Wisdom on Embracing the World With Love and Understanding
Meet Amma, the mother of millions
Yesterday was election day in the United States. The air was heavy as if weighed down by an invisible weight making its way across the land. And as I pondered becoming even more off-the-grid, sitting in my ergonomic chair (which makes working with chronic pain possible), gazing out the window, wishing for a bit of inspiration or rather an inspirational figure to investigate, I came across a website that featured the timeless enchantment and beautiful radiance of spiritual leader, humanitarian, and visionary Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, known throughout the world simply as “Amma.” This quote flashed across the screen:
My father and Amma are kindred spirits. — Ms. Yolanda King
The daughter of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.?
“Yes!” I shouted out, frightening the fluffy chipmunk outside the window. “I am in the right place!” I’ve always felt a deep kinship with the reverend in a sort of an across-time kindred spirit way. And I knew that as I dived into the teachings and life of Amma, I was going to feel this exact same way about this “hugging saint.”
And as I researched and then listened to Embracing the World: The Movie, I found that I felt connected to Amma, much like my previous pieces on Mary McLeod Bethune, Eckhart Tolle, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Anais Nin, Wayne Dyer, and Louise Hay. That’s one of the greatest benefits of these investigative and introspective articles; I feel that I deeply and profoundly understand each person after learning more about them. I honestly love that, and I hope that you find value in the articles, too.
Who is Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, or “Amma”?
Amma is an Indian Hindu spiritual leader, humanitarian, and guru. She has steadfastly served the world for decades, imparting inspiration, wisdom, and calm strength. Through her phenomenal acts of love and self-sacrifice, Amma has endeared herself to millions and inspired thousands more to follow in her path of selfless service. She has dedicated her entire life to alleviating the pain of the impoverished and those suffering physically and emotionally.
Amma gives out a form of Darshana by hugging people. Darsana is described as being included in the auspicious sight of a holy person, which bestows merit on the person who is seen. Sight here means seeing or beholding, and/or being caught or beheld. It is also known as a vision of the divine from a great saintly or holy person in which they impart love and healing. It’s a powerful energy.
Throughout the course of her life, Mata Amritanandamayi has embraced and comforted more than 34 million people throughout the world for over 30 years, sometimes for more than 20 hours straight.
Amma inspires, uplifts, and transforms through her embrace, her spiritual wisdom, and also through her global charity, Embracing the World.
When asked where she gets the energy to help so many people, she answers:
“Where there is true love, anything is effortless.”
As to how this began, Amma said,
“People used to come and tell me their troubles. They would cry and I would wipe their tears. When they fell weeping into my lap, I used to hug them. Then the next person too wanted a hug… And so the habit picked up.”
“Truly a citizen of the world, Mata Amritanandamayi holds free public programs throughout India, Europe, the United States, and Australia, as well as Japan, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, Africa, and South America. In her talks, she offers words of wisdom and guidance on both personal fulfillment as well as the most pressing matters of our time. From climate change to terrorism, cross-cultural tensions to poverty, and women’s rights, Amma’s observations invite each of us to get involved in the process of rebuilding a concerned and caring society.” Source
While Amma is widely regarded as one of India’s foremost spiritual leaders, Amma says that her religion is love. She has never asked anyone to change their religion, but only to contemplate the essential principles of their own faith and to try to live accordingly.
As I was reading, researching, and writing about Amma, I thought about how I would like a compassionate hug from this eternally abiding holy mother figure. But due to COVID-19, in-person hugs are currently canceled. I would love to do this for my community, as much as possible, to give compassion and kindness to others in the form of an understanding hug or embrace, but it will have to wait until the virus subsides. That’s such a shame, I thought, but I’m sure that I can come up with other ways to care for the world, such as writing letters, messages, and articles straight from the heart. I can also focus on giving my family that same compassion and love, fur members included.
We can all do this because we are all divine beings, one thought or action away from transforming the world and ourselves.
Here are four quotes from Amma that reflect her timeless teachings on life, love, and service to the world
On surrender:
“Surrender and living in the present are one and the same.”
We hear a lot about surrendering to the present, but what does it mean really? When we surrender, we are relinquishing our demand that the present be something other than it actually is, and we are fostering a willingness to be present with whatever that may be.
Surrendering is a form of personal power that brings us closer to the divinity within ourselves. I’ve often surrendered to the migraines that I get, and even though it isn’t easy to surrender, the actual act of surrendering holds all of the beauty and power in the world.
I use this mantra daily or when I feel that all-too-familiar nagging head pain:
“I surrender to the flow of life and let life provide all that I need comfortably. I love life!”
Now does this mean that we will get everything that we want in life by surrendering? Not necessarily… but we will get what we need.
On living in service:
“Those that have an attitude of service towards others are the beauty of society.”
We have a duty to harness our unique gifts in the service of society. When we help one, we help all, and in turn help ourselves and the generations to come.
To be truly successful, we must work on balance within all aspects of life. Without this balance, we will always be stuck in a state of survival, flitting from the next thing to the next in search of fulfillment, fame, or profit. And because we are interdependent with the world and those around us, this sense of service is paramount to our connection with ourselves and others.
Give however you can, and remember that everyone has something unique to offer up.
Friends, what can you do to be of service to society?
On love:
“In this universe, it is Love that binds everything together. Love is the very foundation, beauty, and fulfillment of life.”
Love is the steady undercurrent from which the river of life flows in every direction. Love connects us, weaving us together in the eternal tapestry of time. Love is the fruit of life from which all other positive aspects emanate. Love is a subtle, stunning serenade to the lifelong process of discovering who we really are.
Can you have forgiveness without love? Fulfillment? Joy? Healing? No, because love is always needed in its inherent ability to bind us together in the spirit of fulfillment.
On the importance of being proactive:
“Don’t be discouraged by your incapacity to dispel darkness from the world. Light your little candle and step forward.”
Our view of life either permits or prohibits us from being a light in the world. Focus on the good, seek it out, find that solace in other like-minded souls. Because yes, there is darkness, which some might argue balances out the light, but even still we each have a crucial responsibility to help others who are less fortunate. The fragility of life is that you never know which end you will be on.
So go on, light your candle, because with enough light and in the companionship of other light-seekers, we will be able to truly see.
Takeaways:
In order to be free, we need to offer selfless service to those in need. This simple yet powerful act of compassion unites us in our humanity and has the potential to act as a catalyst for more peaceful, fulfilled lives.
Giving and love are the essence of life, both what we give to others and to ourselves, and it is thus that we can begin the process of inner healing throughout the world.
To invite positive change, we must start with ourselves and by making wise, kind, and focused choices in the right direction. We must think good thoughts and perform good actions to instill good habits. This leads to a good life, a peaceful existence, and a better world for us all.
To learn more about Amma visit: Online with Amma
or watch:
With love and gratitude, Aurora