7-09-98 AMMACHI

This popular east Indian yogini travels extensively throughout the U.S. holding gatherings in which devotees sing, dance and play with "Mother." Although it is common for Indian women to take on the role of the archetypal Divine Mother when they teach, few can do so with great naturalness and skill. It would require that their archetypal path actually be that of Bhakti Yoga, the Path of Devotion. The chances of this actually being the case are only one out of eight, which means that many of these yoginis are playing a traditional cultural role and nothing more.

Nevertheless, in Ammachi's case the representations are authentic. She is a strong and compassionate Bhakti Yogini and, therefore, her presence and gatherings are capable of enkindling devotion in those suited to this approach.

Of course the same danger exists with her teaching as with other gurus': following a path that is not suitable to one's innermost nature out of belief that "she knows best what is good for me." Nevertheless, when I encounter someone with a true Bhakti disposition, and one that is of a more feminine persuasion (some Bhakti's dispositions are more masculine, independent minded and "modern"), I often refer them to Ammachi.

My objections to the eastern guru model hold less true for the practice of Bhakti. It often requires a more "surrendered" type of relationship.