Ammachi
(1953-present)
Amma was born on September 27, 1953, in a small village in Kerala, India. She was given the name Sudhamani, and those present at her birth say that she was born with a beautific smile upon her face… From a very young age, Sudhamani would often be found absorbed in deep meditation. By the age of 5, she was composing deeply spiritual devotional songs. Even then, she was tirelessly doing all she could to relieve the suffering of those who she encountered. She took food and clothing from her house to feed the hungry and warm the forgotten. She also bathed and cared for the ill and elderly. Though she suffered consequences and her family’s disapproval, nothing could stop her. In her words, “An unbroken stream of Love flows through me towards all beings in the cosmos. That is my inborn nature.”
Now called only Amma, meaning “Mother,” she is known as the hugging Saint. She is known all over the world for her selfless compassion and tireless giving. She has founded innumerable humanitarian and social service agencies, which she oversees with the help of thousands of devotees inspired by her merciful, unconditional love.
The scope of her loving service is vast, yet her most remarkable and unusual service comes in the form of hugs. Amma’s embrace is given to thousands each year, often hundreds per day. She tirelessly receives people for hours on end, giving each person the attention a mother gives her baby. Her hug is a gift from God, The Divine giving love to the people through this saintly being. Multitudes have claimed this blessing, and many believe this is the Guru’s Touch, awakening the spiritual energy within each person who receives it. Each person who receives Ammachi’s hug spreads this blessing as he or she moves out into the world. Amma travels around the world for 8-9 months per year. Day after day she receives people and bestows her gift, Gods gift. Amma’s two arms embrace many, yet the innumerable arms of her heart wrap around the whole world.
Amma resides in the Amritapuri Ashram in India, along with 2,000 residents from all over the world. She also has spiritual centers established worldwide. She has been recognized by the United Nations for her service, and has been asked to speak at UN conferences several times. All who have been in her presence were touched deeply by the experience. Her radiant smile and sweet voice often bring people to tears, as they are cleansed emotionally and awakened spiritually.
When speaking of service, Amma teaches, “The beauty and charm of selfless love and service should not die away from the face of the earth. The world should know that a life of dedication is possible, that a life inspired by love and service to humanity is possible.” She tells us that our purpose in life is to realize who we really are. “By realizing our own Self we become full, with nothing more to gain in life. Life becomes perfect.”
Amma is known for her inspiring humanitarian efforts and unconditional love. Finding spiritual enlightenment often leads to a spring awakening within yourself. Look to inner meditation to provide healing, growth, hope, happiness and enlightenment. Spiritual growth is described by many different teachers as a result of dedication and meditation. Spiritual healing can come from anything as the awakening earth rises up from within to heal the spirit. It is said that a hug from Amma has left many with a mystical inner awakening often compared to a great awakening.