At exatly 11 AM, children come running into the ashram with huge smiles on their faces. Recognizing us, they say hello and ask how we are. Their excitement is infectious and everything on my mind vanishes. I suddenly remember why they are here, and invite them to sit down for our monthly feeding at Sathya Sai Maa Moksha Dham in Varanasi, India.
It is Tuesday, March 25th, one week before Navaratri, and 175 children from low income schools and slums are being served vegetables, bread, and sweetened milk with rice.
It is Tuesday, March 25th, one week before Navaratri, and 175 children from low income schools and slums are being served vegetables, bread, and sweetened milk with rice.
Many excited children have come today but most have one thing in common. They love the sweetened milk with rice. There are many precious moments as children help feed their younger siblings, or communicate for their classmates who have difficulty speaking. Each child wears a look of complete satisfaction as they get up and put their plate in the trash. Peace and joy surround them.
In traditional Hindu culture, one of the most sacred activities is to feed children. I remember staying at Satuwa Baba Maharaj’s ashram in Varanasi, and experiencing Satuwa Baba Maharaj host young children and perform special ceremonies in honour of them. Dressed beautifully, the children represented purity and the innocent sweetness of the Divine. Maharaji would offer each of them food himself as part of a lavish feast.
At Sathya Sai Maa Moksha Dham, we are now beginning to honour this great Hindu tradition and that part of Satuwa Baba Maharaj’s legacy. Although there is still much work to complete the ashram, the Just One feeding program is contributing to the ashram’s mission of serving humanity. It is bringing a mutual exchange of love and appreciation, and the teachers of these students already want to know about the next 4 months of feeding!
In traditional Hindu culture, one of the most sacred activities is to feed children. I remember staying at Satuwa Baba Maharaj’s ashram in Varanasi, and experiencing Satuwa Baba Maharaj host young children and perform special ceremonies in honour of them. Dressed beautifully, the children represented purity and the innocent sweetness of the Divine. Maharaji would offer each of them food himself as part of a lavish feast.
At Sathya Sai Maa Moksha Dham, we are now beginning to honour this great Hindu tradition and that part of Satuwa Baba Maharaj’s legacy. Although there is still much work to complete the ashram, the Just One feeding program is contributing to the ashram’s mission of serving humanity. It is bringing a mutual exchange of love and appreciation, and the teachers of these students already want to know about the next 4 months of feeding!
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