Emily Humphreys UDID: 702451792 09/19/18 Response Paper 2 In the case study “Both Guru and Goddess: Mata Amritanandamayi of Kerala” by Michelle L. Folk, is explained how the Hindu saint Mata Amritanandamayi has drawn such a large following from around the world and how this saint came into fruition. The saint Mata Amritanandamayi is known by her devotees by several different names; The Mother of Immortal Bliss, Amma or Ammachi. This case study makes it a point to note that Ammachi has challenged traditional Hindu practices and illustrates that she empowers women by allowing them to participate in otherwise typical male-only traditions and worships. The article explains that Ammachi was born into a low-caste family. She was surrounded by signs indicating that she was special and at a very young age expressed her devotion to Krishna, which ultimately led her to begin longing for the Mother. Eventually, the Mother manifested herself in Ammachi and became one with her. Ammachi has gone on to challenge tradition Hindu practices by “warmly embracing Hindus from all castes as well as non-Hindus in her arms as part of darshan (Folk pg. 228),” in
