I was raised in a close-minded, dogmatic church in Texas where I was raised with doctrine so strict that it turned me off to religion.  I am glad I responded instead to my spiritual yearnings and curiosity rather than the fear of my upbringing because I was able to receive the blessing of my first darshan on July 10 in NYC.

I got nervous as I approached her and the company of my boyfriend (a devout follower of the Divine Mother) helped me overcome my trepidation to embrace her.  With open heart, I leaned into her Divine Grace and was overwhelmed at the surge of energy and goodwill I felt. I began laughing and giggling like a child in her embrace. I felt joyous and pure.  Within minutes I cried when talking to Amma devotees about my hug.  She said quite a few sentences while I was in her grasp and my frustration at not being able to understand her words was overshadowed by the mere beautiful aural quality of her voice so sweet, genuine and maternal.  I felt as if she was absorbing so much anger and hate that I’d accumulated since my father’s death.  I was free.

Lisa, NY