Enjoying Ammachi's Annual Visit

from the events page www.compassionateseattle.org:

Amma which means mother, is famous for her unique ability to sit for as long as 22 hours to receive anyone who comes to her.  She has traveled the world hugging people for 26 years and literally embraced more than 30million people.  The CBS TV Primetime Special, "In God’s Name" profiled Amma as one the world’s twelve most influential religious leaders.  Amma says that she is trying to awaken the qualities of love and compassion, which she feels are essential for world peace and harmony
June 3  DEVI BHAVA - A celebration devoted to world peace   Program begins at 7:00 pm with a spiritual discourse (satsang) by Amma, followed by a puja (ceremony and meditation for peace), followed by unique time with Amma in the tradition of the Divine Mother. Darshan ("blessing") begins around 9:00pm and live music is played throughout the night while Amma gives darshan to every individual who comes to her. The program concludes the morning of June 4.

and from a post on www.gracefloweressences.com:

"... Amma, is a Divine Incarnation, and embodiment of the Divine Mother. She has an ashram in Kerala, India, and travels the world giving darshan, or spiritual blessings. Amma darshan is like seeing hundreds of grown ups going to see Santa Claus. People sit and wait in line for their turn as Amma takes everyone up in her lap and hugs them. ... "

Well, I never thought of it that way, but the mood fits a group of people waiting for Santa Claus . . .

it is always magical time, people of all ages from babes in arms to elderly in wheelchairs, all colors, and from conversations all religions - this year a sat with a woman who was leaving for a traditional family values Christian retreat right after her hug from Amma, she hadn't planned to see her, but was attending another conference in the hotel where Amma's program was being held. . . she felt called.

Amma started out by saying how happy she was looking out on her rainbow children  . . .

A warm, unifying, peaceful inspiring evening . . . many blessings . . . gluten free brownies, gluten free quinoa wraps. . . Amma hugs. . . chanting. . . meditation  . . . sharing stories. . . even shopping. . .

When things ended around 3 am, I got on the freeway. . . there was only one truck just in front of me. . . and big red letters on the back of it: OM.