Amma - "The Hugging Saint"

"If we penetrate deeply into all aspects and all areas of life, we will find that hidden behind everything is love. We will discover that love is the force, the power and inspiration behind every word and every action. This applies to all people, irrespective of race, caste, creed, sect, religion or of what work people do".   Amma

Sudhamani was Amma's birth name was which means Ambrosial Jewel.  Amma was born on 27 September 1953 to a poor, low caste family in the fishing village of Parayakadavu, the district of Kerala.  It is said that Amma smiled at birth and her physical body was dark blue.  Amma was a healthy child and from an early age it was apparent that Amma was different than other children.  Amma displayed her spirituality by the age of five by spending time singing devotional prayers and had a great attraction to repeating the name of God.  Through out the day her lips appeared to be moving in silent prayer. Amma's parents did not understand her behavior including her compassionate nature. In particular, her parents disliked Amma sharing her food and giving away the family possessions with the "untouchable class".  For punishment, Amma was removed from school and assigned hard work around the house, which Amma performed with cheerfulness.

As Amma matured her spiritual and mystical experiences became even more intense. Amma dedication to her spiritual practices began to attract people who felt her profound state of consciousness.  Amma would identify with the Hindu Avatar Sri Krishna, and during these meditations devotees said displayed the form and characteristics of Sri Krishna.  Many miraculous healings have been attributed to Amma, which have been documented by various sources. However, it is interesting to know that Amma has stated: "I am not interested in making believers by showing miracles, I am here to help you find the real truth, and to find liberation of the Self (Soul) through the realization of your eternal nature."

Formally uneducated, Amma teaches aspirants the ancient traditions of yoga and Vedanta. Through her self-realization Amma teaches the ideals of renouncing the false ego.  Amma encourages her disciples to concentrate on the divine, true nature of man.  By 1979 a group of sincere disciples desired to remain in the presence of Amma, devoted themselves to their spiritual practice and formed an informal ashram.  Amma began to give strict instructions to her disciples to help them progress spiritually. Since this time Amma's primary focus has been to offer her unconditional love to people from all walks of life and it has been estimated that Amma has "hugged" over 25 million people. Amma offers her presence up to twenty hours a day and has "hugged" up to 50,000 people in one day!

Although Amma was brought up in India with its rich tradition of Hinduism and Hindu Saints, Amma does not consider herself to be any particular religion. When asked what her religion is she replies, "My religion is love and service."

In India, a temple was established to teach and help disciples with their spiritual progress called Amritapri Ashram.  Amma strongly professes humanitarian work and teaches that humility is one of the most important aspects for a spiritual aspirant.

Amma loves everyone and says, "My sole mission is to love and serve one and all."

Amma is a World Class Humanitarian; please visit this link www.amma.org/humanitarian-activities to see Amma's love in action.  

Written by Robert Fisher.