Amma: The Embrace of the Divine Mother
Teachings of Unconditional Love & Compassion
Mata Amritanandamayi, known throughout the world as Amma, the “hugging saint,” is a living embodiment of unconditional love. Her entire life has been dedicated to alleviating the pain of the poor and those suffering physically and emotionally. Amma’s teachings are simple, yet profound, emphasizing love, compassion, and selfless service as the path to spiritual fulfillment.
This collection of quotes offers a glimpse into her vast ocean of wisdom, touching upon the core tenets of her message that have inspired millions to lead more heart-centered lives.
On Love & Compassion
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.
Pure love removes all negative feelings. Destroying all selfishness, it expects nothing but gives anything.
Where there is love, distance doesn't matter.
Love is the only medicine that can heal the wounds of the world.
On Service & Selflessness
Selfless service is the only soap that truly purifies.
By helping others, we are in fact helping ourselves.
Don't be in a hurry to condemn because he doesn't do what you do or think as you think or as fast. There was a time when you didn't know what you know today.
On the Mind & Ego
The ego is the source of all problems. Love is the only solution.
Our minds can be our best friend or our worst enemy.
When the ego is removed, the distance disappears and the I and you also disappear. They merge to become one - and that is Love.
On Spiritual Practice
Spiritual practices help us to live a harmonious life; access inner reserves of peace, wisdom and compassion.
Meditation is a way to be with ourselves and to find the divine within.
Chanting a mantra purifies the mind and the environment.
On Nature & Harmony
We are all part of the same consciousness, and the world is our body.
To be in harmony with nature is to be in harmony with oneself.
The beauty of nature is a reflection of the beauty of the divine.
On Suffering & Grace
Suffering is a part of life, but it is not the whole of life.
Grace is always flowing, but we must have an open heart to receive it.
Through suffering, we can learn compassion and grow in wisdom.
The Legacy of an Embrace
Amma\'s legacy is not one of doctrines, but of direct experience. It is the experience of being seen, of being held, of being loved without condition. Her humanitarian projects, known as Embracing the World, have provided food, shelter, education, and healthcare to millions. Yet, her greatest legacy may be the simple, powerful act of her darshan -the spiritual blessing of her embrace -a silent sermon on the transformative power of love.
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