Amma brings hugs of peace to the masses

By KIRSTEN HEERDT

for The Hawk Eye

Thursday, July 10, 2003

MOUNT PLEASANT — An eclectic crowd gathered at Iowa Wesleyan College's Ruble Arena Wednesday to feel the touch of a woman who brings peace, hope and love to those she hugs.

Born in a poor fishing village in southern India, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, 49, whose name means Mother of Immortal Bliss, was troubled by the suffering of those around her. Even at a young age, she said she felt the presence of God within her and began to ask what she could do to help those less fortunate than she.

In a society where reaching out and touching someone is taboo, she chose to break with tradition.

Known by millions as Ammachi or Amma, meaning mother, her blessing emerged as a tender, motherly embrace.

The number of devotees grew until, in 1981, when several huts were constructed next to her home marking the beginning of what has become a massive charitable trust dedicated to serving people throughout the world.

Makeup and tears combined on Amma's shoulder Wednesday morning, turning her white sari into abstract art. After their hug, some stood weeping openly while others softly walked away and meditated for a while.

Those receiving Amma's blessing refused to fit any one group. The elderly, the handicapped, mothers, babies, and in some cases whole families knelt before her.

Some came dressed in traditional Indian garb while others were in overalls and business attire.

The smell of rose petals enveloped those receiving darshan, or Amma's embrace. Her hug lasted far longer than expected. Pulling each person to her, Amma gave a gentle caress, speaking to each in her native tongue.

Since 9/11, people have approached Amma asking for guidance. She tells them to treat their nation as their mother.

"What the nation desires, you should cooperate," she said Wednesday through an interpreter. "You should respect and love your country."

Amma encourages women to take a more defining role in society and men should try to awaken the compassionate feelings in themselves.

"Men are unable to express their love," she said. "It's like getting honey from inside a rock."

Amma will observe her 50th birthday on Sept. 24. Though she has not celebrated a birthday for 29 years, her devotees will not let the day pass. A huge celebration is planned in her home in India. Amma will use the attention to mount a prayer for peace around the world.

On Wednesday, though, visitors were presented a token with a number at the door. By noon, nearly 1,000 tokens had been handed out. Amma hugged 4,000 people during her visit last year to Mount Pleasant. In India, though, she draws crowds of 15,000 to 30,000.

Having first experienced her touch last year, Emilia made the trip from Minneapolis with four friends.

"We needed to be touched by the universe," said Emilia, who declined to give her last name. "We needed to be with her again."

Local organizer Toni Rubin of Fairfield said Amma has become a shining light to help alleviate pain and suffering in the world.

"And she does that one person, one heart at a time," Rubin said.

Amma does not preach but hopes that people find renewed faith in their own path.

Amma's charitable trust is responsible for building an 800–bed hospital in India, schools for the hearing–impaired, postgraduate courses in business management and computers, a nursing college and a college of medicine and pharmaceutical science.

The trust also reconstructed two villages in Gujarat, India, following a 2001 earthquake, pays for a pension project for 50,000 destitute Indian women and pays for a home for the elderly.

Her reach extends into the United States through Mother's Kitchen, providing 40,000 meals a year across the country. The Shower Project in California serves those living on the street by giving them a place to bathe and receive clean clothes and toiletries.

Earl Stimson, Fairfield, wasn't sure about his impression of the day's activities.

"I am getting a good vibe," he said of the atmosphere in Ruble Arena. "I feel really good."

Amma's livelihood and extensive network of outreach programs are supported by weekend seminars on inner peace and self awareness and by the sale of books and videos. There is no charge for the hugs, and all money raised in the United States stays in country.

Amma will be at IWC's Ruble Arena again today, beginning at 10 a.m. with a short meditation followed by Darshan. The evening Devi Bhava program begins at 6:30 p.m. with a spiritual discourse, followed by an Atma Puja, a ceremony to promote peace and well being for the whole world. Darshan will begin around 8:30 p.m. and continue until everyone is seen.