Photo by Audebaud Jean louis

A simple embrace can be one of the most therapeutic actions a person can give to another individual when he or she is feeling down in the dumps. The existence of a “hugging saint” may help prove that theory.

Hindu spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi known for her wholesome hugs was in Alexandria Friday and Saturday, as part of her North American summer tour. WAMU reports that followers, and first timers, gathered at the Hilton Alexandria to line up and receive her world-famous embraces:

First-time hugger Tracy Stevens says she was curious, so she decided to drive down from Rockville.

“I came here sort of with a beginner’s mind,” she says. “No expectations, and it was beautiful. I felt very held.”

Jordan Casale of Bethesda has been hugged before, and is back for more.

“Just such an incredible gift I think you can give to your fellow human, just a hug from a stranger,” says Casale.

The hugs come with a gift, usually an apple or some sort of candy. Once embraced by the Hugging Saint, many say they can feel healing powers beaming through her touch.

DCist’s last report on Amritanandamayi’s visit to the area was back in 2009.

So what does it take to become a “hugging saint”?

According to Amritanandamayi’s story on her website, she was a spiritually precocious girl from Kerala, South India who deeply felt other people’s suffering. She would suddenly give these individuals hugs to comfort them. People then started calling her “Amma,” which means mother in several languages:

Amma was deeply affected by the profound suffering she witnessed. According to Hinduism, the suffering of the individual is due to his or her own karma — the results of actions performed in the past. Amma accepted this concept, but she refused to accept it as a justification for inaction. Amma contemplated the principle of karma until she revealed an even more profound truth, asking a question she continues to ask each of us today. “If it is one man’s karma to suffer, isn’t it our dharma (duty) to help ease his suffering and pain?”

The website also shows that Amritanandamayi operates a network of centers around the world promoting her teachings, as well as a variety of humanitarian organizations that range from empowering women to providing relief after disasters.

Did anyone go to this event or previously experienced Amma’s hugs? If so, share your comments below.