Oh, I do love this video of Amma's life (full name - Mata Amritanandamayi Devi). I play my copy over and over, especially when I want to feel uplifted.
Watching the video is like being right alongside Amma while she's growing up in her little fishing village in the state of Kerala in southwestern India. The actresses who portray Amma's early life are from her birth village and are her disciples. As they dance in devotion it seems that Amma, herself, is inspiring their movements.
We see her childhood family struggles culminating in a beautiful miracle that finally convinces her family that indeed she is a saint amongst them.
The rest of the video is with Amma herself and gives us glimpses up close of her blessing those in need by pulling people to her shoulder in a hug, one by one, and moves on to describe many of the projects those who have met her have been inspired to fund in Amma's honor.
The gentle woman that is Amma today travels the world and her very presence is said to bring a permanent change for the better in the attitudes of those who meet her - certainly a hallmark of a living saint.
Well, I will add, that even watching the video of Amma's life and work has been enough to bring up my own joy and enthusiasm for caring and service.
I highly recommend this video for the whole family's viewing!
Details - NTSC format for VHS in US and Canada; Michael Tobias, Director; 78 minutes; A Dharmic Production Presentation; ASIN: 187941077X
Available from Amazon.com
River of Love - A Documentary Drama on Amma - VHS
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