She has been likened to Mother Teresa and Mohandas Gandhi by Reuters, and named as one of the twelve most influential religious leaders in the world by CBS TV in its Primetime Special, "In God’s Name". Hundreds of thousands of people flock to see her both in India and all over the world, including in New England. And yet, this humble 60-year-old from Kerala, dressed in a simple white sari, has only one concern – uplifting the suffering of humanity. Known simply as Amma or Mother, Mata Amritanandamayi Devi has been dubbed the "Hugging Saint" by the international press for her unique practice of receiving each person who comes to see her with a loving embrace.
"I am immersed in a sea of divine love with a living saint, Amma. There are no words to describe the inner glow I felt as I was held, hugged and loved by this celestial being who walks among us. I sat next to her for over an hour observing her embracing hundreds of people, and I will forever feel the inner glow." ~ Dr. Wayne Dyer
Amma has hugged more than 32 million people in 20 countries around the world. When asked where she gets the energy to embrace so many people while simultaneously building and running a world-wide humanitarian movement, Amma says simply, "Where there is Love, everything is effortless".
"Amma presents the kind of leadership we need for our planet to survive. This is the most heroic person I’ve probably ever met." ~ Alice Walker, Pulitzer Prize Winner
Amma is creating a $2 million U.S. relief-and-rehabilitation package for victims of the massive typhoon Haiyan that hit the Philippines last year. In 2011, Amma announced a donation of $1 million U.S. towards the relief and rehabilitation of Japanese disaster victims, particularly for the education of children who lost both their parents in the devastating tsunami.
Amma’s humanitarian projects network, Embracing the World, active in 40 countries, has developed a reputation for outstanding disaster-relief work and humanitarian activities. Dr. Steven C. Rockefeller said, "When I think of Amma and her life of devotion and service, I see a shining example for all of us of the spirit, reverence, compassion and care."
Amma will be in New England from June 27th-29th and all are invited to receive a personal blessing. Free programs are on June 27