Author: Amrita

Spiritual leader spreads message one hug at a time

Daily Herald.com

By Melissa Jenco | Daily Herald Staff Writer

Published: 7/6/2008 12:03 AM

Thousands flocked to Lombard Saturday to feel the power of a single embrace.

Humanitarian and spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi of India, also known as Amma, spent hours giving out her signature hugs to those who knelt before her.

Some went to her Saturday with specific concerns they hoped she could ease for them. Others said they simply wanted to feel the sense of peace that comes from her touch.

Shirley Bremer of Wilmette has visited Amritanandamayi for the past five years, wanting to feel the “openness and her pure love that just radiates from her” and she hopes that feeling will extend to her children as well.

Amritanandamayi, 54, is considered by some to be among the world’s most influential religious leaders, working for numerous charities worldwide to build hospitals and orphanages, provide disaster relief, feed the poor and most recently, fight the epidemic of farmer suicides in India.

On an even more personal level, she is estimated to have given more than 27 million hugs to those who visit her.

She currently is in the midst of a 10-city U.S. tour, including this weekend’s programs at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center that are expected to draw thousands.

On Saturday, she said through a translator that she is trying to instill self confidence and faith in those she meets and also calls upon them to be role models for others.

“They are not like a candle that needs to be lighted but they are self luminous like the sun,” she said. “They have infinite inner capacity, the strength and self confidence to face the greatest challenges of life.”

Sheila Clark of Urbana felt Amritanandamayi’s embrace for the first time Saturday and said it was “amazing.” She has issues both with her health and from her childhood that she is working through and hoped the spiritual leader could help.

“I’m still vibrating from it. It’s this amazing energy you feel go through your entire body,” Clark said, her eyes glistening.

Jay Chennat of Ann Arbor, Mich. has been visiting Amritanandamayi for the past 10 years and said her hugs give him a “great love and serenity and a feeling you are being cared for.” He calls her a “spiritual inspiration.”

“She is a very direct person with a lot of compassion and sincerity and she does what she preaches,” Chennat said.

Amritanandamayi will be in Lombard again today from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Westin, 70 Yorktown Center. The program is free and open to the public.

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Humanitarian Amma hugs way through Coralville

By: Melissa Brownrigg – The Daily Iowan

Hundreds of Iowa City residents and travelers sat cross-legged, patiently waiting their turn to embrace Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, or Amma, “the Mother of All.”

Amma, a world-renowned humanitarian from India, embraces people of all backgrounds to spread her message of unconditional love and compassion.

Amma estimates that she has hugged more than 26 million people, said Toni Rubin, Amma project coordinator for Iowa and an Iowa City resident.

Over the years, Amma has created one of the largest disaster-relief programs, helping victims all over the world.

Although Amma usually tours larger cities, she was invited by Rubin to the Coralville Marriott, 300 E. Ninth St., on Wednesday and today.

Sharon Long, a Fairfield resident, was among those waiting in the crowd.

“I’ve seen her before, but I came here today mainly because I want to love the way that Amma does, and to be around her helps me to get closer to that,” she said.

Long also planned to ask for Amma’s love and support for her sick mother.

The crowd parted to allow Amma through, and the room vibrated with the sound of chants.

Amma touched peoples’ hands and flashed a smile as she made her way to the stage where she sat on a white platform painted with vines and flowers. The heavy scent of oils and perfumes wafted through the ballroom.

After meditation, Rubin introduced Coralville Mayor Jim Fausett, who said he was excited about Amma’s visit.

“We’re at a place where we really need some uplifting,” he said.

The mayor proclaimed Wednesday and today to be the “days of the hugging saint” and gave Amma with a necklace of flowers. They then embraced in a long hug, beginning the program.

Tokens given to participants signified when they should expect an embrace.

After the embrace, a Hershey’s kiss, and flower petals were given to the departing people. The gift is a form of prasad, which is a tradition in India, said Rob Sidon, a spokesman for Amma.

As one person left her arms, another rushed in. Amma grabbed and pressed each person close to her body, sometimes comforting those crying and chanting in her or his ear.

Although Amma does not speak English, Sidon doesn’t think it’s necessary.

“Frankly, the communication is nonverbal through a sort of energy,” he said.

Ulrike Selleck agreed.

“It’s like God is looking right at you,” she said. “It’s not so much the effect of the physical hug, but the energy that passes through the hug. It feels very healing and dissolves blocks you never knew you had.”

Through her interpreter, Swami Amrit, Amma reached out to those hit by the flooding.

“I’m deeply saddened by the natural calamity, but people should become aware of the changes and [that we’re] losing the balance of nature,” Amma said. “Those not affected should show affection and help others overcome their fears. My only request is people should turn to a righteous path.”

Booths at the event sold jewelry, T-shirts, pictures, and videos. All proceeds are used for Amma’s humanitarian activities, said Dan Marshall, a volunteer who has traveled with Amma for seven years.

Three hours into the program, Amma’s white sari was stained with makeup, tears, and sweat, but her smile still remained bright.

Sidon said Amma sometimes gives hugs for 24 hours, without stopping for a break.