick to
the stomach? When a man dies at 40, due to his inability to afford
a medical treatment, who should have lived to 80, are we not responsible
for those 40 years? If we don't feel able to give up cigarettes
completely, can't we attest cut down and give the rest of the money
to help the poor and needy? If we normally buy 10 outfits a month,
can't we reduce it to five? Amma knows so many of Her children have
stopped spending on such luxuries and started helping others. If
you sincerely try, you will also be able to do it.
Whether you live in India or abroad, there are many opportunities
for you to assist Amma with Her humanitarian projects in the fields
of education, healthcare, social uplift and environmental protection.
The social services of Mata Amritanandamayi
Math — from
the free-housing project to AIMS Hospital to the orphanage — are
completely dependent on selfless service. Whether it be monks
dedicating their lives to serving Amma, devotees offering
their spare time or computer students assisting between classes,
all are essential in the Math's efforts to uplift suffering
humanity.
Whether you live in India or abroad, there are many opportunities
for you to help. In India, there are programmes such as AYUDH (the
Math's Youth Wing) and GreenFriends (the
Math's Environmental Group) in which you can participate.
Perhaps you can also help sell Matruvani (Amma's monthly
spiritual magazine) or even take part in constructing free
houses for the poor. And AIMS
Hospital in Cochin, Kerala, always has many opportunities
for you to help. |
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In America, Mother's Kitchen serves food to the homeless in more than 22 cities throughout the
country. In Singapore, devotees spread Amma's love to prisons and
mental institutions through regular visits. And every year devotees
from Japan and other countries come to India to help the Math build
homes for the poor.
Service for the sake of service is like love for love's sake.
And at the peak of every sacrifice made in love, is the source
of pure joy. In truth, these are not chances for us to give,
but to receive, as when we embrace selfless service, we embrace
Amma.
If you are interested, the best way to get involved is to
contact your local ashram/centre.
Make a difference in someone's life by donating
to anyone of the charitable activities of M.A. Math.
"Compassion to the poor is our duty towards
God." —Amma |
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