Rhein Zeitung

Queuing for an Embrace

Mata Amritanandamayi visits Bonn and embraces thousands - compassion and love are the religion of this Indian woman.

(…)Colourful saris and exotic incense created the atmosphere in the otherwise very sober Brückenforum. The reason for this change was the visit of Mata Amritanandamayi - an unusual woman who is worshipped as a saint in India.

"Mother of Immortal Bliss" is the translated meaning of the name Mata Amritanandamayi, which her followers gave to the small woman from the Indian State of Kerala. By most people, though, she is simply called Amma - Mother. This title is also the maxim by which the 48-year-old lives her life: when people come to her she wants to take care of them like a mother.(…)

(…) Since 1980 the Indian woman has embraced more than 15 million people. Many sick and elderly come to her programmes. "Amma herself doesn't believe that all illnesses can be healed by her touch alone. She only hopes that the love she expresses gives people strength."

(…) A person who has never been to such a meditative programme with Amma and hears all this might well think "Rubbish!" However, once one has met Mata Amritanandamayi in person, one realises it is indeed a most impressive encounter.(…)

(…)For the Indian lady with the cheerful face doesn't just give warm hugs to her fellow human beings, she also thinks very practically about lessening suffering in the world. "Amma is convinced that there is a connection between physical and mental needs. Spiritual support isn't enough. People also need material help."(…)

As a result, the gentle person with the strong voice and just as strong will, has initiated many charitable projects. Her homeland India benefits most of all from this holy woman's activities. Amma wants to reduce the suffering there by, amongst other things, the building of 25,000 houses for the homeless - 12,000 have already been built. An orphanage for 500 children and circa 45 schools are also supported by her Amrita Mission. Apart from these projects, with the money that Amma collects all over the world she finances a medical research centre and an 800 bed hospital. Here patients without means can receive free treatment. She is also engaged in the battle for women's rights and pays a small pension to widows, who are often left destitute in India.(…)

(…) Amma draws the strength to direct such an "empire" from a "source of universal energy". "Love isn't tiring," she explains. (…) (She) wants nothing for herself other than to share her love. (…)

Mata Amritanandamayi knows that "one can only serve God if one gives oneself to the poor."

(Translated from regional German language newspaper Rhein Zeitung) (excerpted)