Oct 12: Thanksgiving on the Farm
October 12, 2022 — Toronto, Canada
As the harvest ends in the vegetable garden, it peaks in the apple orchard
This past Thanksgiving weekend, we offered our gratitude to the vegetable garden for its abundance throughout the summer. The organically grown vegetables were enjoyed by all the farm volunteers, the local food banks, and the buyers and farm visitors which helped us raise well needed funds for local charities.
On Thanksgiving Day, the orchard was blessed with the presence of 50+ volunteers from the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh. HSS has been assisting with apple picking for several years. We gathered together at 11:00 Am, under a canopy of blue sky, the gentle rays of the morning sun warming the crisp autumn air. Sri Darpam and Sri Sumitabh, two coordinators of HSS chapters gave a brief intro of the ideals and activities of HSS. HSS is a voluntary non-profit, social and cultural organization inspired by the idea that the whole world is one family. They are devoted to preserving and promoting the ideals of Hindu Dharma: self-discipline, self-confidence, and a spirit of selfless service. Sri C.S. Gopi then welcomed the group on behalf of the Farm team, explaining that the Farm was an extension of Amma and accepting them as part of our Amma family.
Prior to starting the activities, the HSS coordinators reminded everyone that the goal of the day's activities was to manifest the ideal of selfless service (seva). They then led a chant invoking the presence of Hanuman, the embodiment of selflessness, and proceeded to get to work.
It was a humbling experience to see the joy and dedication of the HSS volunteers. Their enthusiasm, dedication and cheerfulness was reminiscent of an Amma retreat. Sounds of laughter and a spirit of joy filled the day. Children giggled as they turned work into play, their attitude infecting all the adults as well. Apples were picked and sorted into groups of unblemished, blemished but usable, and not usable. With our task accomplished, the day ended with chanting and meditation in the Satsang Hall - a truly Happy Thanksgiving indeed! Apple and pear picking and selling continue this weekend! Sign up HERE to help, or email us at ammatoronto@ammagroups.org.