Nurses in Amritapuri

18, September 2003
Sitting on the temple steps during the early morning tea break, I was amazed at the conversation around me. At that particular time were congregated a number of women from around the world. It seemed that besides being Amma’s children we also had our profession in common, nursing.

Why are so many nurses finding themselves in Amma’s family? One nurse from Australia shared, “Mother is the embodiment of love and compassion, and She is the perfect role model for those who care for the ill and suffering. I have never found anyone else in which I could totally follow their example.” Many of the other nurses, men and women I have met over the last few weeks here in Amritapuri, attending the Amritavarsham50 Celebrations unanimously agree. From all countries and many different types of nursing it was the same response over and over again.

The other point being made by these caregivers is the trend towards more difficult health situations the world over. Patients seem to come to the hospitals with more severe illnesses; young people are dying more often. This trend makes it very stressful to be a nurse at this time on the planet. With constraints of legal issues and paper work many nurses agreed they could not cope without Amma in their lives. “The mantra which Amma gave me helps me throughout my day to stay focused and balance” shared one nurse. At times the work is overwhelming and never seems to be done but Amma says, “be focused on what you can do for the world, even small actions done with love can make a very large difference.” And as always, seeing Amma in all of the people we care for helps us to embody love and compassion.

From many different countries we have all found ourselves here at the feet of our beloved Amma, the ultimate caregiver. With Amma as our example it makes our work easier. Not only is She the Mother, but the doctor and the medicine.

- Ananda Devi