Mata amritanandamayi quotes

Just as food and sleep are necessary for the body, spiritual understanding is needed for a healthy mind.

A seed has to get buried in the soil for its real form as a plant to emerge. Only through modesty and humility can we grow. Pride and conceit will only destroy us. Live with the firm attitude, 'I am everyone's servant.' Then the whole universe will bow down to us.

Those that have an attitude of service towards others are the beauty of society.

Love is the very foundation, beauty and fulfillment of life. If we dive deep enough into ourselves, we will find that the one thread of universal love ties all beings together. As this awareness dawns within us, peace alone will reign.

You can only feel love by expressing it.

Look at Nature. Nature is a book from which we must learn. Each object in it is a page of that book.

Remember to set apart at least one hour every day to do some service for others. While the food we eat nurtures our bodies, it is what we give in charity that nurtures our souls. If time is not available daily, reserve at least a few hours every week for some worthwhile act of charity.

If you see deficiencies in others, your duty is to forgive instead of pointing at it.

God is standing at the door of every heart. Call Him. He is waiting to come in.

Nobody likes to let go of the ego- it is so precious to everyone. However, once you have attained a state of egolessness, the world won't disappear, as you may think it will. The world will continue, but a change takes place within you. Something is uncovered. You start seeing everything with the wonder and innocence of a child.

Just beneath the surface of all experiences in life is God's, or the Guru's, compassionate face.

Each and every object in Nature teaches us something. Renunciation and selflessness are the greatest lessons to learn from Nature.

A musk deer searches for the source of the fragrance of musk, but it won't find it because the fragrance comes from within itself. Bliss is not to be found outside of us; it exists within us.

It should be for satsang that we go to spiritual centers. By going there, people who are involved in the world can attain peace and concentration. The concentration gained when one goes there cannot be achieved if one sits at home. Even though the breeze blows everywhere, coolness will be felt more if we sit in the shade of a tree. In the same way, although God is all-pervading, this presence will clearly shine in certain places more than others. That is the greatness of satsang. Satsang is the best thing for spiritual advancement.

Keep a constant awareness and a conscious effort to say good words, perform good actions, and to practice patience and compassion.

Consoling a miserable soul, wiping the tears of a crying person is greater than any worldly achievement.

Keep the child within alive. A child never tires of hearing the birds sing, never gets bored looking at flowers.

Compassion can shoulder the suffering of the entire world without feeling the slightest bit of pain.

We should forgive and forget the faults of others. Anger is the enemy of every spiritual aspirant. Anger causes loss of power through every pore of our body. In circumstances when the mind is tempted to get angry, we should control ourselves and resolve firmly, 'No.' We can go to a secluded spot and chant our mantra. The mind will become quiet by itself.

Meditation increases our vitality and strengthens our intelligence. Our beauty is enhanced and our mental accuracy and health are improved. We gain the mental fortitude and patience to face life's problems. Meditate! Only through meditation can we find the treasure we're looking for.

No one becomes pure and selfless overnight; it involves time and concentrated effort, coupled with tremendous patience and love.

Be like the honeybee who gathers only nectar wherever it goes. Seek the goodness that is found in everyone.

The only way we can feel free is by feeling the pure love within.

Children, we can grow spiritually only if we see the guru as the manifestation of God. We should not accept anyone as guru before we are fully convinced personally that he is authentic and truthful. Once we choose someone as guru, we should surrender completely to him. Only then will spiritual development be possible. Devotion to the guru means total surrender to him.

Make a firm decision: 'Whatever happens, I will be happy. I will be strong. God is always with me.'

When thoughts are reduced, power of the mind and its subtlety increases, tunes with the Universe. Then you can see the realms beyond the common understanding. When the mind is pure and quiet it becomes one with the universal mind. That mind is like a mirror. The secrets of the Universe will be revealed there.

Peace is not a product of an intellectual exercise. It is an inner blossoming that occurs with meditation.

Look carefully at what is of value in others and respect that.

Society is made up of individuals. The thoughts and actions of each individual influence the culture of that society. Instead of waiting for others to improve, we should try to improve ourselves. Once our attitude has changed, we will be able to perceive goodness throughout world. If there is a positive change in us, it will also be reflected in others. It is only what we give that we can hope to get back.

Thankfulness is a humble, open and prayerful attitude that helps you receive more of God's grace.

The guru is not someone who is confined to the body. When there is selfless love for the guru, we will be able to see him not only in his body but in every living and nonliving thing in this world. Learn to see everything as the guru's body and to serve them accordingly.

Happiness is within everyone, but we are not able to experience it because of our ego's likes and dislikes.

In this universe it is Love that binds everything together. Love is the very foundation, beauty and fulfillment of life.

The sun shines down, and its image reflects in a thousand different pots filled with water. The reflections are many, but they are each reflecting the same sun. Similarly, when we come to know who we truly are, we will see ourselves in all people.

If we have been able to give happiness to a soul-even for a minute-it makes our life blessed.

There are thousands ready to die for their religion, but only are few willing to live by its principles. Because of their narrow vision and envy, they have missed the true essence and message of religion which is love and compassion.

Too much concern about physical security and too little concern about spirituality is the hallmark of today's world.

When humanity serves Nature, Nature serves humanity. When we serve animals and plants, they too serve us in return.

Love one another without any expectations. Then, there is no need to go anywhere in search of heaven.

A sadhak (one who does spiritual practice) will not have time to indulge in gossip. They will not feel like talking to anyone in a harsh manner. Those who always indulge in faultfinding will never achieve spiritual progress. Do not harm anyone by thoughts, words or deeds. Be compassionate towards all beings. Ahimsa (nonviolence) is the highest dharma (duty).

Love sustains everything.

The more intellectual you are, the more egoistic you are, and surrendering becomes more difficult.

Many people meditate in order that a third eye may open. For that they feel they should close their two physical eyes. They thereby become blind to the world. But the fact is that the third eye will never open. We can never close our eyes to the world in the name of spirituality. Self-realization is the ability to see ourselves in all beings. This is the third eye through which you see, even while your two eyes are open. We should be able to love and serve others, seeing ourselves in them. This is the fulfillment of spiritual practice.

The indicator of true knowledge is the ability to differentiate what uplifts us from what pulls us down.

The beauty and charm of selfless love and service should not die away from the face of this earth. The world should know that a life of dedication is possible, that a life inspired by love and service to humanity is possible.

We are not isolated islands, we are connected links in a chain. Each kind word, each smiling face, each good action, benefits our neighbor, nation, world. Let us pray and meditate together and we shall reach the shore of peace, spreading the sweet holy fragrance of love and vibrations of unity and harmony. Tuning our minds to the supreme consciousness, let us open our hearts and chant the words, "May everyone everywhere be happy."

Married life, if lived with the proper love and understanding, helps awaken the feminine within a man, and the masculine within a woman.

Love is the only medicine that can heal the wounds of the world.

First, the human mind should be harmonized, then the harmony of Nature will spontaneously take place.

Once you learn the art of relaxation, everything happens spontaneously and effortlessly.

Amidst sorrows, the only thing that enlivens us is optimistic faith. Never lose that faith.

Instead of "I love you," it would be better to say "I am love-I am the embodiment of Pure Love." Remove the I and you, and you will find that there is only Love. It is as if Love is imprisoned between the I and you. Remove the I and you, for they are unreal; they are self-imposed walls that don't exist. The gulf between I and you is the ego. When the ego is removed the distance disappears and the I and you also disappear. They merge to become one - and that is Love.

In today's world, people experience two types of poverty: the poverty caused by lack of food, clothing and shelter, and the poverty caused by lack of love and compassion. Of these two, the second type needs to be considered first because if we have love and compassion in our hearts, then we will wholeheartedly serve those who suffer from lack of food, clothing and shelter.

Every night, contemplate: What good did I do today? How can I do better tomorrow?

True happiness is when the love that is within us finds expression in external activities.

Everything is God, there is nothing else but God.

There is no short cut to God; sadhana must be performed regularly and with devotion. It is our own effort which will enable us to experience the grace of God which is being showered on us all the time. Therefore, whatever spare time you get, use it to seek God. If you create peace in your own heart by doing sadhana, then that will have a positive effect on your family, your work and so on. The peace and love of God will overflow out of your heart and encourage others to move on the right path.

Children, not a grain of the food we eat is made purely by our own effort. What comes to us in the form of food is the work of others, the bounty of Nature and God's compassion. Even if we have millions of dollars, we still need food to satisfy our hunger. Can we eat dollars? Therefore, never eat anything without first praying with humility.

Up to the age of five, children should be given a lot of love. From the age of five to fifteen they should be brought up under strict discipline especially regarding their study. It is at that time that life's foundation is formed. Love without discipline will only spoil them. Above the age of fifteen children should be given maximum love otherwise they may go astray.

Go out and serve the suffering. Learn to place others in front of yourself.

Most people are concerned only with what they can get from the world, but it is what we are able to give to others that determines the quality of our life

Happiness depends on how you accept, understand and surrender to situations.

Transcending the cycle of death and rebirth is the real purpose of this life in human form.

Spiritual love is without limits or boundaries. Worldly love is superficial and fluctuating.

When someone is full of Love and Compassion, he cannot draw a line between two countries, two faiths or two religions.

Meditation increases your vitality and strengthens your intelligence... your mental clarity and health improve. You acquire the patience and fortitude to face any problem in life. So, meditate! Only through meditation will you find the treasure you are seeking.

Real life is developed from within. Real living means that the soul expresses itself through all one's thoughts, words and actions. A person becomes fearless once he understands the nature of the imperishable soul.

Look at the optimism of Nature. Nothing can stop it. Only the ego makes humans pessimistic, and this causes suffering.

By living in harmony with Nature one gains a healthy mind and body.

We are all beads strung together on the same thread of love.

Purify the mind through selfless service.

Grace is openness. By remaining open, you let go of your ego and narrow-minded views, and allow divine grace to express itself through you.

Look upon others as being part of yourself.

Be content and happy with whatever comes to you.

Thinking that God wants something from us is like showing a candle to the sun.

The change will only happen outside once we change within ourselves.

Surrender and living in the present are one and the same.

To awaken spiritual unity, and to spread to others the love that is our inherent nature, is the true goal of human life.

We must remember that man is not an island, totally isolated and disconnected from others. We are all part of a universal chain, or the universal consciousness. What happens to one happens to all.

Real happiness in life comes from the mental capacity to adapt to any situation.

Whatever action we are doing, we should be sure to keep the thought of God alive within. Whenever we sit or get up, we should prostrate in that place. It is good to cultivate the habit of considering our pen, books, clothes, vessels, and the tools of our job as imbued with divine presence and use them with care and respect. This will help keep the thought of God alive throughout our body, mind and atmosphere.

What meaning do our lives have if we cannot set aside at least one hour a day out of 24 for thinking about God? Think how many hours we spend reading the newspaper, gossiping and doing various useless acts! Children we can definitely set aside an hour for sadhana if we really want it. That is our real wealth. If we cannot spare a whole hour at a stretch, keep apart half an hour in the morning and again in the evening.

Problems arise when you identify with your thoughts and emotions. Try to be a witness to the thoughts instead of being totally identified with them.

Our circumstances will continually change. It is out of our control. It is more important to change our attitude, which we have control of.

May your thoughts, words and actions arise from love.

Our educational system needs to give equal importance to the intellect and the heart.

Our attitude should be: Whatever happens I will remain strong, courageous and happy.

When love and compassion fills your heart, you find newness in every moment, and life becomes a celebration.

Just as armor protects the soldier, spiritual knowledge protects us from the difficulties of life.

Pure love is the best medicine for the modern world. This is what is lacking in all societies. The root cause of all problems, from personal problems to global problems is the absence of love. Love is the binding factor, the unifying factor. Love creates the feeling of oneness among people. It unifies a nation and its people. Love creates a sense of unity while hatred causes division. Egotism and hatred cuts people's minds into pieces. Love should rule. There is no problem which love cannot solve.

Nowadays everybody wants to become a leader. No one wants to become a servant. In reality, the world is badly in need of servants, not leaders. A real servant is a real leader.

Do no talk while eating.

Mental purity will come through constant chanting of the divine name. This is the simplest way. You are trying to cross the ocean of transmigration, the cycle of birth and death. The mantra is the oar of the boat; it is the instrument you use to cross the samsara of your restless mind, with its unending thought waves. The mantra can also be compared to a ladder that you climb to reach the heights of God realization.

Don't be discouraged by your incapacity to dispel darkness from the world. Light your little candle and step forward.

Pure love makes you feel as light as a flower. You won't feel any heaviness or burden. Ego creates the burden.

When people live in accordance with Nature, the song of life becomes sweet.

When we come to know who we truly are, we will see ourselves in all people.

Real love is the complete absence of any negative feelings towards anyone.

Many of us may have watched the waves at sea. They rise, then fall, then rise again, then fall again... and this cycle continues endlessly. It is the same with our experience of the world and its objects and relationships. We may find happiness, but this happiness will soon turn to sorrow. The sorrow that we feel will subsequently turn back to happiness but this oscillation continues endlessly. In order to maintain inner balance, we need to find peace within instead of depending on the external world.

Animals too experience sorrow, love, anger and other emotions.

As far as possible, everyone in the family should eat together.

Our highest, most important duty in this world is to help our fellow beings.

Life is like a garden. Quite naturally, leaves wither and flowers fade. Only if we clear the decay of the past then and there can we really enjoy the beauty of the new leaves and flowers. Likewise, we must clear the murkiness of the past bad experiences from our minds. Life is remembrance in forgetfulness. Forgive what ought to be forgiven; forget what ought to be forgotten. Let us embrace life with renewed vigor. We should be able to face every moment of life with renewed expectation, like a freshly blossomed flower.

Have the conviction that God is your only real relative and friend.

The first step in spiritual life is to have compassion. A person who is kind and loving never needs to go searching for God. God rushes toward any heart that beats with compassion-it is God's favorite place.

If we keep holding on to God, there is nothing to fear.

Just as the right hand comes to dress the wound on the left hand, we should see another person's sorrows as our own and come to his or her aid.

Crying to God for five minutes is equal to one hour of meditation.

Pure love transcends the body. It is between hearts. It has nothing to do with bodies.

Understand this great truth: The happiness that comes from the pleasures of the world is but a minute reflection of the infinite bliss that comes from within your own Self.

Pure love removes all negative feelings. Destroying all selfishness, it expects nothing but gives anything. Pure love is a constant giving up- giving up of everything that belongs to you. What really belongs to you? Only the ego. Love consumes in its flames all preconceived ideas, prejudices and judgments, all those things which stem from the ego. Pure love is nothing but the emptying of the mind of all its fears and the tearing off of all masks. It exposes the Self as it is.

Any pleasure gained by means other than mental control weakens the body.

The intellect always cuts and divides like a pair of scissors. The heart sews things together and unites like a needle. The tailor uses both.

Feel your prayers, feel your mantra and you will feel God.

Love is our true essence. Love has no limitations of caste, religion, race, or nationality. We are all beads strung together on the same thread of love. To awaken this unity-and to spread to others the love that is our inherent nature-is the true goal of human life.

While carrying responsibilities, never forget to smile.

If you have patience, then you'll also have love. Patience leads to love. If you forcefully open the petals of a bud, you won't be able to enjoy its beauty and fragrance. Only when it blossoms by following its natural course, will the beauty and fragrance of a flower unfold.

Fill your hearts with love and gratitude. Life gives us what we need and not necessarily what we want. It follows its own wisdom, which is often incomprehensible to our gross minds. We should learn to accept situations in life. This attitude of acceptance is the secret to happiness.

Our efforts to remove hatred and indifference from the world begin by trying to remove them from our own mind.

A person's destiny can be changed through the power of a saint.

Controlling the mind is the way to attain internal harmony.

What we need is peace of mind. We can gain that only through the control of our mind.

Learn to be thankful to everyone, to the entire creation, even to your enemy and also to those who insult, because they all help you to grow

One should see any opportunity to serve as a rare and precious gift...and never waste such an opportunity.

Whether we laugh or cry, the days are going to pass by. So why not choose to laugh?