It was a time for happiness, gratitude, and reverence in Australia. Devotees across the country celebrated the return of Swami Ramakrishnananda Puri, one of Amma’s most senior disciples. His tour included a new chapter in Amma Australia’s history—the grand opening of the Melbourne Ashram’s renovated Amrita Hall and the brand new Amrita Cafe.
Swamiji was joined by Swami Atmananda Puri and Brahmachari Vivek. In unity and devotion, the events in Carrum Downs, Melbourne began on April 30th with traditional homas and pujas to bless the new facilities.
The community then continued to prepare for the official inauguration on May 17th. It was a beautiful celebration that included honouring the Bunurong People, the traditional custodians of this sacred land.
“No doubt, whatever project Amma starts in any part of the world, it becomes large and beneficial for the community, especially for the people in need,” said Swami Ramakrishnananda in his address.
“Amma has this infinite knowledge which is always accompanied by infinite love and infinite compassion. This is self-evident in a spiritual master’s life. I truly believe this centre of Amma’s here in Melbourne will be a centre of spreading love, compassion, and kindness to everyone that comes here and to all in the surrounding community.”
Nava Subramaniam is a director with Amma Australia. She shared how the Ashram was purchased in 2006 on land with just a four-bedroom house that included a garage. In 2010, a small hall was built, and the community continued to expand with gatherings for spiritual practices, local humanitarian work, and a joining of hearts. For each and every devotee, it was Amma who inspired them to strive for lives of selfless service.
“Today we are blessed with a state-of-the-art event function hall and a cafe. A huge kudos goes to the project team and the support of so very many people over the years. This community ecosystem that you see here today has been a labour of love and each step of its development has grown with the key motive of spreading Amma’s message of love and compassion,” she said.
Over the years, volunteers with Amma Australia have dedicated themselves to providing relief for people in need in their communities. This includes food and basic needs, shelter, disaster response, and collaboration with Aboriginal organisations focused on cultural connections and empowerment.
Currently in Melbourne, volunteers are working in partnership with the Darebin Community Canteen and Frankston Community Support to provide food and basic needs. They are looking forward to using the cafe’s new kitchen to cook meals.
Uncle Mark Brown is a Bunurong Elder and Senior Cultural Heritage Officer. He marked the joining of hands with respects to all ancestors, elders, and community members, acknowledging a continuous link between the people and the land where the Ashram is built.
He explained it is a deep spiritual connection that encompasses the rivers, mountains, coastal areas, and beautiful bushlands that surround the area.
“As we gather here today, we recognise that this ceremony is a part of our shared journey of reconciliation and it’s a shared journey of understanding. By acknowledging and encompassing the deeply rich heritage of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nations, we strive to foster mutual respect, cultural exchange, and celebration of diversities,” he said.
“We come with purpose, we gather in love, we gather in unity…. So welcome. We all come with purpose to this beautiful Bunurong country. Please walk over with soft feet and very, very open hearts.”
As the state of Victoria’s Attorney General, Hon’ble Member of Parliament Sonya Kilkenny also joined the celebrations. She shared she had the great fortune to receive Amma’s embrace in Melbourne, an experience that will always stay with her.
“I’m so grateful for all the roles that you play in uplifting the voices of our multicultural and diverse communities right across Victoria,” she said.
“And on a personal note, you treat me like family whenever I come here. I want to say from my family to your family, ‘Thank you.’ You empower others. You uplift with compassion, with empathy, with love and support—all without judgment. And we are all the better for it.”
In the spirit of Amma’s compassion in action, the people in Melbourne came together with steady hands to inaugurate the Ashram’s new buildings. The event concluded as a haven where East meets West, and hearts meet hearts.
Angela Rich is a devotee in Melbourne who first met Amma in 1997, and soon after, joined the local group. Over those years, her spiritual practices progressed, alongside her commitment to its humanitarian initiatives.
“However, since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, my involvement with Amma’s Australian community has deepened, particularly to support the development of the Ashram,” she shared.
“In a world that is constantly changing, these spaces will provide a much-needed sense of stability and support for all who walk through their doors.”
Sydney and Adelaide
During his time in Australia, Swami Ramakrishnananda also held programs in Sydney and Adelaide that included spiritual discourses, Q&A sessions, and devotional singing. The devotees gathered in great happiness and gratitude, especially as Swamiji shared many of his own close experiences with Amma.
As well, Swami Atmananda Puri offered deeply insightful talks and guided calming, focused meditations that resonated with positive thinking. Brahmachari Vivek led his unique yoga sessions that are grounded upon joy and at the same time instill inner peace.
With Swami Ramakrishnananda as a messenger of Amma’s unconditional love, the Australian community became further inspired to compassionately serve society and walk the spiritual path with courage and faith. Though 9,000 kilometres away from Amritapuri, Amma’s divine presence was felt in every heart.
