Amma’s spiritual center was built in 1994 in Seton Village. “Santa Fe is a mecca of spiritual transformation,” Amma explained. At the center Amma’s followers practice various forms of sadhana. Each spiritual practice helps to strengthen a connection with the Universal Consciousness. The Center also provides charitable works. Her followers collect food and clothing for the homeless. The group regularly sponsors fundraising activities for Amma’s charitable organizations locally and worldwide.
Foundation of Spiritual Growth
Amma was born in the remote coastal village of Kerala in southern India. She began her quest to rid the world of suffering while still a child. Amma would go from house to house delivering food to the poor and elderly. She took the time to listen to their woes. During these formative years, Amma began to ask herself, “Why are there so many contradictions in this world? Why is there no real love? What is the real cause of suffering and what is the solution?”
A Religion of Love
Amma was born a Hindu and incorporates the universal aspects of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) in her life. But she believes her religion to be that of love. Amma experiences the Divine in everyone. She believes people are all connected by that fundamental unity of consciousness and love. After years of meditation, Amma began to experience her oneness with all creation. She realized her purpose in life was to uplift an ailing humanity. That was the beginning of her spiritual mission. Today, Amma travels nine months a year around the world with her message of love and hugs. In the past 30 years Amma has physically hugged more than 24 million people.
Embracing the World
Several national leaders consider Amma to be one of the world’s greatest humanitarians. Her organization, Embracing the World, is one of the largest humanitarian operations on the planet. Hundreds of volunteers in India and throughout the world provide global humanitarian work. The foundation provides disaster relief, housing, orphanages, food, medicine, pensions, legal aid, and home care assistance for the elderly.
The Thread of Love
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic Amma will not be coming to Santa Fe in 2020. In past years thousands of her followers crowded into the Buffalo Thunder Resort. The spiritual event included meditation, words of wisdom, and, most importantly, a hug. At last year’s gathering Amma said: “Love is our true essence. Love has no limitations of caste, religion, race or nationality. We are all beads strung together on the same thread of love.”