stay in an ashram

How I did it: I thought I would have to take a long plane ride to India to check this one off. That's how I always planned it.  In reality, there was an Ashram practically in my own backyard. I had heard about a woman named Amma. She's also known as the Hugging Saint. I read that she was giving a talk nearby and afterwards she was dispensing her magic hugs if you waited in line. I thought, 'Cool'. I wanted a hug. My friends aren't very huggy.

Well the location of the talk was an Ashram, her Ashram. I had no idea that Amma is-- I guess the best word is-- a GURU. In my naivete, I thought I would be listening to a traditional talk on perhaps humanitarianism, volunteerism, altruism, the potency of love, something inspiring like that. And she did give a talk, but it was more like a sermon. We chanted and twirled clockwise and "Om"ed -- all which I felt very comfortable with thanks to my yoga classes.

She spoke for maybe 40 minutes in her native South Indian tongue. She had a competent looking translator wrapped in saffron dress with smart glasses. It reminded me of the scene from 'Lost in Translation' because what she said really didn't seem the same in time or tone as what he was translating. But whatever. His words were interesting and they were all about love and calming the mind.

So the talk finished and it was about 8pm. We all had tokens for the great Amma hug. Mine was O-4. I then realized the numbering system went in sequence with letters, A-Z but each letter also went from 1-10. So I was solidly past the halfway mark for my hug.

I ate some delicious vegetarian Indian food and settled in to the spectacle for my pre-hug adventure. There was loud Indian music, sitars, singing, drums, and it kind of put you in a trance. People looked just like one would imagine. I guess the appropriate dress for this ashram was anything white or light beige. There were lots of 'hippie' types. All ages. Babies and canes. Lots of people from India. I guess people travel all over the world to see Amma.

The hugs were given from a big stage at the front of her barn-like temple. She was seated under super-day-glo-bright lights. She was wearing a bright purple and blue sari. She had a tall silver headpiece on. You could wander around the grounds and explore while you waited if you wanted. Many were staying in the ashram for days, or weeks. Some were her monks. Most here just for the special event. And there were what seemed like thousands! Really.

I eventually got my hug at around 4 in the morning. I also received a personal mantra. Which is cool. When she hugged me, she pulled me in close and whispered nice things in my ear I didn't understand. She sprinkled rose petals in my hair and gave me some chocolate. It was the most new-agey thing I have ever experienced. It was an adventure though. I'm glad I stuck it out and did the whole thing. I didn't leave till past 6 that morning, so technically, I stayed in an ashram overnight. :)

Lessons & tips: Bring contact lens re-wetting solution. Drink lots of coffee (the chai and carb heavy food made me sleepy). Drag a friend along as long as there is full disclosure about what they are in for.

Jun 15, 02:01PM PDT | 3 comments | 18 cheers