Amma in Dublin 2004

Amma’s first visit to Dublin took place in the RDS on November 13^th & 14^th 2004.

Amma´s visit was a dream come true for her Irish supporters who had been inviting her for over ten years. On Saturday 13th the Industries Hall at the RDS opened its doors to an already waiting crowd. Soon the hall was vibrating with spiritual chants and the aroma of Indian vegetarian cuisine. Amma´s presence opened the hearts and minds of everyone who stepped into the hall. “I am short of words to describe the incredible experience that I had during Amma’s visit to Ireland. It was full of beauty, grace, miracles and peace,” a visitor from England said.

The stream of people who came to see her seemed unending. An estimated 15,000 people turned up over the two days, queuing patiently for hours to get a blessing in the form of Amma´s famous hug. Young and old, families, religious and political figures, entertainers, all came to welcome this living Saint to our land of “Saints and Scholars”.

When Amma left the Hall at 9.30am on Monday morning after receiving a still waiting crowd one by one into her arms through- out the night, she described the heart of the Irish people as a beautiful fragrant flower. She felt as if she had been coming here for years, such was the welcome and the readiness of the people to embrace her simple, authentic message.

“Getting Darshan from Amma is so expansive that she takes me, her child, into another realm where there is only pureness and divine unconditional love. Where anything is possible that is for the highest good of all. Where nothing can hold me back or put me down. Where an incredible softness becomes me. Where a gentleness enfolds me. Where wisdom is accessible through trust. Where innocence of trust lives and pours through me. A deep yearning inside had come to an end. Something new was in its place. Something more beautiful and fulfilling than I had ever known before. This is a human account of a spiritual experience.”
– Dawn from Galway

Amma in Dublin 2005

Amma’s second visit to Dublin was held in the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght on the 14^th and 15^th November 2005.

16 November 2005 — Dublin International Airport, Ireland

“Come to Know Who You Really Are”

The sun had not yet risen when Amma entered the Dublin Airport, but several of Amma’s devotees from Ireland were there waiting. They wanted to see her once more before her departure for America. The two days Amma had spent giving darshan in Dublin had not been enough. The sadness showed on their faces. In fact, dozens of Amma’s children from throughout Europe had come to see Amma off–some of whom had been travelling with Amma for the past six weeks. The look in their eyes was the same as that in the eyes of Amma’s Irish children: six weeks… it had not been enough.

Amma still had some time before she had to board her flight, so she sat down on one of the chairs in the airport’s waiting area. Her children sat at her feet. One lady from London, sitting directly in front of Amma, could not control her tears. When Amma saw her eyes filling, she pretended to be shocked, perhaps trying to get the lady to smile. For some time, everyone was silent. The feelings were beyond words, so Amma just gazed out at everyone, her reflection shining in each of her children’s eyes.

It was an Irish woman who spoke up. “Now that Amma is going way, what can we, Amma’s children do, to keep feeling close to Amma, to keep Amma in our heart, even when she is physically away from us?”
“Put in efforts to know who you really are,” Amma said. “When we look into a mirror, we do so to try to become someone else. But we need to look into our Self to see who we truly are. If we can come to know who we truly are, then we will always be with Amma.

“In the past there have been many problems in this country. Amma prays that no more come in the future. All of you should try to live in unity. The sun shines down, and its image reflects in a thousand different pots filled with water. The reflections are many, but they are each reflecting the same sun. Similarly, when we come to know who we truly are, we will see ourselves in all people. It is Amma’s prayer that you all succeed in this.”

The question had been about Amma’s Irish children, but Amma’s answer applied to her children from all over Europe, from all over the world. Only when we realise that our Self and Amma’s Self and the Self of all of humanity are one and the same, we will go beyond all suffering, all sorrow, all repulsion, and all delusion.
–Kannadi

Amma in Dublin 2006

Amma’s third visit to Dublin was held in the National Show Centre, Cloghran on the 15^th & 16^th of November 2006.

Amma in Dublin 2007

13^th and 14^th November 2007, National Show Centre

Amma held two days of programmes in Dublin, Ireland. This marked the 4th year Amma has visited the country.

The famous Irish Band “Kila” returned for the second year to play for Amma. Indian Ambassador H.E. Mr. Saurbh Kumar garlanded Amma and welcomed Her to Ireland. Rachel Porter, a writer for the UK National Newspaper “Daily Express”, came to write an article about Amma before Amma’s visit to London on December 5-7.

Mary Davis, Director of Special Olympics, also garlanded Amma. She commented that, “Amma exudes love and empathy; she unselfishly gives of herself, tirelessly caring for others.”

The South African Ambassador H.E. Ms. Priscilla Jana spoke to the gathered crowd, “Let us gain from your strength, courage and your commitment, so that together we too can make this world a better place for all.

There was a special performance by the renowned Irish Singer Frances Black and her son Eoghan. In an interview afterwards she commented, “I think it is wonderful that she is coming to Ireland. I think it is really what Ireland needs!”

After the programmes, while waiting in the Dublin Airport for the flight to Paris, Amma lovingly gave darshan to a number of Airline Attendants.

Enjoy this article about Amma in the Irish media in 2007
https://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/embracing-the-human-condition-26329406.html

Amma in Dublin 2008

National Show Centre

2008 marked the fifth year that Amma has come the visit Dublin, Ireland.  The South African Ambassador to Ireland, Her Excellency Priscilla Jana, who came for the third time to be in Amma’s presence, said:
“Your teachings, the religion of love, is particularly significant, very relevant and indeed critically important now more than ever before. In welcoming you today, I am sure I speak for all of us here and many many outside this hall, when I say from the very depth of my heart: Amma we love you, we love you dearly and we need you.”

The Indian Ambassador to Ireland, P.S. Raghavan, also came to meet Amma with his family.

The atmosphere was always festive, many local musicians come to pay respect to Amma by playing for her. A traditional Irish dance was also performed.

Amma in Dublin 2010

16^th & 17^th October 2010, National Show Centre

Amma’s program began on the 16th of October, which is also known as World Food Day. World Food Day was created to honor the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and is celebrated annually around the world. The devotees of Dublin together with famous Irish Artist Patrick O’ Reilly, created a display out of donated cans of food at the back of the darshan hall. Throughout the two days of the program many people came to see the display and help build it by adding more and more cans as it continued to grow. In an interview O’Reilly said: “All these tins will go to a food distribution point and will be distributed to people who are in need.” Amma was also presented with a garland by Jack Dunphy, the director of the Dublin Food bank.

On behalf of the city of Dublin, Amma was officially welcomed by Mayor Ken Farrell. In his speech, Mayor Farrell said: “Amma Ireland, the Dublin Food bank and Irish Artist Patrick O’Reilly are collaborating on this day to provide an opportunity to unite against hunger. Our beloved Amma as a humanitarian will tell you this, fighting poverty is about values, values that care for our fellow human being.”
During the two days of programs several famous Irish musicians performed for Amma including Nóirín Ní Riain, Martin Tourish, Liam Ó Maonlaí and The Bahh Band.

Enjoy this article from the Irish media on Amma in 2010:

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/it-s-like-being-soaked-in-love-1.662761

Amma in Dublin 2012

17^th & 18^th November 2012, National Show Centre

The final stop of Amma’s 2012 European Yatra was in Dublin, Ireland. Knowing it was their last chance to see Amma until next year, people flew in from all over Europe for the weekend.

Amma was officially welcomed to Ireland by the Mayor of Fingal Dublin, Cian O’Callaghan. The Mayor also officially launched the InDeed program in Ireland.

Everyone that came to the programs was treated to the usual Irish smiles and hospitality. Over the two days many groups of Irish devotees came to perform both traditional Irish ‘stepdance’ and Irish folk music to the delight of everyone present.

After the last program in Dublin, Amma flew to the US to continue her tour in Michigan.

Amma in Dublin 2014

31^st Oct – 1^st November 2014, National Show Centre

Ireland welcomes Amma with open arms and hearts

Amma’s children in Ireland welcomed her to the country with open arms and hearts as she arrived in Dublin for a two-day programme on the 31st October and the 1st of November. The Irish hospitality was at its best and evident to everyone who participated in the program. The beautifully decorated National Show Centre was buzzing with people on both the days of the programme.

On the 31st evening, welcoming Amma to the country, Mr. Thomas Pringle, Member of Parliament of the Government of Ireland, thanked Amma for the support and encouragement she has given her Irish supporters to keep the Irish culture and language alive and celebrate that culture. He added, “Amma has directly touched the lives of 33 million people around the world, passing on a message of love, respect and positive energy to each and every one of those people. If each of those 33 million people could pass on the same message in their daily lives, just by doing the simple things, making time for each other, and sharing compassion, I think we could effect a real change in the world.” Mr. Pringle also said, “I think I speak for everyone here tonight when I say, Amma, we know you are extremely busy, but please find time to visit Ireland every year from now on.”

Also present on this occasion was the Mayor of Fingal, Mrs. Mags Murray whose speech also drew roaring applause from the gathering. In reflecting on Amma’s significance in today’s world, she remarked, “In this world, and in the busy lives that we lead, we all need something to believe in. That belief can make us feel better, happier, and stronger and give us something to look forward to. That’s an incredible power for one person to carry around and to touch the lives of so many people.”

One of the highlights of the Irish programme has been the traditional music and dance performances. This year as well, many well-known bands enthralled the audience with their songs and music and had the whole hall up on their feet, swaying to the beat and dancing in joy.

As the programme came to an end, one could see teary eyes all around the hall. Devotees lined up all the way to Amma’s vehicle with a collective prayer in their hearts and lips, “Amma, please come to Ireland every year.”
– Kannadi

Amma in Dublin 2016

14^th-15^th October 2016, Citywest Convention Centre

On Amma’s 9th visit to Ireland, she held two days of programs at the Citywest Convention Centre in Dublin. The programs were well attended, with devotees and newcomers from all over Ireland making the trip to Dublin to spend a few precious moments in Amma’s arms and to bask in the peace and bliss that naturally attends her presence.

Amma also gave two satsangs over the course of her visit, pointing out worldwide societal trends and she feels need to be addressed if humanity is to have any hope of living in harmony with one another and with Mother Nature. Amma also spoke about the means to find inner peace and to spread peace through our thoughts, words and actions.

On the occasion of Amma’s visit, Amma’s devotees in Ireland announced a pledge to plant 1,000 trees as a humble effort on their part to live Amma’s message of caring for the plant. Amma blessed the first ten saplings and presented them to members of AYUDH and GreenFriends, Amma’s grassroots, worldwide environmental movement.

In welcoming Amma to Ireland, Deputy Mayor Genockey reflected, “Amma’s work is hugely inspirational. Her work with the homeless, the hungry and those who have suffered from manmade and natural disasters is something to behold.”

Councillor Cormac Devlin added: “There isn’t a politician in the world who can’t take Amma’s message and relate that to his or her own locality, or indeed their country. There are many challenges in this world, be they globally or domestically. One quote Amma’s in particular that struck a chord with me was this: ‘Love is our essence. It has no limitations such as race, religion, nationality or caste. We are all beads strung together on the same thread of love. To spread that love is our inherent nature. This is the true aim of human life.’ It really is remarkable to have so many people gathered here this evening and over the weekend, all run by volunteers.”

Senator Lynn Ruane praised Amma as a universal symbol of motherhood: “It doesn’t matter where you go in the world, ‘mother’ means more than giving birth. Mothering is a love, a giving, and nurturing and supporting someone who relies on you – whether indefinitely or even momentarily, whether that is an individual person, or a marginalized group as a whole. Mother is a building block for the world around us. She is an educator, a protector, and a teacher of compassion. Mother is a building block of the foundation of life… Amma has devoted her life to easing the suffering of humanity. And I would like to thank you, Amma, for being such a committed, passionate matriarch of humanity.”

Senator TD Sean Crowe spoke a few words in Gaelic, the native language of Ireland, meaning: “You bring peace, tranquility and happiness everywhere you go, and I am sure you will bring it here.” In releasing the annual AYUDH Summit Commemorative Souvenir, he referenced its core message of peace, saying, “You are all here searching for peace, and I hope you find it tonight.

The Chairman of Amma Ireland closed the formal program with a prayer which he said would resonate with the hearts of all of Amma’s children in Ireland: “Amma, please visit us every year.” This was met with loud cheers and applause by the assembled crowd, who clearly shared in his innocent desire.
During Amma’s darshan, there were many local performances. Highlights included spellbinding performances by Kila, hailed as one of Ireland’s most innovative and exciting bands, as well as renowned musicians Maighread, Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill, Denis O’Hagan, and Donal Lunny. Program attendees also enjoyed the meditative atmosphere created by Vedic chanting by students of John Scottus School, whose voices resonated in unison.

The Citywest Convention Centre reverberated, over the course of those two days, with many languages – Malayalam, Sanskrit, Gaelic, English, and the languages of Europe as people had travelled from all over the continent to be with Amma. But whatever language each one spoke – they also shared a common tongue: the universal language of love.
-Dass

Amma in Dublin 2018

13^th – 14^th October 2018, Citywest Convention Centre

Devotees from all over the United Kingdom, Europe and even further afield flocked Ireland for her programs in Ireland this year, held at Dublin’s Citywest Convention Centre. Amma was welcomed to Ireland by a host of government officials, including Ms Frances Fitzgerald, Ireland’s Minister for Business, Enterprise & Innovation; Ms Josepha Madigan, Ireland’s Minister for Culture, Heritage & the Gaeltacht; Mr Sean Crowe, Member of Parliament; Mayor – Cllr. Mark Ward, South Dublin County Council; and Mayor – Cllr. Ossian Smyth.

Ms Madigan spoke about the universality of Amma’s teachings: “Throughout Amma’s life, her focus has been on uplifting the poor and easing the plight of those who are suffering. No matter what your religious beliefs are, or whether you have none at all, these aspirations are the very basic threads of humanity. Oscar Romero once said, ‘Aspire not to have more, but to be more,’ and I think Amma, you embody this.”
Mr Ward expressed gratitude on behalf of all those assembled for Amma’s having accepted again the devotees’ invitation to visit Ireland. “It’s an absolute joy to welcome Amma. We are all very happy that Amma has included Ireland in her very busy schedule. Her message of love, compassion and selfless service is a message we need to hear and put in our practice in our daily lives. Thank you Amma for blessing our community, our county and our country.”

Meanwhile, Ms Fitzgerald noted that while the politicians present represented different political philosophies, there was at least one thing they could all agree on: “Many different politics are represented here tonight, but we are united in welcoming Amma to Dublin and to Ireland. Amma’s initiative to build toilets throughout India is very powerful in terms of human dignity, and safety, and respect for the individual… Amma has done a huge amount of work in empowering women and building an inclusive society. Amma shows us there is no limit to human endeavour and what we can do to change the world, and I think everyone here tonight wants to follow Amma’s example in doing that.”
In her speech, Amma spoke about the importance of not over-valuing financial wealth over spiritual and human values: “If we reject values and centre our mind and thoughts only on money, all our love will become fake. Moreover, we will have a business-minded mentality towards everything. Earn money to live; don’t live to earn money.”

Two new books were released during Amma’s visit to Ireland: Light of the Heart, a memoir of living with Amma by Anna Dreier (Prabha); and Waves of Grace, a collection of devotees’ experiences with Amma.
Like every year when Amma visits, the Irish people offered vibrant performances of traditional music, drawing on a rich heritage and ancient culture.
-Kannadi