Amma

Aum Namashivaya!
Deeply touched by the questions students raised after reading my article on “My Favorite Teacher.”
Due to time constraints, I couldn't address all their queries in depth, so I’ve decided to elaborate on
the profound impact AMMA has had on my life through this article.
I was born in Chennai to devout parents and have an elder brother and sister. My family was quite
orthodox; ensuring we never missed an opportunity to meet saints or spiritual figures. From a young
age, we were trained in chanting slokas and the Bhagavad Gita, and we grew up hearing stories from
the epics and scriptures daily.
Fortuitously, I did not have to wait to meet AMMA. It is said that in Kali Yuga, the GURU appears
with unconditional grace, and the disciple does not need to search for them; rather, the GURU
manifests when the time is right, revealing themselves through compassion. AMMA entered my life
in the year of my birth, leading to a spontaneous and deep bond with her from childhood. I saw in
AMMA what Jane Goodall described as ‘GOD’s love in a human body.’ To me, AMMA embodied
GOD, and my entire being—thoughts, dreams, and aspirations—revolved around her. My interests
and inclinations were nurtured by AMMA’s bhajans and books, and my family shared this devotion.
The one thing we never disagreed on was our love for AMMA.
I could only experience AMMA’s physical presence when she visited Chennai or when we traveled to
her ashram in Kollam. The separation from her during other times was intensely painful. My focus
became solely on obtaining her permission to stay with her permanently at the ashram. Even at a
young age, we children were closer to AMMA than to our parents, sharing everything with her as
open books. Our parents recognized that our deepest aspiration was to live with AMMA. To live with
a spiritual master is to contribute to their divine mission, purify one’s own mind, and merge with the
supreme self.
In 1999, my brother received AMMA’s permission to join the ashram, and I eagerly awaited my turn.
I persistently asked AMMA for permission whenever I had the chance. It was a testing period, but in
2002, AMMA graciously allowed me to become a permanent resident of the ashram.
As AMMA says, “Just as the sun doesn’t need the light of a candle, God doesn’t need anything from
us. God is the giver of light. Around us, so many people are suffering. Let us console them. Let us
give them the help they need. This is true love for God. This is real spirituality.” I am profoundly
grateful for the life AMMA has granted me, enabling me to serve society daily. My sister and parents
also followed suit in deciding to permanently reside in the ashram and serve according to each one's
capacity.
AMMA often compares being near a mahatma to being in an incense factory: “We don’t need to
work there, light any incense, or even touch anything. All we need to do is enter the place, and the
fragrance will linger on us. The presence of a mahatma will bring about a change in you without you
even being aware of it.” I believe AMMA has transformed me over the years and continues to refine
me to be a useful instrument in her divine hands.
I often find myself questioned about my decision to embrace a life of renunciation. This choice is
met with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism, especially when it comes to women who choose this
path. In addressing these inquiries, I find it useful to draw comparisons with other life choices that
are widely accepted but involve significant sacrifices. For instance, consider individuals who join the
military services. They dedicate their lives to serving and protecting their country, often facing
hardships and separation from their loved ones. This commitment is generally met with admiration
and respect. People recognize that such a vocation requires a deep sense of duty and sacrifice, and it
is celebrated as a noble pursuit. Similarly, there are countless individuals who move abroad for
career opportunities, educational pursuits, or personal growth. These individuals may leave behind
their families and familiar surroundings, sometimes never returning. Their decision is typically met
with understanding and even encouragement, as it is seen as a pursuit of personal and professional
development. In contrast, when someone chooses a life of sanyasa—a path of renunciation and
spiritual pursuit—the reaction can be markedly different, especially when this choice is made by a
woman. The path of sanyasa often involves renouncing material possessions and societal
expectations to dedicate oneself entirely to spiritual growth and service.
In reflecting on my journey with AMMA, I am continually reminded of the profound impact she has
had on my life and the lives of countless others. Her unwavering grace, wisdom, and compassion
have shaped my path and inspired me to serve others with the same selfless love that she embodies.
The lessons I have learned from AMMA extend beyond mere words; they are lived experiences that
guide my daily actions and interactions.
As I consider the legacy of my service, I realize it is not about personal accolades but about
contributing to a larger, divine mission. The true measure of this legacy lies in the tangible difference
we make in the lives of those we touch through AMMA’s teachings and service activities. Each act of
kindness, every moment of shared wisdom, and all the efforts to alleviate suffering reflect the
essence of AMMA’s vision.
Ultimately, the legacy I hope to leave behind is one of love, service, and transformation—mirroring
the values AMMA has instilled in me. Through her guidance, I aspire to continue being an instrument
of positive change, fostering a world where compassion and selflessness prevail. AMMA’s influence
is a beacon of light in my life, and it is my earnest desire to honor her teachings by dedicating my
efforts to the greater good. Pranams

Amma

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Aum Namashivaya!

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