By DR T. SELVA

drtselvas@gmail.com

TO her followers, she is known as Amma (mother) and wherever she goes, thousands of people from all walks of life queue up to seek her blessing which comes in the form of a hug.

She stays where she is offered lodging, asks for nothing, eats little and spends sometime up to 22 hours a day, rarely moving from her seat, hugging, praying for and blessing those who come to her.

Over the past few decades, Amma has embraced more than 39 million people around the globe and many returned feeling relieved, cured, happy, fulfilled and peaceful.

Moved by her selfless service, I decided to go on a journey in 2001 to seek answers to the unseen and unknown powers of leaders like Amma known for her therapeutic embrace.

My travels to meet her have taken me to Brisbane, Sydney, Tokyo, New York, Zurich, Geneva, Kerala, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

It took me two years to complete the tour and each trip was a mini adventure in itself as each connected me to hundreds of individuals who, in one way or another, helped me to appreciate life in its various hues.

I met many people who shared their stories and experiences about Amma; they are convinced that Amma is somewhat special.

She does not preach any religion but thousands of strangers are at ease in her presence.

She is recognised as an extraordinary spiritual leader by the United Nations and has received many world awards including the prestigious Gandhi-King Award for Non-violence.

What is it about her that attracts so many people to her?

I have stood for hours, observing the hugging sessions in every city I visited and watched those who came away after meeting Amma. I interviewed many people about how they felt after hugging her.

Some broke down and cried, some left beaming while others walked away looking somewhat dissatisfied or glum.

In every city I went, I received a hug from Amma and the feeling at each meeting was different.

When I got my first hug in Singapore, I was overwhelmed by a strong energy force. My mind was totally blank for several seconds before I was able to compose myself. All she said as she hugged me was, “My darling child, my darling child, my darling child.”

In some places she gave me sweets, chocolates, flowers, fruits, sacred ash; kissed my cheek; made me sit beside her and whispered into my ears, “Don’t worry”.

On many occasions, in the different cities I visited, Amma noticed me and gave me a penetrating gaze as she went about her duties.

According to her disciples, Amma sometimes singles out individuals to stay by her side longer, either to shower them with more blessings or when she wants to speak to them on a particular issue.

In Tokyo, the people did not rush or push to get her hugs. This is because the Japanese view being in the presence of the Master as good as receiving a blessing.

In New York, I managed to interview her during a hugging session. I asked her why, at times, she has been described as a god.

Amma said that, a long time ago, she had given herself to the world. “I am what people want to see me as. I don’t worry too much about what they see me as,” she said.

When asked why she hugged people and how it started, she said: “People used to come and tell Amma their troubles and they would cry and I would wipe their tears away.

“When they fell weeping on my lap, I used to hug them. Then the next person too wanted it and so the habit picked up.”

Asked why many people burst into tears when they embrace her, she said love is the essence of every human being and when the goodness in them is touched it can overflow as tears.

“Embracing symbolises giving and loving. There is a shortfall of love in the world.

“My embraces are aimed to awaken the spirit of giving in people and it is not a drama.

“It is purely physical but aimed to touch you inside,” said Amma.

She said that she realised she had a special gift when she was five years old and that she used to pray intensely.

Keen to find out more about her background, I journeyed to her hometown of Kerala, India, to interview her family.

She was born in 1953 into a fisherman’s family and at the age of nine her schooling ended when she was obliged to help with family chores.

As a youth Amma’s reputation went beyond her village and she began to attract a large following who sought to be near her and to receive her blessings.

These days, Amma consoles her visitors by cradling them in her arms, listening to their problems, gently stroking their backs and whispering soothing words in their ears.

Despite the admiration she has garnered, Amma also has to face traditionalist society, including members of her own family, who fiercely condemned her unconventional behaviour, particularly when she was a young woman.

Some people threw stones at her, attempted to poison her, and even stabbed her but she survived the attacks without wavering from her purpose.

At one point of her life, she withdrew deep within, isolating herself from everyone and everything, and became immersed in the inner bliss of God-consciousness.

It was then that she realised her life was meant to offer solace to a suffering humanity.

Her given name was Sudhamani and, according to her family, she was born blue and cross-legged as if she was in a meditative lotus posture. He said she did not cry like most newborns, and she could walk by the time she was seven months old, bypassing the crawling stage.

Her abilities shocked her family who thought she was crazy and suffering from mental disorder. Till today, Amma’s behaviour remains mysterious to her family who now support her self-sacrificing deeds.

My travels ended after I was convinced that life is not meant to be a struggle and we are not victims of circumstances.

We should take charge of our lives as the choices in life are boundless. We ought to do our best and leave the rest to the Almighty.

Moved by her teachings and unselfish service, I wrote a book on her titled “Journey With Amma” after I completed the trips. The book records people’s experiences and my study of her.

Amma will be visiting Australia from 16-28 April and offering hugging sessions in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Sunshine Coast. For details visit www.ammaaustralia.org.au

Dr T. Selva is the author of the bestseller book Vasthu Sastra Guide and the first disciple of seventh generation Vasthu Sastra Master Yuvaraj Sowma in Chennai. To get a copy of the book call Devi at 0412623017. He can be contacted at drtselvas@gmail.com Facebook: Vasthu Sastra; Website: www.vasthusastra.com