India has been known to be a land of sages and spirituality for eons. This impact is even felt today and this is evident from the following story narrated by an Iranian lady who requested us to keep her name anonymous. Her roots are in Iran, but born and brought up in California, United States.

It so happened once, that when Amma had visited the ashram at California in 2006, she, along with her friends visited Her. At the very first glance, she knew that Amma was her sole Guru. In her own words “That was the happiest and most important turning point in my life”.

Belonging to another race, religion, she was brought up on a set of values and beliefs according to which they had to follow and worship the spiritual master of their community. But the first glance of Amma, changed her views.

The power of a single glance of a realized spiritual master like Amma is enough to transform a life. The present moment is pain and the very next moment, after the glance is bliss. That is the power of true Love of a Guru. That is the power of Amma.

This strong inclination towards Amma lead her to join Amma’s ashram. Also, when asked about her family who still resides in Iran and California, she mentioned it in a firm voice- “AMMA is my family.”

Her belief in Amma is solely on the basis of culture and values of India. As she mentioned, people in the United States believe that spiritual masters from India have the potential and power to help transform people internally and also guide them to the realize the untapped potential of their true Self. This faith causes them to visit India in quest of true peace and happiness.

– Rahul Menon