Inspiration from Sri Mata Amritanadamayi aka "AMMA"

Every so often, we will be touched by certain people that have a special light about them; people that carry a glow that makes us want to find out how we too can attain this special light. My own path has been blessed by teachers and friends that have helped fill me with what I feel is valuable knowledge. Reading books by Paulo Coehlo, Don Miguel Ruiz, Thich Naht Hahn, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, watching talks by the Dalai Lama and Mother Theresa and being fortunate enough to hear live lectures from some of them have given me the fuel to keep my own flame going, as well as the inner knowing that there is a divine presence. Through the teachings of these living examples, I also have the knowing that when I experience things that I cannot explain, that there are energies present; and that I can choose to tap into the energy that expands my heart and fill it to a level that will maintain its fullness. Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, also known as Amma, is an amazing woman who was born with a smile that can heal.

For the past 35 years, Amma has dedicated her life to the uplifting of suffering humanity through the simplest of gestures– an embrace. In this intimate manner, Amma had blessed and consoled more than 25 million people throughout the world. She has time and again emphasised that the duty of every human being is to realize his true Self, or in other words, "know who we really are." Amma does not favor any particular religion. When asked to which religion she belongs, she says, "my religion is love and service."

Amma believes that "Love is the foundation of a happy life. Knowingly or unknowingly we are forgetting this truth" she says. Amma, on several occasions, has said that it is important not only to feel love but also to express it. After all, love is our true nature. When we do not express love in our words and actions it is like honey hidden in a rock. She says, "It is of no use to anyone. This mutual sharing and expressing of love should begin at home between married couples and between parents and children. Only then will there be peace and harmony at home and in society."

"Everyone in the world should be able to sleep without fear, at least for one night. Everyone should be able to eat to his fill, at least for one day. There should be at least one day when hospitals see no one admitted due to violence. By doing selfless service for at least one day, everyone should help the poor and needy. It is Ammas prayer that at least this small dream be realised."

I hope that those of you reading this blog will find out more about Amma, see her as a living example of love and service, and gain inspiration from her humanitarian works, just as I have. You may find her on www.amma.org, www.amritapuri.org and www.myspace.com/ammachi.

Enjoy!
xoxo
P.