Mata Amritanandamayi Quotes - Page 5

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Look upon others as being part of yourself.

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

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

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.

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

Be content and happy with whatever comes to you.

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

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.

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

Do no talk while eating.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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