In line with Amma’s guidance and teachings on the importance of collective prayer, a special puja ceremony seeking protection of Mother Nature was held at Amma’s Ashram (Melbourne) on Sunday 26 Jan 2020. It was a collective effort from both local, national and international devotees coming together to make the evening a wonderful success.

Three pujas were performed by two Pujaris (Hindu Priest). The first puja was to Lord Ganesha, carried out to remove any obstacles in the way of our prayers and intentions achieving great success and prosperity for our fellow beings.

The second puja was a Paduka Puja, which was a blessed opportunity to offer our admiration and love to Amma’s divine feet.

The third puja was a Parashakti Puja, an extremely powerful puja performed to seek protection from the supreme divine mother (Parashakti) who provides everything for all living beings. It is the grace and compassion of Parashakti that hears our prayers and responses.

The fundraiser was in line with Amma’s advice on the importance of collective prayer. Swami Ramakrishnanada Puri asked that all who attended the Bushfire Support Initiative recognise the importance of expressing strong prayers from the heart. We may have money, resources as well as modern technology and the earth is surrounded by 70% water but humans continue to stand helplessly as the planet suffers as it did in the Australian bush fires. in these instances, we recognise that our physically efforts alone are not enough. Prayers are also needed. Prayers can invoke the Divine Mother's love and compassion. Even in the most disastrous times, we need to invoke the Divine grace and humbleness within us and seek love, grace and compassion for all beings.