August and September Events at M. A. Center San Ramon

The months of August and September at M. A. Center were filled with a spiritual and festive atmosphere. Here are some of the special events. 
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Every year Amrita Bala Kendra organizes a puja at the beginning of the new academic year, to invoke the blessings of Saraswati Devi, the goddess of learning. This year again the puja was well attended by students young and old.

 

As always, Krishna Jayanthi celebration was a fun event at M. A. Center. Special decorations were done to receive Sri Krishna, starting with a path lined with the lotuses from the Ashram pond and lighted lamps. Krishna’s cradle was brightly decorated and lined with lotus petals and set next to Amma’s chair. The evening activities included bhajans, Kamsa piñata for kids and Uriyadi for adults, and Dandiya Raas, the participatory group dance in remembrance of Krishna dancing with the Gopis in Brindavan. At midnight the story of Krishna’s birth was read from the Bhagavatham. After which Swamiji performed the special puja to welcome baby Krishna into this world.  At the end of it all, Krishna’s presence was a palpable aura in the hall and the hearts of everyone present. 

 

San Ramon hosted a two-day Labor Day retreat on Sept. 5th and 6th led by Br. Dayamrita Chaitanya and Br. Shantamrita Chaitanya. This was a unique occasion in that two of Amma’s senior disciples were present to enrich us with spiritual guidance. The retreat included manasa pujas, satsangs, Q&A sessions, as well as bhajans, meditation and a nature walk.  Spiritual discourses by Brs. Dayamrita  Chaitanya and Shantamrita Chaitanya included The Fourteen Abodes of Knowledge and The Purusharthas - The Four Pillars of Life.

On Saturday, attendees were treated to a class where they learned the 2014 bhajan 'Durga Durgati..'. Sunday’s program was a day of silence, creating space for introspection and allowing everyone to enjoy the peaceful grounds of the Ashram.  Individuals were able to write private letters to Amma that were then brought directly to Amritapuri for delivery to Amma.  

 

Ganesh Chaturthi, the festival to honor the beloved Ganesha was celebrated in three parts.

 

September 12 – Ganesh Murthi making: The Center provided clay for all those wished to create one’s own Ganesha murthi. Experts were at hand to provide guidance through this process of creation. These murthis were then lined up on stage to await the puja and final return to absolution or immersion in the pond. 

 

September 16 - Ganesh Puja: The newly created Ganesha murthis were sanctified and blessed as part of the Ganesh puja.  This was a participatory puja with people offering puja to their own murthi.

 

September 26 - The Ganesh Visarjan: The Immersion of the murthi took place after mantras thanking Lord Ganesha for bringing auspiciousness and for taking away all difficulties with him. After offering flower petals to each murthi, they were taken in procession to the pond with the accompaniment of bhajans. The Ganeshas were immersed in the pond one by one and the cycle of Creation returning to Nature was complete. Until Ganesha is welcomed back next year.

 

The Autumnal Equinox was celebrated with the sacred gong ritual near the Labyrinth under clear blue skies.