Mata Amritanandamayi Quotes & Sayings

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

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

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

It is man who, through his thoughts and actions, creates turmoil and disintegration in the natural, harmonious unity of the world. — Mata Amritanandamayi

Finding fault in others, just for the sake of finding fault, we will pollute our own minds. — Mata Amritanandamayi

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

Ashrams and gurukulas (spiritual schools) are the pillars of spiritual culture. If we perform sadhana according to the guru's advice, we need not go anywhere else. We will get whatever we need from the guru. — Mata Amritanandamayi

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

When doing archana (daily prayers) as a group, one person should chant the mantra and the others should repeat it. Mantras should be chanted slowly, clearly and with devotion. — Mata Amritanandamayi

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. — Mata Amritanandamayi

Children, meditation is not just sitting with our eyes closed. We should take every action as worship. We should be able to experience His presence everywhere. — Mata Amritanandamayi

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 — Mata Amritanandamayi

If you perform your work viewing it as your dharma, your actions become sacred. — Mata Amritanandamayi

In today's world, human beings are dying and human machines are taking birth. — Mata Amritanandamayi

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

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

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. — Mata Amritanandamayi

Many priests and employees at temples work for pay. No one should judge religion on the basis of the shortcomings of such workers. We should frame suitable rules and regulations for preventing them from falling prey to material temptations. The true guiding spirits of religion are those who engage in selfless service while dedicating their entire lives to attaining the vision of God. — Mata Amritanandamayi

Children, temples are places where, at least for a short while, the remembrance of God is kindled in our hearts which otherwise are totally immersed in worldly transactions. — Mata Amritanandamayi

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

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

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

The impermanent, which is the body, is given too much importance. The permanent, which is the Atman, is completely forgotten. This should change. — Mata Amritanandamayi

Free from attachments to the past and worries about the future, a child expresses him/herself fully. — Mata Amritanandamayi

Develop the ability to stand back as a witness to your thoughts. This will make your mind strong. — Mata Amritanandamayi

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

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. — Mata Amritanandamayi

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

As you perform good actions selflessly, true love will blossom, which will purify our emotional mind. — 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

When we raise one hand to say "bye-bye" we are gesturing that we are going apart from each other, whereas when we join our palms and bow our head, our hearts become closer. — Mata Amritanandamayi

Death is not complete annihilation. It is a pause. It is like pressing the pause button on a tape recorder. — Mata Amritanandamayi

There are many kinds of powers in the world - military power, power of the written word, intellectual power. We've tried and failed to bring peace with these kind of powers. The greatest power is the power of love. — Mata Amritanandamayi

If we approach Nature with , it will serve us as our best friend, a friend that won't let us down. — 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

Lessen the quantity of unnecessary thoughts and allow more space for the energy of love to flow within you. — Mata Amritanandamayi

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

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

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

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

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

When one has truly imbibed spiritual qualities, they will spontaneously be reflected in one's thoughts and actions. — Mata Amritanandamayi

Being aware of the bondage is enough to free you from its clutches. — Mata Amritanandamayi

When the storm brews and the waves swell, only an experienced captain can control the ship and save it. — Mata Amritanandamayi

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

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

You can lead a truly spiritual life while remaining a householder. You will be able to enjoy the bliss of the Self, but your mind has to be on God all the time. Then you can easily attain bliss. A mother bird will be thinking of the young ones in the nest, even when she is out looking for food. Similarly, you have to keep your mind on God, while engaged in all worldly actions. The important thing is to be completely dedicated to God or the Guru. Once you have that dedication, the goal will not be far away. — Mata Amritanandamayi

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

Group chanting and prayer is very powerful. It can bring important changes. — 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

While eating, our attention should not be focused just on the taste. Imagine our chosen deity or guru is present within us and that we are feeding Him. This will turn eating into a spiritual practice. — Mata Amritanandamayi

Let us take from Nature only what we really need, and try to give back to some extent. — Mata Amritanandamayi

It is never a good practice to continue to sleep after sunrise. We should not think of staying in bed once we are awake; it increases laziness and dullness. Those who cannot decrease the amount of sleep quickly may do it in gradual stages. Those who do regular spiritual practice do not need much sleep. — Mata Amritanandamayi

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

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. — 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

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

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

"Is God a Man or a Woman ?"
The answer to this question is neither God is That. But if you must give God a gender,
God is more female than male,
for he is contained in She. — Mata Amritanandamayi

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. — Mata Amritanandamayi

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

Pray to God: It's all right if you don't love me, but please let me love you! — Mata Amritanandamayi

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

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

If we let go of our likes and dislikes, we will become fit vessels to receive the God's ever flowing grace. — Mata Amritanandamayi

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

Children, when we go to the temple, do not hurry to have darshan, then make some offering and return home in a hurry. We should stand there patiently in silence for some time and try to visualize the beloved deity in our hearts. If possible, we should sit down and meditate. At each step, remember to do japa. Amma doesn't say that the offerings and worship are not necessary, but of all the offerings we make, what the Lord wants most is our hearts! — Mata Amritanandamayi

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

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 — Mata Amritanandamayi

Love is our true essence. — Mata Amritanandamayi

Children, do not listen to those who malign masters and sages. Never listen to or indulge in derogatory talk about anyone. When we harbor negative thoughts about others, our minds become impure. — Mata Amritanandamayi

Children, we should visit homes of the poor, orphanages and hospitals from time to time. We should take our family members along and offer assistance and look after the welfare of inmates. A word spoken with love and concern will give them more comfort than any amount of money. That will lead to the expansion of our hearts as well. — 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

Whatever you see, hear or experience in the world is ephemeral. Get in touch with the eternal substratum of everything. — Mata Amritanandamayi

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

Unfortunately, the only meaning that society attributes to life today is an opportunity to make money. — Mata Amritanandamayi

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

The more you give, the more your heart is filled. Love is a never ending stream. — Mata Amritanandamayi

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

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

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

No matter who causes you grief, take your complaints to the meditation room, where your real friend is. In addition to your husband or wife, you should have a friend - and that friend should be God. Even if your husband or wife makes you unhappy, tell that to God, and not to anyone else. If your neighbor picks a fight with you, go to the meditation room and complain, 'Why did you let him treat me like that? Weren't you with me?' Open your heart and tell God everything. Then it becomes a satsang. — Mata Amritanandamayi

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. — 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

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

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. — Mata Amritanandamayi

Do not get up immediately at the end of the archana. The beloved deity should be brought from the seat in front of us back into our hearts and re-installed there. Seeing the form of the deity seated in the heart, meditate for a little longer. If it is possible, it is good to sing 2 or 3 kirtans. After taking an injection, a patient is asked to rest for a few minutes to let the medicine spread throughout the body. Similarly, to obtain the full benefit of the mantras, we should keep the mind calm for a while after worship. — 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

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

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

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

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

What makes Amma happy, is to see her children helping others to feel happy. — Mata Amritanandamayi