Once you learn the art of relaxation, everything happens spontaneously and effortlessly.
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 AmritanandamayiJust as food and sleep are necessary for the body, spiritual understanding is needed for a healthy mind.
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 AmritanandamayiWhen we raise one hand to say "bye-bye" we are gesturing that we are going apart from each other, whereas when we join our palms and bow our head, our hearts become closer.
Mata AmritanandamayiThere is a lot of difference between offering a garland of flowers bought from a shop and one that we make out of flowers picked from our home garden. When we plant the flowers, water them, pick the flowers, make the garland and take it to the temple, thoughts of God alone live in our minds. The Lord accepts anything offered to Him with intense Love. When we buy a garland at a store and place it on the deity it is only a ceremonial act while the other is a garland of pure devotion and an act of love.
Mata Amritanandamayi