Meera, Mother

(1960– )

   embodiment of the Divine Mother

   Mother Meera is considered by her followers as an AVATA R of the Divine Mother. She is a silent teacher, primarily offering DARSHAN (eyegazing) to visitors to help them achieve health and happiness.

   Born Kamala Reddy on December 26, 1960, Mother Meera was raised in the village of Chan-drapalle in southern India. Her parents were not religious and raised her under no particular tradition. She was described as an unusual child, who often spoke of mysterious lights that visited her. She would later reveal that she received much of her love and spiritual guidance from visions. At the age of six she experienced her first SAMADHI, higher state of consciousness. Her uncle recognized the child’s gift and invited her to stay with him in Pondicherry. In 1974 she visited SRI AUROBINDO’s ashram, attracting considerable attention there, and soon began giving DARSHAN, her own blessings to others. Her presence in Pondicherry attracted many and her popularity grew.

   Devotees throughout the world consider Mother Meera an avatar of the Divine Mother, who has previously incarnated in other forms, such as KALI and the Virgin Mary. The appearance of the Mother is believed to offer people of the world healing, protection, and transformation in a time of crisis. Mother Meera has stated that the world is now in crisis and that her role is to give the transformative light of Paramatman, the Supreme Self, to everyone around the world. The light that she speaks of is the Supreme Being, which is an untapped energy permeating the world. Mother Meera believes that the ignition of supreme energy will give health, joy, and happiness to anyone who is open to it.

   In 1982, Mother Meera married a German by the name of Herbert and relocated to Schaumburg, Germany. Thousands have met with her there and receive her darshan. Her teaching is not through words, but through silence. She greets all devotees who arrive for her blessing with an intense gaze. Looking into their eyes, she encounters every corner of their being in order to determine what help she can give.

   Mother Meera meets with hundreds of visitors each year and offers regular darshan. She requires no devotion and is open to all individuals regard-less of their religion. She continues to draw the interest of devotees from around the world.

   Further reading: Martin Goodman, In Search of the Divine Mother: The Mystery of Mother Meera (London: Thorsons, 1998); Sonia L. Linebaugh, At the Feet of Mother Meera: The Lessons of Silence (United States: XLibris, 2003); Mother Meera, Answers (Ithaca, N.Y.: Meeramma, 1991); ———, Bringing down the Light: Journey of a Soul after Death (Ithaca, N.Y.: Meeramma, 1990); Adilakshmi Olati, Mother Meera (Thalheim, Ger-many: Mother Meera Publications, 1987).