This Thanksday, I choose to recognize Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi. As a shorter nickname, she is often referred to simply as Amma, or “mother.” Amma is known as the hugging saint; she has spent decades of her life hugging millions of humans. She chooses to freely and willingly share her gift with the world. Her warm embrace can help you recognize that you are not alone; her friendly touch can share sympathy and strengthen your own compassion as she leads by example. We should follow in her footsteps.
Compassion is the greatest form of love humans have to offer.
-Rachel Joy Scott
Amma authored a book titled Compassion: the Only Way to Peace. You can view a documentary about her, The Science of Compassion, for free on YouTube. Given the details included there, I will not write much more here. Compassion does not require lengthy discourse; it often requires more quiet and patient presence than anything else. Lend an ear to listen and a shoulder to lean or cry on when those around you are in need.
You must work in the present to make your future happy and blissful.
-Amma
Choose to show up and care; choose to work with those around you to pave a path to a future that we can all be proud of. Cultivate and circulate comprehensive compassion.
Love is the only medicine that can heal the wounds of the world.
-Amma
I hope to one day share a spectacular hug with Amma. My yoga teacher mentioned that many think that Amma vibrates higher than anyone else here. Who would not want to investigate such a claim? To feel such compassion must be so inspiring. I would happily welcome the help as I yearn to improve in this area, both with myself and with others.
Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.