Amma is considered by many to be a living Indian saint. I was introduced to her around ten years ago by my yoga teacher, Dana Flynn. Despite my trust in Dana, I was dubious. While studying comparative religion at Columbia University, I'd encountered numerous spiritual leaders who had left me either unmoved or feeling duped.

I first met Amma in 1999, in a packed church on Central Park West. I leaned against a column and watched people from all walks of life receive a hug from Amma, which is her form of darshan (seeing or being in the presence of a saint, a deity, or a sacred place). I watched as she embraced individuals, couples and whole families. As soon as they left the stage where Amma sat, many broke into tears. It was clear to me that something extra-ordinary was taking place. Forever a skeptic, I waited several years before I decided to receive Amma's hug. My first experience was uneventful. It took me a few more before I really felt its effect. I later realized that part of her power is putting people in touch with their hearts, which I was very disconnected from for a long time.