In pursuit of tranquility we set of for Singapore’s city centre on a balmy Sunday morning.
Hoping to catch a glance and a hug from Mātā Amritanandamayī Devi or if like me you get tongue-tied and flustered just by the thought of so many consonants in one word, Amma for short. She is also known as the hugging saint and has hugged more than 30 million people over the past three decades.
The first time I came across Amma was in Lucy Edge’s book “Yoga School Dropout”. Amma from Kerala was immediately added to my mental list of people to see and places to explore in India not only for a hug but also to catch a glimpse of her Humanitarian projects.
You should know that a trip to India has been on my To Do list since 1998 when a knowing friend gave me a Lonely Planet guide to India that I proceeded to read like a novel. Presently the guidebook is dog-eared and tattered, stained by splatters of Indian fare enjoyed all over the show, except in India. Since the current Economy is what it is I had no objection to being in Amma’s presence while in Singapore as opposed to biding my time until my adventure to India finally materialised. Reason enough to bite the bullet and brave the City over a weekend.
Amma has a sizeable following in Singapore – big enough to fill one of the cavernous exhibition halls in the Suntec Convention and Exhibition centre. We arrived before 9:30 AM and even though early a line of people was already snaking through the entrance, patiently waiting for a number. The number issued is your “pass” for a hug from Amma. She doesn't leave before everyone with a number has spent time with her. Amma reportedly sits for more than twenty hours at some of the Darshans to offer her hug to those approaching her.
The ambience was hushed but jubilant. Some folks tucked into vegetarian fare while others were chatting away. Here and there a person decked out in white from head-to-toe, handed out pamphlets to first timers. Sure was an intriguing garam masala of people from every background, shape and size. First-timers and Old-timers mingled effortlessly.
Enveloped by the stunning murmur of mantras chanted in the background and the faint, crisp smell of flowers – white flowers.
Number ticket in hand we zeroed in on seats closer to the action – the tiny platform Amma would work from. From here it was clear to observe the well-oiled machine behind the gathering. Each helper knew exactly where in the puzzle he/she was meant to fit.
Peculiarly, where time felt as per usual prior to our numbers flashing on the monitor it seemed to warp from that point onwards. Minutes accelerating but also slowing down at crucial moments like a trickle of honey lazily dripping from a spoon. We were ushered into line by Amma’s helpers and as we got closer to the front of the line the chanting became louder and the smell of Jasmine intensified. Just in time I bought a Jasmine garland for Amma – showing up empty handed would be akin to arriving at a friend’s home for dinner without the nice bottle of wine (well, that was my personal thinking anyway, my dad did a fine job raising me – an opinion shared by my friends who are normally on the receiving end of said bottle of wine).
Just in time too, as I turned around it was my turn to be hugged. I’m describing it as “to be hugged” because that is exactly what happened. I melted in her arms without reservation or inhibitions – just like that – melted! The jasmine garland I gave her was around her neck and she gently pressed my face against her chest while she held me. Once again time froze and she whispered in my ear what sounded like: “my girl, my girl, my girl”. Could also just be me projecting what I wanted to hear.
By the time Amma let go of me (or I eventually let go of her) I was lifted to my feet by her helpers and ushered away.
A tad wobbly as if treading on marshmallows it felt like my heart was jumping through my ribcage.
I could feel the thump-thump-thump against my fingertips when I touched my chest. Sensory overload but inside tranquil and at peace. Mission accomplished.
Only later did I realise I was clutching a tiny candy in my hand – one of the helpers must’ve pressed it into my palm.
So did the experience touch me in any way?
Touched, yes. Changed, I don’t know.
I can share that I’m noticeably more heart-centered since my hug. As if I’m basing my decisions on more than just my usual cognitive/over analytical thinking process.
On a physical level, my Yoga back bends are working a charm – sure is a first for me to be able to relax into a backbend (a heart chakra opening pose in itself) without a snippet of a thought of how long before I get out of this murderous human pretzel pose.
…and in conclusion, in the wise lady’s own words:
Only when human beings are able to perceive and acknowledge the Self in each other can there be real peace. —Amma
I like that.
