Amma Holds Mass Prayer

Humanitarian & Spiritual Leader Amma Holds Mass Prayer in Azhikkal
for Those Killed By the Tsunami

Press Release
January 10, 2005

On 10 January, Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma)-the humanitarian and spiritual leader from South India led some 5,000 people in a prayer for the peace of the departed souls and for those they left behind.
The prayer took place on the 16th day after the tragedy, the customary day according to the Hindu tradition to offer prayers for the departed.

Amma led the 5,000 people from her Amritapuri Center along the devastated Beach Road to the spot in Azhikkal where 40 villagers killed by the tsunami had been cremated on 28th December. Throughout the two mile walk, the procession chanted "Om lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu," a Sanskrit mantra praying for the peace and happiness of everyone in the entire world.

When they reached the cremation grounds, Amma had everyone light small clay oil lamps and stand in a formation that spelled out the peace mantra.

Amma then addressed all those assembled, which included a large number of villagers: "With the coming of the tsunami, we have realized the limitations of human effort. In the face of something like this, even science is rendered helpless. Only God's grace can help us. This is a time to invoke love and compassion in our hearts and to work with our hands."

Amma then asked all present to pray for the peace and happiness of the departed souls as well as for the family members they have left behind.

She then led the procession in reverential circles around the cremation grounds and in offering their lit oil lamps into the Arabian Sea.

Since the moment of the tragedy, Amma's Ashram has been dedicating its full resources towards tsunami relief work, providing free food, shelter, clothes, medical aid and emotional support for the affected. Some of the places the Ashram is focusing its attention on include Kollam, Alleppy and Ernakulam districts in the state of Kerala and Nagapattinam in the state of Tamil Nadu.

Amma is recognized for her humanitarian work throughout India, and for the selfless service she inspires around the world. She is known for showering love on everyone equally through her embrace. She has already embraced 30 million people and continues to travel tirelessly worldwide to comfort anyone who comes to her.

For more information please contact Rob Sidon: rob@highgroundconsulting.com
.

Tsunami Relief Slideshow

Tsunami Relief Updates

Tsunami Relief Donations