Shri Shri Anandamayi Ma (1896-1982) stands as one of the most luminous spiritual figures of the 20th century. Born in the small village of Kheora, Bengal, she manifested an innate spiritual wisdom that defied her lack of formal education. Her early years were marked by spontaneous expressions of deep spiritual insight, captivating all who encountered her. Ma's presence was magnetic, drawing thousands of seekers to her ashrams across India. Her guidance came through informal talks and personal interactions, where she addressed the deepest spiritual queries with simplicity and clarity. Despite never reading a book, her words illuminated the complexities of the Vedas and Shastras, offering profound truths that resonated deeply with both common folk and eminent scholars. Her life was a symphony of divine love, compassion, and selfless service, touching the hearts of villagers and world leaders alike. In her presence, people found solace and a path to inner peace, experiencing a profound transformation that continues to inspire. Ma's legacy is not confined to time; her words and presence remain a beacon of light, guiding countless souls on their spiritual journey, embodying the timeless essence of divine grace and universal love.
Although I never had the personal privilege of meeting Ma, from a very young age, I have lived in her ashrams. From my experience, I can say that Shri Shri Ma has completely transformed my life. Ma is the embodiment of compassion, always forgiving the mistakes of her children and offering them refuge. Shri Shri Anandamayi Ma is the loving, motherly incarnation of the Divine Mother.
During the early years of Ma's life, her words were recorded by devotees who stayed close to her. These writings were later published in Hindi, English, and many other languages. Ma's words solve the most complex spiritual problems of the Vedas, Shastras, and spiritual texts in an instant. Her words, profound like the scriptures, are also filled with incomparable compassion for her children.
Regarding Ma's words, Mahamahopadhyaya Dr. Gopinath Kaviraj stated, "The teachings from her divine mouth are essentially the deep principles of the scriptures. Therefore, these words are akin to great aphorisms and are regarded as authoritative truths."
It is impossible to confine Ma's words within any boundaries. Ma would simultaneously answer the questions of many devotees.
Only the appropriate recipient could understand and receive the answers meant for them. Often, people sitting close by would not comprehend, while a distant devotee would grasp everything. Here, we would like to share an extraordinary reminiscence from Shri Daya Tai, wife of the revered Shri Shri Ashok Baba. Once, Shri Ashok Baba was sitting with Daya Tai (his future wife) near Ma. At that moment, four questions arose in her mind. She resolved that she would not marry until Ma answered all her questions without being asked. Ma, who knows every thought in our minds, began answering her questions in sequence. Just then, the venerable Hari Baba Ji arrived at the ashram. Shri Ashok Baba informed Ma of his arrival, but Ma continued speaking, answering the questions. Despite her usual practice of standing and greeting saints, Ma, for the first time, continued speaking, addressing Daya Tai's questions, which only she could understand. Overwhelmed with tears of gratitude, Daya Tai bowed to Ma. Ma blessed her and only after answering all the questions did she welcome the esteemed Hari Baba.
Even today, when we read the book "The Goddess Whispers" it feels as if Ma is personally answering each listener's questions, as if she is speaking directly to us.
During my intensive travels for 12 years sharing Ma's wisdom throughout the world. I was often asked, "What did Ma share? Is it Bhakti, Vedanta, Kriya Yoga, or Karma Yoga? What is the central teaching of Ma? Which path is best?" I always guided the seekers based on my personal experience and the insights I received from the direct disciples of Sri Ma. Since the age of 12, I have been associated with Ma's ashrams, spending nearly 40 years meditating and striving to live according to Shri Ma's teachings.
During the COVID-19 period, when I could not travel and the ashram was not receiving visitors, I had ample time to reflect and extensively compile her teachings on these four major paths. As I delved deeper into her ocean of wisdom, I discovered her unique way of lovingly guiding each seeker according to their nature and inclination. Interestingly, I found that she always emphasised practising an integral path, incorporating elements from each major path.
This book aims to address these questions by presenting Ma's teachings in a structured manner, making it easier to understand the essence of her guidance. We have meticulously compiled the questions and answers posed to Shri Anandamayi Ma from various esteemed sources, including the extensive 20-volume collection of daily accounts titled "Shri Shri Ma Anandamayi" authored by Shri Gurupriyadevi, the eight volumes of "Shri Shri Ma Anandamayi Prasanga" written by Shri Amulyakumar Dattagupta, the Ananda Varta quarterly magazine from Shri Shri Anandamayi Sangh, and several audio recordings of Shri Ma.
We have systematically organised these questions and answers into four primary spiritual paths: Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Kriya Yoga. Our primary objective is to simplify the comprehension of Ma's vast ocean of teachings.
However, it is crucial to emphasise that these four paths are not entirely distinct from each other. Rather, they are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. We encourage readers to adopt a holistic spiritual practice that integrates knowledge (jnana), devotion (bhakti), action (karma), and disciplined practice (kriya). To facilitate the application of these teachings, we have included systematic practice sheets in Appendix В.
We would like to commence this book with a discussion on the integration of these four paths, underscoring their interconnectedness and the comprehensive approach to spirituality as taught by Shri Anandamayi Ma.
Vedas (1201)
Upanishads (501)
Puranas (633)
Ramayana (747)
Mahabharata (363)
Dharmasastras (167)
Goddess (506)
Bhakti (244)
Saints (1519)
Gods (1295)
Shiva (379)
Journal (184)
Fiction (61)
Vedanta (367)
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