Guest guest Posted August 6, 2006 Report Share Posted August 6, 2006 http://www.beliefnet.com/story/196/story_19681_1.html <http://www.beliefnet.com> print this page <javascript:printArticle();> close window <javascript:closeWin();> *Portrait of the Hugging Saint* *In 'Darshan, The Embrace,' director Jan Kounen investigates the territory of the sublime for a portrait of Ammachi.* By Jeremy Lehrer Amma, the Hugging Saint *Watch Clips From "Darshan, the Embrace"* 'Pray for World Peace' <http://www.beliefnet.com/story/196/story_19681.html#> The Guru-Disciple Relationship <http://www.beliefnet.com/story/196/story_19681.html#> How Amma Came to Be Who She Is <http://www.beliefnet.com/story/196/story_19681.html#> How does one make a film about a saint? That is the question that director Jan Kounen sets out to answer, at least implicitly, in the film "Darshan, The Embrace." The holy person in this case is Ammachi, a.k.a. Amma, a.k.a. Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Sanskrit for "Mother of Immortal Bliss"), a woman embraced by many as a guru, an enlightened being who has attained God-consciousness. Based at her main ashram in Kerala, India, Amma is renowned for spreading her compassion, acceptance, love, and spiritual energy through a unique, yet very human, form: hugs. When she tours throughout the world, legions of followers, devotees, and the merely curious arrive and line up waiting to be hugged by Amma in a ritual known as /darshan/ (the term refers generally to having an audience with a guru). One after another, for hours upon hours at a time, Amma embraces thousands of people; she is said to have hugged over 26 million to date. To answer the artistic koan of this film project--how does one capture in finite form one who has touched the Infinite--Kounen relies on the well-worn strategies of the documentary genre. The resulting film is illuminating and moving, allowing Amma and her message a cinematic forum, but it also raises a fundamental concern: Is the medium suited for such a subject--and is Kounen? As the basic material for his portrait of the "hugging saint," Kounen documents the various manifestations of Amma's wisdom, spiritual power, humanitarianism, and love. He shows her at various rituals and /bhajan/s (chants); he interviews her and records her talking informally to followers; weaves in historical footage that explores her earlier years and showcases evidence of her acceptance by mainstream institutions; and, of course, he films several darshan ceremonies. He turns first to devotees to articulate Amma's power: "She is the irrefutable proof that love truly exists," says one follower, a French woman. "Pure, unselfish, total, infinite love." Kounen introduces Amma in-the-flesh by showing her presiding, resplendent in white, over a roomful of devotees. Proceeding to a more down-to-earth interaction, we next see her chiding a helper for improperly feeding an elephant: "Give her green leaves, not sweet things," she declares. In a subsequent scene, she is more serious as she discusses the implications of terrorism in the context of September 11 and the 2004 hostage-taking at a school in Russia. "The future looks bleak," she says. "It's very dangerous, so we must all pray. We may not achieve peace, but we shall pray for it." Throughout the film, Amma is alternately solemn, mischievous, mystical, wise. Her charitable accomplishments are fitting expressions of her spiritual devotion. A recipient of the esteemed Gandhi-King Award for Nonviolence, she has established an extensive network of humanitarian organizations throughout India, including housing- and food-for-the-poor programs, orphanages, and a high-tech hospital providing medical care for the needy. In interviews with Kounen and in her spiritual discourses, Amma has the gravitas of a true spiritual master. "The creator is creation," she observes. "It's divine power that we see in different forms." Reflecting on the relationship between the guru and the disciple, she seeks to counter the damage done by spiritual con artists posing as illuminated beings: "Say you go to a library and pick out two books. If they are both bad, it doesn't mean all the books there are bad." A portrait of Amma would be incomplete without scenes of her hugging, and Kounen doesn't disappoint. (Though the director does show an admirable restraint on this count, holding off for more than 30 minutes before showing the first darshan.) "Mother" enfolds her supplicants, squeezing them fiercely to her breast, delight and consternation visible on her face as she murmurs "my child, my child, my child" in her native Malayalam; yet she also multitasks, discussing various issues with those surrounding her even as she holds one seeker close. But such ostensible distractions don't diminish the softness and sincerity apparent in her hugs. Some of her "children" glow or even cry in her presence, and some look pummeled after the embrace. Others seem unfazed by it. To make up for the inadequacy of documentary footage in conveying the ineffable, Kounen relies in part on the construction of the film itself. Slow-motion sequences suggest a sense of timelessness. The editing and sound design are employed impressionistically, with chimes rung to signal illumination, and, in one interview, Amma's voiceover monologue paired with shots of her looking at the camera, her lips unmoving. As the film proceeds to the final hugging sequence, the music swells, a parallel to the intensity of a particular darshan where, we are told, Amma hugged some 45,000 people over the course of 21 hours. The elegant cinematography is similarly effective in giving "Darshan" a measure of visual poetry. In certain sequences, the gracefully floating camera has the quality of a disembodied consciousness moving through physical space. Even as these stylistic techniques help to express the texture of Amma's spiritual world, the editing at times prevents a more immersive journey into it. Instead of lingering in a moment when a priest guides followers into a meditation session--to appreciate the flowering of focused awareness in the midst of stillness--the film cuts between shots and then segues to a different scene. A similar failing applies to the excerpts of Amma's darshan sessions; even when the footage lasts for several minutes, the editing doesn't provide a deeper sense of the overwhelming enormity of how many people she hugs. The makeup-stained shoulder of Amma's sari--a physical trace of those she hugged--is the most profound record of her activity, yet this detail is not transformed into a more evocative, or lyrical, symbol. Of the symbols Kounen does use, water is a major motif, representing life, death, spiritual transformation, and renewal. The Ganges River, that revered site of pilgrimage and worship, figures in a central passage when Amma speaks of understanding death as a "blissful experience." Kounen's water imagery and other visual tropes--the camera moving through a hallway toward a distant doorway illuminated by sunshine; playground and amusement park carousels that represent the samsaric "wheel of life"; a burning funeral pyre--are to some degree clichéd, and while the director's cinematic vocabulary is by no means hackneyed, it doesn't exactly slip into the sublime. The resulting film feels like a kind of spiritual tourism; the sights and several exquisite montages are beautiful, but Kounen doesn't conjure a journey into the mystic. In the end, a film can only do so much. "Darshan" tries to capture the import of Amma's being and teachings, but to truly experience a hug, one must be hugged. Perhaps Kounen himself had some sense of this limitation of his medium. His film begins with the Bhagavad Gita passage, "Some look upon it as a wonder/Some describe it as so/Others hear of it so/But no one truly knows." Jeremy Lehrer is a freelance writer and editor based in Brooklyn. ------ SavedURI :Show URL <javascript:toggleDisplay(document.getElementById("SaveURIdiv_2"),document.getElementById("SaveURIdiv_1"),document.getElementById("SaveURIdiv_3"));> SavedURI :Hide URL <javascript:toggleDisplay(document.getElementById("SaveURIdiv_2"),document.getElementById("SaveURIdiv_1"),document.getElementById("SaveURIdiv_3"));> http://www.beliefnet.com/story/196/story_19681.html -- "Naan Amme Snehikkunnu" Be Love, Nischala http://www.ammasgirl.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2006 Report Share Posted August 6, 2006 Ammachi, Nischala <ammasgirl9 wrote: > > REVIEW: The resulting film feels like a > kind of spiritual tourism; the sights and several exquisite montages are > beautiful, but Kounen doesn't conjure a journey into the mystic. This was also my impression. Although the film had powerful moments and although it was wonderful to be able to show my husband what life at the ashram is like, since I was there last summer...the film didn't live up to my expectations. For me, it just didn't convey the experience of being with Amma (as, say, the MA Center's "Face of Love" video does). When I went to see the premier in NYC, the producer was there and, during a Q&A session, he spoke of the director's decision to maintain a certain distance in the making of the film. Ultimately, I feel that was detrimental. Though, as another devotee pointed out: this is the film that Amma has chosen to release to the world. Maybe it'll appeal more to new people. There are videos of Amma that I've wanted to watch, again and again. I thought that I'd want to see this film more than once while it was playing in NYC...but when I found myself feeling under the weather yesterday, when I'd planned to go with some satsang members, I honestly felt no loss about missing a chance to see it a second time. Just my $0.02. Iswari Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2006 Report Share Posted August 6, 2006 Also, I just have to say how frustrated I was when Amma started talking about the guru- sishya relationship....and then abruptly said, "I'm not going to talk any more about this!" I'm not in a position, nor do I feel called, to move to the ashram. However, I have to say that I miss the talks there and wish there wasn't this ban on sharing them with others! Iswari Ammachi, "ammasiswari" <ammasiswari wrote: > > Ammachi, Nischala <ammasgirl9@> wrote: > > > > REVIEW: The resulting film feels like a > > kind of spiritual tourism; the sights and several exquisite montages are > > beautiful, but Kounen doesn't conjure a journey into the mystic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2006 Report Share Posted August 6, 2006 Namah Shivayah, Iswari, I also felt the same while watching this particular part of the clip. Why do the talks differ and what do you suspect the reason was for Amma's declining to go in depth? Curious, Ananthasree Ammachi, "ammasiswari" <ammasiswari wrote: > > Also, I just have to say how frustrated I was when Amma started talking about the guru- > sishya relationship....and then abruptly said, "I'm not going to talk any more about this!" > > I'm not in a position, nor do I feel called, to move to the ashram. However, I have to say > that I miss the talks there and wish there wasn't this ban on sharing them with others! > > > Iswari > > Ammachi, "ammasiswari" <ammasiswari@> wrote: > > > > Ammachi, Nischala <ammasgirl9@> wrote: > > > > > > REVIEW: The resulting film feels like a > > > kind of spiritual tourism; the sights and several exquisite montages are > > > beautiful, but Kounen doesn't conjure a journey into the mystic. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2006 Report Share Posted August 6, 2006 Why speculate on the unfathomable? - Ananthasree Ammachi Sunday, August 06, 2006 12:39 PM Re: Portrait of the Hugging Saint (in Beliefnet) Namah Shivayah, Iswari, I also felt the same while watching this particular part of the clip. Why do the talks differ and what do you suspect the reason was for Amma's declining to go in depth? Curious, Ananthasree Ammachi, "ammasiswari" <ammasiswari wrote: > > Also, I just have to say how frustrated I was when Amma started talking about the guru- > sishya relationship....and then abruptly said, "I'm not going to talk any more about this!" > > I'm not in a position, nor do I feel called, to move to the ashram. However, I have to say > that I miss the talks there and wish there wasn't this ban on sharing them with others! > > > Iswari > > Ammachi, "ammasiswari" <ammasiswari@> wrote: > > > > Ammachi, Nischala <ammasgirl9@> wrote: > > > > > > REVIEW: The resulting film feels like a > > > kind of spiritual tourism; the sights and several exquisite montages are > > > beautiful, but Kounen doesn't conjure a journey into the mystic. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2006 Report Share Posted August 6, 2006 Haha. True, that. Ammachi, "Mahamuni Das" <mahamuni wrote: > > Why speculate on the unfathomable? > > - > Ananthasree > Ammachi > Sunday, August 06, 2006 12:39 PM > Re: Portrait of the Hugging Saint (in Beliefnet) > > > Namah Shivayah, > > Iswari, I also felt the same while watching this particular part of the clip. Why do the talks > differ and what do you suspect the reason was for Amma's declining to go in depth? > > Curious, > > Ananthasree > > Ammachi, "ammasiswari" <ammasiswari@> wrote: > > > > Also, I just have to say how frustrated I was when Amma started talking about the guru- > > sishya relationship....and then abruptly said, "I'm not going to talk any more about this!" > > > > I'm not in a position, nor do I feel called, to move to the ashram. However, I have to say > > that I miss the talks there and wish there wasn't this ban on sharing them with others! > > > > > > Iswari > > > > Ammachi, "ammasiswari" <ammasiswari@> wrote: > > > > > > Ammachi, Nischala <ammasgirl9@> wrote: > > > > > > > > REVIEW: The resulting film feels like a > > > > kind of spiritual tourism; the sights and several exquisite montages are > > > > beautiful, but Kounen doesn't conjure a journey into the mystic. > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2006 Report Share Posted August 6, 2006 yes, that bothered me, too. i didn't understand why she suddenly stopped talking about it. feel i must've 'missed' something. iswari, could u explain more about a ban on sharing? what does this mean exactly? ammasiswari wrote: > > Also, I just have to say how frustrated I was when Amma started > talking about the guru- > sishya relationship....and then abruptly said, "I'm not going to talk > any more about this!" > > I'm not in a position, nor do I feel called, to move to the ashram. > However, I have to say > that I miss the talks there and wish there wasn't this ban on sharing > them with others! > > Iswari > -- "Naan Amme Snehikkunnu" Be Love, Nischala http://www.ammasgirl.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2006 Report Share Posted August 6, 2006 There are signs up in the computer room at Amritapuri, stating that Amma's satsangs on meditation day are for the ashramites and ashram guests only and requesting that people not share the content of these talks outside of the ashram. It may be because Amma doesn't want her teachings to be distorted in the re-telling or it may be because she feels these teachings are not appropriate for public/broader consumption. I can't say for sure, though I do know of people who have been censured for not heeding these requests. On the one hand, Amma and the ashram certainly have the right to decide what teachings are public and what are private. However, it's still unfortunate for those of us in the West who really yearn for the kinds of satsangs that she gives there, but aren't able to be there. Iswari Ammachi, Nischala <ammasgirl9 wrote: > > yes, that bothered me, too. i didn't understand why she suddenly > stopped talking about it. feel i must've 'missed' something. > > iswari, could u explain more about a ban on sharing? what does this > mean exactly? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2006 Report Share Posted August 6, 2006 As Surya says, it's speculation, but I'd venture that the public talks are calculated to appeal to the sensibilities of a wider audience (who may view Amma in very different ways). Blessings, Iswari Ammachi, "Ananthasree" <ananthasree wrote: > > Namah Shivayah, > > Iswari, I also felt the same while watching this particular part of the clip. Why do the talks > differ and what do you suspect the reason was for Amma's declining to go in depth? > > Curious, > > Ananthasree Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2006 Report Share Posted August 6, 2006 Ok, thanks Iswari. Good to know. ammasiswari wrote: > > There are signs up in the computer room at Amritapuri, stating that > Amma's satsangs on > -- "Naan Amme Snehikkunnu" Be Love, Nischala http://www.ammasgirl.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2006 Report Share Posted August 6, 2006 Actually Surya said why speculate on things that we can't possibly ever know the answer to. Who can interpret Amma's words and actions? Who has the proper scope? But a more general thing like why the talks differ, is probably answerable, as that is more of a preplanned thing and falls into a different category. Jai Maa! Surya - ammasiswari Ammachi Sunday, August 06, 2006 1:35 PM Re: Portrait of the Hugging Saint (in Beliefnet) As Surya says, it's speculation, but I'd venture that the public talks are calculated to appeal to the sensibilities of a wider audience (who may view Amma in very different ways). Blessings, Iswari Ammachi, "Ananthasree" <ananthasree wrote: > > Namah Shivayah, > > Iswari, I also felt the same while watching this particular part of the clip. Why do the talks > differ and what do you suspect the reason was for Amma's declining to go in depth? > > Curious, > > Ananthasree Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2006 Report Share Posted August 6, 2006 Namah Shivayah, I suppose, for those of us who are not ready to move to the ashram, the best bet is to read the Awaken Children books and other similar books for discussions on topics that may not be so broadly talked about to wider audiences? This has been my experience so far. Jai Ma~ Ananthasree Ammachi, "Mahamuni Das" <mahamuni wrote: > > Actually Surya said why speculate on things that we can't possibly ever know the answer to. Who can interpret Amma's words and actions? Who has the proper scope? > > But a more general thing like why the talks differ, is probably answerable, as that is more of a preplanned thing and falls into a different category. > > Jai Maa! > > Surya > - > ammasiswari > Ammachi > Sunday, August 06, 2006 1:35 PM > Re: Portrait of the Hugging Saint (in Beliefnet) > > > As Surya says, it's speculation, but I'd venture that the public talks are calculated to appeal > to the sensibilities of a wider audience (who may view Amma in very different ways). > > Blessings, > Iswari > > Ammachi, "Ananthasree" <ananthasree@> wrote: > > > > Namah Shivayah, > > > > Iswari, I also felt the same while watching this particular part of the clip. Why do the > talks > > differ and what do you suspect the reason was for Amma's declining to go in depth? > > > > Curious, > > > > Ananthasree > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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