Experiences with Amma
Mr. Mukesh Gandhi
Wipro Techonologies
Detroit, USA
Our family has been blessed to meet Amma over 17 years ago and to have an opportunity to experience glimpses of her infinitude. No matter how much time one spends in Amma’s presence, it is impossible to truly know Amma with our finite senses. Amma’s adorable swami’s, who are themselves embodiments of humility, obedience to the Guru, selflessness and hard work, attest to this fact, after having spent decades in the intimate presence and proximity of the divine mother. No wonder it is a rather difficult task to precisely answer seemingly simple questions from family, friends and coworkers such as—“Who is Amma? Why do you go see her? What happens in her presence? Does she perform miracles? Can I give you a hug instead [of Amma]?
It is impossible to describe to someone the beauty of the sunset, the grandeur of a mountain, the sweetness of a chirping bird and the taste of food; they have to be personally experienced and relished. Amma’s divinity has infinite dimensions and her boundless capability, capacity and compassion are incomprehensible to our limited minds. With her exemplary humility, Amma masks her greatness, downplays her accomplishments and gives devotees the warm and comfortable feeling we have experienced when interacting with our mothers. Often times we take Amma’s guidance and direction for granted.
What we can visibly see and comprehend are Amma’s humanitarian activities, Amma’s physical stamina, Amma’s innate understanding of science and business, Amma’s role in establishing universities, hospitals, hospices and Amma’s commitment to the environment, gender equality and acceptance of all lifestyle choices. No one in human history has accomplished so much and given so much of one’s self than Amma. It is incumbent upon us to serve and commit our time and resources to these noble causes which Amma is so wholeheartedly championing.
Amma has saved lives, built careers and businesses, diagnosed and cured diseases, guided research, served as a college and career counselor and broken barriers. Many have personally witnessed and experienced all of this in their own lives and continue to feel her divine presence in all aspects of their lives. She has served millions of devotees for years and continues to every single day with minimal sleep and no attention to her physical comfort. Amma knows our innermost thoughts, feelings and aspirations that even we are not aware of, and she provides each and every one a path and guidance which is uniquely suited to each individual. Amma has continued giving darshan for more than 24 hours at a stretch to tens of thousands of people with divine love and compassion, while providing guidance and counsel on even the most mundane concerns. Amma remains seated without food or sleep, very energetically parallel-processing a myriad of activities simultaneously, and when upon leaving the darshan hall with a big smile on her face, she stops to console and give comfort as she departs.
We maintain utter disbelief, reading incredible stories from the lives and times of great mahatmas like Rama, Krishna, Kabir and Jesus. Yet, at this time in history, we are all very fortunate to be alive with Amma in our midst. We should make the most of ready access that Amma provides us to be in her holy presence. Amma says that her devotees have been with her in several previous lifetimes. We should use this lifetime to make progress under her guidance and pray that we have Amma as our guide, coach and Guru for every lifetime in the future. For an Amma devotee, that would be true liberation.