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Indian Holy Woman Visits New York on Hugging Tour

Indian spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi hugs Tulsi Reynolds during a religious service Monday, July 9, 2001, in New York. Photo by AP.

By Dunstan Prial/AP

Followers of Mata Amritanandamayi have trouble expressing the spiritual energy that passes between them and the Indian religious leader during one of her ritual hugs. But the looks of joy on devotees’ faces speak volumes.

Hundreds of followers waited in line on the night of July 9 inside an auditorium at Columbia University in upper Manhattan to share an embrace with Amritanandamayi, known to millions around the world simply as “Amma,” or mother. Her appearance was the first of a series that continued through July 11.

“I can’t explain whether it’s her individual energy or an energy within the group,” said Zack Kurland, 28, of New York. “It’s an uplifting feeling.”

Amritanandamayi’s New York visit is part of a 10-week tour — one she makes annually in the United States — that includes stops in Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington and Boston.

Amritanandamayi was born in the Kerala state of India in 1953. She was removed from school at a young age to look after her family, and soon began looking after others in her village.

Mata Amritanandamayi, left, hugs Managarn Boonthong. Photo by AP.

She began her spiritual endeavors as a young woman, encouraging followers to engage in social service and express love for others. Later she started a program in which people could go to her and receive her blessing — a hug, or darshan. Now she spends hours each day greeting and hugging the thousands of followers who visit her.

Amma has been known to spend as many as 20 hours hugging attendees at her services. In India, where her followers number in the millions, tens of thousands of people often wait for hours to spend a few moments wrapped in her arms.

Among the audience at Columbia University was a broad mix of New Yorkers, including college students, young couples with small children, and a smattering of older followers.

After 2 1/2 hours of songs, chants and meditations, Amritanandamayi, seated in the center of a large stage, received her devotees. As they approached, the followers fell to their knees and patiently waited their turn.

Amritanandamayi greeted each with a warm smile and outstretched arms. Each darshan resembled not so much a hug as an embrace between two old friends who hadn’t seen each other in years. Most hugs included a kiss on the cheek, an encouraging whisper in the ear, and loving caresses on the back and arms.

Devotees followed an honor system in which those who have never participated in a darshan are allowed to move to the front of the line. Organizers said more than 750 people received tokens that allowed them to climb onstage and receive a hug.

Proceeds from her visits are used for her charities, which include hospitals, schools and housing programs.

In 1993, Amma served as president of the Centenary Parliament of World Religions in Chicago. In 1995, she was a speaker at the United Nations’ 50th anniversary commemoration.

Caroline Finnegan, 24, a New Yorker at her first Amritanandamayi service, described the event as a “powerful and loving experience.”

Added Finnegan: “We don’t really have too many of those in Manhattan.”