A Life Committed to Altruism, Compassion, and Universal Love
Mata Amritanandamayi, often affectionately known as Amma—Mother in Sanskrit—has been an embodiment of selfless love, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to alleviating the suffering of others. Her life has been dedicated to the alleviation of human suffering and the promotion of universal harmony and understanding, which transcends boundaries of religion, ethnicity, or nationality. .
A Life of Dedication: From a Fisherman’s Daughter to the Embracing Saint
Born to a poor fisherman family in Parayakadavu, a small village in Kerala, India, in 1953, Amma’s experiences growing up in a life of poverty helped shape her understanding of life’s challenges and the importance of empathy and compassion. At an early age, she displayed a remarkable inclination towards helping those in need. Inspired by the tale of a king who sacrificed his life to save others, little Amma would dedicate herself to serving others, honouring her first devotee, a brahmin swami, by tending to his needs, despite her family’s struggles.
Philosophy of Life and Service: The Healing Power of Compassion and Embrace
Amma’s philosophy centers on the power of love, compassion, and selfless service. The core of her teachings is “Atmano Mokshartham Jagad-hitaya cha” (for one’s own salvation and for the welfare of the world). She believes that true happiness stems from seeing others happy and assisting others in overcoming their hardships.
The significance of Amma’s抱embrace cannot be understated. The soothing and comforting embrace of Amma has become a symbol of unconditional love and compassion for millions of individuals worldwide. Her hugs, that have come to be known as “divine embraces,” have a profound effect on the emotional well-being of those who are fortunate to receive them. Despite the logistical challenges, Amma endeavours to sit for hours and sometimes days, offering her embrace to thousands, illustrating her belief that each person deserves compassion and understanding.
Global Reach: Mata Amritanandamayi’s Worldwide Service and Education Efforts
Mata Amritanandamayi’s humanitarian work has extended far beyond the boundaries of her native India. Her outreach initiatives have taken her to over 35 countries, where she spreads a message of love and compassion, emphasising that universal love transcends all barriers.
Embracing the World, a non-profit organisation founded by Amma, has been instrumental in implementing programmes that aim to promote education, health, and social welfare. They have built schools, hospitals, and disaster-relief centers, provided scholarships for the underprivileged, and delivered food and shelter to those affected by natural disasters or other catastrophes. The organisation also runs the Mata Amritanandamayi Math, a spiritual community that operates under her guidance.
In education, Amma believes that imparting knowledge should go hand in hand with cultivating values that promote harmony and well-being. The Mata Amritanandamayi University has been envisioned as an institution of higher learning that integrates spirituality and values with conventional subjects.
Under Amma’s guidance, a network of healthcare providers have been established to treat patients from all walks of life, free of cost. This includes the Amrita Hospital, a state-of-the-art tertiary care centre, and dozens of rural health clinics dedicated to serving communities that often lack adequate healthcare.
Mata Amritanandamayi’s life is an embodiment of selfless love and devotion to the betterment of society. Her compassionate work, global outreach, and dedication to education and healthcare have transformed innumerable lives. As the saint of compassion, Amma continues to embrace the world, nurturing love and harmony, and inspiring humanity to follow in her footsteps. In a world ravaged by conflict and strife, Amma’s message of universal love and compassion remains a beacon of hope, guiding us toward a more peaceful and harmonious future.
Worldwide Temple of Aurora 