Anandamayi Ma - The Essential Sri Anandamayi Ma: Life and Teachings of a 20th Century Indian Saint

Question: How can the restlessness of the mind be conquered?

Mtj: By intense love for God.

Question: We do not want unhappiness and yet it comes. We want real and lasting happiness and it does not come. Why?

Mtj: Your desire for true happiness is not intense enough. Take the help of a guru.

Question: What is the greatest sin and the greatest virtue?

Mtj: Forgetfulness of God is the greatest sin; His constant remembrance is the greatest virtue.

Question: Is it right to pray to God for all kinds of things?

Mtj: The most excellent prayer is for God Himself.

On another occasion someone asked:

If a householder devotee is in trouble, is it right for him to pray to God for redress?

Mtj: Various attitudes may be adopted.There are those who have dedicated themselves entirely to God. They say: My Lord, whatever you may do, howsoever You may keep me, it is all right, for Thy will be done. According to the state of peoples minds, their conditions differ. Some are at a stage at which they just cannot help praying. Others, when visited by trials and tribulations feel disappointed with God and drop their religious practices. On the other hand, there are persons who turn to God more eagerly when in sorrow. And some remember Him with greater fervor when they are happy.In all circumstances, He is the great healer. To invoke God is always good. For whatever reason you may pray, with whatever motiveat least start praying to Him! Be it for alleviation of distress or for enlightenment, be it even for wealth and possession. The wise ever live in remembrance of God.

Question: Is it difficult to know which is the true path?

Mtj: If you sit with all doors and windows closed, how can you see the path? Open the door and step out, the path will become visible. Once on the way, you will meet other wayfarers, who will advise and guide you as to the path. Your job is to muster whatever strength you have to get underwaythereafter help is assured.

A young European girl asked:

How can I get rid of this fear?
Mtj: Fear of what?
Inquirer: I dont know. Just a terrible fear.
Mtj: Are you a Christian?
Inquirer: Yes.

Mtj: So fill your heart and mind with the presence of Christ in you that there cannot be any room for fear.

A bereaved lady declared:

M, I had forgotten about the loss of my daugh ter while you were here. Now that you are going away, I shall be submerged in sorrow as before.

Mtj: (Laying her hands upon the ladys heart.) No, it will not overwhelm you again if you think of God and repeat His Holy Name constantly.

To a group of children, Mtj asked:

Will you have me as a friend?

Children: Yes.

Mtj: Will you then remember this friends words to you? (The children nod their heads, a little doubtfully.) I shall tell you only five things to remember. One, always speak the truth; two, obey your parents and teachers;three, study as much as is expected of you; four,pray to God every morning that He should make you a good boy or girl, and if during the day you have done something untoward, then at night when going to bed, tell Him you are sorry and you will not let it happen again; five,if the above four are done, then you may be a little naughty if you like! (The children laugh with M and repeat the five-point program to learn it by heart.)

A housewife came to Mtj and declared:

M, it is difficult to give myself time for japa or meditation. No sooner do I sit still, then a dozen things happen which require my attention.

Mtj: (Smiling in understanding). Suppose you stand at the seashore wishing to go into the water. Can you wait until all the waves have subsided?

On another occasion someone asked:

How can one sustain the remembrance of God throughout day and night?

Mtj: By practice. By constant practice,anything, howsoever difficult, can be accomplished. Those who meditate, whether their minds are able to concentrate or not, continue their meditation. Whether you like to do japa or not, try to adhere to the practice of it all the same. Make an effort to let your mind be filled with Gods name at all times. Be it at home or anywhere else, remember that nothing exists outside God.

A young European lady came to Mtj and asked:

Shall I ever find peace and happiness?

Mtj: Peace and happiness are found on the path to God, never in the world, where one gets a little happiness which is invariably followed by it shadowsorrow.

Inquirer: (After a long conversation). I shall never forget what you have told me.

Mtj: Forget? That is not enough. You must meditate at least for five minutes daily along the lines prescribed by your own religion,and do not forget this friend (pointing to herself )!

On another occasion someone declared:

M, I have no spiritual aspirations, I am hap py as I am.

Mtaji: That is good; we also are talking of happiness. If you have found the secret of it why do you make this statement? Perhaps there is a touch of doubt somewhere? (M smiles and the visitor laughs, acknowledging that it is so).To be with God is true happiness.