Teachings
Amma's life is her message. In other words, Amma
does not teach anything that she herself does not practice. Living
from moment to moment in a constant state of supreme happiness,
Amma warmly embraces thousands of people day after day, wiping their
tears, giving them her divine guidance and offering solace to all
who come to her. Amma recommends the path of selfless-service through
the example of her own life.
Amma says, "The beauty and charm of selfless love and service
should not die away from the face of the earth. The world should
know that a life of dedication is possible, that a life inspired
by love and service to humanity is possible.
Meditation and studying the scriptures are like two sides of a
coin. The engraving on that coin is selfless service, and that is
what gives it its real value. Our compassion and acts of selflessness
take us to the deeper truths. Through selfless action we can eradicate
the ego that conceals the Self. Detached, selfless action leads
to liberation. Such action is not just work; it is karma yoga."
Amma always points out that the purpose of one's life is to realize
who we really are. She says, "By realizing our own Self we
become full, with nothing more to gain in life. Life becomes perfect."
To attain this goal, Amma says that no particular path or spiritual
practice can be recommended for all. "Just as a doctor gives
different dosages or even different medications to patients with
the same ailment according to their constitution, so does a Spiritual
Master prescribe different methods to different people to reach
the same goal. Spirituality is the practical science of life. Apart
from taking us to the ultimate goal of Self-realization it also
teaches us the nature of the world, and how to understand life and
live fully in the best way possible."
However, Amma says that the path of devotion and selfless-service
is the safest and most conducive path for many people.
|