Boston, MA -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/03/2012 -- World-renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma) will conclude her 26th summer tour of the US at the Best Western Royal Plaza and Trade Center, Marlborough, MA with programs from July 14-17th.

Amma meaning mother, is famous for her unique practice of receiving all who come to her with a compassionate embrace. To date, Amma has hugged 32 million people in 20 countries around the world. The CBS TV Primetime Special, "In God's Name" profiled Amma as "one the twelve most influential religious leaders in the world."

Amma says that she is trying to awaken love and compassion, qualities that she feels are essential for world peace and harmony. "In today's world, people experience two types of poverty: the poverty caused by lack of food, clothing and shelter, and the poverty caused by lack of love and compassion," Amma says. "Of these two, the second type needs to be considered first because if we have love and compassion in our hearts, then we will wholeheartedly serve those who suffer from lack of food, clothing and shelter."

"Mata Amritanandamayi Math's mission of education, healthcare and rural development in an integrated way always inspires me." Indian President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

"Amma has done more work than many governments have ever done for their people... her contribution is enormous." Prof. Muhammad Yunus, 2006 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate

Amma's humanitarian projects network Embracing the World, active in 30 countries, has developed a reputation for outstanding disaster-relief work and humanitarian activities. The United Nations conferred "Special Consultative Status" to Embracing the World's India-based organization (MAM)

Amma emerged as a global figure in disaster-relief in 2004 and has since donated over $50 million in relief and ground zero support to victims of the Japanese Tsunami, the earthquake in Haiti, floods in Bihar, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in India and the devastating South India tsunami. Her efforts made headlines on World News Tonight with Peter Jennings, BBC News and in The New York Times. Amma gave $1 million to the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund and in 2012 traveled to Japan to personally console survivors of the devastating tsunami and donated $1million USD for the education of children who lost both their parents http://www.embracingtheworld.org/what-we-do/disaster-relief/japan-relief/

Dr. Steven C. Rockefeller, PhD said, "When I think of Amma and her life of devotion and service, I see a shinning example for all of us of the spirit, reverence, compassion and care."

Programs include spiritual talks, devotional singing and the opportunity to receive Amma's darshan --a blessing in the form of a personal embrace. Free Programs are offered Saturday, July 14 at 10:00 am and 7:30 pm and Tuesday, July 17 at 7:00 pm. Pre-registration is required for a Retreat with Amma on July 15 -17. All programs will be held at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel & Trade Center, 181 Boston Post Rd. West, Marlborough, MA. For more information, visit: www.ammanewengland.org

Numbered tokens for individual blessings are distributed one hour before programs begin. Tokens are limited by time constraints.

On-Line Press Resources Available: fact sheet, bio, humanitarian-educational projects, photos, quotes, videos .

Media Contact:
vino_gupta@yahoo.com
617-285-8358
http://www.Amma.org

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Free public programs June 15–16. The June 15 program will be one continuous session beginning at 11 am, running into the evening. On June 16, the morning program begins at 10:00. And the evening session begin at 7:30. Programs take place at the Hilton LAX, 5711 West Century Blvd 90045

Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/13/2012 -- Reputed as a tireless humanitarian, Mata Amritanandamayi, better known as "Amma" visits the Bay Area, offering free public programs June 15 and 16 as part of an 10-city U.S. tour, where she will receive thousands with her blessing—a healing embrace. http://www.amma.org Free Public Programs Hilton LAX, 5711 West Century Blvd 90045.

Considered a living saint in her homeland of India, Amma, 58, has gained an extraordinary reputation over the past 35 years because of her extensive charitable institutions and personal outreach. The recipient of numerous humanitarian awards, Amma, who sleeps only a couple hours per day, teaches by the example of her own life, which is dedicated to selfless social service. Though Amma does not espouse any particular religion, she has been ranked among the 12 most influential contemporary religious leaders, including Pope Benedict XVI, the Dalai Lama, the Grand Rabbi of Jerusalem, the Grand Ayatollah, and the Archbishop of Canterbury. Amma is the only woman in the group.

"Mata Amritanandamayi … is fast becoming a world-renowned spiritual leader like Mother Teresa or Mohandas Gandhi." —Reuters News

It is expected that Amma will receive thousands for darshan, a Sanskrit term meaning an "audience in the presence of a holy person." In a significant departure from ancient tradition, particularly for a woman, Amma's darshan consists of a tender embrace. She has been expressing her compassion this way since she was a teen, giving an estimated 32 million hugs. In India, vast crowds usually assemble to the point where Amma may receive and hug over 40,000 people individually in a continuous sitting. She never turns anyone away nor charges any money. The international press has dubbed her "the Hugging Saint."

Humanitarian institutions: "Compassion to the poor is our duty to God" www.EmbracingTheWorld.org

With official NGO status granted by the United Nations, Amma oversees a vast network of volunteer humanitarian activities of three distinct types: 1) direct aid to the needy, 2) educational institutions designed to help the underprivileged learn to help themselves, and 3) social programs that serve broader society and the environment. The list of endeavors is remarkably long: 1,300-bed charitable hospitals, pensions for widows, building over 100,000 homes for the poor, orphanages, hospices, a wide array of subsidized schools, and Green Friends, an environmental youth program that annually plants over 150,000 tree saplings. Charitable activities are created rapidly around the world by volunteers.

Amma emerged as a leading figure in disaster relief following the devastating earthquakes that rocked the Gujarat region of India, where three razed villages were entirely rebuilt. In 2004, her efforts toward tsunami relief made international headlines, with over $50 million contributed. In the U.S., a million dollars was donated to the Bush–Clinton Katrina Fund. Relief has also gone to help survivors of deadly quakes in Peru, Haiti, and Japan, as well as flood disasters in Bengal, Bihar, Mumbai, and Karnataka.

Amma pledged $46 million to help tackle an alarming trend of suicides afflicting indebted farmers in parts of India. Caught in a vicious cycle of failing (genetically engineered) crops and aggressive moneylenders, thousands of farmers each year resort to suicide. In many cases, before taking their own lives, the farmers will also eliminate their entire families in a desperate attempt to shield them from the shame and harassment of debt collectors. "Suicide is never a way out; counseling and education could really help [the farmers] get through to the other side," says Amma.

Personal history
Born in 1953, the daughter of a poor fisherman in the Indian state of Kerala, Amma has heeded the call to help others since early childhood. At the age of 10, her schooling ended abruptly as she was forced into arduous family chores. Though frequently mistreated, it is said that Amma dwelt in constant remembrance of God and never complained, except when she adamantly refused her family's attempts to arrange her marriage.

A rare mystic at a young age, Amma began to attract crowds drawn to her God-intoxicated states and compassionate outreach. Confronting traditional religious culture, Amma drew criticism for her unconventional behavior, as there is no precedent for a single woman—even a holy woman—to embrace strangers. But Amma did not waver from her approach, and eventually former detractors became supporters. In later years Amma countered male-dominated religious custom in India by advocating for women to serve as priests in the temples. "Women too love God," Amma declared.

Unity of all great religions
Though born into the Hindu faith, Amma steadfastly supports all great religions, encouraging aspirants to go deeper into their own traditional paths. "There is no harm in having many religions and faiths," she says. "But it is harmful to think they are different, and that one faith is higher and another lower." In her speech at the U.N., Amma described the real source of historical world conflict as "lack of awareness of our true nature."

Recognition in the West
In 1993, Amma was a selected President at the Centenary Parliament of World Religions in Chicago and in 1995 was a keynote speaker at the United Nations 50th Anniversary Commemoration. At the invitation of U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan, Amma addressed the U.N. at The Millennium World Peace Summit in 2000 as part of a select delegation of "preeminent religious and spiritual leaders." In 2002, Amma was greeted by a roaring standing ovation at the U.N. in Geneva upon being recognized with the Gandhi–King Award for Non-Violence, previously granted to Nelson Mandela, Kofi Annan, and Dr. Jane Goodall.

Amma was the closing plenary speaker at the 2004 Parliament of the World's Religions in Barcelona, and in recognition of her efforts in disaster relief, received the James Parks Morton Interfaith Award along with Nobel Laureate Mohamed ElBaradei, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, and actor-activist Richard Gere. Past recipients include Bishop Desmond Tutu, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and President Bill Clinton.

Amma has received various commendations from U.S. cities as well as honorary doctorates.

PROGRAM INFO: Free public programs June 15–16. The June 15 program will be one continuous session beginning at 11 am, running into the evening. On June 16, the morning program begins at 10:00. And the evening session begin at 7:30. Programs take place at the Hilton LAX, 5711 West Century Blvd 9oo45

An intimate retreat with Amma takes place June 17–19 (preregistration is required; visit website) followed by a final free public program beginning at 7 p.m. on June 19.

In a time when newswires are dominated by stories of aggression and greed, it is inspiring to know there are stories of distinguished spiritual leaders such as the Dalai Lama, Mahatma Gandhi, and the late Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who remind us of what is beautiful about the human spirit.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Seattle, WA -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/24/2012 -- World-renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma) which means mother is famous for her unique practice of receiving all who come to her with a compassionate embrace. Amma has traveled the world hugging more than 30 million people in order to "awaken the qualities of love and compassion…essential for world peace and harmony. Her 2012 Summer Tour begins with free public programs on May 31 at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue, 98004.

Amma arrives in the Pacific Northwest after visiting Osaka and Tokyo, last year Amma donated $1K for the education children who lost both their parents in the devastating tsunami and personally consoled survivors. http://www.embracingtheworld.org/what-we-do/disaster-relief/japan-relief/

Embracing the World Amma's disaster-relief network active in 30 countries, has developed a reputation for being first on the scene and the last to leave - long after the spotlight has faded away. The United Nations conferred "Special Consultative Status" on the India-based organization because of their dual focus on rapid response and extensive long-term rehabilitation.

In 2004, Amma emerged as a global figure in disaster-relief, donating over $50 million in relief and ground zero support of victims of earthquakes in Peru and Haiti, floods in Northern India and the devastating South India tsunami. Her efforts made headlines on World News Tonight with Peter Jennings, BBC News and in The New York Times. In 2006, Amma gave $1 million to the Bush–Clinton Katrina Fund.

Amma was the closing plenary speaker at the 2004 Parliament of the World's Religions and in recognition of her efforts in disaster relief, received the James Parks Morton Interfaith Award along with Nobel Laureate Mohamed ElBaradei, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, and actor-activist Richard Gere. Past recipients include Bishop Desmond Tutu, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and President Bill Clinton. Amma has received various commendations from U.S. cities as well as honorary doctorates.

Media Coverage
Reuters "Mata Amritanandamayi … is fast becoming a world-renowned spiritual leader like Mother Teresa or Mohandas Gandhi."
Washington Post "Thousands seek the warm embrace of Amma"
CBS TV Primetime Special, "In God's Name" profiled Amma as one the world's twelve most influential religious leaders

Quotes By Others
Dr. Jane Goodall presented Amma with the 2002 Gandhi-King Award for Non-Violence at the United Nations. "She stands here in front of us, God's love in a human body" said Goodall
Dr. Steven C. Rockefeller, PhD said, "When I think of Amma and her life of devotion and service, I see a shinning example for all of us of the spirit, reverence, compassion and care."
Olara A. Otunnu, former President, UN Security Council; former Chairman, UN Human Rights Commission said, "I was very struck by how much of what is generated …benefits directly those in need. This is remarkable. It was very striking for me how she managed to get that formula right. She acts on the spontaneous and instinctive. And that has given a lot of speed and momentum, cut out the bureaucracy, and made it possible to inspire people and to move with them to actually provide timely and quality support to those in need. And I think international NGOs and UN agencies have something to learn from the work of Amma and what she has been able to build."

Quotes By Amma
"The need of the hour is to cultivate a society of good-hearted individuals"
"In today's world, people experience two types of poverty: the poverty caused by lack of food, clothing and shelter, and the poverty caused by lack of love and compassion," "Of these two, the second type needs to be considered first because if we have love and compassion in our hearts, then we will wholeheartedly serve those who suffer from lack of food, clothing and shelter."
"Love and compassion are the essence of all religions"

Pacific Northwest Programs include; spiritual talks, devotional singing and the opportunity to receive Amma's darshan —a spiritual blessing in the form of a physical motherly embrace.

Free Public Programs are offered Thursday May 31 at 10:00 am and 7:30 pm and Sunday June 3 at 7:00 pm. Pre-registration is required for a Retreat with Amma on June 1 -3. Info: http://seattlesatsang.amma.org/

Amma's ten-city 2012 tour also visits San Ramon, Los Angeles, Albuquerque, Dallas, Chicago, Washington D.C, New York City, Boston and Toronto from June 6 - July 22. http://www.amma.org

Press Resources Available On-Line: fact sheet, bio, humanitarian-educational projects, photos, quotes, videos

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Seattle, WA -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/01/2012 -- World-renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma) will begin her 26th summer tour of North America on May 31 at the Hyatt Regency, Bellevue. Amma which means mother is famous for her unique practice of receiving all who come to her with a compassionate embrace. She has traveled the world for 26 years and literally hugged more than 30 million people. The CBS TV Primetime Special, "In God's Name" profiled Amma as one the world's twelve most influential religious leaders. Amma says she is trying to awaken the qualities of love and compassion, which she feels are essential for world peace and harmony.

"In today's world, people experience two types of poverty: the poverty caused by lack of food, clothing and shelter, and the poverty caused by lack of love and compassion," "Of these two, the second type needs to be considered first because if we have love and compassion in our hearts, then we will wholeheartedly serve those who suffer from lack of food, clothing and shelter."

Dr. Jane Goodall, eminent primatologist presented Amma with the 2002 Gandhi-King Award for Non-Violence at the United Nations. "She stands here in front of us, God's love in a human body" said Goodall

In 2004, Amma emerged as a global figure in disaster-relief, donating over $50 million in relief and ground zero support of victims of earthquakes in Peru and Haiti, floods in Northern India and the devastating South India tsunami. Her efforts made headlines on World News Tonight with Peter Jennings, BBC News and in The New York Times. In 2006, Amma gave $1 million to the Bush–Clinton Katrina Fund. This year Amma traveled to Japan to personally console survivors of the devastating tsunami, and donated $1million USD for the education of children who lost both their parents.

Embracing the World Amma's disaster-relief network active in 30 countries, has developed a reputation for being first on the scene and the last to leave - long after the spotlight has faded away. The United Nations conferred "Special Consultative Status" on the India-based organization because of their dual focus on rapid response and extensive long-term rehabilitation.

Dr. Steven C. Rockefeller, PhD said, "When I think of Amma and her life of devotion and service, I see a shinning example for all of us of the spirit, reverence, compassion and care."

Pacific Northwest Programs include; spiritual talks, devotional singing and the opportunity to receive Amma's darshan —a spiritual blessing in the form of a physical motherly embrace. Free Programs are offered Thursday May 31 at 10:00 am and 7:30 pm and Sunday June 3 at 7:00 pm. Pre-registration is required for a Retreat with Amma on June 1 -3. More Info: http://seattlesatsang.amma.org/

Amma's ten-city tour also visits San Ramon, Los Angeles, Albuquerque, Dallas, Chicago, Washington D.C, New York City, Boston and Toronto from June 6 - July 22.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm