Queuing for an Embrace
Rhein Zeitung
October 2001
Mata Amritanandamayi visits Bonn and embraces thousands - compassion
and love are the religion of this Indian woman.
Colorful 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 programs. "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 program with Amma
and hears all this might well think "Rubbish!" However,
once one has met Mata Amritanandamayi in person, one realizes 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."
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