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{{ | {{Short description|Indian Hindu spiritual leader born 1953}} | ||
{{Other uses|Amma (disambiguation){{!}}Amma}} | {{Other uses|Amma (disambiguation){{!}}Amma}} | ||
{{pp-pc}} | |||
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2014}} | {{Use Indian English|date=February 2014}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date= | {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}} | ||
{{Infobox religious biography | {{Infobox religious biography | ||
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| image = Mātā Amritānandamayī Devī.jpg | | image = Mātā Amritānandamayī Devī.jpg | ||
| religion = [[Hinduism]] | | religion = [[Hinduism]] | ||
| caption = | | caption = Amritānandamayī in 2019 | ||
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1953|09|27}} | | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1953|09|27}} | ||
| birth_place = [[Vallikavu]], [[Clappana]], [[Karunagappally]], [[Kollam district|Kollam]], [[Travancore–Cochin|State of Travancore–Cochin]] (now in [[Kerala]]), India | | birth_place = [[Vallikavu]], [[Clappana]], [[Karunagappally]], [[Kollam district|Kollam]], [[Travancore–Cochin|State of Travancore–Cochin]] (now in [[Kerala]]), India | ||
| birth_name = Sudhamani Idamannel | | birth_name = Sudhamani Idamannel | ||
| death_place = | | death_place = | ||
| nationality = | | nationality = Indian | ||
| founder = [[Mata Amritanandamayi Math|Mātā Amritānandamayī Math]] | | founder = [[Mata Amritanandamayi Math|Mātā Amritānandamayī Math]] | ||
| philosophy = | | philosophy = | ||
| Line 22: | Line 22: | ||
| literary_works = {{Bulleted_list|''Awaken Children'' (1–9)|''Compassion: the Only Way to Peace''|''May Peace and Happiness Prevail''|''Infinite Potential of Women''|''Unity is Peace''|''Living in Harmony''|''Man and Nature''|''May Your Hearts Blossom''|''Understanding and Collaboration Between Religions''|''The Awakening of Universal Motherhood''|''Cultivating Strength and Vitality''}} | | literary_works = {{Bulleted_list|''Awaken Children'' (1–9)|''Compassion: the Only Way to Peace''|''May Peace and Happiness Prevail''|''Infinite Potential of Women''|''Unity is Peace''|''Living in Harmony''|''Man and Nature''|''May Your Hearts Blossom''|''Understanding and Collaboration Between Religions''|''The Awakening of Universal Motherhood''|''Cultivating Strength and Vitality''}} | ||
| footnotes = | | footnotes = | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Mātā Amritānandamayī''' (born '''Sudhamani Idamannel'''; 27 September 1953), often known as '''Amma''' ("Mother"), is an Indian [[Hindu]] spiritual leader, [[guru]] and humanitarian | '''Sri Mātā Amritānandamayī Devi''' (born '''Sudhamani Idamannel'''; 27 September 1953), often known as '''Amma''' ("Mother"), is an Indian [[Hindu]] spiritual leader, [[Godman (India)|godwoman]],<ref name="Woodhead2002">{{cite book|author=Linda Woodhead|title=Religions in the Modern World: Traditions and Transformations|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rwqFGUKUb58C&pg=PP5|access-date=26 March 2014|date=January 2002|publisher=Psychology Press|isbn=978-0-415-21783-5|page=35|quote=A more modern phenomenon is women who are believed to embody the highest godhead. Instances are Anandamayi Ma (1896–1982), highly regarded by many important Indians; Ammachi, Amritanandamayi Ma (1954), who touches and blesses individually vast crowds of devotees}}</ref> [[guru]] and humanitarian.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Mata Amritanandamayi Receives Honorary Doctorate From University of Mysore |url=https://starofmysore.com/mata-amritanandamayi-receives-hon-doctorate-from-university-of-mysore/ |work=The Star of Mysore |access-date=29 June 2019}}</ref><ref name="Perez">{{cite news |last=Perez |first=Zaira|date=14 June 2018 |title= Indian Hugging Saint Opens Arms for Denton Next Week|url=https://dentonrc.com/news/indian-hugging-saint-opens-arms-for-denton-next-week/article_6c82bec6-0187-5186-a6a4-8d9340253fbd.html |work= Denton Chronicle|location=Denton, Texas |access-date=28 June 2019}}</ref> She is the chancellor of [[Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham]], a multi-campus research university.<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 March 2019 |title=Honorary doctorate for Amritanandamayi, Tiptur seer |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/honorary-doctorate-for-amritanandamayi-tiptur-seer/article26548513.ece |access-date=27 April 2023 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> | ||
In 2018, she was felicitated by [[Prime Minister of India|Indian Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]] for largest contribution to the [[Government of India]]'s Clean India Campaign [[Swachh Bharat Mission]]. She was the first recipient of Vishwaratna Puraskar (Gem of the World Award) by Hindu Parliament. | In 2018, she was felicitated by [[Prime Minister of India|Indian Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]] for making the largest contribution to the [[Government of India]]'s Clean India Campaign [[Swachh Bharat Mission]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 October 2018 |title=Mata Amritanandamayi felicitated by PM Narendra Modi for her support to Swachh Bharat |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2018/Oct/03/mata-amritanandamayi-felicitated-by-pm-narendra-modi-for-her-support-to-swachh-bharat-1880300.html |access-date=19 January 2024}}</ref> She was the first recipient of Vishwaratna Puraskar (Gem of the World Award) by Hindu Parliament.<ref>{{Cite web |last=amrita |date=2013-04-24 |title=Vishwaretna puraskar presented to Amma by Hindu Parliament |url=https://www.amritapuri.org/16442/13viswa.aum |access-date=2025-07-18 |website=Online with Amma |language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
==Life== | ==Life== | ||
Mātā Amritānandamayī Devi is an Indian [[guru]] from Parayakadavu (now partially known as [[Amritapuri]]), [[Alappad]] Panchayat in Karunagappally, [[Kollam District]], in the state of [[Kerala]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Cornell, Judith|title=Amritanandamayi: Healing the Heart of the World|publisher= HarperCollins|place= New York|year= 2001}}</ref> Born to a family of | Mātā Amritānandamayī Devi is an Indian [[guru]] from Parayakadavu (now partially known as [[Amritapuri]]), [[Alappad]] Panchayat in Karunagappally, [[Kollam District]], in the state of [[Kerala]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Cornell, Judith|title=Amritanandamayi: Healing the Heart of the World|publisher= HarperCollins|place= New York|year= 2001}}</ref> Born to a [[Arayan]] fishing family, who is subcaste of [[Dheevara (caste) |Dheevara]] ([[Other Backward Class|disadvantaged community]]) on 27 September 1953, she was the third child of Sugunanandan and Damayanti. Her mother Damayanti died on 19 September 2022. She has six siblings.<ref name=RS2>{{cite news|last=Amsden|first=David|title=The Hugging Saint|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/the-hugging-saint-20120816?page=2|access-date=27 March 2014|newspaper=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=16 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122064454/http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/the-hugging-saint-20120816?page=2|page=2|archive-date=22 January 2014}}</ref> | ||
As part of her chores, Amṛtānandamayī gathered food scraps from neighbours for her family's cows and goats, through which she was confronted with the intense poverty and suffering of others. She would bring these people food and clothing from her own home. Her family, which was not wealthy, scolded and punished her. Amṛtānandamayī began to spontaneously embrace people to comfort them in their sorrow. Despite the reaction of her parents, Amṛtānandamayī continued.<ref name="ReferenceA">Amritanandamayichi – A Biography of Mata Amritanandamayi by Swami Amritaswarupananda, {{ISBN|1-879410-60-5}}</ref> Regarding her desire to embrace others, Amṛtānandamayī commented, "I don't see if it is a man or a woman. I don't see anyone different from my own self. A continuous stream of love flows from me to all of creation. This is my inborn nature. The duty of a doctor is to treat patients. In the same way, my duty is to console those who are suffering."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.embracingtheworld.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/ETW2012.pdf |title=The Humanitarian Initiatives of Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Mata Amritanandamayi Math) |publisher=embracing the world |page=7 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916081829/http://www.embracingtheworld.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/ETW2012.pdf |archive-date=16 September 2012 |quote=I | As part of her chores, Amṛtānandamayī gathered food scraps from neighbours for her family's cows and goats, through which she was confronted with the intense poverty and suffering of others. She would bring these people food and clothing from her own home. Her family, which was not wealthy, scolded and punished her. Amṛtānandamayī began to spontaneously embrace people to comfort them in their sorrow. Despite the reaction of her parents, Amṛtānandamayī continued.<ref name="ReferenceA">Amritanandamayichi – A Biography of Mata Amritanandamayi by Swami Amritaswarupananda, {{ISBN|1-879410-60-5}}</ref> Regarding her desire to embrace others, Amṛtānandamayī commented, "I don't see if it is a man or a woman. I don't see anyone different from my own self. A continuous stream of love flows from me to all of creation. This is my inborn nature. The duty of a doctor is to treat patients. In the same way, my duty is to console those who are suffering."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.embracingtheworld.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/ETW2012.pdf |title=The Humanitarian Initiatives of Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Mata Amritanandamayi Math) |publisher=embracing the world |page=7 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916081829/http://www.embracingtheworld.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/ETW2012.pdf |archive-date=16 September 2012 |quote=I don't see if it is a man or a woman. I don't see anyone different from my own self. A continuous stream of love flows from me to all of creation. This is my inborn nature. The duty of a doctor is to treat patients. In the same way, my duty is to console those who are suffering.}}</ref> | ||
Amṛtānandamayī rejected numerous attempts by her parents to arrange for her marriage.<ref name="thestar.com.my">[http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/3/8/apworld/20090308082927&sec=apworld Millions flock to India's hugging guru]. Thestar.com.my. Retrieved on 24 June 2011.</ref> In 1981, after spiritual seekers had begun residing at her parents' property in Parayakadavu in the hopes of becoming Amṛtānandamayī's disciples, the [[Mata Amritanandamayi Math|Mātā Amṛtānandamayī Math]] (MAM), a worldwide foundation, was founded.<ref>On 6 May 1981, "with a view to preserving and propagating the ideals and teachings of the Holy Mother, the [[Mata Amritanandamayi Math|Mātā Amṛtānandamayī Math]] and Mission Trust was founded and registered under the Travancore-Cochin State Literary and Charitable Act of 1955, at [[Kollam]], Kerala, [[South India]]." ''Amritanandamayichi – A Biography of Mata Amritanandamayi'' by Swami Amritaswarupananda, {{ISBN|1-879410-60-5}}</ref> Amṛtānandamayī continues to serve as chairperson of the Math. Today the Mata Amritanandmayi Math is engaged in many [[spirituality|spiritual]] and charitable activities.<ref name="embracingtheworld.org">[http://www.embracingtheworld.org/ (Amma's Charities)]. Embracing the World. Retrieved on 24 June 2011.</ref> | Amṛtānandamayī rejected numerous attempts by her parents to arrange for her marriage.<ref name="thestar.com.my">[http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/3/8/apworld/20090308082927&sec=apworld Millions flock to India's hugging guru]. Thestar.com.my. Retrieved on 24 June 2011.</ref> In 1981, after spiritual seekers had begun residing at her parents' property in Parayakadavu in the hopes of becoming Amṛtānandamayī's disciples, the [[Mata Amritanandamayi Math|Mātā Amṛtānandamayī Math]] (MAM), a worldwide foundation, was founded.<ref>On 6 May 1981, "with a view to preserving and propagating the ideals and teachings of the Holy Mother, the [[Mata Amritanandamayi Math|Mātā Amṛtānandamayī Math]] and Mission Trust was founded and registered under the Travancore-Cochin State Literary and Charitable Act of 1955, at [[Kollam]], Kerala, [[South India]]." ''Amritanandamayichi – A Biography of Mata Amritanandamayi'' by Swami Amritaswarupananda, {{ISBN|1-879410-60-5}}</ref> Amṛtānandamayī continues to serve as chairperson of the Math. Today the Mata Amritanandmayi Math is engaged in many [[spirituality|spiritual]] and charitable activities.<ref name="embracingtheworld.org">[http://www.embracingtheworld.org/ (Amma's Charities)]. Embracing the World. Retrieved on 24 June 2011.</ref> | ||
In 1987, at the request of devotees, Amṛtānandamayī began to conduct | In 1987, at the request of devotees, Amṛtānandamayī began to conduct programmes in countries throughout the world. She continues to do so annually. | ||
==Darshan== | ==Darshan== | ||
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When asked, in 2002, to what extent she thought her embraces helped the ills of the world, Amṛtānandamayī replied, "I don't say I can do it 100 percent. Attempting to change the world [completely] is like trying to straighten the curly tail of a dog. But society takes birth from people. So by affecting individuals, you can make changes in the society and, through it, in the world. You cannot change it, but you can make changes. The fight in individual minds is responsible for the wars. So if you can touch people, you can touch the world."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/aug/02inter1.htm|title=rediff.com: The Rediff Interview/Mata Amritanandamayi|work=rediff.com}}</ref> | When asked, in 2002, to what extent she thought her embraces helped the ills of the world, Amṛtānandamayī replied, "I don't say I can do it 100 percent. Attempting to change the world [completely] is like trying to straighten the curly tail of a dog. But society takes birth from people. So by affecting individuals, you can make changes in the society and, through it, in the world. You cannot change it, but you can make changes. The fight in individual minds is responsible for the wars. So if you can touch people, you can touch the world."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/aug/02inter1.htm|title=rediff.com: The Rediff Interview/Mata Amritanandamayi|work=rediff.com}}</ref> | ||
Amṛtānandamayī's | Amṛtānandamayī's darshan has been the centrepiece of her life, as she has received people nearly every day since the late 1970s. Given the size of the crowds coming to seek Amṛtānandamayī's blessings, there have been times when she has given darshana for more than 20 continuous hours.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-17811665|title='Amma' in Australia: India's hugging saint spreads love down under|date=24 April 2012|publisher=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/08/22/hugging.guru/|title=Guru fights world's 'poverty of love,' one hug at a time|date=22 August 2007|publisher=CNN}}</ref> At the time of Covid-19 she stopped giving [[Darśana|darshana]] and hugging people.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 6, 2020 |author=Gladwin Emmanuel |title=Coronavirus scare: Daily darshan stopped at Amritanandamayi Math in Kerala |url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/news/india/coronavirus-scare-daily-darshan-stopped-at-amritanandamayi-math-in-kerala/articleshow/74511206.cms |access-date=2024-04-20 |newspaper=Bangalore Mirror |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-03-06 |title=Coronavirus in India: Mata Amritanandamai's darshan's stopped at Kerala ashram |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/coronavirus-in-india-mata-amritanandamai-s-darshan-s-stopped-at-kerala-ashram/story-t7U4pXJ6YQycKlWctpsVcI.html |access-date=2024-04-20 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |author=Staff Reporter |date=2020-03-06 |title=COVID-19 {{!}} Amritanandamayi stops darshan at Kerala ashram |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/covid-19-amritanandamayi-stops-darshan-at-kerala-ashram/article61966436.ece |access-date=2024-04-20 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> | ||
==Teachings and public image== | ==Teachings and public image== | ||
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==Social issues== | ==Social issues== | ||
In her public talks and in articles, Amritanandamayi has taken up several [[social issues]], including the importance of selfless service,<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Amritanandamayi |first=Mata |date=29 December 2016 |title=Making Spacew in Our Hearts for Others |url=https://thriveglobal.com/stories/making-space-in-our-hearts-for-others/ |magazine=Thrive Global |access-date=2 July 2019}}</ref> the need for inter-religious harmony,<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Amritanandamayi |first=Mata |date=26 February 2017 |title=Unity in Diversity |url=https://thriveglobal.com/stories/unity-in-diversity/ |magazine=Thrive Global |access-date=2 July 2019}}</ref> for environmental protection<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Amritanandamayi |first=Mata |date=3 June 2017 |title=Our Responsibility to Our Mother |url=https://thriveglobal.com/stories/our-responsibility-to-our-mother/ |magazine=Thrive Global |access-date=2 July 2019}}</ref> and of desegregating science and spirituality.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Amritanandamayi |first=Mata |date=10 November 2017 |title=Desegregating Science & Spirituality |url=https://thriveglobal.com/stories/desegregating-science-spirituality/ |magazine=Thrive Global |access-date=2 July 2019}}</ref> She also regularly speaks on the importance of [[women's empowerment]] and [[gender equality]] as well as that of humankind cultivating what she refers to as ''viśva-mātrutvam'' — an attitude of motherliness towards all beings in creation, specifically through expressing compassion, patience and selflessness.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Amritanandamayi |first=Mata |date=26 August 2017 |title=The World Needs Motherhood |url=https://thriveglobal.com/stories/amma-why-the-world-needs-motherhood/ |magazine=Thrive Global |access-date=2 July 2019}}</ref> She has also spoken out against [[human trafficking]] and [[forced prostitution]], speaking at the Vatican and signing the Universal Declaration Against Slavery in an event organized by [[Pope Francis]] at the Vatican in 2014.<ref>{{cite news |last=Philip |first=Shaju |date=3 December 2014 |title=Amritanandamayi Meets Pope Francis in Vatican |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/hugging-mother-mata-amritanandamayi-meets-pope-francis-in-vatican/ |work=The Indian Express |location=Thiruvananthapuram |access-date=2 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Hooper |first=John |date=2 December 2014 |title=Pope and Welby Joined by Imams and Rabbis for Anti-Slavery Declaration |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/02/religious-leaders-pope-vatican-slavery-declaration/ |work=The Guardian |location=Vatican City |access-date=2 July 2019}}</ref> | In her public talks and in articles, Amritanandamayi has taken up several [[social issues]], including the importance of selfless service,<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Amritanandamayi |first=Mata |date=29 December 2016 |title=Making Spacew in Our Hearts for Others |url=https://thriveglobal.com/stories/making-space-in-our-hearts-for-others/ |magazine=Thrive Global |access-date=2 July 2019}}</ref> the need for inter-religious harmony,<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Amritanandamayi |first=Mata |date=26 February 2017 |title=Unity in Diversity |url=https://thriveglobal.com/stories/unity-in-diversity/ |magazine=Thrive Global |access-date=2 July 2019}}</ref> for environmental protection<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Amritanandamayi |first=Mata |date=3 June 2017 |title=Our Responsibility to Our Mother |url=https://thriveglobal.com/stories/our-responsibility-to-our-mother/ |magazine=Thrive Global |access-date=2 July 2019}}</ref> and of desegregating science and spirituality.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Amritanandamayi |first=Mata |date=10 November 2017 |title=Desegregating Science & Spirituality |url=https://thriveglobal.com/stories/desegregating-science-spirituality/ |magazine=Thrive Global |access-date=2 July 2019}}</ref> She also regularly speaks on the importance of [[women's empowerment]] and [[gender equality]] as well as that of humankind cultivating what she refers to as ''viśva-mātrutvam'' — an attitude of motherliness towards all beings in creation, specifically through expressing compassion, patience and selflessness.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Amritanandamayi |first=Mata |date=26 August 2017 |title=The World Needs Motherhood |url=https://thriveglobal.com/stories/amma-why-the-world-needs-motherhood/ |magazine=Thrive Global |access-date=2 July 2019}}</ref> She has also spoken out against [[human trafficking]] and [[forced prostitution]], speaking at the Vatican and signing the Universal Declaration Against Slavery in an event organized by [[Pope Francis]] at the Vatican in 2014.<ref>{{cite news |last=Philip |first=Shaju |date=3 December 2014 |title=Amritanandamayi Meets Pope Francis in Vatican |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/hugging-mother-mata-amritanandamayi-meets-pope-francis-in-vatican/ |work=The Indian Express |location=Thiruvananthapuram |access-date=2 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Hooper |first=John |date=2 December 2014 |title=Pope and Welby Joined by Imams and Rabbis for Anti-Slavery Declaration |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/02/religious-leaders-pope-vatican-slavery-declaration/ |work=The Guardian |location=Vatican City |access-date=2 July 2019}}</ref> | ||
And in 2018, under the patronage of [[Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan]], the Crown Prince of [[Abu Dhabi]], she participated in a similar event aimed at protecting children from abuse and predation via the Internet.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=World Religious Leaders' Meet Ends in Abu Dhabi |url= | And in 2018, under the patronage of [[Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan]], the Crown Prince of [[Abu Dhabi]], she participated in a similar event aimed at protecting children from abuse and predation via the Internet.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=World Religious Leaders' Meet Ends in Abu Dhabi |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2018/nov/21/world-religious-leaders-meet-ends-in-abu-dhabi-1901232.html |work=The New Indian Express |location=Bengaluru|date=21 November 2018 |access-date=2 July 2019}}</ref> In July 2015, Amritanandamayi delivered the keynote address at a [[United Nations Academic Impact]] conference on technology and sustainable development, co-hosted by [[Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham|Amrita University]]. There, she requested the scientific community to infuse its research with awareness and compassion, stressing the importance of keeping the aim of uplifting the poor and suffering in mind when undertaking technological research.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/reduce-divide-between-science-spirituality-amritanandamayi-115070901358_1.html|title=Reduce divide between science, spirituality: Amritanandamayi|work=Business Standard|date=9 July 2015|agency=Press Trust of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/Bridge-Gap-Between-Science-Spirituality/2015/07/10/article2912168.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715010526/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/Bridge-Gap-Between-Science-Spirituality/2015/07/10/article2912168.ece|archive-date=15 July 2015|title=Bridge Gap Between Science, Spirituality|work=The New Indian Express}}</ref> She has spoken several times at the [[United Nations]] and twice at the [[Parliament of the World's Religions]]. | ||
==Bhajans== | ==Bhajans== | ||
Amṛtānandamayī has recorded more than 1,000 [[bhajans]], or devotional songs, in 35 languages.<ref>McGregor, Gretchen Kusuma, "In the Shelter of Her Arms," 2012, MA Center, page 199. | Amṛtānandamayī has recorded more than 1,000 [[bhajans]], or devotional songs, in 35 languages.<ref>McGregor, Gretchen Kusuma, "In the Shelter of Her Arms," 2012, MA Center, page 199. "It's hard to imagine, but now, in 2012, Amma has recorded well over 1,000 songs in 35 languages."</ref> She has also composed dozens of bhajans and set them to traditional [[ragas]]. Regarding devotional singing as a spiritual practice, Amṛtānandamayī says, "If the bhajan is sung with one-pointedness, it is beneficial for the singer, the listeners, and Nature as well. Later when the listeners reflect on the songs, they will try to live in accordance with the lessons enunciated therein."<ref>Awaken, Children, Volume 2: Dialogues with Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi</ref> Amṛtānandamayī has said that in today's world, it is often difficult for people to attain deeply focused concentration in meditation. A person can be aided in reaching this level of concentration with bhajans.<ref>For My Children: The Teachings of Her Holiness, Sri Mata Amritanandmayai Devi, page 70</ref> | ||
==Humanitarian work== | ==Humanitarian work== | ||
Amritanandamayi is founder and chairman of the [[Mata Amritanandamayi Math]] and the founder of Embracing the World.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.embracingtheworld.org/about-amma/|title=About Amma |author=<!--Not stated--> |website=www.embracingtheworld.org|access-date=28 June 2019}}</ref> Embracing the World is a global network of local and regional charitable organizations and projects that has grown out of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math's India-based charitable projects.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.embracingtheworld.org/about-us/ |title=About Us: Who We Are |author=<!--Not stated--> |website=www.embracingtheworld.org|publisher=Embracing the World |access-date=28 June 2019|quote=Embracing the World is a global network of regional humanitarian organizations inspired by the India-based humanitarian initiatives of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math.}}</ref> The organizations' focus is on providing the poor with the five basic needs of food, shelter, healthcare, education and livelihood.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title= PM Narendra Modi lauds contributions of Mata Amritanandamayi|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-lauds-contributions-of-mata-amritanandamayi/393876/ |work=Financial Express |location=Kollam|date=27 September 2016|access-date=28 June 2019}}</ref><ref name="Perez"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.embracingtheworld.org/about-us/ |title=About Us: Who We Are|author=<!--Not stated--> |website=www.embracingtheworld.org|publisher=Embracing the World |access-date=28 June 2019|quote=Embracing the World exists to help alleviate the burden of the | Amritanandamayi is founder and chairman of the [[Mata Amritanandamayi Math]] and the founder of Embracing the World.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.embracingtheworld.org/about-amma/|title=About Amma |author=<!--Not stated--> |website=www.embracingtheworld.org|access-date=28 June 2019}}</ref> Embracing the World is a global network of local and regional charitable organizations and projects that has grown out of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math's India-based charitable projects.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.embracingtheworld.org/about-us/ |title=About Us: Who We Are |author=<!--Not stated--> |website=www.embracingtheworld.org|publisher=Embracing the World |access-date=28 June 2019|quote=Embracing the World is a global network of regional humanitarian organizations inspired by the India-based humanitarian initiatives of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math.}}</ref> The organizations' focus is on providing the poor with the five basic needs of food, shelter, healthcare, education and livelihood.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title= PM Narendra Modi lauds contributions of Mata Amritanandamayi|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-lauds-contributions-of-mata-amritanandamayi/393876/ |work=Financial Express |location=Kollam|date=27 September 2016|access-date=28 June 2019}}</ref><ref name="Perez"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.embracingtheworld.org/about-us/ |title=About Us: Who We Are|author=<!--Not stated--> |website=www.embracingtheworld.org|publisher=Embracing the World |access-date=28 June 2019|quote=Embracing the World exists to help alleviate the burden of the world's poor through helping to meet each of their five basic needs – food, shelter, healthcare, education, and livelihood – wherever and whenever possible. We are especially focused on helping to meet these needs in the aftermath of major disasters.}}</ref> The organizations also conduct work in the fields of disaster relief and environmental protection as well as on conducting research and developing new technologies to help the poor and needy.<ref name="Halpern">{{cite news |last=Halpern |first=Jake|date=26 May 2013 |title=An Empire Built on Hugs|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/26/business/ammas-multifaceted-empire-built-on-hugs.html |work=The New York Times= |access-date=28 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=APN News |url=https://www.apnnews.com/spiritual-leader-amma-to-visit-mumbai-on-march-4-and-5/ |location=Mumbai |date=27 February 2019 |access-date=28 June 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Prasanna|first=Laxmi |date=18 December 2016 |title=Humanitarian Connect Led Robotics Research at Amrita University |url= https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/its-the-humanitarian-connect-that-led-robotics-research-at-amrita-university-mata-amritanandamayi-amma/articleshow/56059648.cms|work=The Times of India|location=Kollam, Kerala|access-date=28 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | ||
| last= Puri |first= Nikita |date= 22 September 2017| title= Meet Mata Amritanandamayi, Spiritual Guru And Pusher of Innovation |url= https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/meet-mata-amritanandamayi-spiritual-guru-and-pusher-of-innovation-117092201320_1.html |work=The Business Standard | access-date= 28 June 2019}}</ref> | | last= Puri |first= Nikita |date= 22 September 2017| title= Meet Mata Amritanandamayi, Spiritual Guru And Pusher of Innovation |url= https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/meet-mata-amritanandamayi-spiritual-guru-and-pusher-of-innovation-117092201320_1.html |work=The Business Standard | access-date= 28 June 2019}}</ref> | ||
| Line 67: | Line 66: | ||
===Shelter=== | ===Shelter=== | ||
Since 1998, the Mata Amritanandamayi Math has constructed over 47,000 houses for the homeless in 75 locations throughout India.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Amritanandamayi Math to Gift 100 Houses to Poor |url= | Since 1998, the Mata Amritanandamayi Math has constructed over 47,000 houses for the homeless in 75 locations throughout India.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Amritanandamayi Math to Gift 100 Houses to Poor |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2016/sep/26/amritanandamayi-math-to-gift-100-houses-to-poor-1523056.html| work=The New Indian Express |location=Kollam, Kerala |date=26 September 2016|access-date=28 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=President Ram Nath Kovind to Unveil Charity Projects of Math on October 8 |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/290917/president-ram-nath-kovind-to-unveil-charity-projects-of-math-on-october-8.html| work=The Deccan Chronicle |location=India |date=29 September 2017| access-date=28 June 2019}}</ref> It runs an orphanage for 500 children in Kerala, and Embracing the World manages a children's home in Nairobi.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Meet the Hugging Saint Who has Cuddled 20 Million People |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/meet-the-hugging-saint-who-has-cuddled-426623 |work=The Mirror |location=London |date=23 October 2009| access-date=28 June 2019}}</ref> | ||
===Healthcare=== | ===Healthcare=== | ||
The Mata Amritanandamayi Math manages the 1,100-bed super-speciality hospital [[Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences]] in Kochi, which it launched in 1998,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amritahospitals.org/SubPages/History |title=About Amrita Hospital |author=<!--Not stated--> |website=www.amritahospitals.org|access-date=28 June 2019 |quote=Founded in 1998 by Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (known worldwide as AMMA), Amrita Hospital offers a full range of primary and specialty care medical services, with cross-specialty consultation. Amma's vision of providing advanced medical care to the poor and disadvantaged was the inspiration for Amrita Hospital, which today is a 1100-bed (490 units) tertiary referral and teaching hospital, serving more than 10 lakh outpatients and more than 70,000 inpatients annually.}}</ref> as well as several other free healthcare clinics, medicine dispensaries, hospices in India.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=UN Recognises Spiritual Leader |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/archive/un-recognises-indian-spiritual-leader/73928/| work=The Financial Express |date=2 March 2003| access-date=28 June 2019}}</ref> It is also in the process of constructing a 2,000-bed hospital in Delhi NCR.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Haryana CM Lays Foundation Stone for 2000-Bed Hospital in Faridabad|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/archive/un-recognises-indian-spiritual-leader/73928/| work=The Economic Times| location=Faridabad |date=9 May 2016| access-date=28 June 2019}}</ref> In total, the math has provided totally free medical care and surgeries to more than four million people since 1998.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=APN News |url=https://www.apnnews.com/spiritual-leader-amma-to-visit-mumbai-on-march-4-and-5/ |location=Mumbai |date=27 February 2019 |access-date=28 June 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Haryana CM Lays Foundation Stone for 2000-Bed Hospital in Faridabad| url=https://www.financialexpress.com/archive/un-recognises-indian-spiritual-leader/73928/| work=The Economic Times| location=Faridabad |date=9 May 2016| access-date=28 June 2019}}</ref> This includes super-specialty surgeries including heart surgeries, brain surgeries and kidney transplants.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=President Ram Nath Kovind lauds Kerala harmony| url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/091017/president-ram-nath-kovind-lauds-kerala-harmony.html| work=The Deccan Chronicle| location=India |date=9 October 2017| access-date=28 June 2019}}</ref> Aside from free treatment, Amrita Institute provides care on a sliding scale, allowing people to pay what they can afford. This is often a minimal percent of the total medical cost.<ref name="Halpern"/> | The Mata Amritanandamayi Math manages the 1,100-bed super-speciality hospital [[Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences]] in Kochi, which it launched in 1998,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amritahospitals.org/SubPages/History |title=About Amrita Hospital |author=<!--Not stated--> |website=www.amritahospitals.org|access-date=28 June 2019 |quote=Founded in 1998 by Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (known worldwide as AMMA), Amrita Hospital offers a full range of primary and specialty care medical services, with cross-specialty consultation. Amma's vision of providing advanced medical care to the poor and disadvantaged was the inspiration for Amrita Hospital, which today is a 1100-bed (490 units) tertiary referral and teaching hospital, serving more than 10 lakh outpatients and more than 70,000 inpatients annually.}}</ref> as well as several other free healthcare clinics, medicine dispensaries, hospices in India.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=UN Recognises Spiritual Leader |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/archive/un-recognises-indian-spiritual-leader/73928/| work=The Financial Express |date=2 March 2003| access-date=28 June 2019}}</ref> It is also in the process of constructing a 2,000-bed hospital in Delhi NCR.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Haryana CM Lays Foundation Stone for 2000-Bed Hospital in Faridabad|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/archive/un-recognises-indian-spiritual-leader/73928/| work=The Economic Times| location=Faridabad |date=9 May 2016| access-date=28 June 2019}}</ref> In total, the math has provided totally free medical care and surgeries to more than four million people since 1998.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=APN News |url=https://www.apnnews.com/spiritual-leader-amma-to-visit-mumbai-on-march-4-and-5/ |location=Mumbai |date=27 February 2019 |access-date=28 June 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Haryana CM Lays Foundation Stone for 2000-Bed Hospital in Faridabad| url=https://www.financialexpress.com/archive/un-recognises-indian-spiritual-leader/73928/| work=The Economic Times| location=Faridabad |date=9 May 2016| access-date=28 June 2019}}</ref> This includes super-specialty surgeries including heart surgeries, brain surgeries and kidney transplants.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=President Ram Nath Kovind lauds Kerala harmony| url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/091017/president-ram-nath-kovind-lauds-kerala-harmony.html| work=The Deccan Chronicle| location=India |date=9 October 2017| access-date=28 June 2019}}</ref> Aside from free treatment, Amrita Institute provides care on a sliding scale, allowing people to pay what they can afford. This is often a minimal percent of the total medical cost.<ref name="Halpern"/> | ||
On August | On 24 August 2022, another hospital named Amrita Hospital was inaugurated by the [[Prime Minister of India]] [[Narendra Modi]] in [[Faridabad]], [[Haryana]]. This hospital is reportedly the largest private hospital ever built in India, with a built up area of 3.6 million square feet and a capacity of 2600 beds.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2022/aug/24/pm-modi-inaugurates-amrita-hospital-in-faridabad-indias-largest-private-hospital-2490949.html | title=PM Modi inaugurates Amrita Hospital in Faridabad, India's largest private hospital | date=24 August 2022 }}</ref> | ||
===Livelihood=== | ===Livelihood=== | ||
| Line 79: | Line 78: | ||
===Education=== | ===Education=== | ||
Amṛtānandamayī is founder and chancellor of [[Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham|Amrita University]], | Amṛtānandamayī is founder and chancellor of [[Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham|Amrita University]], an eight-campus,<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 June 2023 |title=NIRF Ranking 2023 Updates: List of best colleges, universities in India |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/education/nirf-ranking-2023-live-updates-top-10-educational-institutes-released-iit-madras-iisc-bangalore-aiims-delhi-nirfindia-org-8644726/ |access-date=30 December 2023 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> multi-disciplinary research university that in 2020 was ranked as the fourth-best university in India by [[National Institutional Ranking Framework|NIRF]], is accredited with an 'A' grade by [[National Assessment and Accreditation Council|NAAC]],<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=AVV Ranks 8th at NIRF | url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2018/avenues/avv-ranks-8th-at-nirf.html |work=The Daily Pioneer| date=11 April 2018| access-date=2 July 2019}}</ref> and was selected as an "Institute of Eminence" by the Indian Government in 2019.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham among 13 to get IoE status| url=https://www.deccanherald.com/city/top-bengaluru-stories/amrita-vishwa-vidyapeetham-among-13-to-get-ioe-status-751694.html |work=Deccan Herald| date=3 August 2019| access-date=17 August 2019}}</ref> Under her guidance, the university puts a strong focus on research-and-development to uplift the sick and poor.<ref>{{cite news| last= Puri |first= Nikita |date= 22 September 2017| title= Meet Mata Amritanandamayi, Spiritual Guru And Pusher of Innovation |url= https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/meet-mata-amritanandamayi-spiritual-guru-and-pusher-of-innovation-117092201320_1.html |work=The Business Standard | access-date= 2 July 2019}}</ref> The Mata Amṛtānandamayī Math also runs a scholarship program that currently provides 50,000 scholarships for economically challenged children throughout India,<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=APN News |url=https://www.apnnews.com/spiritual-leader-amma-to-visit-mumbai-on-march-4-and-5/ |location=Mumbai |date=27 February 2019 |access-date=28 June 2019}}</ref> and Embracing the World provides scholarships outside of India in times of need, such as in the wake of [[Typhoon Haiyan]] in the Philippines.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Cyclone-Hit Filipino Students Graduate with Mata Aid |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/180518/cyclone-hit-filipino-students-graduate-with-mata-aid.html| work=The Deccan Chronicle| location=Kochi |date=18 May 2018| access-date=2 July 2019}}</ref> | ||
===Disaster relief=== | ===Disaster relief=== | ||
Within India, the Mata Amṛtānandamayī Math has been involved in relief-and-rehabilitation efforts following natural disasters since 2001,<ref>{{cite book |last1=Ramanathan |first1=Chathapuram S. |last2=Juvva |first2=Srilatha |last3=Dutta |first3=Subhabrata |last4=Khaja |first4=Khadija |date=7 October 2016 |title=Spirituality, Culture, and Development: Implications for Social Work| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FSkiDQAAQBAJ&q=2001+disaster |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |page=36 |quote =Since 2001, Amritanandamayi Math has been responding to a number of natural disasters, providing both immediate emergency relief and implementing a long-term rehabilitation program...| isbn=978-1-4985-1967-0 }}</ref> and Embracing the World has come to aid in the wake of several disasters outside of India as well.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-amma-to-donate-2-mn-to-philippines-typhoon-haiyan-victims-1925333 |title=Amma to donate $2 mn to Philippines typhoon 'Haiyan' victims| author=<!--Not stated--> |date=26 November 2013 |website=www.dnaindia.com |access-date=29 June 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/355296/india-based-group-donates-1m-to-yolanda-victims/story/|title=India-Based Group Donates $1M to Yolanda Victims |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=3 April 2014 |website=GMA News Online |access-date=29 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Mata-Amritanandamayi-donates-1-million-for-tsunami-victims-of-Japan/articleshow/9380636.cms|title=Mata Amritanandamayi Donates $1 Million for Tsunami Victims of Japan| author=<!--Not stated--> |date=11 July 2011 |website=Times of India |access-date=29 June 2019}}</ref> Embracing the World has provided a total of $75 million in disaster-relief work since 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.embracingtheworld.org/ |title=What We've Achieved |website=www.embracingtheworld.org |access-date=29 June 2019 |quote=75 million in disaster relief since 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->| title=Indian spiritual leader, Amma, visits Denmark to give more hugs| url=http://cphpost.dk/news/indian-spiritual-leader-amma-visits-demark-to-give-more-hugs.html |work=CPH Post Online |location=Copenhagen |date=15 October 2018 |access-date=29 June 2019}}</ref> The disasters after which the Mata Amṛtānandamayī Math and Embracing the World have conducted relief-and-rehabilitation work include: the [[2001 Gujarat earthquake]],<ref>{{cite book |last1=Ramanathan |first1=Chathapuram S. |last2=Juvva |first2=Srilatha |last3=Dutta |first3=Subhabrata |last4=Khaja |first4=Khadija |date=7 October 2016 |title=Spirituality, Culture, and Development: Implications for Social Work| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FSkiDQAAQBAJ&q=2001+disaster |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |page=36 |quote=Amma's reconstruction of three villages in Bhuj following the Gujarat earthquake of 2001 made a huge impact on the people of Bhuj...| isbn=978-1-4985-1967-0 }}</ref> the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Halpern |first=Jake|date=26 May 2013 |title=An Empire Built on Hugs|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/26/business/ammas-multifaceted-empire-built-on-hugs.html |work=The New York Times| access-date=29 June 2019}}</ref> [[Hurricane Katrina]] (2005),<ref>{{cite news| author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->| title=Amma Offers $1m for Katrina Victims| url= https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/amma-offers-1m-for-katrina-victims/articleshow/1241174.cms?from=mdr| work=The Economic Times| location=Kollam| date=24 September 2005| access-date=29 June 2019}}</ref> the [[2008 Bihar flood]],<ref name="Amritaswarupananda Puri 2014 60">{{cite book |last=Amritaswarupananda Puri |first=Swami|date=2014 |title=The Color of the Rainbow: Compassionate Leadership|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mPm4BQAAQBAJ |publisher=M.A. Center|page=60 |isbn=978- | Within India, the Mata Amṛtānandamayī Math has been involved in relief-and-rehabilitation efforts following natural disasters since 2001,<ref>{{cite book |last1=Ramanathan |first1=Chathapuram S. |last2=Juvva |first2=Srilatha |last3=Dutta |first3=Subhabrata |last4=Khaja |first4=Khadija |date=7 October 2016 |title=Spirituality, Culture, and Development: Implications for Social Work| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FSkiDQAAQBAJ&q=2001+disaster |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |page=36 |quote =Since 2001, Amritanandamayi Math has been responding to a number of natural disasters, providing both immediate emergency relief and implementing a long-term rehabilitation program...| isbn=978-1-4985-1967-0 }}</ref> and Embracing the World has come to aid in the wake of several disasters outside of India as well.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-amma-to-donate-2-mn-to-philippines-typhoon-haiyan-victims-1925333 |title=Amma to donate $2 mn to Philippines typhoon 'Haiyan' victims| author=<!--Not stated--> |date=26 November 2013 |website=www.dnaindia.com |access-date=29 June 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/355296/india-based-group-donates-1m-to-yolanda-victims/story/|title=India-Based Group Donates $1M to Yolanda Victims |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=3 April 2014 |website=GMA News Online |access-date=29 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Mata-Amritanandamayi-donates-1-million-for-tsunami-victims-of-Japan/articleshow/9380636.cms|title=Mata Amritanandamayi Donates $1 Million for Tsunami Victims of Japan| author=<!--Not stated--> |date=11 July 2011 |website=Times of India |access-date=29 June 2019}}</ref> Embracing the World has provided a total of $75 million in disaster-relief work since 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.embracingtheworld.org/ |title=What We've Achieved |website=www.embracingtheworld.org |access-date=29 June 2019 |quote=75 million in disaster relief since 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->| title=Indian spiritual leader, Amma, visits Denmark to give more hugs| url=http://cphpost.dk/news/indian-spiritual-leader-amma-visits-demark-to-give-more-hugs.html |work=CPH Post Online |location=Copenhagen |date=15 October 2018 |access-date=29 June 2019}}</ref> The disasters after which the Mata Amṛtānandamayī Math and Embracing the World have conducted relief-and-rehabilitation work include: the [[2001 Gujarat earthquake]],<ref>{{cite book |last1=Ramanathan |first1=Chathapuram S. |last2=Juvva |first2=Srilatha |last3=Dutta |first3=Subhabrata |last4=Khaja |first4=Khadija |date=7 October 2016 |title=Spirituality, Culture, and Development: Implications for Social Work| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FSkiDQAAQBAJ&q=2001+disaster |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |page=36 |quote=Amma's reconstruction of three villages in Bhuj following the Gujarat earthquake of 2001 made a huge impact on the people of Bhuj...| isbn=978-1-4985-1967-0 }}</ref> the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Halpern |first=Jake|date=26 May 2013 |title=An Empire Built on Hugs|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/26/business/ammas-multifaceted-empire-built-on-hugs.html |work=The New York Times| access-date=29 June 2019}}</ref> [[Hurricane Katrina]] (2005),<ref>{{cite news| author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->| title=Amma Offers $1m for Katrina Victims| url= https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/amma-offers-1m-for-katrina-victims/articleshow/1241174.cms?from=mdr| work=The Economic Times| location=Kollam| date=24 September 2005| access-date=29 June 2019}}</ref> the [[2008 Bihar flood]],<ref name="Amritaswarupananda Puri 2014 60">{{cite book |last=Amritaswarupananda Puri |first=Swami|date=2014 |title=The Color of the Rainbow: Compassionate Leadership|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mPm4BQAAQBAJ |publisher=M.A. Center|page=60 |isbn=978-1-68037-146-8}}</ref> the [[2005 Gujarat flood]],<ref name="Amritaswarupananda Puri 2014 60"/> the [[Maharashtra floods of 2005]],<ref name="Amritaswarupananda Puri 2014 60"/> [[Cyclone Aila]] of 2009,<ref name="Amritaswarupananda Puri 2014 60"/> the [[2010 Haiti Earthquake]],<ref>{{cite news | author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->| title=Amma, Embracing the World| url=https://www.citylifemagazine.ca/2011/08/general-interest/lifestyle/amma-embracing-the-world/| work=City Life| date=12 August 2011 | access-date=29 June 2019}}</ref> the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami]],<ref>{{cite news| author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Amritanandamayi Donates $1 Million to Japan Tsunami Victims| url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/amritanandamayi-donates-1-million-to-japan-tsunami-victims/article2293544.ece| work=The Hindu| location=Hyderabad| date=26 July 2011| access-date=29 June 2019}}</ref> the [[2013 North India floods]],<ref>{{cite book |last=Amritaswarupananda Puri |first=Swami |date=2014 |title=The Color of the Rainbow: Compassionate Leadership| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mPm4BQAAQBAJ |publisher=M.A. Center| page=60 |isbn=978-1-68037-146-8}}</ref> [[Typhoon Haiyan]] in 2013,<ref>{{cite news| author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->| title=$1-m Donated to Haiyan Victims| url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/1-m-donated-to-Haiyan-victims/article20748238.ece| work=The Hindu Business Line| location=Thiruvananthapuram| date=3 April 2014| access-date=29 June 2019}}</ref> the [[2014 India–Pakistan floods]],<ref name="Amritaswarupananda Puri 2014 60"/> the [[May 2015 Nepal earthquake]],<ref>{{cite news| author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->| title=AIMS to Send Relief Team to Nepal| url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2015/may/01/aims-to-send-relief-team-to-nepal-754758.html| work=The New Indian Express| location=Kochi| date=1 May 2015| access-date=29 June 2019}}</ref> the [[2015 South Indian floods]],<ref name="Amritaswarupananda Puri 2014 60"/> the [[Puttingal temple fire]] of 2016,<ref>{{cite news | author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->| title=Kollam Fire Tragedy: Ban Firecrackers in Temple Festivals, Says Mata Amritanandamayi| url=https://www.india.com/news/india/kollam-fire-tragedy-ban-firecrackers-in-temple-festivals-says-mata-amritanandamayi-1097348/ | work=India.com | location=Kollam| date=10 April 2016| access-date=29 June 2019}}</ref> [[Hurricane Maria]] of 2017,<ref>{{cite news| author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->| title=Quenching Thirst of Body and Soul: Amma Returns to New England June 28 & 29| url=https://indianewengland.com/2018/05/quenching-thirst-of-body-and-soul-amma-returns-to-new-england-june-28-29/| work=India New England| location=Marlborough, MA| date=24 May 2018| access-date=29 June 2019| archive-date=29 June 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629213909/https://indianewengland.com/2018/05/quenching-thirst-of-body-and-soul-amma-returns-to-new-england-june-28-29/| url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Cyclone Ockhi]] of 2017,<ref>{{cite news| author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->| title=Mata Amritanandamayi Math Donates Rs 2 Crore to Ockhi Fund| url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/mata-amritanandamayi-math-donates-rs-2-crore-to-ockhi-fund-118021200941_1.html| work=The Business Standard| location=Thiruvananthapuram| date=12 February 2018| access-date=29 June 2019}}</ref> the [[2018 Kerala floods]],<ref>{{cite news| author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->| title=Mata Amritanandamayi Announces Rs 10 Crore for Chief Minister's Disaster Relief Fund| url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2018/aug/17/mata-amritanandamayi-announces-rs-10-crore-for-chief-ministers-disaster-relief-fund-1858826.html| work=The New Indian Express| location=Thiruvananthapuram| date=17 August 2018| access-date=29 June 2019}}</ref> and the [[2019 Kerala floods]].<ref>{{cite news| author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->| title=Kerala rains: Amritanandamayi Mutt announces Rs 1 lakh to kin of dead| url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2019/08/16/kerala-rains-amritanandamayi-mutt-announces-rs-1-lakh-to-kin-of-dead.html| work=The Week| location=Kerala| date=16 August 2019| access-date=18 August 2019}}</ref> In 2019, the Math gave Rs. 500,000 to each of the families of the 40 CRPF soldiers who were killed in the [[2019 Pulwama attack]].<ref>{{cite news| author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->| title=Can't Rule Out Terror Hit on West Coast: Rajnath Singh| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/cant-rule-out-terror-hit-on-west-coast-rajnath-singh/articleshow/71343722.cms| work=The Times of India| location=Kollam| date=28 September 2019| access-date=5 October 2019}}</ref> | ||
===Environmental protection=== | ===Environmental protection=== | ||
On 11 September 2015, Amṛtānandamayī donated US$15 million to the Government of India's Namami Gange "Clean the Ganges" program for the specific purpose of constructing toilets for poor families living along the Ganges River.<ref>{{cite news|title=Can $15m worth of toilets finally clean up the Ganges?|url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2015/sep/11/india-amma-15-million-dollars-toilets-open-defecation-clean-ganges|access-date=1 October 2015|work=The Guardian}}</ref> On 27 September 2015, Amṛtānandamayī pledged that her NGO would dedicate the value of another US$15 million to toilet construction and other sanitation efforts specifically in the Indian state of Kerala.<ref>{{cite news|last1=PTI|title=Mata Amritanandamayi Pledges RS Crore for sanitation work in Kerala|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/mata-amritanandamayi-math-pledges-rs-100-crore-for-sanitation-work-in-kerala/articleshow/49126096.cms|access-date=1 October 2015|work=The Economic Times}}</ref> Amritanandamayi's organization has been cleaning the [[Pampa River]] and [[Sabarimala]] [[Kerala]] Temple pilgrimage site annually since 2012.<ref>{{cite news|title=35,000 bags of garbage collected in Sabarimala clean-up|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/35000-bags-of-garbage-collected-in-sabarimala-clean-up-524154.html|access-date=1 October 2015|website=IBN Live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Amritanandamayi Madhom to clean up Sabarimala|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/amritanandamayi-madhom-to-clean-up-sabarimala/article6536744.ece|access-date=1 October 2015|work=The Hindu}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Amritanandamayi math to take part in cleanliness|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/article239673.ece|access-date=2 October 2015|work=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Sabarimala clean-up: 35,000 bags of garbage collected|url=http://www.ndtv.com/south/sabarimala-clean-up-35-000-bags-of-garbage-collected-505984|access-date=2 October 2015}}</ref> | On 11 September 2015, Amṛtānandamayī donated US$15 million to the Government of India's Namami Gange "Clean the Ganges" program for the specific purpose of constructing toilets for poor families living along the Ganges River.<ref>{{cite news|title=Can $15m worth of toilets finally clean up the Ganges?|url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2015/sep/11/india-amma-15-million-dollars-toilets-open-defecation-clean-ganges|access-date=1 October 2015|work=The Guardian}}</ref> On 27 September 2015, Amṛtānandamayī pledged that her NGO would dedicate the value of another US$15 million to toilet construction and other sanitation efforts specifically in the Indian state of Kerala.<ref>{{cite news|last1=PTI|title=Mata Amritanandamayi Pledges RS Crore for sanitation work in Kerala|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/mata-amritanandamayi-math-pledges-rs-100-crore-for-sanitation-work-in-kerala/articleshow/49126096.cms|access-date=1 October 2015|work=The Economic Times}}</ref> Amritanandamayi's organization has been cleaning the [[Pampa River]] and [[Sabarimala]] [[Kerala]] Temple pilgrimage site annually since 2012.<ref>{{cite news|title=35,000 bags of garbage collected in Sabarimala clean-up|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/35000-bags-of-garbage-collected-in-sabarimala-clean-up-524154.html|access-date=1 October 2015|website=IBN Live|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304094608/http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/35000-bags-of-garbage-collected-in-sabarimala-clean-up-524154.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Amritanandamayi Madhom to clean up Sabarimala|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/amritanandamayi-madhom-to-clean-up-sabarimala/article6536744.ece|access-date=1 October 2015|work=The Hindu}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Amritanandamayi math to take part in cleanliness|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/article239673.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003123029/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/article239673.ece|archive-date=3 October 2015|access-date=2 October 2015|work=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Sabarimala clean-up: 35,000 bags of garbage collected|url=http://www.ndtv.com/south/sabarimala-clean-up-35-000-bags-of-garbage-collected-505984|access-date=2 October 2015}}</ref> | ||
==Controversies== | ==Controversies== | ||
| Line 94: | Line 93: | ||
On 9 August 2002, a ''[[Deshabhimani]]'', a left-leaning Malayalam daily, published a similar account, demanding investigation into the same deaths Pattathanam found suspicious.<ref>"Report that Suspicious Deaths at Amritanandamayi Math Are Growing", ''Deshabhimani'', 9 August 2002.</ref> On 24 September 2002, ''Deshabhimani'' officially apologised for the report, publishing an article titled "Report that Suspicious Deaths at Amritanandamayi Math Are Growing Was Incorrect". The article stated: "We now state with conviction that there was nothing suspicious about deaths that happened in the Math. Some of the deaths mentioned in the article did not even take place at the Math." The article went on to explain that relatives of the deceased had personally contacted Deshabhimani in order to correct the misinformation conveyed in the original article. In several cases, the editors noted the relatives had contacted Deshabhimani to explain they were at the bedsides of elderly kin who had died of natural causes, with no suspicious aspects regarding the passings.<ref>"Report that Suspicious Deaths at Amritanandamayi Math Are Growing Was Incorrect", ''Deshabhimani'', 24 September 2002, p. 6.</ref> | On 9 August 2002, a ''[[Deshabhimani]]'', a left-leaning Malayalam daily, published a similar account, demanding investigation into the same deaths Pattathanam found suspicious.<ref>"Report that Suspicious Deaths at Amritanandamayi Math Are Growing", ''Deshabhimani'', 9 August 2002.</ref> On 24 September 2002, ''Deshabhimani'' officially apologised for the report, publishing an article titled "Report that Suspicious Deaths at Amritanandamayi Math Are Growing Was Incorrect". The article stated: "We now state with conviction that there was nothing suspicious about deaths that happened in the Math. Some of the deaths mentioned in the article did not even take place at the Math." The article went on to explain that relatives of the deceased had personally contacted Deshabhimani in order to correct the misinformation conveyed in the original article. In several cases, the editors noted the relatives had contacted Deshabhimani to explain they were at the bedsides of elderly kin who had died of natural causes, with no suspicious aspects regarding the passings.<ref>"Report that Suspicious Deaths at Amritanandamayi Math Are Growing Was Incorrect", ''Deshabhimani'', 24 September 2002, p. 6.</ref> | ||
In 2004, the Kerala State Government sanctioned criminal prosecution of Patthathanam, the owner of the publishing company, and the printer of the book on grounds that religious sentiments had been offended and for the libelous statements in the book. The order followed directions from the [[Kerala High Court]] to the Home Department for considering an application by T. K. Ajan, a resident of the Mata Amṛtānandamayī Math.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://hindu.com/2004/01/28/stories/2004012805950400.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040218183723/http://www.hindu.com/2004/01/28/stories/2004012805950400.htm | In 2004, the Kerala State Government sanctioned criminal prosecution of Patthathanam, the owner of the publishing company, and the printer of the book on grounds that religious sentiments had been offended and for the libelous statements in the book. The order followed directions from the [[Kerala High Court]] to the Home Department for considering an application by T. K. Ajan, a resident of the Mata Amṛtānandamayī Math.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://hindu.com/2004/01/28/stories/2004012805950400.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040218183723/http://www.hindu.com/2004/01/28/stories/2004012805950400.htm |archive-date=18 February 2004 |title=Rationalist association leader to be prosecuted |date= 28 January 2004|access-date=15 August 2012 |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> [[Communist Party of India|CPI]] leader [[Thengamam Balakrishnan]] protested the move against Pattathanam.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/01/29/stories/2004012902660300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040604114355/http://www.hindu.com/2004/01/29/stories/2004012902660300.htm |archive-date=4 June 2004 |title=Move to prosecute rationalist leader criticised |date=29 January 2004 |access-date=15 August 2012 |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> The contents of this book in English: {{Cite book |url=https://nastiknation.org/product/mata-amritanandamayi-the-death-of-her-own-brother-and-other-mysterious-stories/|title=Mata Amritanandamayi & Mysterious Stories|date=4 October 2020 }} | ||
===Source of foreign aid=== | ===Source of foreign aid=== | ||
In June 2007, Shantanu Guha Ray wrote in ''[[Tehelka]]'' weekly that Amṛtānandamayī Math, Ravi Shankar, Baba [[Ramdev]], and other NGOs and religious organisations had large annual turnover of INR crores.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tehelka.com/story_main31.asp?filename=Ne300607Business_Of_the.asp |title=The People's Paper |publisher=Tehelka |date=30 June 2007 |access-date=15 August 2012 | In June 2007, Shantanu Guha Ray wrote in ''[[Tehelka]]'' weekly that Amṛtānandamayī Math, Ravi Shankar, Baba [[Ramdev]], and other NGOs and religious organisations had large annual turnover of INR crores.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tehelka.com/story_main31.asp?filename=Ne300607Business_Of_the.asp |title=The People's Paper |publisher=Tehelka |date=30 June 2007 |access-date=15 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419104750/http://www.tehelka.com/story_main31.asp?filename=Ne300607Business_Of_the.asp |archive-date=19 April 2012}}</ref> In June 2007, novelist [[Paul Zacharia]] wrote on Tehelka that Amṛtānandamayī is free from the typical scrutiny on money that has foreign connections.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tehelka.com/story_main31.asp?filename=Ne300607The_Lakshmi.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080117204715/http://www.tehelka.com/story_main31.asp?filename=Ne300607The_Lakshmi.asp|archive-date=17 January 2008|title=Tehelka – The People's Paper|work=tehelka.com}}</ref> In May 2008, the president of [[Kerala Yukthivadi Sangham]], U. Kalanathan, urged the state government to conduct an enquiry into Amṛtānandamayī's assets. He said the sources of her income and its utilisation should be investigated.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://malayalam.webdunia.com/newsworld/news/keralanews/0805/22/1080522060_1.htm |title=News, What's happening in kerala |publisher=Malayalam.webdunia.com |access-date=15 August 2012}}</ref> | ||
===Allegations by Gail Tredwell=== | ===Allegations by Gail Tredwell=== | ||
In 2013, [[Gail Tredwell]], a former disciple of Amṛtānandamayī, self-published a memoir of her 1980–99 tenure in Amṛtānandamayī's ashram. She made some allegations in this memoir as well as media interviews which preceded and followed the release of the book.<ref name="RS2"/><ref name=TNIE1>{{cite news|title=Withdraw Controversial Book on Mata Amritanandamayi|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/Withdraw-Controversial-Book-on-Mata-Amritanandamayi/2014/02/25/article2075923.ece#.UxWPiduNm_8|access-date=26 March 2014|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=25 February 2014}}</ref><ref name=FP1>{{cite news|title=Amritanandamayi scandal: Kerala leaders break silence on book|url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/amritanandamayi-scandal-kerala-leaders-break-silence-on-book-1403999.html|access-date=26 March 2014|newspaper=Firstpost India|date=22 February 2014}}</ref> The allegations, including the claim that Tredwell was physically assaulted by Amṛtānandamayī, have not been substantiated.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rumpus in the ashram|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1140302/jsp/7days/18036887.jsp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305032330/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1140302/jsp/7days/18036887.jsp | In 2013, [[Gail Tredwell]], a former disciple of Amṛtānandamayī, self-published a memoir of her 1980–99 tenure in Amṛtānandamayī's ashram. She made some allegations in this memoir as well as media interviews which preceded and followed the release of the book.<ref name="RS2"/><ref name=TNIE1>{{cite news|title=Withdraw Controversial Book on Mata Amritanandamayi|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/Withdraw-Controversial-Book-on-Mata-Amritanandamayi/2014/02/25/article2075923.ece#.UxWPiduNm_8|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302103532/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/Withdraw-Controversial-Book-on-Mata-Amritanandamayi/2014/02/25/article2075923.ece#.UxWPiduNm_8|archive-date=2 March 2014|access-date=26 March 2014|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=25 February 2014}}</ref><ref name=FP1>{{cite news|title=Amritanandamayi scandal: Kerala leaders break silence on book|url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/amritanandamayi-scandal-kerala-leaders-break-silence-on-book-1403999.html|access-date=26 March 2014|newspaper=Firstpost India|date=22 February 2014}}</ref> The allegations, including the claim that Tredwell was physically assaulted by Amṛtānandamayī, have not been substantiated.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rumpus in the ashram|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1140302/jsp/7days/18036887.jsp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305032330/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1140302/jsp/7days/18036887.jsp|archive-date=5 March 2014|access-date=26 April 2014}}</ref> Both Amṛtānandamayī and representatives of her ashram denied the allegations, saying that they were untrue and were aimed at exacting revenge for unfulfilled desires.<ref name=TNIE3>{{cite news|title=Mata Amritanandamayi Refutes All Allegations|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/Mata-Amritanandamayi-Refutes-All-Allegations/2014/02/23/article2072630.ece#.U0X9VPmSy0I|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517140326/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/Mata-Amritanandamayi-Refutes-All-Allegations/2014/02/23/article2072630.ece#.U0X9VPmSy0I|archive-date=17 May 2014|access-date=13 April 2014|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=23 February 2014}}</ref><ref name=TH3>{{cite news|title=My life is an open book, says Mata|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/my-life-is-an-open-book-says-mata/article5718308.ece|access-date=13 April 2014|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=23 February 2014}}</ref><ref name=IBN1>{{cite news|title=Mata Amritanandamayi says the institution was an 'open book', dismisses allegations|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mata-amritanandamayi-says-the-institution-was-an-open-book-dismisses-allegations/453704-62-126.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301110757/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mata-amritanandamayi-says-the-institution-was-an-open-book-dismisses-allegations/453704-62-126.html|archive-date=1 March 2014|access-date=13 April 2014|newspaper=[[CNN-IBN|IBN]]}}</ref> In an interview in April 2014, Amṛtānandamayī spoke in depth about the incident, saying, "Even now, Amma is only filled with love for that daughter. I am praying that virtue and goodness come. Time will shine forth the truth."<ref>{{cite journal|last=Raghunath|first= Rashmi |title=Sneham Matram|journal=Grihalakshmi|date=16 April 2014|page=21|quote=അമ്മയ്ക്ക് ആ മോളോട് ഇപ്പോഴും നിറഞ്ഞ സ്നേഹമേയുള്ളൂ. നന്മയുണ്ടാകട്ടെ, നല്ലതുവരട്ടെ എന്നു പ്രാർത്ഥിക്കുന്നു. കാലം സത്യം തെളിയിക്കും.}}</ref> | ||
==Attacks== | ==Attacks== | ||
In August 2005, Amṛtānandamayī was attacked by a man named Pavithran. He was sitting with other followers praying and singing in front of Amṛtānandamayī. He rushed to Amṛtānandamayī with a knife, but was overpowered by a group of disciples. Amṛtānandamayī's disciple Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri said Pavithran was of "unstable mind".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2005/aug/21mata.htm |title=Amritanandamayi unhurt in attack |work=Rediff.com |access-date=8 August 2012}}</ref> Pavithran was bruised and taken to a hospital.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/assault-attempt-on-kerala-preacher/cid/860758|title=Assault attempt on Kerala preacher|website=www.telegraphindia.com|language=en|access-date=18 October 2018}}</ref> Amritanandamayi, who forgave Pavithran,<ref name="Padanna">{{cite web|title=Mata Forgives Attacker; disciples see larger design|last=Padanna|first=Ashraf|url=http://www.godubai.com/gulftoday/articlearc.asp?AID=46035&Section=Asia|publisher=Gulf Today|access-date=3 September 2012}}</ref> said, "All those who are born will die one day. I am going ahead keeping this reality in mind. I will carry on. I will continue to give darshan to the devotees coming here to meet me."<ref>{{cite web|title=Amritanandamayi unfazed by attack, to continue with darshan|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2005/aug/22mata.htm|access-date=3 September 2012}}</ref> | In August 2005, Amṛtānandamayī was attacked by a man named Pavithran. He was sitting with other followers praying and singing in front of Amṛtānandamayī. He rushed to Amṛtānandamayī with a knife, but was overpowered by a group of disciples. Amṛtānandamayī's disciple Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri said Pavithran was of "unstable mind".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2005/aug/21mata.htm |title=Amritanandamayi unhurt in attack |work=Rediff.com |access-date=8 August 2012}}</ref> Pavithran was bruised and taken to a hospital.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/assault-attempt-on-kerala-preacher/cid/860758|title=Assault attempt on Kerala preacher|website=www.telegraphindia.com|language=en|access-date=18 October 2018}}</ref> Amritanandamayi, who forgave Pavithran,<ref name="Padanna">{{cite web|title=Mata Forgives Attacker; disciples see larger design|last=Padanna|first=Ashraf|url=http://www.godubai.com/gulftoday/articlearc.asp?AID=46035&Section=Asia|publisher=Gulf Today|access-date=3 September 2012|archive-date=5 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005195215/http://www.godubai.com/gulftoday/articlearc.asp?AID=46035&Section=Asia}}</ref> said, "All those who are born will die one day. I am going ahead keeping this reality in mind. I will carry on. I will continue to give darshan to the devotees coming here to meet me."<ref>{{cite web|title=Amritanandamayi unfazed by attack, to continue with darshan|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2005/aug/22mata.htm|access-date=3 September 2012}}</ref> | ||
On 1 August 2012, a 23-year-old law student from [[Bihar]], | On 1 August 2012, [[Satnam Singh Mann]], a 23-year-old law student from [[Bihar]], charged Amṛtānandamayī at her ashram in [[Kollam]]. According to police, he was screaming and reciting words in Arabic. He was overpowered by the crowd, who handed him over to the police.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Devasia |first1=T. K. |title=Kerala orders Crime Branch probe into Bihar youth's death |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/article/20120807/ARTICLE/308079931/1028 |access-date=20 January 2019 |work=Khaleej Times |date=7 August 2012 |archive-date=14 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114041350/https://www.khaleejtimes.com/article/20120807/ARTICLE/308079931/1028 }}</ref> He was later taken to the government mental hospital in [[Peroorkada]], [[Thiruvananthapuram]], where he died three days later. | ||
==Awards and honours== | ==Awards and honours== | ||
* 1993, | * 1993, President of the Centenary Parliament of World Religions' ([[Parliament of the World's Religions]])<ref name=r1>[https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3136524.stm South Asia | Devotees flock to hug Indian guru]. BBC News (24 September 2003). Retrieved on 24 June 2011.</ref> | ||
* 1993, Hindu Renaissance Award as "Hindu of the Year" (''Hinduism Today'')<ref>[http://www.hinduismtoday.com/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=1098] Hinduism Today, 1993 Year in Review</ref> | * 1993, Hindu Renaissance Award as "Hindu of the Year" (''Hinduism Today'')<ref>[http://www.hinduismtoday.com/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=1098] Hinduism Today, 1993 Year in Review</ref> | ||
* 1998, Care & Share International Humanitarian of the Year Award (Chicago){{citation needed|date=August 2015}} | * 1998, Care & Share International Humanitarian of the Year Award (Chicago){{citation needed|date=August 2015}} | ||
* 2002, Karma Yogi of the Year (''Yoga Journal'')<ref>Catalfo, Phil. (10 September 2001) [http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/804?print=1 The 2002 Karma Yoga Awards] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323021349/http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/804?print=1 |date=23 March 2012 }}. Yoga Journal. Retrieved on 24 June 2011.</ref> | * 2002, Karma Yogi of the Year (''Yoga Journal'')<ref>Catalfo, Phil. (10 September 2001) [http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/804?print=1 The 2002 Karma Yoga Awards] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323021349/http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/804?print=1 |date=23 March 2012 }}. Yoga Journal. Retrieved on 24 June 2011.</ref> | ||
* 2002, [[Gandhi-King Award]] for Non-Violence by The World Movement for Nonviolence (UN, Geneva)<ref>[http://www.millenniumpeacesummit.com/wc_awards.html The World Council of Religious Leaders] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523092656/http://www.millenniumpeacesummit.com/wc_awards.html |date=23 May 2010 }}. Millenniumpeacesummit.com (4 April 2000). Retrieved on 24 June 2011.</ref> | * 2002, [[Gandhi-King Award]] for Non-Violence by The World Movement for Nonviolence (UN, Geneva)<ref>[http://www.millenniumpeacesummit.com/wc_awards.html The World Council of Religious Leaders] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523092656/http://www.millenniumpeacesummit.com/wc_awards.html |date=23 May 2010 }}. Millenniumpeacesummit.com (4 April 2000). Retrieved on 24 June 2011.</ref><ref name="geneva2002">The future of this planet depends on the women (Gandhi-King United Nations 2002)</ref> | ||
* 2005, Mahavir Mahatma Award (London)<ref>[http://www.nonduality.com/news_archive_may_2005.htm Home] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714194504/http://www.nonduality.com/news_archive_may_2005.htm |date=14 July 2011 }}. Nonduality.com. Retrieved on 24 June 2011.</ref> | * 2005, Mahavir Mahatma Award (London)<ref>[http://www.nonduality.com/news_archive_may_2005.htm Home] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714194504/http://www.nonduality.com/news_archive_may_2005.htm |date=14 July 2011 }}. Nonduality.com. Retrieved on 24 June 2011.</ref> | ||
* 2005, Centenary Legendary Award of the International Rotarians (Cochin)<ref>http://www.hinduismtoday.com/modules/xpress/2005/02/page/2/ {{dead link|date=June 2011}}</ref> | * 2005, Centenary Legendary Award of the International Rotarians (Cochin)<ref>http://www.hinduismtoday.com/modules/xpress/2005/02/page/2/ {{dead link|date=June 2011}}</ref> | ||
* 2006, [[James Parks Morton]] Interfaith Award (New York)<ref name="Interfaith">[http://interfaithcenter.org/james-parks-morton-interfaith-award-recipients ICNY] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110828002913/http://interfaithcenter.org/james-parks-morton-interfaith-award-recipients |date=28 August 2011 }}. Interfaithcenter.org. Retrieved on 24 June 2011.</ref> | * 2006, [[James Parks Morton]] Interfaith Award (New York)<ref name="Interfaith">[http://interfaithcenter.org/james-parks-morton-interfaith-award-recipients ICNY] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110828002913/http://interfaithcenter.org/james-parks-morton-interfaith-award-recipients |date=28 August 2011 }}. Interfaithcenter.org. Retrieved on 24 June 2011.</ref> | ||
* 2006, The Philosopher Saint Sri Jnaneswara World Peace Prize (Pune)<ref>[http://archives.amritapuri.org/news/2006/601viswasanthi.php Amma Awarded Sant Jnaneshwara World Peace Prize @ Amritapuri.org] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100508191638/http://archives.amritapuri.org/news/2006/601viswasanthi.php |date=8 May 2010 }}. Archives.amritapuri.org (31 January 2006). Retrieved on 24 June 2011.</ref> | * 2006, The Philosopher Saint Sri Jnaneswara World Peace Prize (Pune)<ref>[http://archives.amritapuri.org/news/2006/601viswasanthi.php Amma Awarded Sant Jnaneshwara World Peace Prize @ Amritapuri.org] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100508191638/http://archives.amritapuri.org/news/2006/601viswasanthi.php |date=8 May 2010 }}. Archives.amritapuri.org (31 January 2006). Retrieved on 24 June 2011.</ref> | ||
* 2007, Le Prix Cinéma Vérité (Cinéma Vérité, Paris)<ref>[ | * 2007, Le Prix Cinéma Vérité (Cinéma Vérité, Paris)<ref>[https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7043185.stm Entertainment | Film award honours 'hug guru']. BBC News (13 October 2007). Retrieved on 24 June 2011.</ref> | ||
* 2010, The [[State University of New York]] awarded Amma an [[honorary doctorate]] in humane letters on 25 May 2010 at its [[University at Buffalo, The State University of New York|Buffalo]] campus.<ref>[http://www.buffalo.edu/news/11390 International Humanitarian Amma Receives SUNY Honorary Degree at UB – UB NewsCenter]. Buffalo.edu (26 May 2010). Retrieved on 24 June 2011.</ref> | * 2010, The [[State University of New York]] awarded Amma an [[honorary doctorate]] in humane letters on 25 May 2010 at its [[University at Buffalo, The State University of New York|Buffalo]] campus.<ref>[http://www.buffalo.edu/news/11390 International Humanitarian Amma Receives SUNY Honorary Degree at UB – UB NewsCenter]. Buffalo.edu (26 May 2010). Retrieved on 24 June 2011.</ref> | ||
* 2012, Amma featured in the [[Watkins Books|Watkins]]' list of the top 100 most spiritually influential living people in the world.<ref name="watkins2012">[http://www.watkinsbooks.com/review/watkins-spiritual-100-list-2012 Watkins' Spiritual 100 List for 2012] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603182037/http://www.watkinsbooks.com/review/watkins-spiritual-100-list-2012 |date=3 June 2013 }}, ''Mind Body Spirit'', Feb 2012</ref> | * 2012, Amma featured in the [[Watkins Books|Watkins]]' list of the top 100 most spiritually influential living people in the world.<ref name="watkins2012">[http://www.watkinsbooks.com/review/watkins-spiritual-100-list-2012 Watkins' Spiritual 100 List for 2012] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603182037/http://www.watkinsbooks.com/review/watkins-spiritual-100-list-2012 |date=3 June 2013 }}, ''Mind Body Spirit'', Feb 2012</ref> | ||
* 2013, Awarded first Vishwaretna Purskar (Gem of the Word Award) by Hindu Parliament on 23 April 2013 at | * 2013, Awarded first Vishwaretna Purskar (Gem of the Word Award) by Hindu Parliament on 23 April 2013 at Thiruvananthapuram (India)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amritapuri.org/16442/13viswa.aum|title=Vishwaretna puraskar presented to Amma by Hindu Parliament|work=amritapuri.org|date=24 April 2013}}</ref> | ||
* 2013, Awarded proclamation on behalf of the State of Michigan to Amma commemorating Amma's 60th birthday, the official proclamation describes Amma as a true citizen of the world and recognizes Amma's charitable works worldwide. | * 2013, Awarded proclamation on behalf of the State of Michigan to Amma commemorating Amma's 60th birthday, the official proclamation describes Amma as a true citizen of the world and recognizes Amma's charitable works worldwide. | ||
*2014, Chosen as one among the 50 most powerful women religious leaders by [[The Huffington Post]].<ref name=Huffpost>{{cite news|title=50 Powerful Women Religious Leaders To Celebrate on International Women's Day|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/08/women-religious-leaders_n_4922118.html|access-date=9 March 2014|newspaper=Huffington Post|date=8 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309163755/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/08/women-religious-leaders_n_4922118.html|archive-date=9 March 2014|first=Antonia|last=Blumberg}}</ref> | *2014, Chosen as one among the 50 most powerful women religious leaders by [[The Huffington Post]].<ref name=Huffpost>{{cite news|title=50 Powerful Women Religious Leaders To Celebrate on International Women's Day|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/08/women-religious-leaders_n_4922118.html|access-date=9 March 2014|newspaper=Huffington Post|date=8 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309163755/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/08/women-religious-leaders_n_4922118.html|archive-date=9 March 2014|first=Antonia|last=Blumberg}}</ref> | ||
* 2018, Felicitated by Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] for largest contribution to the Government of India's Clean India Campaign [[Swachh Bharat Mission]]<ref>{{cite web|url= | * In 2014, Mata Amritanandamayi had refused to accept the [[Orders, decorations, and medals of India|Padma awards]] of 2014.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2015-05-12 |title=Ramdev not considered for Padma award, RTI reveals |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Ramdev-not-considered-for-Padma-award-RTI-reveals/article60164429.ece |access-date=2025-01-25 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2015-05-12 |title=Ramdev was not considered for Padma awards: RTI response |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ramdev-was-not-considered-for-padma-awards-rti-response/articleshow/47246766.cms |access-date=2025-01-25 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> | ||
* 2018, Felicitated by Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] for largest contribution to the Government of India's Clean India Campaign [[Swachh Bharat Mission]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2018/oct/03/mata-amritanandamayi-felicitated-by-pm-narendra-modi-for-her-support-to-swachh-bharat-1880300.html|title=Mata Amritanandamayi felicitated by PM Narendra Modi for her support to Swachh Bharat|work=New Indian Express, 3 October 2018|date=3 October 2018 }}</ref> | |||
* 2019, Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Mysore<ref>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/education/news/amritanandamayi-gets-honorary-doctorate-from-mysore-varsity/articleshow/68548432.cms]. The Times of India. Retrieved on 20 June 2019.</ref> | * 2019, Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Mysore<ref>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/education/news/amritanandamayi-gets-honorary-doctorate-from-mysore-varsity/articleshow/68548432.cms]. The Times of India. Retrieved on 20 June 2019.</ref> | ||
* 2023, Chair, Civil 20, an official Engagement Groups of the [[G20]]<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022 | * 2023, Chair, Civil 20, an official Engagement Groups of the [[G20]]<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 October 2022 |title=Mata Amritanandamayi appointed chair of Civil 20 |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/mata-amritanandamayi-appointed-chair-of-civil-20/articleshow/95122619.cms |access-date=27 April 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=25 October 2022 |title=Mata Amritanandamayi appointed as Chair of C20 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/mata-amritanandamayi-appointed-as-chair-of-c20/article66053482.ece |access-date=27 April 2023 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> | ||
==Positions== | ==Positions== | ||
* Founder and | * Founder and chairperson, [[Mata Amritanandamayi Math|Mata Amṛtānandamayī Math]] | ||
* Founder, Embracing the World<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.embracingtheworld.org/who-we-are/ |title=Who we are |publisher=Embracing the World |access-date=15 August 2012}}</ref> | * Founder, Embracing the World<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.embracingtheworld.org/who-we-are/ |title=Who we are |publisher=Embracing the World |access-date=15 August 2012}}</ref> | ||
* Chancellor, [[Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham]] University<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amrita.edu/amma |title=About Amma |publisher=Amrita.edu |access-date=15 August 2012}}</ref> | * Chancellor, [[Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham]] University<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amrita.edu/amma |title=About Amma |publisher=Amrita.edu |access-date=15 August 2012}}</ref> | ||
* Founder, [[Amrita Vidyalayam]] schools | * Founder, [[Amrita Vidyalayam]] schools | ||
* Founder, [[Amrita | * Founder, [[Amrita Hospital (disambiguation)|Amrita Hospitals]] (Kochi & Faridabad)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aimshospital.org/ |title=Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre | AIMS Hospital, Kochi, Kerala, India |publisher=Aimshospital.org |access-date=15 August 2012 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101018204719/http://aimshospital.org/ |archive-date=18 October 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Amrita Hospital Faridabad Doctors Shine In Stanford s 2023 Top 2 Scientists List |url=https://bwhealthcareworld.businessworld.in/article/Amrita-Hospital-Faridabad-Doctors-Shine-In-Stanford-s-2023-Top-2-Scientists-List/22-12-2023-503218 |access-date=30 December 2023 |website=BW Defence |language=en}}</ref> | ||
* [[Parliament of the World's Religions]], International Advisory committee member<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parliamentofreligions.org/index.cfm?n=1&sn=8 |title=ABOUT US / Honorary International Advisors | Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions |publisher=Parliamentofreligions.org |access-date=15 August 2012 | * [[Parliament of the World's Religions]], International Advisory committee member<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parliamentofreligions.org/index.cfm?n=1&sn=8 |title=ABOUT US / Honorary International Advisors | Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions |publisher=Parliamentofreligions.org |access-date=15 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628173411/http://www.parliamentofreligions.org/index.cfm?n=1&sn=8 |archive-date=28 June 2012 }}</ref> | ||
* President [[Swami Vivekananda]]'s 150th birth anniversary celebration committee, India<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vivekananda150jayanti.org/sites/default/files/11th%20at%20Siri%20Fort%20Auditorium.pdf |title=Истёк срок регистрации доменаrucracida1987.xyz |access-date=9 January 2013 | * President [[Swami Vivekananda]]'s 150th birth anniversary celebration committee, India<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vivekananda150jayanti.org/sites/default/files/11th%20at%20Siri%20Fort%20Auditorium.pdf |title=Истёк срок регистрации доменаrucracida1987.xyz |access-date=9 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303205437/http://www.vivekananda150jayanti.org/sites/default/files/11th%20at%20Siri%20Fort%20Auditorium.pdf |archive-date=3 March 2016}}</ref> | ||
* Member, [[Elijah Interfaith Institute]] Board of World Religious Leaders<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elijah-interfaith.org/index.php?id=797|title=Elijah Interfaith: Board of World Religious Leaders|author=Alon Goshen-Gottstein, PhD|date=22 May 2007|work=elijah-interfaith.org}}</ref> | * Member, [[Elijah Interfaith Institute]] Board of World Religious Leaders<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elijah-interfaith.org/index.php?id=797|title=Elijah Interfaith: Board of World Religious Leaders|author=Alon Goshen-Gottstein, PhD|date=22 May 2007|work=elijah-interfaith.org}}</ref> | ||
* Chairperson,[[g20|Civil 20]] (engagement group of [[List of G20 summits|G20 India]]) 2022–2023<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/mata-amritanandamayi-appointed-as-chair-of-c20/article66053482.ece|author=Alon THE HINDU BUREAU|title=Mata Amritanandamayi appointed as Chair of C20 |website=[[The Hindu]] |date=25 October 2022}}</ref> | |||
==Publications and documentaries== | ==Publications and documentaries== | ||
Amṛtānandamayī's disciples have transcribed her conversations with devotees and spiritual seekers to create approximately a dozen books of her teachings known as ''Awaken Children''. The addresses she has delivered at various international forums have also been published in book form. Beginning in April 2011, a bi-weekly message from Amṛtānandamayī has appeared in the Lifestyle section of the ''Express Buzz'' Sunday supplement of the ''[[New Indian Express]]'' newspaper. She also writes a regular blog in the spiritual publication ''Speaking Tree''. | Amṛtānandamayī's disciples have transcribed her conversations with devotees and spiritual seekers to create approximately a dozen books of her teachings known as ''Awaken Children''. The addresses she has delivered at various international forums have also been published in book form. Beginning in April 2011, a bi-weekly message from Amṛtānandamayī has appeared in the Lifestyle section of the ''Express Buzz'' Sunday supplement of the ''[[New Indian Express]]'' newspaper. She also writes a regular blog in the spiritual publication ''[[The Speaking Tree]]''. | ||
She has been featured in various documentaries and films: | She has been featured in various documentaries and films: | ||
| Line 147: | Line 148: | ||
* 2007 ''In God's Name'' – directed by [[Jules and Gédéon Naudet]] | * 2007 ''In God's Name'' – directed by [[Jules and Gédéon Naudet]] | ||
*2015 ''[[Un plus une]] – directed by [[Claude Lelouch]] starring [[Jean Dujardin]] and [[Elsa Zylberstein]]'' | *2015 ''[[Un plus une]] – directed by [[Claude Lelouch]] starring [[Jean Dujardin]] and [[Elsa Zylberstein]]'' | ||
* 2016 ''Science of Compassion – a Documentary on Amma, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi'' — directed by [[Shekhar Kapur]] | * 2016 ''Science of Compassion – a Documentary on Amma, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi'' — directed by [[Shekhar Kapur]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Science of Compassion - a Documentary on Amma, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsxZI0PBl_A |website=YouTube | date=26 May 2016 |publisher=Shekhar Kapur}}</ref> | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
| Line 162: | Line 163: | ||
== Further reading == | == Further reading == | ||
*{{cite book|isbn= | |||
*{{cite book|isbn= | *{{cite book|isbn=978-0-520-28113-4 |last= Lucia |first = Amanda |author-link=Amanda Lucia |title = Reflections of Amma: Devotees in a Global Embrace |location = Berkeley, CA | publisher = University of California Press | date = 2014|title-link= Reflections of Amma: Devotees in a Global Embrace}} An ethnographic account of North American devotees, from an academic perspective. | ||
*{{cite book|isbn=978-0-415-33988-9|last= Warrier |first = Maya|title = Hindu Selves in a Modern World |location = London | publisher = Routledge Curzon | date = 2005|title-link= Hindu Selves in a Modern World }} An analytical treatment of the movement, from an academic perspective. | |||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
{{commons category|Mata Amritanandamayi}}{{wikiquote}}{{wikiversity|Yoga oracle#96. Mata Amritanandamayi}} | {{commons category|Mata Amritanandamayi}}{{wikiquote}}{{wikiversity|Yoga oracle#96. Mata Amritanandamayi}} | ||
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* [http://www.embracingtheworld.org/ Embracing the World] | * [http://www.embracingtheworld.org/ Embracing the World] | ||
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[[Category:Indian women philanthropists]] | [[Category:Indian women philanthropists]] | ||
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Latest revision as of 21:45, 20 March 2026
Lua error in Module:Effective_protection_level at line 16: attempt to index field 'FlaggedRevs' (a nil value).
Mātā Amritānandamayī Devī | |
|---|---|
 Amritānandamayī in 2019 | |
| Title | Amma Satguru Mata |
| Personal | |
| Born | Sudhamani Idamannel 27 September 1953 |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Founder of | Mātā Amritānandamayī Math |
| Religious career | |
| Literary works |
|
| Website | amma |
| Honors | Gandhi-King Award |
Sri Mātā Amritānandamayī Devi (born Sudhamani Idamannel; 27 September 1953), often known as Amma ("Mother"), is an Indian Hindu spiritual leader, godwoman,[1] guru and humanitarian.[2][3] She is the chancellor of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, a multi-campus research university.[4]
In 2018, she was felicitated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making the largest contribution to the Government of India's Clean India Campaign Swachh Bharat Mission.[5] She was the first recipient of Vishwaratna Puraskar (Gem of the World Award) by Hindu Parliament.[6]
Life[edit | edit source]
Mātā Amritānandamayī Devi is an Indian guru from Parayakadavu (now partially known as Amritapuri), Alappad Panchayat in Karunagappally, Kollam District, in the state of Kerala.[7] Born to a Arayan fishing family, who is subcaste of Dheevara (disadvantaged community) on 27 September 1953, she was the third child of Sugunanandan and Damayanti. Her mother Damayanti died on 19 September 2022. She has six siblings.[8]
As part of her chores, Amṛtānandamayī gathered food scraps from neighbours for her family's cows and goats, through which she was confronted with the intense poverty and suffering of others. She would bring these people food and clothing from her own home. Her family, which was not wealthy, scolded and punished her. Amṛtānandamayī began to spontaneously embrace people to comfort them in their sorrow. Despite the reaction of her parents, Amṛtānandamayī continued.[9] Regarding her desire to embrace others, Amṛtānandamayī commented, "I don't see if it is a man or a woman. I don't see anyone different from my own self. A continuous stream of love flows from me to all of creation. This is my inborn nature. The duty of a doctor is to treat patients. In the same way, my duty is to console those who are suffering."[10]
Amṛtānandamayī rejected numerous attempts by her parents to arrange for her marriage.[11] In 1981, after spiritual seekers had begun residing at her parents' property in Parayakadavu in the hopes of becoming Amṛtānandamayī's disciples, the Mātā Amṛtānandamayī Math (MAM), a worldwide foundation, was founded.[12] Amṛtānandamayī continues to serve as chairperson of the Math. Today the Mata Amritanandmayi Math is engaged in many spiritual and charitable activities.[13]
In 1987, at the request of devotees, Amṛtānandamayī began to conduct programmes in countries throughout the world. She continues to do so annually.
Darshan[edit | edit source]
Amṛtānandamayī's form of giving darshana is hugging people.[14] As to how this began, Amṛtānandamayī said, "People used to come and tell [me] their troubles. They would cry and I would wipe their tears. When they fell weeping into my lap, I used to hug them. Then the next person too wanted it... And so the habit picked up."[15] Amṛtānandamayī has embraced more than 33 million people throughout the world for over 30 years.[14]
When asked, in 2002, to what extent she thought her embraces helped the ills of the world, Amṛtānandamayī replied, "I don't say I can do it 100 percent. Attempting to change the world [completely] is like trying to straighten the curly tail of a dog. But society takes birth from people. So by affecting individuals, you can make changes in the society and, through it, in the world. You cannot change it, but you can make changes. The fight in individual minds is responsible for the wars. So if you can touch people, you can touch the world."[16]
Amṛtānandamayī's darshan has been the centrepiece of her life, as she has received people nearly every day since the late 1970s. Given the size of the crowds coming to seek Amṛtānandamayī's blessings, there have been times when she has given darshana for more than 20 continuous hours.[17][18] At the time of Covid-19 she stopped giving darshana and hugging people.[19][20][21]
Teachings and public image[edit | edit source]
In the book The Timeless Path, Swami Ramakrishnananda Puri, one of Amṛtānandamayī's senior disciples, wrote: "The [spiritual] path inculcated by Amma is the same as the one presented in the Vedas and recapitulated in subsequent traditional scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita."[22] Amṛtānandamayī herself says, "karma [action], jñana [knowledge] and bhakti [devotion] are all essential. If the two wings of a bird are devotion and action, knowledge is its tail. Only with the help of all three can the bird soar into the heights."[23] She accepts the various spiritual practices and prayers of all religions as but different methods toward the same goal of purifying the mind.[24] Along these lines, she stresses the importance of meditation, performing actions as karma yoga, selfless service, and cultivating divine qualities such as compassion, patience, forgiveness, self-control, etc. Amṛtānandamayī has said that these practices refine the mind, preparing it to assimilate the ultimate truth: that one is not the physical body and mind, but the eternal, blissful consciousness that serves as the non-dual substratum of the universe.[22] This understanding itself Amṛtānandamayī referred to as jivanmukti [liberation while alive]. Amṛtānandamayī said, "Jivanmukti is not something to be attained after death, nor is it to be experienced or bestowed upon you in another world. It is a state of perfect awareness and equanimity, which can be experienced here and now in this world, while living in the body. Having come to experience the highest truth of oneness with the Self, such blessed souls do not have to be born again. They merge with the infinite."[23]
Amritanandamayi is known for frequently referring to herself in the third person as "Amma", which is a common spiritual practice in Hinduism.[25]
Social issues[edit | edit source]
In her public talks and in articles, Amritanandamayi has taken up several social issues, including the importance of selfless service,[26] the need for inter-religious harmony,[27] for environmental protection[28] and of desegregating science and spirituality.[29] She also regularly speaks on the importance of women's empowerment and gender equality as well as that of humankind cultivating what she refers to as viśva-mātrutvam — an attitude of motherliness towards all beings in creation, specifically through expressing compassion, patience and selflessness.[30] She has also spoken out against human trafficking and forced prostitution, speaking at the Vatican and signing the Universal Declaration Against Slavery in an event organized by Pope Francis at the Vatican in 2014.[31][32] And in 2018, under the patronage of Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, she participated in a similar event aimed at protecting children from abuse and predation via the Internet.[33] In July 2015, Amritanandamayi delivered the keynote address at a United Nations Academic Impact conference on technology and sustainable development, co-hosted by Amrita University. There, she requested the scientific community to infuse its research with awareness and compassion, stressing the importance of keeping the aim of uplifting the poor and suffering in mind when undertaking technological research.[34][35] She has spoken several times at the United Nations and twice at the Parliament of the World's Religions.
Bhajans[edit | edit source]
Amṛtānandamayī has recorded more than 1,000 bhajans, or devotional songs, in 35 languages.[36] She has also composed dozens of bhajans and set them to traditional ragas. Regarding devotional singing as a spiritual practice, Amṛtānandamayī says, "If the bhajan is sung with one-pointedness, it is beneficial for the singer, the listeners, and Nature as well. Later when the listeners reflect on the songs, they will try to live in accordance with the lessons enunciated therein."[37] Amṛtānandamayī has said that in today's world, it is often difficult for people to attain deeply focused concentration in meditation. A person can be aided in reaching this level of concentration with bhajans.[38]
Humanitarian work[edit | edit source]
Amritanandamayi is founder and chairman of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math and the founder of Embracing the World.[39] Embracing the World is a global network of local and regional charitable organizations and projects that has grown out of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math's India-based charitable projects.[40] The organizations' focus is on providing the poor with the five basic needs of food, shelter, healthcare, education and livelihood.[41][3][42] The organizations also conduct work in the fields of disaster relief and environmental protection as well as on conducting research and developing new technologies to help the poor and needy.[43][44][45][46]
Food[edit | edit source]
In India, the Mata Amṛtānandamayī Math provides 10 million free meals to poor people annually via its various centres. Likewise, Embracing the World feed more than 150,000 annually in North America through 49 centres that conduct a program called Mother's Kitchen, started in 1987. Other feed-the-hungry programs exist in Mexico, Costa Rica, France, Spain, Kenya, Brazil, Slovenia and Australia.[47] The Math is deploying filtration systems with the goal of providing clean drinking water in 5,000 village centres throughout India, which would provide water purification to 10 million villagers.[48]
Shelter[edit | edit source]
Since 1998, the Mata Amritanandamayi Math has constructed over 47,000 houses for the homeless in 75 locations throughout India.[49][50] It runs an orphanage for 500 children in Kerala, and Embracing the World manages a children's home in Nairobi.[51]
Healthcare[edit | edit source]
The Mata Amritanandamayi Math manages the 1,100-bed super-speciality hospital Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences in Kochi, which it launched in 1998,[52] as well as several other free healthcare clinics, medicine dispensaries, hospices in India.[53] It is also in the process of constructing a 2,000-bed hospital in Delhi NCR.[54] In total, the math has provided totally free medical care and surgeries to more than four million people since 1998.[55][56] This includes super-specialty surgeries including heart surgeries, brain surgeries and kidney transplants.[57] Aside from free treatment, Amrita Institute provides care on a sliding scale, allowing people to pay what they can afford. This is often a minimal percent of the total medical cost.[43]
On 24 August 2022, another hospital named Amrita Hospital was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi in Faridabad, Haryana. This hospital is reportedly the largest private hospital ever built in India, with a built up area of 3.6 million square feet and a capacity of 2600 beds.[58]
Livelihood[edit | edit source]
In 1998, the Math started a program titled Amrita Nidhi that provides lifetime pensions to destitute widows and to people who are physically and mentally challenged.[59] As of 2019, a total of 100,000 people were enrolled.[60][61] It also started AmritaSREE (Self-Reliance, Empowerment & Employment) in 2006.[62] This program has helped more than 200,000 women form self-help groups throughout India.[63]
Education[edit | edit source]
Amṛtānandamayī is founder and chancellor of Amrita University, an eight-campus,[64] multi-disciplinary research university that in 2020 was ranked as the fourth-best university in India by NIRF, is accredited with an 'A' grade by NAAC,[65] and was selected as an "Institute of Eminence" by the Indian Government in 2019.[66] Under her guidance, the university puts a strong focus on research-and-development to uplift the sick and poor.[67] The Mata Amṛtānandamayī Math also runs a scholarship program that currently provides 50,000 scholarships for economically challenged children throughout India,[68] and Embracing the World provides scholarships outside of India in times of need, such as in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.[69]
Disaster relief[edit | edit source]
Within India, the Mata Amṛtānandamayī Math has been involved in relief-and-rehabilitation efforts following natural disasters since 2001,[70] and Embracing the World has come to aid in the wake of several disasters outside of India as well.[71][72][73] Embracing the World has provided a total of $75 million in disaster-relief work since 2004.[74][75] The disasters after which the Mata Amṛtānandamayī Math and Embracing the World have conducted relief-and-rehabilitation work include: the 2001 Gujarat earthquake,[76] the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami,[77] Hurricane Katrina (2005),[78] the 2008 Bihar flood,[79] the 2005 Gujarat flood,[79] the Maharashtra floods of 2005,[79] Cyclone Aila of 2009,[79] the 2010 Haiti Earthquake,[80] the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami,[81] the 2013 North India floods,[82] Typhoon Haiyan in 2013,[83] the 2014 India–Pakistan floods,[79] the May 2015 Nepal earthquake,[84] the 2015 South Indian floods,[79] the Puttingal temple fire of 2016,[85] Hurricane Maria of 2017,[86] Cyclone Ockhi of 2017,[87] the 2018 Kerala floods,[88] and the 2019 Kerala floods.[89] In 2019, the Math gave Rs. 500,000 to each of the families of the 40 CRPF soldiers who were killed in the 2019 Pulwama attack.[90]
Environmental protection[edit | edit source]
On 11 September 2015, Amṛtānandamayī donated US$15 million to the Government of India's Namami Gange "Clean the Ganges" program for the specific purpose of constructing toilets for poor families living along the Ganges River.[91] On 27 September 2015, Amṛtānandamayī pledged that her NGO would dedicate the value of another US$15 million to toilet construction and other sanitation efforts specifically in the Indian state of Kerala.[92] Amritanandamayi's organization has been cleaning the Pampa River and Sabarimala Kerala Temple pilgrimage site annually since 2012.[93][94][95][96]
Controversies[edit | edit source]
Book by Sreeni Pattathanam[edit | edit source]
Sreeni Pattathanam, the Kerala-based head of the Indian Rationalist Association, wrote Matha Amritanandamayi: Sacred Stories and Realities, a controversial critique first published in 1985. The author said all the "miracles" of Amṛtānandamayī were falsified. It was further written that there had been many suspicious deaths in and around her ashram that required police investigation.[97]
On 9 August 2002, a Deshabhimani, a left-leaning Malayalam daily, published a similar account, demanding investigation into the same deaths Pattathanam found suspicious.[98] On 24 September 2002, Deshabhimani officially apologised for the report, publishing an article titled "Report that Suspicious Deaths at Amritanandamayi Math Are Growing Was Incorrect". The article stated: "We now state with conviction that there was nothing suspicious about deaths that happened in the Math. Some of the deaths mentioned in the article did not even take place at the Math." The article went on to explain that relatives of the deceased had personally contacted Deshabhimani in order to correct the misinformation conveyed in the original article. In several cases, the editors noted the relatives had contacted Deshabhimani to explain they were at the bedsides of elderly kin who had died of natural causes, with no suspicious aspects regarding the passings.[99]
In 2004, the Kerala State Government sanctioned criminal prosecution of Patthathanam, the owner of the publishing company, and the printer of the book on grounds that religious sentiments had been offended and for the libelous statements in the book. The order followed directions from the Kerala High Court to the Home Department for considering an application by T. K. Ajan, a resident of the Mata Amṛtānandamayī Math.[100] CPI leader Thengamam Balakrishnan protested the move against Pattathanam.[101] The contents of this book in English: Mata Amritanandamayi & Mysterious Stories. 4 October 2020.
Source of foreign aid[edit | edit source]
In June 2007, Shantanu Guha Ray wrote in Tehelka weekly that Amṛtānandamayī Math, Ravi Shankar, Baba Ramdev, and other NGOs and religious organisations had large annual turnover of INR crores.[102] In June 2007, novelist Paul Zacharia wrote on Tehelka that Amṛtānandamayī is free from the typical scrutiny on money that has foreign connections.[103] In May 2008, the president of Kerala Yukthivadi Sangham, U. Kalanathan, urged the state government to conduct an enquiry into Amṛtānandamayī's assets. He said the sources of her income and its utilisation should be investigated.[104]
Allegations by Gail Tredwell[edit | edit source]
In 2013, Gail Tredwell, a former disciple of Amṛtānandamayī, self-published a memoir of her 1980–99 tenure in Amṛtānandamayī's ashram. She made some allegations in this memoir as well as media interviews which preceded and followed the release of the book.[8][105][106] The allegations, including the claim that Tredwell was physically assaulted by Amṛtānandamayī, have not been substantiated.[107] Both Amṛtānandamayī and representatives of her ashram denied the allegations, saying that they were untrue and were aimed at exacting revenge for unfulfilled desires.[108][109][110] In an interview in April 2014, Amṛtānandamayī spoke in depth about the incident, saying, "Even now, Amma is only filled with love for that daughter. I am praying that virtue and goodness come. Time will shine forth the truth."[111]
Attacks[edit | edit source]
In August 2005, Amṛtānandamayī was attacked by a man named Pavithran. He was sitting with other followers praying and singing in front of Amṛtānandamayī. He rushed to Amṛtānandamayī with a knife, but was overpowered by a group of disciples. Amṛtānandamayī's disciple Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri said Pavithran was of "unstable mind".[112] Pavithran was bruised and taken to a hospital.[113] Amritanandamayi, who forgave Pavithran,[114] said, "All those who are born will die one day. I am going ahead keeping this reality in mind. I will carry on. I will continue to give darshan to the devotees coming here to meet me."[115]
On 1 August 2012, Satnam Singh Mann, a 23-year-old law student from Bihar, charged Amṛtānandamayī at her ashram in Kollam. According to police, he was screaming and reciting words in Arabic. He was overpowered by the crowd, who handed him over to the police.[116] He was later taken to the government mental hospital in Peroorkada, Thiruvananthapuram, where he died three days later.
Awards and honours[edit | edit source]
- 1993, President of the Centenary Parliament of World Religions' (Parliament of the World's Religions)[117]
- 1993, Hindu Renaissance Award as "Hindu of the Year" (Hinduism Today)[118]
- 1998, Care & Share International Humanitarian of the Year Award (Chicago)[citation needed]
- 2002, Karma Yogi of the Year (Yoga Journal)[119]
- 2002, Gandhi-King Award for Non-Violence by The World Movement for Nonviolence (UN, Geneva)[120][121]
- 2005, Mahavir Mahatma Award (London)[122]
- 2005, Centenary Legendary Award of the International Rotarians (Cochin)[123]
- 2006, James Parks Morton Interfaith Award (New York)[124]
- 2006, The Philosopher Saint Sri Jnaneswara World Peace Prize (Pune)[125]
- 2007, Le Prix Cinéma Vérité (Cinéma Vérité, Paris)[126]
- 2010, The State University of New York awarded Amma an honorary doctorate in humane letters on 25 May 2010 at its Buffalo campus.[127]
- 2012, Amma featured in the Watkins' list of the top 100 most spiritually influential living people in the world.[128]
- 2013, Awarded first Vishwaretna Purskar (Gem of the Word Award) by Hindu Parliament on 23 April 2013 at Thiruvananthapuram (India)[129]
- 2013, Awarded proclamation on behalf of the State of Michigan to Amma commemorating Amma's 60th birthday, the official proclamation describes Amma as a true citizen of the world and recognizes Amma's charitable works worldwide.
- 2014, Chosen as one among the 50 most powerful women religious leaders by The Huffington Post.[130]
- In 2014, Mata Amritanandamayi had refused to accept the Padma awards of 2014.[131][132]
- 2018, Felicitated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for largest contribution to the Government of India's Clean India Campaign Swachh Bharat Mission[133]
- 2019, Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Mysore[134]
- 2023, Chair, Civil 20, an official Engagement Groups of the G20[135][136]
Positions[edit | edit source]
- Founder and chairperson, Mata Amṛtānandamayī Math
- Founder, Embracing the World[137]
- Chancellor, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University[138]
- Founder, Amrita Vidyalayam schools
- Founder, Amrita Hospitals (Kochi & Faridabad)[139][140]
- Parliament of the World's Religions, International Advisory committee member[141]
- President Swami Vivekananda's 150th birth anniversary celebration committee, India[142]
- Member, Elijah Interfaith Institute Board of World Religious Leaders[143]
- Chairperson,Civil 20 (engagement group of G20 India) 2022–2023[144]
Publications and documentaries[edit | edit source]
Amṛtānandamayī's disciples have transcribed her conversations with devotees and spiritual seekers to create approximately a dozen books of her teachings known as Awaken Children. The addresses she has delivered at various international forums have also been published in book form. Beginning in April 2011, a bi-weekly message from Amṛtānandamayī has appeared in the Lifestyle section of the Express Buzz Sunday supplement of the New Indian Express newspaper. She also writes a regular blog in the spiritual publication The Speaking Tree.
She has been featured in various documentaries and films:
- 1999 River of Love: A Documentary Drama on the Life of Ammachi
- 2000 Louis Theroux's Weird Weekends – "Indian Gurus" (BBC-TV)
- 2005 Darshan: The Embrace – directed by Jan Kounen
- 2007 In God's Name – directed by Jules and Gédéon Naudet
- 2015 Un plus une – directed by Claude Lelouch starring Jean Dujardin and Elsa Zylberstein
- 2016 Science of Compassion – a Documentary on Amma, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi — directed by Shekhar Kapur[145]
See also[edit | edit source]
Notes[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Linda Woodhead (January 2002). Religions in the Modern World: Traditions and Transformations. Psychology Press. p. 35. ISBN 978-0-415-21783-5. Retrieved 26 March 2014.
A more modern phenomenon is women who are believed to embody the highest godhead. Instances are Anandamayi Ma (1896–1982), highly regarded by many important Indians; Ammachi, Amritanandamayi Ma (1954), who touches and blesses individually vast crowds of devotees
- ↑ "Mata Amritanandamayi Receives Honorary Doctorate From University of Mysore". The Star of Mysore. Retrieved 29 June 2019.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Perez, Zaira (14 June 2018). "Indian Hugging Saint Opens Arms for Denton Next Week". Denton Chronicle. Denton, Texas. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
- ↑ "Honorary doctorate for Amritanandamayi, Tiptur seer". The Hindu. 15 March 2019. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
- ↑ "Mata Amritanandamayi felicitated by PM Narendra Modi for her support to Swachh Bharat". 3 October 2018. Retrieved 19 January 2024.
- ↑ amrita (24 April 2013). "Vishwaretna puraskar presented to Amma by Hindu Parliament". Online with Amma. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
- ↑ Cornell, Judith (2001). Amritanandamayi: Healing the Heart of the World. New York: HarperCollins.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Amsden, David (16 August 2012). "The Hugging Saint". Rolling Stone. p. 2. Archived from the original on 22 January 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
- ↑ Amritanandamayichi – A Biography of Mata Amritanandamayi by Swami Amritaswarupananda, ISBN 1-879410-60-5
- ↑ "The Humanitarian Initiatives of Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Mata Amritanandamayi Math)" (PDF). embracing the world. p. 7. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 September 2012.
I don't see if it is a man or a woman. I don't see anyone different from my own self. A continuous stream of love flows from me to all of creation. This is my inborn nature. The duty of a doctor is to treat patients. In the same way, my duty is to console those who are suffering.
- ↑ Millions flock to India's hugging guru. Thestar.com.my. Retrieved on 24 June 2011.
- ↑ On 6 May 1981, "with a view to preserving and propagating the ideals and teachings of the Holy Mother, the Mātā Amṛtānandamayī Math and Mission Trust was founded and registered under the Travancore-Cochin State Literary and Charitable Act of 1955, at Kollam, Kerala, South India." Amritanandamayichi – A Biography of Mata Amritanandamayi by Swami Amritaswarupananda, ISBN 1-879410-60-5
- ↑ (Amma's Charities). Embracing the World. Retrieved on 24 June 2011.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 Kuruvilla, Carol (15 November 2014). "This Week In Pictures: Faith In Practice Around The World, November 9–15". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 10 January 2015.
- ↑ rediff.com: The Rediff Interview/Mata Amritanandmayi. Im.rediff.com (2 August 2002). Retrieved on 24 June 2011.
- ↑ "rediff.com: The Rediff Interview/Mata Amritanandamayi". rediff.com.
- ↑ "'Amma' in Australia: India's hugging saint spreads love down under". BBC News. 24 April 2012.
- ↑ "Guru fights world's 'poverty of love,' one hug at a time". CNN. 22 August 2007.
- ↑ Gladwin Emmanuel (6 March 2020). "Coronavirus scare: Daily darshan stopped at Amritanandamayi Math in Kerala". Bangalore Mirror. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
- ↑ "Coronavirus in India: Mata Amritanandamai's darshan's stopped at Kerala ashram". Hindustan Times. 6 March 2020. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
- ↑ Staff Reporter (6 March 2020). "COVID-19 | Amritanandamayi stops darshan at Kerala ashram". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 The Timeless Path by Swami Ramakrishnananda, ISBN 978-1-879410-46-6
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 Lead Us to the Light: A Collection of Mata Amritanandamayi's Teachings Compiled by Swami Jnanamritananda
- ↑ "The goal of all religions is one—purification of the human mind." ("Living in Harmony" By Mata Amritanandamayi)
- ↑ "rediff.com: The Rediff Interview/Mata Amritanandmayi". rediff.com. Retrieved 7 October 2015.
- ↑ Amritanandamayi, Mata (29 December 2016). "Making Spacew in Our Hearts for Others". Thrive Global. Retrieved 2 July 2019.
- ↑ Amritanandamayi, Mata (26 February 2017). "Unity in Diversity". Thrive Global. Retrieved 2 July 2019.
- ↑ Amritanandamayi, Mata (3 June 2017). "Our Responsibility to Our Mother". Thrive Global. Retrieved 2 July 2019.
- ↑ Amritanandamayi, Mata (10 November 2017). "Desegregating Science & Spirituality". Thrive Global. Retrieved 2 July 2019.
- ↑ Amritanandamayi, Mata (26 August 2017). "The World Needs Motherhood". Thrive Global. Retrieved 2 July 2019.
- ↑ Philip, Shaju (3 December 2014). "Amritanandamayi Meets Pope Francis in Vatican". The Indian Express. Thiruvananthapuram. Retrieved 2 July 2019.
- ↑ Hooper, John (2 December 2014). "Pope and Welby Joined by Imams and Rabbis for Anti-Slavery Declaration". The Guardian. Vatican City. Retrieved 2 July 2019.
- ↑ "World Religious Leaders' Meet Ends in Abu Dhabi". The New Indian Express. Bengaluru. 21 November 2018. Retrieved 2 July 2019.
- ↑ "Reduce divide between science, spirituality: Amritanandamayi". Business Standard. Press Trust of India. 9 July 2015.
- ↑ "Bridge Gap Between Science, Spirituality". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 15 July 2015.
- ↑ McGregor, Gretchen Kusuma, "In the Shelter of Her Arms," 2012, MA Center, page 199. "It's hard to imagine, but now, in 2012, Amma has recorded well over 1,000 songs in 35 languages."
- ↑ Awaken, Children, Volume 2: Dialogues with Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi
- ↑ For My Children: The Teachings of Her Holiness, Sri Mata Amritanandmayai Devi, page 70
- ↑ "About Amma". www.embracingtheworld.org. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
- ↑ "About Us: Who We Are". www.embracingtheworld.org. Embracing the World. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
Embracing the World is a global network of regional humanitarian organizations inspired by the India-based humanitarian initiatives of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math.
- ↑ "PM Narendra Modi lauds contributions of Mata Amritanandamayi". Financial Express. Kollam. 27 September 2016. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
- ↑ "About Us: Who We Are". www.embracingtheworld.org. Embracing the World. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
Embracing the World exists to help alleviate the burden of the world's poor through helping to meet each of their five basic needs – food, shelter, healthcare, education, and livelihood – wherever and whenever possible. We are especially focused on helping to meet these needs in the aftermath of major disasters.
- ↑ 43.0 43.1 Halpern, Jake (26 May 2013). "An Empire Built on Hugs". The New York Times=. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
- ↑ "APN News". Mumbai. 27 February 2019. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
- ↑ Prasanna, Laxmi (18 December 2016). "Humanitarian Connect Led Robotics Research at Amrita University". The Times of India. Kollam, Kerala. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
- ↑ Puri, Nikita (22 September 2017). "Meet Mata Amritanandamayi, Spiritual Guru And Pusher of Innovation". The Business Standard. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
- ↑ Rosenfeld, David (21 June 2018). "Famed spiritual leader Amma visits Los Angeles for three days of hugs and devotion". The Beach Reporter. Los Angeles. Retrieved 28 June 2018.
- ↑ "World Water Day: Over One Lakh Villagers in Kerala Receive Clean Drinking Water;". The Times of India. Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. 22 March 2018. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
- ↑ "Amritanandamayi Math to Gift 100 Houses to Poor". The New Indian Express. Kollam, Kerala. 26 September 2016. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
- ↑ "President Ram Nath Kovind to Unveil Charity Projects of Math on October 8". The Deccan Chronicle. India. 29 September 2017. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
- ↑ "Meet the Hugging Saint Who has Cuddled 20 Million People". The Mirror. London. 23 October 2009. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
- ↑ "About Amrita Hospital". www.amritahospitals.org. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
Founded in 1998 by Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (known worldwide as AMMA), Amrita Hospital offers a full range of primary and specialty care medical services, with cross-specialty consultation. Amma's vision of providing advanced medical care to the poor and disadvantaged was the inspiration for Amrita Hospital, which today is a 1100-bed (490 units) tertiary referral and teaching hospital, serving more than 10 lakh outpatients and more than 70,000 inpatients annually.
- ↑ "UN Recognises Spiritual Leader". The Financial Express. 2 March 2003. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
- ↑ "Haryana CM Lays Foundation Stone for 2000-Bed Hospital in Faridabad". The Economic Times. Faridabad. 9 May 2016. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
- ↑ "APN News". Mumbai. 27 February 2019. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
- ↑ "Haryana CM Lays Foundation Stone for 2000-Bed Hospital in Faridabad". The Economic Times. Faridabad. 9 May 2016. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
- ↑ "President Ram Nath Kovind lauds Kerala harmony". The Deccan Chronicle. India. 9 October 2017. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
- ↑ "PM Modi inaugurates Amrita Hospital in Faridabad, India's largest private hospital". 24 August 2022.
- ↑ "Mata Amritanandamayi Math Extends Help to Sivakasi Victims". The Times of India. Coimbatore. 24 September 2012. Retrieved 1 July 2019.
- ↑ "Mata Amritanandamayi Receives Doctorate From University of Mysore". United News of India. Kollam. 23 March 2019. Retrieved 1 July 2019.
- ↑ "Lifetime Pensions For 100,000 Widows, People With Disabilities And Women in Poverty". www.embracingtheworld.org. Embracing the World. Retrieved 1 July 2019.
Since 1998, we have provided monthly pensions for widows and other women in poverty. In 2006, the project was expanded to benefit the physically and mentally challenged and now serves a total of 100,000 beneficiaries. ... Recognizing that disability and/or the loss of a family member can consign those in the developing world to a lifetime of hardship, our pensions have no expiration date—they are given for life..
- ↑ Pandya, Samta P. (2019). Faith Movements and Social Transformation: Guru Charisma in Contemporary India. Springer. p. 119. ISBN 978-981-13-2822-0. Retrieved 1 July 2019.
- ↑ "Man's Ego Is a Horse Without Reins". Outlook. 22 December 2017. Retrieved 1 July 2019.
- ↑ "NIRF Ranking 2023 Updates: List of best colleges, universities in India". The Indian Express. 5 June 2023. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
- ↑ "AVV Ranks 8th at NIRF". The Daily Pioneer. 11 April 2018. Retrieved 2 July 2019.
- ↑ "Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham among 13 to get IoE status". Deccan Herald. 3 August 2019. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
- ↑ Puri, Nikita (22 September 2017). "Meet Mata Amritanandamayi, Spiritual Guru And Pusher of Innovation". The Business Standard. Retrieved 2 July 2019.
- ↑ "APN News". Mumbai. 27 February 2019. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
- ↑ "Cyclone-Hit Filipino Students Graduate with Mata Aid". The Deccan Chronicle. Kochi. 18 May 2018. Retrieved 2 July 2019.
- ↑ Ramanathan, Chathapuram S.; Juvva, Srilatha; Dutta, Subhabrata; Khaja, Khadija (7 October 2016). Spirituality, Culture, and Development: Implications for Social Work. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 36. ISBN 978-1-4985-1967-0.
Since 2001, Amritanandamayi Math has been responding to a number of natural disasters, providing both immediate emergency relief and implementing a long-term rehabilitation program...
- ↑ "Amma to donate $2 mn to Philippines typhoon 'Haiyan' victims". www.dnaindia.com. 26 November 2013. Retrieved 29 June 2019.
- ↑ "India-Based Group Donates $1M to Yolanda Victims". GMA News Online. 3 April 2014. Retrieved 29 June 2019.
- ↑ "Mata Amritanandamayi Donates $1 Million for Tsunami Victims of Japan". Times of India. 11 July 2011. Retrieved 29 June 2019.
- ↑ "What We've Achieved". www.embracingtheworld.org. Retrieved 29 June 2019.
75 million in disaster relief since 2004
- ↑ "Indian spiritual leader, Amma, visits Denmark to give more hugs". CPH Post Online. Copenhagen. 15 October 2018. Retrieved 29 June 2019.
- ↑ Ramanathan, Chathapuram S.; Juvva, Srilatha; Dutta, Subhabrata; Khaja, Khadija (7 October 2016). Spirituality, Culture, and Development: Implications for Social Work. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 36. ISBN 978-1-4985-1967-0.
Amma's reconstruction of three villages in Bhuj following the Gujarat earthquake of 2001 made a huge impact on the people of Bhuj...
- ↑ Halpern, Jake (26 May 2013). "An Empire Built on Hugs". The New York Times. Retrieved 29 June 2019.
- ↑ "Amma Offers $1m for Katrina Victims". The Economic Times. Kollam. 24 September 2005. Retrieved 29 June 2019.
- ↑ 79.0 79.1 79.2 79.3 79.4 79.5 Amritaswarupananda Puri, Swami (2014). The Color of the Rainbow: Compassionate Leadership. M.A. Center. p. 60. ISBN 978-1-68037-146-8.
- ↑ "Amma, Embracing the World". City Life. 12 August 2011. Retrieved 29 June 2019.
- ↑ "Amritanandamayi Donates $1 Million to Japan Tsunami Victims". The Hindu. Hyderabad. 26 July 2011. Retrieved 29 June 2019.
- ↑ Amritaswarupananda Puri, Swami (2014). The Color of the Rainbow: Compassionate Leadership. M.A. Center. p. 60. ISBN 978-1-68037-146-8.
- ↑ "$1-m Donated to Haiyan Victims". The Hindu Business Line. Thiruvananthapuram. 3 April 2014. Retrieved 29 June 2019.
- ↑ "AIMS to Send Relief Team to Nepal". The New Indian Express. Kochi. 1 May 2015. Retrieved 29 June 2019.
- ↑ "Kollam Fire Tragedy: Ban Firecrackers in Temple Festivals, Says Mata Amritanandamayi". India.com. Kollam. 10 April 2016. Retrieved 29 June 2019.
- ↑ "Quenching Thirst of Body and Soul: Amma Returns to New England June 28 & 29". India New England. Marlborough, MA. 24 May 2018. Archived from the original on 29 June 2019. Retrieved 29 June 2019.
- ↑ "Mata Amritanandamayi Math Donates Rs 2 Crore to Ockhi Fund". The Business Standard. Thiruvananthapuram. 12 February 2018. Retrieved 29 June 2019.
- ↑ "Mata Amritanandamayi Announces Rs 10 Crore for Chief Minister's Disaster Relief Fund". The New Indian Express. Thiruvananthapuram. 17 August 2018. Retrieved 29 June 2019.
- ↑ "Kerala rains: Amritanandamayi Mutt announces Rs 1 lakh to kin of dead". The Week. Kerala. 16 August 2019. Retrieved 18 August 2019.
- ↑ "Can't Rule Out Terror Hit on West Coast: Rajnath Singh". The Times of India. Kollam. 28 September 2019. Retrieved 5 October 2019.
- ↑ "Can $15m worth of toilets finally clean up the Ganges?". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
- ↑ PTI. "Mata Amritanandamayi Pledges RS Crore for sanitation work in Kerala". The Economic Times. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
- ↑ "35,000 bags of garbage collected in Sabarimala clean-up". IBN Live. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
- ↑ "Amritanandamayi Madhom to clean up Sabarimala". The Hindu. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
- ↑ "Amritanandamayi math to take part in cleanliness". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 3 October 2015. Retrieved 2 October 2015.
- ↑ "Sabarimala clean-up: 35,000 bags of garbage collected". Retrieved 2 October 2015.
- ↑ Mass Publicationas, Kollam, Kerala, revised edn. (The Malayalam language subtitle is "Divya Kathakalum Yatharthyavum".)
- ↑ "Report that Suspicious Deaths at Amritanandamayi Math Are Growing", Deshabhimani, 9 August 2002.
- ↑ "Report that Suspicious Deaths at Amritanandamayi Math Are Growing Was Incorrect", Deshabhimani, 24 September 2002, p. 6.
- ↑ "Rationalist association leader to be prosecuted". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 28 January 2004. Archived from the original on 18 February 2004. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
- ↑ "Move to prosecute rationalist leader criticised". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 29 January 2004. Archived from the original on 4 June 2004. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
- ↑ "The People's Paper". Tehelka. 30 June 2007. Archived from the original on 19 April 2012. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
- ↑ "Tehelka – The People's Paper". tehelka.com. Archived from the original on 17 January 2008.
- ↑ "News, What's happening in kerala". Malayalam.webdunia.com. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
- ↑ "Withdraw Controversial Book on Mata Amritanandamayi". The New Indian Express. 25 February 2014. Archived from the original on 2 March 2014. Retrieved 26 March 2014.
- ↑ "Amritanandamayi scandal: Kerala leaders break silence on book". Firstpost India. 22 February 2014. Retrieved 26 March 2014.
- ↑ "Rumpus in the ashram". Archived from the original on 5 March 2014. Retrieved 26 April 2014.
- ↑ "Mata Amritanandamayi Refutes All Allegations". The New Indian Express. 23 February 2014. Archived from the original on 17 May 2014. Retrieved 13 April 2014.
- ↑ "My life is an open book, says Mata". The Hindu. 23 February 2014. Retrieved 13 April 2014.
- ↑ "Mata Amritanandamayi says the institution was an 'open book', dismisses allegations". IBN. Archived from the original on 1 March 2014. Retrieved 13 April 2014.
- ↑ Raghunath, Rashmi (16 April 2014). "Sneham Matram". Grihalakshmi: 21.
അമ്മയ്ക്ക് ആ മോളോട് ഇപ്പോഴും നിറഞ്ഞ സ്നേഹമേയുള്ളൂ. നന്മയുണ്ടാകട്ടെ, നല്ലതുവരട്ടെ എന്നു പ്രാർത്ഥിക്കുന്നു. കാലം സത്യം തെളിയിക്കും.
- ↑ "Amritanandamayi unhurt in attack". Rediff.com. Retrieved 8 August 2012.
- ↑ "Assault attempt on Kerala preacher". www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
- ↑ Padanna, Ashraf. "Mata Forgives Attacker; disciples see larger design". Gulf Today. Archived from the original on 5 October 2018. Retrieved 3 September 2012.
- ↑ "Amritanandamayi unfazed by attack, to continue with darshan". Retrieved 3 September 2012.
- ↑ Devasia, T. K. (7 August 2012). "Kerala orders Crime Branch probe into Bihar youth's death". Khaleej Times. Archived from the original on 14 January 2021. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
- ↑ South Asia | Devotees flock to hug Indian guru. BBC News (24 September 2003). Retrieved on 24 June 2011.
- ↑ [1] Hinduism Today, 1993 Year in Review
- ↑ Catalfo, Phil. (10 September 2001) The 2002 Karma Yoga Awards Archived 23 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Yoga Journal. Retrieved on 24 June 2011.
- ↑ The World Council of Religious Leaders Archived 23 May 2010 at the Wayback Machine. Millenniumpeacesummit.com (4 April 2000). Retrieved on 24 June 2011.
- ↑ The future of this planet depends on the women (Gandhi-King United Nations 2002)
- ↑ Home Archived 14 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Nonduality.com. Retrieved on 24 June 2011.
- ↑ http://www.hinduismtoday.com/modules/xpress/2005/02/page/2/ [dead link]
- ↑ ICNY Archived 28 August 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Interfaithcenter.org. Retrieved on 24 June 2011.
- ↑ Amma Awarded Sant Jnaneshwara World Peace Prize @ Amritapuri.org Archived 8 May 2010 at the Wayback Machine. Archives.amritapuri.org (31 January 2006). Retrieved on 24 June 2011.
- ↑ Entertainment | Film award honours 'hug guru'. BBC News (13 October 2007). Retrieved on 24 June 2011.
- ↑ International Humanitarian Amma Receives SUNY Honorary Degree at UB – UB NewsCenter. Buffalo.edu (26 May 2010). Retrieved on 24 June 2011.
- ↑ Watkins' Spiritual 100 List for 2012 Archived 3 June 2013 at the Wayback Machine, Mind Body Spirit, Feb 2012
- ↑ "Vishwaretna puraskar presented to Amma by Hindu Parliament". amritapuri.org. 24 April 2013.
- ↑ Blumberg, Antonia (8 March 2014). "50 Powerful Women Religious Leaders To Celebrate on International Women's Day". Huffington Post. Archived from the original on 9 March 2014. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
- ↑ "Ramdev not considered for Padma award, RTI reveals". The Hindu. 12 May 2015. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 25 January 2025.
- ↑ "Ramdev was not considered for Padma awards: RTI response". The Times of India. 12 May 2015. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 25 January 2025.
- ↑ "Mata Amritanandamayi felicitated by PM Narendra Modi for her support to Swachh Bharat". New Indian Express, 3 October 2018. 3 October 2018.
- ↑ [2]. The Times of India. Retrieved on 20 June 2019.
- ↑ "Mata Amritanandamayi appointed chair of Civil 20". The Times of India. 27 October 2022. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
- ↑ "Mata Amritanandamayi appointed as Chair of C20". The Hindu. 25 October 2022. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
- ↑ "Who we are". Embracing the World. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
- ↑ "About Amma". Amrita.edu. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
- ↑ "Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre | AIMS Hospital, Kochi, Kerala, India". Aimshospital.org. Archived from the original on 18 October 2010. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
- ↑ "Amrita Hospital Faridabad Doctors Shine In Stanford s 2023 Top 2 Scientists List". BW Defence. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
- ↑ "ABOUT US / Honorary International Advisors | Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions". Parliamentofreligions.org. Archived from the original on 28 June 2012. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
- ↑ "Истёк срок регистрации доменаrucracida1987.xyz" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 9 January 2013.
- ↑ Alon Goshen-Gottstein, PhD (22 May 2007). "Elijah Interfaith: Board of World Religious Leaders". elijah-interfaith.org.
- ↑ Alon THE HINDU BUREAU (25 October 2022). "Mata Amritanandamayi appointed as Chair of C20". The Hindu.
- ↑ "Science of Compassion - a Documentary on Amma, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi". YouTube. Shekhar Kapur. 26 May 2016.
References[edit | edit source]
- Amma: Healing the Heart of the World by Judith Cornell, (William Morrow & Company, ISBN 0-688-17079-X)
- Messages from Amma: In the Language of the Heart by Janine Canan (Ten Speed Press, ISBN 1-58761-214-3)
- Getting to Joy: A Western Householder's Spiritual Journey with Amma (Mata Amritanandamayi) by Karuna Poole (Shantini Center, ISBN 0-9643629-2-9)
Further reading[edit | edit source]
- Lucia, Amanda (2014). Reflections of Amma: Devotees in a Global Embrace. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press. ISBN 978-0-520-28113-4. An ethnographic account of North American devotees, from an academic perspective.
- Warrier, Maya (2005). Hindu Selves in a Modern World. London: Routledge Curzon. ISBN 978-0-415-33988-9. An analytical treatment of the movement, from an academic perspective.
