Author Description

Through her extraordinary acts of love and self sacrifice, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, or ‘Amma’ [Mother], as she is more commonly known, has endeared herself to millions around the world. Tenderly caressing everyone who comes to her, holding them close to her heart in a loving embrace, Amma shares her boundless love with all, regardless of their beliefs, status or why they have come to her. Amma is transforming the lives of countless people, helping their hearts to blossom. As of 2011, Amma has physically hugged more than 31 million people from all parts of the world. Her tireless spirit of dedication to uplifting others has inspired a vast network of charitable activities, through which people are discovering the deep sense of peace and inner fulfilment that comes from selflessly serving others. Amma teaches that the divine exists in everything, sentient and insentient. Realizing this truth is the essence of spirituality—the means to end all suffering. Amma’s teachings are universal. Whenever she is asked about her religion, she replies that her religion is love. She does not ask anyone to believe in God or to change their faith, but only to inquire into their own real nature and to believe in themselves.