About Amma
Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, known as Amma, has dedicated her life to spreading a message of peace, tolerance and compassion. Amma has traveled the world for more than 35 years, inspiring thousands to follow in her path of service to society. Accessible to one and all, she has embraced more than 40 million people worldwide, and inspired a global volunteer-based humanitarian movement to help alleviate the burden of the poor and suffering.
Visionary
In one-on-one interactions, in her daily programs, and at international forums, Amma offers words of wisdom on the most pressing matters of our time. From climate change to terrorism, cross cultural tensions to poverty and women’s rights, Amma invites each of us to get involved in rebuilding a more caring society.
“Our efforts to remove hatred and indifference from the world begin by trying to remove them from our own mind.”
- Amma
Humanitarian Leader
Throughout her life, Amma has demonstrated a relentless commitment to alleviating the pain of the poor and those suffering physically and emotionally.
The power of her personal example has given rise to a global network of humanitarian organizations known collectively as Embracing the World.
Amma serves as Chair of M.A. Math, the India-based spiritual and humanitarian organization with Special Consultative Status to the United Nations. She is also the founder of the internationally acclaimed, humanitarian-focused Amrita Hospitals and Amrita University.
“It is one of our foremost duties to lovingly care for all living things.”
- Amma
Spiritual Teacher
Amma emphasizes spirituality as part of our path to happiness. She has engaged in meditation and other practices her entire life, so speaks from personal experience when advising others. Amma has created and inspired many practices relevant for our daily lives.
“Spirituality starts and end with compassion.”
- Amma
Amma’s Darshan
“When I embrace people, it is not just physical contact taking place. The love I feel towards all the creation flows towards each person ”
- Amma
Amma’s embrace, known as her darshan, is how Amma welcomes all those who come to her. During this hug, one can experience her unconditional love. Amma has given this motherly embrace to more than 40 million people throughout the world.
Milestones
1970
1981
1987
1989
1995
1998
2002
2003
2005
2014
2016
2018
2021
2023
Amma’s Life
Amma was born in 1953 into a fishing family in Kerala, India. From a very young age, Sudhamani, as Amma was called then, would meditate for hours without anyone teaching her…
Awards & Honors
Amma has received many international honors and awards including the Gandhi-King Award for Non-violence (UN, 2002), honouring her contributions to spread world peace and harmony.
World Tours
The vast majority of Amma’s time is dedicated to her personal encounters with people from across the world. Since 1987, Amma has traveled around the globe to personally meet people across six continents.
Experience Amma's message in your own life
Learn meditation and other practices
Find a centre or group
Explore Amma's wisdom
Her teachings are for everyone.
Amma is the embodiment of pure love. Her presence heals.
