Amma, the Hugging Saint
I first met Amma at her ashram in India in 2002. After waiting in anticipation for at least an hour I received my first hug. After the hug my legs were so wobbly I could hardly walk. Thank God someone offered me a seat. I sat down in the area close to Amma as energy surged through my body. I spontaneously went into a deep meditative state for at least a half hour before the energy subsided. The following year I returned to India and spent six months in Amma's holy presence as she toured India sending out her love and blessings to all who came to her.
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"It's good that we have someone in the world who expresses what true religion is all about, which is true love." Asked what motivates her, Amma replied "What is the motivation of a river? It just flows."
- Seattle Times, 2003
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"Those receiving Amma's blessing refused to fit any one group. The elderly, the handicapped, mothers, babies, and in some cases whole families knelt before her. Amma does not preach but hopes that people find renewed faith in their own path. Amma encourages women to take a more defining role in society and men should try to awaken the compassionate feelings in themselves."
- The Hawk Eye Newspaper, 2003
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"It was a magnificent experience, and I'm not a believer," said Geane Thompson, who had just embraced Amma for the first time." I can't put this feeling into words. It's like when you meditate. You have to experience it yourself."
- MSNBC News, 2002
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"In France Catholic nuns come to her, in Japan Zen Buddhist monks come, Amma is universal". She says ""I seek to give and give and give, to personally wipe away tears through selfless love, compassion and service. I seek to fill the people with ... love". In her travels she has sucked poison from a leper's lesions in India, cradled AIDS patients in San Francisco, hugged tough New York cops and embraced movie stars with equal energy and concern.;
- Reuters, 2001
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"She greeted each with a warm smile and outstretched arms. Each darshan resembled an embrace between two old friends who hadn't seen each other in years. She began her spiritual endeavors as a young woman, encouraging others to social service and to express love for others. Later she started a program in which people could go to her and receive her blessing -- a hug, or darshan. "I can't explain....It's an uplifting feeling.'' said Zack Kurland, 28, of New York. "
- NY Times, 2001
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"Known worldwide simply as Amma or Ammachi, the spiritual leader and humanitarian from southern India hugs for hours and hours, cradling adults like babies, whispering comforting words and showering them with rose petals and, as a sweet offering, Hershey's Kisses. For 25 years, Amma's spiritual hugs and charitable works, including orphanages, women's shelters, hospices and vocational education programs for the poor, have helped her to become what many Hindus and non-Hindus consider a living saint. "
- Los Angeles Times, 2000
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"After a long wait, the devotees were finally granted a 'darshan' with 'Mata', who benevolently embraced them. The long wait made the meeting seem so momentous that the devotees felt as if they had had a revelation. Some were reduced to tears."
- The Times of India, 1998
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If you would like to meet Amma and receive a hug she usually visits the U.S. in the summer. She also travels to Japan, Austrailia, and Europe. To check her schedule check her web page at amma.org. There is no charge for her hugs and all people's experience of these hugs vary greatly. The best thing is just to stay as open as can to the experience without any pre-conceived ideas.
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