Embracing the world with love and compassion through a global network of humanitarian initiatives.
Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, affectionately known as Amma (Mother), has emerged as a global spiritual leader and humanitarian from a humble beginning in a small fishing village in Kerala, India. Born in 1953, Amma’s early life was marked by an intense empathy for the suffering of others, which led her to comfort those around her with her embraces— a practice that has since become her hallmark, known as “Darshan.” From these modest roots, Amma has grown to become the leader of a worldwide movement dedicated to global peace, harmony, and selfless service to humanity.
Early Life and Spiritual Calling
Amma was born into a simple family and encountered the profound sufferings of her community from a young age. As a child, she responded to the poverty and distress she witnessed by offering food and clothing from her own home, despite facing disapproval and punishment from her family. This profound empathy for others’ suffering and her instinctive acts of kindness marked the beginning of her lifelong commitment to alleviating human suffering. Her spiritual calling was evident in her spontaneous acts of compassion and her deep meditative states, which she experienced from a young age without any formal instruction.
The Foundation of Mata Amritanandamayi Math
In 1981, Amma founded the Mata Amritanandamayi Math (MAM), a spiritual and humanitarian organization that has grown to undertake a wide array of charitable activities across the globe. Under her guidance, MAM has focused on providing essential services like healthcare, education, environmental initiatives, and disaster relief. Amma’s philosophy extends beyond mere charity, encompassing a holistic approach to spiritual and personal development, advocating for karma yoga (selfless service), meditation, and the cultivation of virtues like compassion, patience, and forgiveness.
Darshan: The Embrace
Central to Amma’s spiritual practice is her unique form of darshan, where she embraces individuals as a means of offering solace and unconditional love. This practice began as Amma listened to and consoled those who sought her out, eventually leading to the tradition of her hugging each person who comes to her. Over the years, Amma has embraced more than 40 million people worldwide. Despite the physical toll, she continues this practice as a tangible expression of her compassion and a means to foster a direct, personal connection with people from all walks of life.
Global Recognition and Humanitarian Work
Amma’s message of love and compassion has resonated globally, leading to numerous accolades and recognitions for her contributions to peace and humanitarian causes. Her organization, Embracing the World, is a network of charities active in over 40 countries, focusing on disaster relief, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and women’s empowerment, among others. Amma has been invited to speak at international forums, including the United Nations and the Parliament of the World’s Religions, where she has shared her vision of a world united through compassion and service.
Teachings and Philosophy
Amma’s teachings emphasize the unity of all religions and the importance of selfless service, meditation, and the pursuit of knowledge. She encourages her followers to see beyond the boundaries of nationality, religion, and social status to embrace a universal perspective of love and compassion. Amma teaches that true spirituality is not detached from the world but actively engages with it through acts of kindness, aiming for the transformation of the individual and, by extension, society.
image via Wikipedia
