Amma at International Forums
Amma Addresses World Women's Conference in Jaipur
8 March 2008 — Jaipur, Rajasthan
Amma
addressed a gathering of women religious and spiritual leaders at a
summit in Jaipur today: "Making Way for the Feminine for the Benefit
of the World Community." The event was organized by the Global Peace
Initiative of Women, held at Clarks Amer Hotel.
In her address, "The Infinite Potential of Women," Amma called on the
need for women and men to come together in unity, accepting, respecting
and valuing each other's differences. "Alienating women from matters
of finance and politics is to discard half of the intellect and strength
of society," Amma said.
Amma also stressed the importance of women holding on to their innate
femininity and qualities associated with motherhood. "It's true that
women must move forward, but they also need to turn back to consider
the child following in their footsteps, not discarding their parental
responsibilities. For the sake of her children, a mother should have
at least some patience. It's not enough to give a baby space in her
womb; she must also give it space in her heart."
The
meeting was convened by Dena Merriam and co-chaired by Rev. Dr. Joan
Brown Campbell and Sister Joan Chittister. Participating in the event
were many young people from around the world.
Upon the conclusion of her address, Amma met privately with representatives
from areas of conflict throughout the world, including Pakistan, Afghanistan,
Iran, Iraq, Palestine, Turkey, and several African countries. Amma offered
them her full support, saying that she would bless their initiatives
and provide every help she could.
In 2003, Amma addressed the organization's first summit, whereupon she
was awarded the Gandhi-King Award for Non-Violence.
click
here for photos from the summit