Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune

On July 8, 2001, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported on "the 'Mother of Immortal Bliss,' a.k.a. Mata Amritanandamayi, a Hindu woman...who is fast becoming a world-renowned spiritual leader, like Mother Teresa or Mohandas Gandhi." She "traveled from her home in southern India to Los Angeles...on a 10-city U.S. tour...The drill is the same wherever she goes. From dawn to late at night, people stream toward her. One-by-one they place their heads on her breast or belly or shoulder for a hug. She pats them on the back...listens to their woes...and whispers heartfelt blessings into their ears, sometimes drying their tears...She stays where people offer lodging, asks for nothing, eats little and spends up to 18 hours a day...hugging, praying for, and blessing anybody and everybody who comes to her."