The authoress of this book and some of my respected friends who are devotees of Ma have requested me to write an introduction to this book. They desire that I present before the readers a brief account of my individual understanding and opinion of Ma. It seems they believe that this is an opportunity to place before the world Ma's true identity to at least a small degree in the course of these thoughts on the subject of Ma's nature.
The truth of the matter however is, that though I am writing my discourse in the form of a concise introduction in order to comply with their request, their desire will not be fulfilled. It is totally impossible for an incompetent person like myself with my kind of nature to achieve this, and I feel that even with a different nature and with more capability this job is not easy. My individual opinion and belief in connection with Ma is something pertaining to my heart. People are not bound to accept it without pondering over it. That which cannot be argued with anyone, which one does not feel inclined to argue about, which is worthy of being nurtured secretly in the innermost hidden recesses of the heart - the heart just does not want to scoop that out from within and make it the subject of open discussion. So is it not unforgivable presumptuousness for a person of my limited capacity to even attempt to place before others Ma's true identity ?
The authoress has delineated Ma's outward behaviour as skillfully as possible in this book, and has also noted the delightful teachings uttered by Ma Herself. The authors of ""Matri Darshan"" and ""Sri Sri Ma Anandamayi Prasanga"", have also made similar attempts in a beautiful way. A description of Ma's divine lila as performed by Her body will surely be obtained by reading all these books. Those who have had the good fortune of actually meeting Ma and hearing her speak, will derive a clearer picture.
But these external descriptions of Ma are of various kinds. Each one views and will view Ma with an attitude that varies according to his or her samskaras (tendencies and impressions), because it is the external acquaintance. It is extremely difficult to obtain an insight into Ma's true identity. Even if someone were fortunate enough to get a glimpse of it, it is only wishful thinking that he may be able to reveal it to others. Actually, being children it seems to be dire foolishness to try to assess our Mother's identity. ""Who is Ma?"", and ""What is Ma's real nature?""-such profound matters can never be discussed by children with meagre understanding. When the child was unborn, Ma existed. When the child ceases to live, Ma will still exist. Ma is eternal what power does the child have by which he can succeed in understanding this Ma's real nature? How will a child have the capacity to understand One whose strength alone gives him the strength to take birth, Whose existence alone can cause his existence and without Whose support he cannot live even for a moment? A man who has become very strong by spiritual practices may yet perform evil actions, but at the base of the spiritual practice is an iota of Her power. Without at least a trace of the Grace of Mahasakti, man is powerless like an inanimate object why man, even Lord Śiva lies motionless like a corpse -without Sakri. Who can recognise or understand that Sakti who is the very life of all gods and creatures? The living power in each kind of spiritual practice, whether it be the path of knowledge, devotion or action, is Her Grace; therefore who possesses such power of his own by which he can under-stand Her? If She reveals Her nature Herself, then perhaps some insight may be gained, but even this is not easy for everyone each one gains only as much as She reveals of Herself and nothing more.
Just as for a blind man the existence of the brilliant, efful-gent and ever bright Sun-God is as good as nil, similarly, though Primordial Śakri is illumining the universe, She remains unrevealed to the ordinary person. If She does not reveal Her nature Herself no one can recognise it. It is said, that Narada once went to Śvetadveepa with the desire of having Lord Nārāyana's darshan. Śvetadveepa is an extremely inaccessible place where normally even gods and tsis are unable to go. Narada not only went there, he also had darshan of Narayana smeared with ash. Having by virtue of the power of his penances obtained a darshan of this form which is difficult even for gods, Narada felt happy and proud. Simultaneously a celestial voice pro-claimed, ""Narada, you are unnecessarily feeling conceited. Having seen this form of mine, clothed by the elements, you think you have had darshan of God's ultimate Nature. But your conclusion is wrong, because this form of mine is illusory. You have not yet had darshan of my real nature.""
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