Reflections from our dear friend Dr. Suresh Subramani, immediate past Executive Vice Chancellor of the University of California San Diego and an esteemed Molecular Biologist, on our visit with Amma: 

Monday, February 6, early in the morning, I received a call saying that we should come a little earlier for the day in Chennai with Amma. They wanted me to receive the honor of putting a garland on Amma as soon as she arrived on the stage. This is a very special occasion so we got there by 10 o’clock for a program that was about to start at 11.

The organizers asked that four chairs in the waiting room adjacent to where Amma was to appear be positioned on the stage in front of the awaiting thousands of her followers. I was asked to place a Garland around Amma. This was an incredibly special occurrence, not just because it was the first personal public greeting to meet her directly, but it also gave us a chance to get the first hug of the day. They said two of the chairs were for us and of course I told him that we had two friends, Manny and Janice, and the main Swami who was there said “Of course,” that those other two chairs were for our friends. So before we knew it, we were sitting directly behind Amma, only 3 feet from her. This turned out to be a four hour program with Amma delivering a heartfelt inspirational speech followed by the finest musicians and singers and ending with a deep meditation.

Because we were sitting directly behind Amma we were seen on the big screens throughout the large halls. At one point Janice turned around and thought she recognized the woman on the large screen behind her with, incredibly, the same outfit she was wearing. It was, of course, her!

We were right there– we could be within a few feet of the beloved Amma. This was of course very special for Manny because he wanted to witness her spiritual aura. She maintains an energy level with hugging that goes on all night into the morning. It’s phenomenal and it’s just very moving. In fact, I had tears in my eyes through some of the music because it was just so emotionally overpowering. Manny will also write about his impression.

We had arrived at 10:00 and about 3 o’clock I gave Manny and Janice tokens. First, Manny was embraced by Amma, then she hugged Janice, and then the two of them together. Amma asked the four of us to sit right next to her and Manny was literally within a foot of her. He was at her feet: I was sitting right behind him, Janice was sitting next to Manny, and my wife Feroza next to me. This up close view was an exceptional location because you’re able to see Amma interacting with all of the people. She lovingly takes on the problems of the world one person at a time who are seeking her compassionate embrace the way a mother hugs her children. Her love erases their sorrows. It was just so beautiful to watch, but for the first time it was personally painful for me too… she was in great pain. Remember: she started in Salem two nights before and went all day. She hugs for 12 hours continuously. There were two people massaging her back and putting ice on her shoulders during this continuous hugging. Another person was massaging her feet but she seemed oblivious to the pain.

I asked Manny to send Amma some energy. Amazingly, at the very moment Manny said he sent her energy, she immediately turned around and smiled at him and this happened repeatedly another time and she gave Manny a special blessing. Then, a third time she extended her hand and he kissed her hand and it was just such a beautiful exchange between them, especially because this was Manny’s first meeting.

We arrived back to our place at about 7 o’clock after having had a fantastic day and this once-in-a-lifetime kind of opportunity. It was just so extraordinarily happy for Manny and Janice. Janice actually broke down in front of Amma out her love and joy to watch Manny’s experiences with Amma.

This was just today… There was more to come tomorrow. The same schedule, the same spiritual timeless moments to be with Amma.

Manny’s reflections on the power of Amma:

There was a comic book superhero called the Green Lantern. He would place his green ring into a lantern and take an oath:

In brightest day, in blackest night,
No evil shall escape my sight.
Let those who worship evil’s might
Beware my power–Green Lantern’s light!

Although Green Lantern is a fictional character, nothing about Amma is fictional, her deep abiding commitment to the human race is staggeringly bottomless. On the brightest day or on the blackest night, the heavens open up above Amma. From the happiest person to the most desperate soul; Amma serves as the “mother” to all who reach out to her. It’s a blessed sight to witness!

Destination Peace is about achieving a “global hug.” Our first stop with Amma was the best place to start on the road to peace among all peoples on this earth!