Happiness is a choice. Living Amma’s words, more than 10,000 people gathered over three days for her programs in Munich. Sometimes the hall rang with music and dance. Sometimes it stilled in silent prayers for world peace.
As Amma arrived on November 7th, devotees held arches of leaves and flowers to welcome her. The words “Danke Amma” (Thank you, Amma), and “Lokah Samasthah Sukhino Bhavantu”, (May All Beings be Happy), decorated Bavaria’s beautiful tradition.
In keeping, the women wore Dirndl—blouses, skirts, and aprons—and the men Lederhosen—pants paired with suspenders. A course of musicians played joyful folk music via violins, cello, and accordion.
For the crowds, their hearts opened at once, grateful for Amma’s divine presence after six long years of waiting. From different parts of the country, young to old, all under one roof, braving the cold just to experience the relief of coming home to her warm hands.
On the final evening, Amma conducted a special Ātma Pūjā for world peace and harmony. When she entered for the ceremony, devotees welcomed her with waving flashlights—tiny points of light moving across the vast hall like a galaxy of stars, symbolizing joy, hope, and the light of faith.
Amma said, “We should be lighting within our hearts the lamp of love and faith. Then the wars, violence, and conflicts won’t happen in the world.”
Among the distinguished guests who welcomed Amma to southern Germany were Ms. Lisa Paus, Member of the German Bundestag, former Minister for Family Affairs, Youth, and Senior Citizens; Mr. Thomas Schmauser, one of the country’s leading actors; and Ms. Tanja Seehofer, bestselling author and Yin Yoga ambassador.
Ms. Paus shared it was a great joy to be with Amma, someone whose heart radiates light during a time full of wars, crises and divisions throughout our world.
“We welcome a personality who has become a symbol of building bridges instead of deepening divides; a symbol showing paths toward the future instead of grieving over the past. A symbol of what love can make possible,” she said in her address.
“Some say that empathy is a weakness. Amma, you show us that empathy and humanity are the greatest strengths we human beings possess.”
Mr. Schmauser reflected a similar experience of how Amma is a living example that we can choose a life of happiness and love for others. Beautifully put, he shared his thoughts when he was going to be honoured with one of Germany’s most prestigious actor of the year awards that same evening.
“Actually, the award means almost nothing to me, because meeting Amma is so much more important. In any case, I can say that I would like to thank Amma from the bottom of my heart for the love she gives to all people like a gift,” he said.
“With every hug, in every moment—when you watch Amma, you can see it very clearly. Amma’s love works. It creates so many changes and helps so many people.”
Ms. Seehofer also expressed how Amma connects people worldwide through her universal motherliness. She thanked Amma for bringing the people of Munich together to experience how true love is nonjudgmental and extends to all of creation—the energy of the divine feminine.
“In her hugs, Amma gives us a loving warmth that comforts and touches our hearts. Let us find not only comfort and security in the outside world, but also within ourselves, so that we can find that source of inner peace. In this way, we can always maintain harmony within ourselves, regardless of external circumstances,” she said.
Brahmacharini Sandramrita Chaitanya shed some light on the bigger picture of who Amma is, however small a glimmer that may be. Born in France, she came to Amma at the age of 32 and for decades has made Amritapuri her home. Yet, as she explained, Amma remains a mystery.
“Just before the tour, we celebrated Amma’s 72nd birthday. For three days, Amma gave generously, as usual, and on the last day, she remained on stage for over 22 hours and gave darshan for 15 hours. The way Amma transcends the limits of the body always amazes us. This is because, unlike us, she knows that she is not the body,” Bri Sandramrita shared in her spiritual talk.
“By virtue of her realization that she is one with the universal consciousness, Amma sees herself in every being and every being in herself. This is the reason why Amma is able to love all of us equally. When you see yourself in every one, you can only love and serve others.”
Amma guided meditation, satsang, and bhajans, and, of course, gave darshan to all over the three days. Because of the healing power of a mother’s unwavering love, every hug, prayer, and smile seemed to be a blessing.
For the devotees in Munich, this visit was much more than a brief experience; it was the return of the peace, hope, and deep inner comfort that only Amma can provide for them.
