Amma Mama!

I know its been a while. Computer trouble and a busy schedule kept me from posting. My apologies! My angel of a friend, Zhoubin, came by and fixed my computer in minutes. I aspire to be as talented and generous as he is.

Last week I had the opportunity to meet humanitarian and spiritual leader, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi, more commonly known as Amma (Mother). She is a modern day Mother Theresa. People travel from all over the world to receive her loving embrace (darshan). Amma has physically hugged more than 26 million people from all parts of the world. Whenever she is asked about her religion, she replies that her religion is Love. She does not ask anyone to believe in God or to change their faith, but only to inquire into their own real nature, and to believe in themselves. The programs often last for 24 hours because Amma will not turn anyone away. Everyone is welcome to come and go as they please.

The free public program I attended began with a spiritual discourse (satsang), followed by an Atma Puja, a ceremony to bring peace and well being to the whole world. We had waited in line for hours and were fortunate enough to be placed almost directly in front of Amma.

A blonde woman brazenly jumped the line and pushed her way to where we were sitting. She demanded that we make room for her. I was surprised and offended that she was behaving this way at a spiritual rally for peace! We did our best to accommodate her while trying not to absorb her negative energy. Someone nearby complained about her cutting in. As Amma made her entrance, the blonde woman was being asked to leave by volunteers. She continued to curse us and make a scene.

After the woman was bounced, it occurred to me that I should have given her my seat. Clearly, her soul was most in need of being close to Amma’s. Squelching hatred by giving love is not yet second nature to me, but I’m learning. I scanned the crowd of seven thousand people, all anxious to receive healing, blessings, love, and answers from Amma. I decided that my intention would be to radiate love into Amma’s heart instead of trying to drain her like a vampire.

Waiting in line with my offering of flowers and candy I began to question if this encounter would have a profound impact on me. It’s not like I’d been worshipping Amma for a lifetime. One of the volunteers explained that if we wanted a mantra from Amma, we were to ask, “Amma Mantra.” If Amma said, “No”, we must accept that it is not our time.

The closer I got to Amma, the more anxious I became. My nervousness far surpassed any performance anxiety I’ve felt in acting. In fact, I’ve never been so nervous in my life. As I knelt in front of Amma, I couldn’t think a single coherent thought. I couldn’t focus on radiating love to her. I gave her my flowers and barely uttered the words, “Amma mantra.”The moment she embraced me, I felt an intense wave of love and compassion.

As she held me, I heard her say, “No mantra for you baby. Tomorrow, tomorrow. No mantra for you baby.”I was a bit disappointed, but that feeling was washed away by her undeniable love and compassion. Amma smiled at me as she released me. I’ve never felt so humbled in my life. She placed a Hershey’s kiss wrapped in a rose petal in my hand. I was shaking and could barely walk straight. What was wrong with me? I had forgotten to breathe. I had forgotten to radiate love. I apologized to one of the volunteers when I veered off the path. He smiled and said, “That’s normal.”

My dear friend received her hug after me. She approached me and said, “Let’s go get our mantras!”I told her to go ahead. I laughed as I informed her that there would be, “no mantra for me baby!” My friend was puzzled, “Amma said yes to you!” She said, ˜Yes. My daughter, my child.’” She said it to you in Sanskrit. I heard her!

So, much to the chagrin of my subconscious insecurities, Amma whispered my mantra into my ear that night. It was a life changing experience.

Amma hugged an endless line of people until 10 am. the next day. She did not eat, use the restroom, move from her spot, or yawn- ever. Amma says, “Where there is love there is no effort. Other people’s happiness is my rest.” I arrived at 3pm. and did not leave until 7am the next morning. I was nodding off and beyond tired, yet I noticed that Amma was giving her thousandth hug as if it were her first. She is a true inspiration.