Amritanandamayi Quotes

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. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

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. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

For a true disciple, the repetition of the mantra is like food. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

In this age of selfishness, selfless service is the only soap that truly purifies. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

Just as our bodies need proper food to live and develop, our souls need love to blossom. The strength and nourishment that love can give our souls is even more potent than the nourishing power of a mother's milk for a baby. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

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. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

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. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

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

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. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

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

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

Do your actions in the world, without forgetting that your find goal in life is to break free from all bondage and limitations. Always 'remember that you have a higher goal to attain. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

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. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

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

We cannot change situations in life, but we can change our attitude towards them ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

You can only feel love by expressing it. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

Writing a diary every evening before going to bed is a good habit. We can record in the diary how much time we have devoted to our spiritual practice. The diary should be written in a way that helps us see our mistakes and correct them. It should not be a mere document of other peoples' faults or our daily transactions. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

Children, we cannot control our mind without controlling our desire for taste. The health aspect, not the taste, should be the prime criteria in choosing the food. We cannot relish the blossoming of the heart without foregoing the taste of the tongue. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

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

In today's world, both men and woman need motherhood, the nurturing motherly feeling, the feminine energy. By receiving this energy, it will make them independent and free. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

It is not good to give money to everyone who begs; give food or clothing instead. They may misuse the money we give for drinks and drugs. We should not give them a chance to err. Try not to see them as beggars, but as God himself. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

Children, we must cultivate reverence towards all great masters, monks and gurus. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

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

Be content and happy with whatever comes to you. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

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

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

If we have love and compassion in our hearts, then we will wholeheartedly serve those who suffer from lack of food, clothing and shelter. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

Make use of radio, TV and films discriminatively; only for programs that will enhance our knowledge and culture. Television is tele-visham (tele-poison, in Malayalam). If we are not careful, it can corrupt our culture, damage our eyes and drain away our time. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

Trying to change the world is like trying to straighten the curly tail of a dog. Try as you might, it will still go hack to its natural curl. Your hands will become stronger from the exercise of trying to straighten the curly tail. Although you max' not he able to change the world, you would have acquired more spiritual strength within - and that alone will make a difference in the world. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

Children, don't waste a single second.
Serve others, above all the poor,
expecting nothing in return.
Just as the person who offers God flowers
is the first to enjoy their fragrance,
the person who offers compassion
is the first to receive its blessing.
Wherever a heart beats
with compassion:
God is there. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

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

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

Our hearts are the shrine; that is where God should be installed. Our good thoughts are the flowers to worship Him. Good deeds form the worship, good words form the hymns and love forms the offering. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

Children, we should simplify our life's needs and use the resulting savings for charity. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

Love is our true nature. When we do not express love in our words and actions it is like honey hidden in a rock. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

The mental disposition of the one who prepares the food is transmitted to all those who consume it. Therefore, as far as possible the mothers should do the cooking for the entire family. If it is done while chanting the mantra, the food will benefit everyone in a spiritual way. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

There is a pre-existing harmony in everything. The problem is the human being. It may be true that one single Incarnation of God may not he able to bring that peace and harmony in the entire world. It's only because of that harmony that they could create in the world and in people's mind that the world still exists and that there is always a balance. Otherwise, things could be much worse. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

The relation between husband and wife should turn into a love of the heart untouched by desire. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

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

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

Children, daily practice of yoga or sun salutations (surya-namaskara) is very good for health and for spiritual practice. Lack of proper exercise is the cause of many of today's diseases. If we can get somewhere in time on foot, always walk instead of taking a vehicle. It is good exercise. Only if we have to go far should we depend on vehicles. Use a bicycle, whenever possible. This will save money, too. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

Pray: O Lord, make my eyes see only the good in everyone. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

Progress can be slow and gradual. Continue putting in effort with patience, enthusiasm and faith. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

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. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

Isn't it human beings who impart vitality to the image in the temple? If no one sculpts the stone, it doesn't become an image. If no one installs it in the temple, it does not acquire any sanctity. If no worship is done, it does not acquire any power. Without human effort there cannot be any temples. What is wrong then in saying that we should view great masters as equal to God? Temples installed by such spiritual masters have a special energy of their own. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

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

Children, we may go to the temple, reverently circumambulate the sanctum sanctorum and put our offering in the charity box, but on our way out if we kick the beggar at the door, where is our devotion? Compassion towards the poor is our duty to God. Mother is not saying that we should give money to every beggar that sits in front of a temple, but do not despise them. Pray for them as well. When we hate others, it is our own mind that becomes impure. Equality of vision is God. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

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

Let our lives be firmly rooted in Truth. Abstain from lies. In this dark age of materialism, adherence to truth is the greatest austerity. We might have to tell lies now and then to protect somebody or to sustain dharma, but we must be careful not to speak lies for our own selfish purposes. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

As you help those in need, selfishness will fall away. And, without even noticing you will find your own fulfillment. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

Human beings are born to experience pure love, and they never get it. They are searching to experience it from birth until death. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

A true spiritual seeker should exercise control all the time, throughout the day and night. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

The change will only happen outside once we change within ourselves. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

Try not to have any break in chanting the mantra even for a moment. Continue repeating the mantra while engaged in any task. Chanting in the mind may not always be possible at first, so in the beginning, practice japa by moving the lips incessantly-like a fish drinking water. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

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

When you get up in the morning, let your first thought be directed towards God. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

With the exception of very few who have gained higher spiritual tendencies in prior lives, Self-realization is not possible for anyone without the blessings of a guru. Think of the guru as the manifestation of God in this world. Take even the most insignificant word of the guru as an order and obey it. That is the real service to the guru. There is no greater austerity. The guru's blessings flow automatically to any obedient disciple. That is the real service to the guru. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

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. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

Children, pray for the good of everyone. We should pray to God to give a good mind even to those who harm us. One cannot sleep peacefully when there is a theif in the neighborhood. Likewise, when we pray for the well-being of others, it is we who gain peace and quietude. Children, the mantra 'Loka samasta sukhino bhavantu' should be chanted at least once daily. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

The essence of motherhood is not restricted to women who have given birth; it is a principle inherent in both women and men. It is an attitude of the mind. It is love - and that love is the very breath of life. No one would say, 'I will breathe only when I am with my family and friends; I won't breathe in front of my enemies.' Similarly, for those in whom motherhood has awakened, love and compassion for everyone are as much part of their being as breathing. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

One who goes after the taste of the tongue does not get to know the taste of the heart. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

Food should be consumed while chanting your mantra inwardly. This will purify the food and the mind at the same time. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

We should fill the syllabuses of schools with lessons about love and compassion. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

Chant your mantra while engaged in work. This way, the mind will be continuously focused on Him. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

Children, in the present dark age of materialism, chanting the mantra is the easiest way for us to obtain inner purification and concentration. Japa can be done at any time, anywhere, without observing any rule regarding the purity of mind and body. Japa can be done while engaged in any task. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

We should never forget that after every night, there is a dawn. We should never lose our optimistic faith. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

The factor stringing together individuals, society and nature is missing from today's educational system. That factor is spiritual values. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

It is my children who have made all this possible. My children are my wealth; they are my strength. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

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. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

When love overflows and is expressed through every word & deed, we call it compassion. That is the goal of religion. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

Fighting the wounds of the past will only deepen those wounds. Relaxation is the method that heals the wounds of the mind, not reaction. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

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

If we are not able to fix the Lord firmly in our hearts, even a lifetime of temple-going does not do us any good. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

There is the path of karma, selfless action, the path of love and devotion, the path of training the mind and the path of Yoga, mantra and tantra this is what the various saints advocated. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

Consider any work you do, as work coming from God's will. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

The real mistake humans have committed lays in the inability to differentiate between requirements and luxuries. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

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. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

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

Changing the world is like trying to straighten a dog's tail. However much you may try, you won't succeed. But although the tail won't straighten, if you keep trying every day, at least you will put on some muscle. Similarly, even though it is difficult to make a change, our effort to do so in itself brings positive results. It will help us change. Without waiting for others to change,if we change ourselves first, that will make a difference. Instead of worrying about results, focus on doing our best in what we are engaged in. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

Today, society is sacrificing love, values and dharma in its pursuit of materialistic gains. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

The ashram is Mother's body. Mother's soul is in Her children. Children, all the service done for the ashram, is done for Mother. The ashram is not anyone's private property. It is the means to provide peace and quietude for the entire world. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

Pray for a peaceful and contented mind in all circumstances. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

After praying, and before eating anything, it is a good custom for everyone to feed one another a small portion of the food. This will help to cultivate mutual love and affection among the family members. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

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

Group chanting and prayer is very powerful. It can bring important changes. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

The person who constantly studies without doing spiritual practice is like the fool who attempts to live in the blueprint of a house. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

Try to make others happy, and don't despair over all the evil in the world. Instead of cursing the dark, let us each light one small lamp. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

God realization and self-realization are one and the same. God-realization is nothing but the ability and expansiveness of heart to love everything equally. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

Any action done with the right attitude, understanding and discrimination will take you closer to liberation. If however, the same action is done without the right attitude, it will bind you. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

If you are unable to meditate, chant your mantra or sing bhajans. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

What the world needs are servants, not leaders. Everyone's wish is to become a leader ... Let us become a real servant instead. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

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

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

Religion is the secret of life. It teaches us to love, to serve, to forgive, to endure, and to interact with our brothers and sisters with empathy and compassion. Advaita (non-duality) is a purely subjective experience. But in daily life it may be expressed as love and compassion. This is the great lesson taught by the great saints and sages of India, the exponents of Sanatana Dharma. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

In most cases, worldly love ends in hatred and deep sorrow. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

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

Pray May all reach the shore of peace, spreading the sweet holy fragrance of Love and vibrations of unity and harmony. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

While carrying responsibilities, never forget to smile. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days every month in an ashram. Just breathing the pure air there will purify and strengthen our bodies and minds. Like recharging the batteries, even after returning home we will be able to continue our meditation and japa. ~ Mata Amritanandamayi

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