In the West
 A western devotee
asked Amma , “ Amma how does it feel for you to be here in
the west, compared to being in India? There’s a big difference
isn't there?. Amma replied, “ The barrier created
by the body and the mind is the cause of all diversity. Amma doesn't
feel there is any difference. Though a flower is composed of many
petals, it is one flower. The human body consists of many parts,
and yet it is one body. In the same way, the world consists of many
different countries, cultures, languages races and people. But for
Amma there is just the world – there is only one".
At the invitation of some Western devotees, Amma first traveled
to the U.S. and Europe in 1987. As she was known by reputation in
only limited spiritual circles, her darshan
programs were often held in private homes attracting only dozens
of people, or a couple hundred at most. Gradually, as a result of
word-of-mouth, many thousands now see her at each stop. Amma routinely
makes a summer U.S. tour, followed by Europe in the Fall. An ashram
was founded in San Ramon, California in 1989 at the behest of her
western children who longed for a center to practice her teachings
and dedicate themselves to her mission. Since then several ashrams
and centers in N. America, Europe, Australia, S. America and Africa
have been established.
On a typical tour stop, Amma leads a brief morning meditation followed
by darshan late into the afternoon. In the evening, she returns
to give a satsang (inspiring talk) followed by bhajans (devotional
songs). At the conclusion of the bhajans, Amma starts giving darshan
to one and all gathered at her presence. Amma would leave the hall
only after she receives every single person present. The darshan
usually extends till the early morning hours of the next day. All
the while, Amma sustains a beaming smile while lovingly embracing
one after another. With each hug and smile, an obvious spark of
her own energy is passed along. The bliss and tranquility of being
in the Amma's presence is unique and indescribable.
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