Embracing the World- Our Experience of meeting Amma- Mata Amrithanandamayi in Los Angeles- Summer Tour 2011



Mata Amrithanandamayi

'Everyone in the world should be able to sleep without fear, at least for one night.  Everyone should be able to eat to his fill, at least for one day.  There should be at least one day when hospitals see no one admitted due to violence.  By doing selfless service for at least one day, everyone should help the poor and the needy.  It is Amma's prayer that at least this small dream be realised''
-  Sri Mata Amritanandamayi.

These words not only echoed in her discourse but shown in the deeds she did to the world so far.   The greatest humanitarian of our times, and a wonderful spiritual leader who with her simple smile and embracing hugs had captured the thoughts and sentiments of the western world to a great extent.  As a family,when we decided  to pay a visit and meet the greatest living saint, we had no expectations.  But as the dawn turned to dusk, and the Hilton Los Angeles parking lot got full, in less than 1 hour before the program begin, we only wished we would get a glimpse of her yesterday.    With her lively discourse in Malayalam, as her senior disciplines translated in English, the close to thousands of people filled in the 3 Ballrooms of LA's biggest hotel listed to her in silence.   As she took the crowd to divine embrace of her bhajans, I was not just surprised but filled with shame, as I saw the 90% of westerners around singing her bhajans with ease and reciting the hymns with so much of devotion.   Then began the much awaited moments of dharshan., that started at 10 pm and slipped into the wee hours of today.  People waited in silence, devotion, gratitude and a greater sense of happiness.   We sat three rows just opposite to her watching her smile at every hug she gave, whispering ' chella pillai' or ''favorite child'' in the ears of the devotees as per their language,, and giving a prasad- a kisses chocolate wrapped with flowers.  We did not see a single moment of tiredness or frustration in the lengthy process.  The stalls around showcased the products manufactured and made in her ashrams in India with the employment opportunities she created.

Embracing the world exhibition showcased her achievements and created a moment of gratitude and pride to her fellow Indians on what she could achieve with her simple philosophy of practicing humanity.  The endeavours that the MA centres across the globe do, is a continuous saga.  A blessing to humanity in whole, with so many people benefiting from her selfless dedicated service to mankind.   Millions regard her as godess, an incarnation of Mother Earth in various forms of Maheswari, Lakshmi and Saraswathi.  To me she looked like a sincere human being whose every cell responds to a human need.  Many of us would have the same feelings but how many of us really have the courage to go and do what she does in this world.   Immortal bliss is what her message of love and compassion is experienced in the people who follow her for years. 

We were in Z2 line and when the moment of embracing came in, it felt like a blessing.  The happiness of being able to bow before the great personality is indeed a blessing.  I felt proud of introducing and creating this opportunity to my child and see how privileged she is in this world and what all she can do to mankind in return.  May be we will be able to do little of what she does.    As I was talking to people around on what made them come there and stay all through night, in other wise not so nightly LA, their personal experience of the admirers from all walks of life,  were a reflection of the world wide humanitarian work and the opportunities she creates which are enterpreneuring happenings around Amma.    She resembled to them as a solace during times of sorrow and guidance in times of uncertainty.   She is a living inspiration.

We had the privilege to help in the kitchen with cutting vegetables, selling chai to awaiting devotees, and Aishu enjoyed working as volunteer guarding her book store for a while.  To us, this is one experience that we would cherish all our lives.  This is one great experience that would always remind my child the opportunities that lay ahead to serve back to the mankind.  It is one experience that would stay with us for rest of our lives.   May Amma live long to give back her love to this world.  May Amma create more inspirations that would expand her thoughts and deeds towards a better human world.  Let her call for peace and kindness reach the world all over and all her dreams come true for a better and better tomorrow.

Jai Mata Amrithanandamayiki!  Love and  Compassion are the very essence of all religions.

Om Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu.  May all beings everywhere be happy.

------------We visited her program on June 11, 2011 Saturday at Hilton Los Angeles on her North American Summer Tour 2011------