As we give this update, thousands of people are thronging into the Delta Meadowvale hotel at Mississauga where the evening public program is being held - a sure sign that Amma's current visit to Canada was much anticipated. The line that started to build in the late afternoon turned into a flowing river of humanity by early evening, filling the hastily put together overflow areas and spilling over. At present people seem to be everywhere... filling and moving through the hotel corridors as a single body with one purpos... a short darshan with Amma, the saint many had only heard about up until now. 5800 tokens have been handed out so far. As Amma entered the hall, she was welcomed with a "Purnakumbham" - the traditional welcome offered only to a Mahatma ( a great soul), to the accompaniment of "Nadaswaram" - the traditional Indian music usually played for auspicious occasions. People raised folded palms over their heads spontaneously in reverence and salutation as Amma walked past them; the entire hall was charged with a devotional mood.

One first-timer said that she came with no knowledge of what to expect or who Amma is. She said that she was attracted on seeing Amma's photo . When asked how she liked her hug, she replied with tear-filled eyes, "Oh! the hug was overwhelming. Even as I was waiting in the line for my hug, I felt that I was engulfed by warm waters." Now, that was very interesting. Amma often says that she is like a river that flows incessantly and that anyone who wishes, is free to take a dip in it. This lady with a open heart received the truth of this statement without even hearing Amma's words.

Inside the hall, Amma sits calmly smiling as she gives darshan... shorter than usual to accommodate everyone by the end of next morning; her simple benevolent self showing no trace of anxiety, lovingly welcoming her new children into fond arms. Local media and TV stations including CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) TV and radio, ATN and Now magazine and Toronto Star try to catch this phenomenon from either side of Amma. Inspired by her presence, many people find it hard to leave after their first darshan.

As darshan goes on, we all know that it is going to be an all-nighter. Tonight is not the night for even the little sleep that we usually get - this is a night for seva (selfless service). In the kitchen runners are being sent to do an on-the-spur shopping... more food needs to be prepared. "Amma does not like folks to go hungry", someone says. "Yes that is certainly not Amma's way!" As the kitchen hums on merrily, local volunteers for seva also chip in. One young man - a first timer with Amma, is discovering chopping fruit, giving up his only day of evening bhajans with Amma. Although he is duly returned to the hall, he receives a pat on his back from the crew for his selfless intent... a quality that Amma values and exemplifies in all her actions.

As we see more new people coming for darshan, we feel Amma's happiness. To touch and transform human hearts into being loving and compassionate is her mission and goal. This first darshan with Amma is the first step in that transformation. What wonders can be accomplished with that transformation is embodied in the humanitarian activities that Amma has inspired around the world. In a few days, Amma will leave Toronto , but she has lit many hearts through her phenomenal embrace, thereby bringing hope, peace and light into their lives, as it has done many times before all around the world.

- Radhika