In this rare interview with one of India's most renowned contemporary saints, EnlightenNext asks Ammachi about how well the religions are doing in facing the future and whether or not forums like the Parliament are engendering enough positive change.
"Society is comprised of individuals--unless the individual changes, nothing will change. And for that, constant effort is needed."
Biography
Mata Amritanandamayi, or Ammachi as she is popularly known, is an internationally revered humanitarian and modern day saint. Born in a small village in Kerala, South India, Ammachi had a profound connection with God from a very early age. She attended school until she was nine, then was pulled away from her studies to work as a servant for relatives. She was poor and often abused but remained unusually absorbed in a profound spiritual love for the Hindu god Krishna. As she grew older, her powerful spiritual presence began to attract followers, and eventually transformed her life into one of international service and spiritual mentorship. She now travels around the world, giving teachings and offering “darshan” or blessings, often in the form of an embrace. It is thought that she has hugged over 21 million people over the last 30 years. Amma now has a platform on the international stage and has addressed heads of state at the United Nations and other forums. She runs the industrious Mata Amritanandamayi Mission Trust, a charitable organization that has built state-of-the-art hospitals, technical colleges, speech therapy centers, widow pension programs, and over 25,000 homes for the poor. Following the Hurricane Katrina disaster, Ammachi generously handed the Bush-Clinton Hurricane Relief fund a $1,000,000 check for the needy in New Orleans.
Mata Amritanandamayi, or Ammachi as she is popularly known, is an internationally revered humanitarian and modern day saint. Born in a small village in Kerala, South India, Ammachi had a profound connection with God from a very early age. She attended school until she was nine, then was pulled away from her studies to work as a servant for relatives. She was poor and often abused but remained unusually absorbed in a profound spiritual love for the Hindu god Krishna. As she grew older, her powerful spiritual presence began to attract followers, and eventually transformed her life into one of international service and spiritual mentorship. She now travels around the world, giving teachings and offering “darshan” or blessings, often in the form of an embrace. It is thought that she has hugged over 21 million people over the last 30 years. Amma now has a platform on the international stage and has addressed heads of state at the United Nations and other forums. She runs the industrious Mata Amritanandamayi Mission Trust, a charitable organization that has built state-of-the-art hospitals, technical colleges, speech therapy centers, widow pension programs, and over 25,000 homes for the poor. Following the Hurricane Katrina disaster, Ammachi generously handed the Bush-Clinton Hurricane Relief fund a $1,000,000 check for the needy in New Orleans.