My Nonprofit Reviews

In 1990, my friend from yoga class invited me to meet an "Indian Saint" at a small gathering in Los Angeles. Dressed in a white sari, and sitting on the floor of a modest stage, was a humble woman who over the next twenty years has become the most inspiring person in my life. Amma selflessly offers love, compassion, guidance and help to millions of people. Her organization, the Mata Amritanandamayi Math, serves people in need throughout the world. In India, Amma has created many charities. She founded a state of the art hospital that gives excellent medical care to people irrespective of their financial status. The MA Math has pensions for widows, schools for children of all ages, vocational and higher education schools. Amma's organization runs an orphanage that provides a nurturing environment for children as well as giving them a good education and cultural and spiritual foundation. Under Amma's watchful eye, the MA Math, has an ayurvedic and acupuncture clinic, and also many centers and programs for spiritual study and practice throughout the world. When the tsunami hit, Amma pledged to raise 23 million dollars to rebuild homes and repair villages. In fact, she raised nearly double that amount. One of the most impressive and amazing characteristics of the MA Math is how frugal they are with the money raised to help others. Each person who serves Amma does so as a volunteer, and under Amma's loving and disciplined guidance, we are all inspired to do the very best work possible. Amma encourages her disciples to serve others, and in the United States, as a volunteer for "Mother's Kitchen, " I have had the opportunity to cook and serve meals for homeless men and women. I have also helped organize food for Amma's staff during her annual World Tour. I have had the privilege of gathering donations of food from farmers at the farmers' market in LA, as well as other organizations, who are so moved by Amma's work that they want to support her in whatever way possible. Amma developed a meditation technique, the Integrated Amrita Meditation, that is taught free of charge to those interested. I learned the technique when it was first offered, at a community house in Topanga, Los Angeles. This daily practice has helped me immensely. Four years ago, when my daughter died, my daily meditation was a life line. During the weeks after Michaela's death, I had little desire to live. I would begin meditating because it was my habit by then, and by the end of the meditation I felt calmer and less emotionally fragile and volatile. The meditation helps me to experience greater emotional perspective and my husband notices that I am more organized when I meditate. Amma sets a perfect example for us of someone who never thinks of Her own needs, but ALWAYS puts the needs and comfort of others first. During public programs, Amma sits for 10-24 hours at a time embracing all who come to see her. It is a blessing for me that She is alive at this time and that I have had the great fortune to spend time at her programs and help in the small ways I can. The greatest gift of all is how Amma's love opens the hearts of millions around the world, making the world more peaceful. Amma receives everyone with open arms and demands nothing in return. It is with the example of Amma's pure love, that all of her devotees around the world are inspired to help others and try to make a difference in the world during these times of great need!

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