- Article
- Comments ()
- Videos
COCHIN, India -- California businessman Stephen Parr has traveled a long way for a hug.
Mr. Parr is one of hundreds of thousands of people who flocked to a sports stadium in southern India this week seeking spiritual fulfillment in the arms of religious leader Mata Amritanandamayi, a Hindu woman who hugs her devotees. Her followers claim she has given 30 million hugs in 30 years.
Amritanandamayi, known by her followers as "Amma," which means "mother" in many Indian languages, is marking her 50th birthday with a four-day celebration that started Wednesday.
Amritanandamayi chants the name of the Hindu deity Krishna on a stage as her devotees sit cross-legged, singing songs from different religions, in which the name of a god is not specified.
Among the participants Wednesday was Yolanda King, daughter of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King.
"The most profound thing about her is she doesn't preach from the platform of one religion. She touches everybody. So Christians love her, Muslims love her, everybody loves her," Mrs. King said in an interview.
Organizers estimated that half a million people attended the celebrations looking for spiritual transformation and encouragement to help those less fortunate.
The activities included forums on conflict resolution, interfaith dialogue and peace building -- and lots of hugs.
"Outsiders might find it crazy. But those who have experienced her hug know that they go back transformed," said Mr. Parr, 50, who runs a film archive in San Francisco.
Post a comment
There are comments on this article, submit your opinion!
If you feel there is still something worth mentioning about this entry please contact the author or the site admin.