When the great poet-saint Hafiz wrote these words centuries ago, he might have been talking on behalf of our beloved Amma, who graced our Australian shores in April. What a time we had!

Thousands around Australia had the direct experience of Amma's infinitely open heart and arms that appeared to need no rest. It was truly a very special tour this year! Firstly, it had been two long years between divine hugs for most of us, which made that hug and blessing even more special than it always is. Secondly, this was the first time Amma had had three retreats in Australia, and the first time She visited Perth. Thirdly, hundreds were able to learn the IAM Meditation Technique developed by Amma that was offered to retreat participants this year.

Amma’s first ever visit to Perth was very special - with most people there experiencing Amma's sacred presence for the first time, in a very amazing setting, literally right on the waterfront in Fremantle. Congratulations to all those who arranged Amma's tour in Perth - it truly involved a great deal of hard work.

Then Victoria, and the weather in Kyneton was just perfect for the first 2004 Melbourne retreat. Amma was absolutely radiant, and those there were reminded of why people from overseas come all the way to Australia to be at our retreats with Amma. There were many magical moments with Amma - how could one forget the blissful, timeless evening outside in the nature setting with Amma, under the full moon? Krishna and her hundreds of gopis, the inspiring Question and Answer session with Amma, and the joy of just bathing in Her divine presence. Then the Melbourne public programs, and the crowds attending these programs were very substantial.

Amma then visited Sydney, and we were all very blessed to have Amma with us again over the Easter Weekend. Good Friday became a fantastic Friday for the devotees and all those who came to the first public program. There were large crowds and the 10 foot screen in the Marquee for the overflow served everyone well. We were very impressed by the calibre of those attending the retreat. Because of a mix-up, many retreat participants staying at the hotel had to wait up to 2 hours or more, yet all of these devotees were extremely patient and accepting. One memorable moment was having virtually a conch choir! A whole bunch of young devotees blew their conches simultaneously when Amma entered the hall.

Next stop - Brisbane! The hall there was beautifully decked and the work that the local devotees had carried out to make the Brisbane programs a big success was obvious. While all the PR work carried out by a group of devotees in Sydney and Melbourne hadn't borne much fruit by way of getting good media coverage, it all happened in Queensland! Amma was seen on various television news programs as well as the major newspapers, which must have been instrumental in getting the largest Australian crowds ever, at the Gold Coast public program. Amma hugged over 3000 people until 5.30 am, which was certainly a late finish by Australian standards. The Gold Coast retreat site had been substantially refurbished and catered very well for the needs of the devotees. Being in such an idyllic setting by the sea, it was easy to see why this retreat is so popular with Australian (and overseas) devotees.

One enormous benefit for so many who came to the retreats this year was the IAM technique. While Amma has physically moved on to other destinations, She left us with this wonderful gift, imbued with Her grace. This is such a practical spiritual technique that can help us to incorporate Amma's teachings and divine energy into our everyday life. We are very hopeful that Br Shubamrita or a Swami will be coming later in the year to teach this technique to others, as well as give a refresher to those already having learnt it.

Amma was very positive in Her response to the Australian tour, and the really good news is that it seems we will again have three retreats in the same settings next year! What struck us all this year was the great number of devotees who were so generous in giving their time and energy to arranging the tour, not just in their own locations, but also in other states. We have truly become an extended Australian family - a large family of spiritual sisters and brothers, united by our divine Mother.

Many devotees have contacted us since Amma's tour, saying how wonderful and significant their experience of Amma was this year. How fortunate we are to experience such regular visits from one of the greatest spiritual lights the world has ever known. While we are often told that Amma can be found deep within our hearts, in one real sense there is no substitute for experiencing the physical presence of the sadguru.

There were so many special moments with Amma throughout the whole tour, and so many of us have unique, touching stories we could narrate. If you do have a story that you would like to share please send it to us (byronbay@ammaaustralia.org.au) and we will post it up on the site.

Of course, Amma had to move on, leaving behind sad devotees and onto the next destination where She was greeted by very happy, excited devotees. As we resume our daily practices we have the opportunity to stay connected with Amma's divine energy, which is certainly not limited to Her physical form. The regular satsangs and other special programs are certainly a way of staying connected with Amma's divine energy, so please come along!