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Highlights of 2005
International Recognition
Sai Maa receives titles of “Her Holiness” and “Master of Enlightenment,” Haridwar International Vedic Conference
In January 2005, Her Holiness Sai Maa Lakshmi Devi was honored at the International Vedic Conference in Haridwar, India. From January 27-30, 1500 Sanskrit and Vedic scholars from 36 countries were present for the International Vedic Conference. This was held at the Gurukula Kangri Vishwavidyalaya in Haridwar, India - an internationally-respected Vedic University for Higher Vedic Education.
Sai Maa was honored by the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor of the University with the prestigious, honorary titles of "Her Holiness" (H.H.) and "Master of Enlightenment." Sai Maa is the first & only woman to receive this kind of Honor in the 103-year history of the Vedic University.
“1008 Mahamandleshwar” Varanasi, India
On March 8-9, 2005, Her Holiness Sai Maa Lakshmi Devi was honored in Kashi (Varanasi), India for her extraordinary service to humanity. The title “1008 Mahamandleshwar” was given to Sai Maa on Shivaratri, March 8, at the Shri Satuwa Baba Ashram in Varanasi, India by Anant Shri Vibhushit Jagatguru Shri Vishnu Swami Yamunacharyaji Maharaj Satuwa Baba, or Satuwa Baba for short.
The title of “1008 Mahamandleshwar” is one of the highest titles one receives from the Sadhu Samaj, which has been for several thousands of years the authentic society of Sadhus (holy men), Swamis and Jagat Gurus (Gurus of this planet). This title is very rarely given to women, and in fact Sai Maa is the first woman from outside India to ever receive the award. The honoring of Her Holiness Sai Maa with this award proclaims that Sai Maa has extraordinary spiritual powers to transform the world and mystical powers to give initiation (diksha) for enlightenment. Swami Satuwa Baba also designated Sai Maa as Vice President of His Trust which holds various properties including his current ashram in the Holy city of Varanasi.
1008 Mahamandleshwar
Meeting with the President of India
In early June, Sai Maa met personally with the President of India, the honorable Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, and shared with each other their common ideals of service to humanity.
Rajkot, India
During H.H. Sai Maa’s recent visit to India on October 4th, Her Holiness inaugurated the children’s Navaratri Festival in Rajkot. During the festive program, Sai Maa received the title (and trophy) “Gem of Humanity and Service” as thousands of children held candles and performed Aarti, dancing and chanting. During this same celebration, Sai Maa was joined by the Founder of the Mahatma Gandhi Trust. Her Holiness then graciously and joyously distributed gifts to many leprosy patients who have been cured, and blessed them with the healing love of the Divine Mother.
Sai Maa then gave a discourse to over 800 college women speaking on empowerment, the nobility of women and importance of education. Sai Maa also received the honorary title, “Ambassador of Indian Culture” from Meenaben Kundalia Arts and Commerce Mahila College.
Her Holy Divine Rebbitzen
Sai Maa received the honorary title of "Her Holy Divine Rebbitzen" from Rabbi Joseph H. Gelberman, Ph.D. on August 6 in New York City.
This title literally means "married to the Rabbi," but Rabbi Gelberman wanted to give this title to Sai Maa. He said, "Maa is married to God, and that makes her a Rebetzin."
Collaboration with Spiritual Leaders and Teachers of Other Traditions
On July 6th, H.H. Sai Maa collaborated with #1 NY Times Best Selling author Marianne Williamson and Master Teacher of Neo-Hasidic Mysticism and Kabbalah Rabbi Joseph H. Gelberman, Ph.D. in an unforgettable evening appropriately titled “Awaken to the Unity of Love.” The Spring Aspen Deep Meditation retreat featured diverse spiritual visionaries and leaders including Rev. Brown of Indianapolis, Marianne Williamson and Barbara Marx Hubbard. In July, Sai Maa co-presented an intensive weekend with Irving Feurst founder of S.U.N. (Spiritual Unfoldment Network) entitled, “Becoming the New Human.” In the Autumn Vail Deep Meditation Retreat, Sai Maa was joined by special guest speakers, Dr. Malcolm Smith, Dr. Pankaj Naram, and Dr. Debra Carter-Miller in a dynamic weeklong exploration and practice of radiant health and wellness. During the Sacred Peaks Enlightenment Conference in October, Parameshwara Brahmachari, Resident Spiritual Master at the Temple of Consciousness Ashram in Crestone, CO represented Sai Maa and HIU. The conference focused on joining leaders from many traditions for an experiential weekend of dialogue and interaction.
Our Headquarters in Crestone, Colorado
The heart center of HIU continues to expand in Crestone, CO, the home of the Temple of Consciousness Ashram and the Abode of the Mother’s Heart. By the Grace of our Beloved Sai Maa, HIU now has a physical home to anchor the Light for the work to continue to expand from the heart of the mother. Many beings have supported this growth, either by offering seva or through donations. There have been many renovations to the Ashram and the Abode to support the work and teachings of HIU. These include: an expanded dining hall and more workable kitchen, a new office and reception area, an additional restroom, beautiful outdoor altars placed throughout the ashram, expanded flagstone pathways throughout the entire property and new outdoor lighting system. Much of the above-mentioned work was completed by the Ashram residents and guests.
The Temple of Consciousness Ashram
In addition, in the Abode, a new guestroom was outfitted enabling Sai Maa to receive honored guests, a much more efficient and beautiful lighting system was installed indoors, 15 trees were planted for Sai Maa’s blessings, and there were many beautiful improvements in the landscaping and gardens.
Mariamma Shrine
We have been blessed this year to receive and welcome the Divine form of Mariamma into the U.S. Mariamma is an extraordinary Murti (enlivened statue) gifted to Sai Maa and the U.S. as a force of healing shakti by His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Tiruchi Mahaswamigal, popularly known as Apaji (respected father).
Sai Maa has said that Mariamma has “ ... the power of healing relationships, of healing the body and soul, and of generating money.” Mariamma is temporarily being stored on the land of the Abode of the Mother’s Heart while a magnificent shrine is being built to house Her.
HIU Boulder Center
The Boulder Center, HIU’s recently acquired 3 acres of peaceful ranchland, has been developed into a beautiful meeting space and part-time residence for H.H. Sai Maa.
Ashrams In India
In the sacred land of Nandi Hills, India H.H. Sai Maa has inaugurated a new ashram and Health Center. During the October trip to India, Her Holiness and over 1000 local residents participated in a yagna to bless the land and future projects. Accompanied with inspirational discourses and a bandhara (meal offering), Sai Maa also garlanded our first cow!
Along with the yagna was the inauguration of the H.H. Sai Maa Health Center. Eight doctors are volunteering to treat 500 patients per week. Plans for the land include opportunities for providing work for the local women, renovation of the meeting hall, planting of additional trees, small dams to capture millions of gallons of water, a vedic school, Ayurvedic gardens and center, and temples for Shiva, Ganesh, and Mariamma (a sister of the one in Crestone).
Satuwa Baba gifted Sai Maa with land for a new ashram on the peaceful opposite bank of the Ganges from the bustling holy city of Varanasi. We are eternally grateful to Satuwa Baba for His recognition of our Sai Maa, and His generosity in supporting Her Work.
Expansion of the Teachings
Programs with Her Holiness Sai Maa
By the end of 2005, H.H. Sai Maa will have personally offered 4 week-long retreats, plus over 13 public evening programs (ranging from 25 people in the intimacy of the Abode, to over 400 in a large auditorium). Overall, there have been countless opportunities to bask in the darshan of Her Holiness, whether in the cities of India, metropolitan areas of the U.S., or in the deep silence of Crestone, Colorado.
Sai Maa has blessed Her students with numerous free conference calls, including collaborations with well known Ayurvedic physician Dr. Naram, author Barbara De Angelis, Ph.D., Barbara Marx Hubbard and Dr. Malcolm Smith.
Master Teacher Programs
2005 has been a tremendous year of growth for the Humanity In Unity Master Teacher team.
The Teaching Team was given the new name “Master Teacher team” by Sai Maa. This new name has directly contributed to the higher levels of professionalism, competence and energetic alignment to Sai Maa and Her Teachings we have experienced this year. The Ananda Jyotir Diksha training program was developed. In the course of 2005, the Master Teacher Team has trained nearly one thousand beings in this Diksha. The number of Master Teacher events expanded exponentially this year, with nearly 50 programs conducted all over the world. Our first weeklong Master Teacher training program with H.H. Sai Maa took place in Crestone in August. Master Teacher training will continue, so that each teacher that represents Sai Maa will fully embody the term “Master” Teacher. The Master Teacher Team has now gone “global.” The Master Teacher Team has welcomed new members from France and Israel this year, and looks forward to creating more teachers in Europe and India.
Tools for Transformation
Sai Maa’s first book, Petals of Grace: Essential Teachings for Self Mastery was launched during the Spring Aspen retreat, and has proved to be a shakti-filled blessing to all who choose to partake of it. Seven new H.H. Sai Maa discourse and meditation CD’s, a new DVD, and many beautiful items have been added to the bookstore such as clothing and accessories, chakra essences, shawls, and the powerful Gold Yantras.
Centers/Meditation Groups
This year, the Sai Maa constituency in India continues to grow, and with meditation groups in eight new cities in the U.S. the nationwide count has reached 19. More students also continue to gather regularly to teach and practice together in Israel, France and Germany.
Media Coverage
International recognition of H.H. Sai Maa and Her message has increased, including much more media coverage, in the U.S., and abroad, numerous newspaper articles, including the India New England, the Syracuse Post-Standard, and the Crestone Eagle. Especially notable were the articles in the India- based newspaper, India Times, and the Asia Pacific Expressline News.
H.H. Sai Maa was interviewed by Dr. Steve Wechsler on Syracuse radio and appeared on Syracuse PBS-TV. Sai Maa was also featured and interviewed on the Indian Cable TV Program, I-TV in New York City.
Organizational Development
The staff size has increased this year from 3 to 6 beings. New staff members include Leanne Backer, Ann Marie Lloyd-Shiff, and Mawiyah Clayborne. This growth will allow HIU to more efficiently serve you, and expand the work of Sai Maa. The HIU offices are now centralized in Crestone, Colorado in the Temple of Consciousness Ashram.
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