“I am not interested in making believers
by showing miracles,
I am here to help you find the real truth,
and to find liberation of the Self (Soul) through
the realization of your eternal nature.”
Amma
Biography of Amma - The Hugging
Saint
Amma the hugging saint Amma was born into a low caste
in the fishing village of Parayakadavu in the district of Kerala. She
was born on September 27th, 1953 her birth was unusual in that on being
born she did not cry but smiled. Also her parents were shocked to see
her skin at birth was dark blue. They were worried she was sickly, but
she turned out to be a healthy child, although her skin changed to be
much darker than other children. From an early age Amma appeared to
be quite different from the other village children. She had a strong
devotional element, it is said even by the age of 5 she was spending
much of her time singing devotional prayers. Amma says ever since she
can remember she has had a great attraction to repeating the name of
God. Whatever she was doing her lips appeared to be moving in silent
prayer. However, the spiritual inclinations of Amma were not always
appreciated by her parents. In particular they disliked her generous,
compassionate nature and scolded her for sharing food with the untouchable
classes and giving away belongings of the household. At the age of 9
she was taken away from school and given many onerous household tasks
to do. Jobs she did with cheerfulness and willingness. As she grew older
her mystical experiences intensified. At times she became so absorbed
in spiritual practice she began to attract followers who felt something
in her profound state of consciousness. In particular she would often
identify with the Hindu Avatar Sri Krishna, during these meditations
devotees would say she took on the form and characteristics of Sri Krishna.
At this time and later many miraculous healing have been attributed
to Amma which have been documented by various sources. However it is
interesting to know that Sudhamani (Amma) has said: “I am not interested
in making believers by showing miracles, I am here to help you find
the real truth, and to find liberation of the Self (Soul) through the
realization of your eternal nature.”
Amma's first spiritual center was established in Amritapuri,
Kerala on May 6, 1981. Today, satsang groups spread across 33 countries
worldwide including the United States, Canada, Europe, Middle East,
Asia, Australia and Africa. Info on USACenters
in United States
Amma
Tours Amma travels constantly throughout the world in response
to the heartfelt longing of people who seek lasting peace and harmony
in their lives. Amma recently gave free public programs in 11 cities
in United States. Seattle, San Ramon, Los Angeles, Albuquerque, Dallas,
Coralville, Chicago, New York, Washington DC, Boston and Toronto. Six
retreats were held in Seattle, San Ramon, Los Angeles, New Mexico, Boston
and Toronto.
Books by Amma I recommend
Amma - Healing the Heart of the World Throughout the world
Amma is known as "the hugging saint." Revered in India as
a sage, she spends most of her waking hours embracing strangers, offering
them unconditional love.
Awaken Children - Vol 1 to Vol 9 Awaken Children series,
is a collection of Amma's words and conversations from 1982 with devotees
and others who came to see her.
The Awakening of Universal Motherhood Amma's Address at the Global Peace
Initiative of Women Religious and Spiritual Leaders
