A devotee N, when he came for darshan, told Amma that he was having trouble convincing his company to enter into a joint project with Amrita University. In fact, he got quite carried away with his explanation of the problem until Amma asked him to be quiet and gathered him up for a hug. “Actually, I would like to give up all obligations”, the man whispered into Amma’s shoulder. “I would just like to enjoy everything”. Amma held him by his shoulders, gazed into his eyes with a smile and related this anecdote. “Once a man walked up to a bush and hugged it. Unfortunately, the bush was covered with thorns. The man cried out in pain , “ Help me, help me !”. A passerby called out to him, “Just let go of the bush!”.

Amma laughed and advised the man, “You cannot complain about the pain while continuing to hug the thorny bush.” The devotee thought of his own addiction to money and worldly pleasures – he felt secure in possessing money and luxuries and was also very insecure that he may not have enough of them in the future – and was quite convinced that Amma was referring to that.

Everyone enjoyed the humorous exchange. It is said that a mahatma plays the role the role they take on perfectly. Amma is the perfect example of the extraordinary and ordinary at the same time.

- Vallath

Tsunami Relief Efforts

Amma in the west

Meeting Amma

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