Children, we are told to make an offering at the temple or at the feet of the guru, not because the Lord or guru is in need of wealth or anything else. Real offering is the act of surrendering the mind and the intellect. How can it be done? We cannot offer our minds as they are, but only the things to which our minds are attached. Today our minds are greatly attached to money and other worldly things. By placing such thoughts at the feet of the Lord, we are offering Him our heart. This is the principle behind giving charities.
Mata AmritanandamayiJust as food and sleep are necessary for the body, spiritual understanding is needed for a healthy mind.
Mata AmritanandamayiWith the exception of very few who have gained higher spiritual tendencies in prior lives, Self-realization is not possible for anyone without the blessings of a guru. Think of the guru as the manifestation of God in this world. Take even the most insignificant word of the guru as an order and obey it. That is the real service to the guru. There is no greater austerity. The guru's blessings flow automatically to any obedient disciple. That is the real service to the guru.
Mata AmritanandamayiCouples should abstain from sexual relations at least 2 or 3 days a week. Gradually try to reach a stage of celibacy most days.
Mata AmritanandamayiChildren, we should simplify our life's needs and use the resulting savings for charity.
Mata AmritanandamayiWhen thoughts are reduced, power of the mind and its subtlety increases, tunes with the Universe. Then you can see the realms beyond the common understanding. When the mind is pure and quiet it becomes one with the universal mind. That mind is like a mirror. The secrets of the Universe will be revealed there.
Mata Amritanandamayi