In Switzerland, a boy around 13 approached Amma with a small envelope in his hands. Handing it over to Amma, the boy said, "Amma, this is for your charitable activities."

Amma lovingly enquired, "My son, what is in it?"

"300 euros," replied the boy.

"Where did it you get it from?" Amma asked.

"I participated in a flute-performance competition and won the first prize. This is the prize money. Amma, you do so much to help the poor. Please accept this." The boy's words were filled with untainted love and innocence.

But the story did not end there.

The boy's little sister felt sad because she couldn't offer anything to Amma.

But then a few weeks later, it was her birthday. Amma was in Munich at the time. Her grandfather gave her a small amount as a birthday gift. Normally she would buy ice-cream or chocolate with the money he gave her. But instead of spending it on sweets, the little one offered it to Amma.

The girl told her parents, "I eat ice-cream all time. But this time I want to give the money to my Amma. She takes care of so many children like me, doesn't she."

Amma reaches out and touches every heart. She crosses language, country, religion and age.

When complicated techniques are preached and taught in the name of spirituality - only confusing people - Amma's way is simple, something that every living being can understand - Love.

As Amma puts it, "Love transforms, helps one to open up, as natural as the flowering of a bud."

- Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri