to Pranada about article

[Guest guest]

Dear Pranada ~ thank you so much. It is a great article. Shanti ~ Linda

P.S. I am overwhelmed by what I guess is your translation ability. I never

did well in French class.

 

 

Pranada wrote:

 

For those who would like an English translation:

 

 

 

 

Amma, the high priestess of the embrace, the goddess of the hug, is back.

As

every year, she comes to Pontoise (Val dOise) as part of her world tour, in

order to take thousands of people into her arms.

 

 

 

This 56-year-old Indian woman, considered in her country as a mahatma (a

great soul, like Gandhi), is said to have embraced over 25 million people

over the past 30 years, in about 50 countries.

 

 

 

Amma intends to deliver her message of peace and love to 20,000 people from

all over France, from now through Tuesday.

 

 

 

You only have to see the number of cars parked near the entrance of the

Pontoise park to understand the size of the phenomenon. Hundreds of men,

women, children and elderly patiently wait their turn in the great hall,

soothed by bhajans, those traditional spiritual Indian songs, and by the

wafts of incense. They are all coming to receive darshan (the name given to

Ammas hugs). I want to touch peoples hearts with this gesture, explains

this short woman she is only 149cm tall from a poor fishing family in

Kerala, in the south of India. Since I was a very little girl, I always

wanted to help those who were less fortunate. I feel concern for peoples

suffering.

 

 

 

Submerged in tears

 

 

 

I was submerged in tears, says Marjorie, a woman in her forties who came

here from Nimes, just for this occasion. I came with a friend out of

curiosity. I have to confess that I was surprised by the feeling of

serenity

that comes from this place, despite the immense crowd. Still overwhelmed by

the experience a few minutes after her embrace, Marjorie will say no more

about it.

 

 

 

When asked about the H1N1 virus, Amma shows all her wisdom. I have no

fears. I live in the present moment and I live for others. I have already

given my life for the world. So far, there has been no problem. Then, to

respond to potential skeptics, she says, For as long as I have the strength

to embrace those who come to me, I will continue to do it. I wont force

anyone.

 

 

 

Recognized by the UN and more recently by Unesco, Amma and her NGO,

Embracing the World, one of the biggest NGOs in India, will continue her

tour in Germany, Italy and Spain.