Eternal Wisdom: Sri Anandamayee Ma

Among the galaxy of spiritual Masters in the last century, Sri Anandamayee MaThe Bliss-permeated Mother shines as a beacon that illumined the lives of
millions of devotees. Excerpts from the words of divine grace:
You feel that you are the master, hence all this suffering. Instead of considering
yourself the landlord of the garden, behave like the gardener, and you will be free
from worries.
Spiritual wisdom implies seeing the Self in the many and the many in the Self.
There are two paths to liberation,-devotion and knowledge.
Your personal efforts are also needed for salvation, just as it is necessary to strike
the stone repeatedly to produce sparks. You can attain the state of actionless-ness
through action also.
Sadhana-spiritual practice should be performed with faith, devotion and
concentration. Be a pilgrim with single-minded devotion.
Start your pilgrimage with purity of mind, firm faith and intense aspiration.
Courage is needed in all works; for courage gives strength.
True aspiration never fails. Aspiration is essential; for without aspiration, nothing
can be achieved. After that you need constant practice, effort and perseverance.
There is no such term as cant. Dont evade by saying cant. You must do it; it
shall be done. Man can do anything.
Think that the Divine has come to you in the garb of duty. Hence you must
complete your duty in hand. Then God will appear as fulfillment of your duty.
Make use of your little strength. The rest shall be fulfilled by the Lord.
Whatever you do, perform it with complete involvement of your mind and body.
No work should be done carelessly or perfunctorily. It does not matter whether
the work is great or small. Perform it with heart and soul, and with simplicity and
satisfaction.
You cannot proceed towards God, unless you are pure in heart. A life dedicated to
truth and purity is congenial for happiness and bliss.
To purify the body and mind, always remember Him, meditate on Him, serve
human beings as His manifestations and engage in pious activities.

Wisdom dawns when the mind and senses are controlled.

Mutter your mantra in rhythm with your breath. This practice will enable you to
control the mind.
Lethargy and lust are two great foes, whereas perseverance and penance are two
great friends in spiritual life.
Be always patient to the extreme, and remain calm and quiet. Do not find fault
with others; for that will pollute your vision as well as heart.
Character is a great asset.
Intense yearning for God is the path that leads to Him.
God is showering His grace always on you. It is just to realize this that you have to
be God-oriented.
Whether you feel His presence or not, He does verily remain with you. This has to
be your constant and integral thought.
Peace of mind dawns, when the feeling of distance from God is gone. So long as
you feel that He is far away from you, you feel restless.
Try to be innocent like the child. Then it will be easy for you to gain the bosom of
the Mother.
Try to remember God always and as much as possible.
When you realize that everything is happening according to the will of God, you
are liberated. The very fact that you are yearning for God today, is a sure sign of
His will operating in you
When the suffering of bondage becomes unbearable, the path to liberation opens
up. The Divine dispensation takes place according to the devotees needs.
There are many difficulties in a foreign land and you are happy when you are in
your home with your dear relatives. Hence search for your real home and real
relatives.
How long will you remain a stranger in the world? All your present associations
are temporary. Now it is time for returning home with bag and baggage. There
are no other fellow passengers.
Come Home to God!

Text Reference:
Sevak Brahmachari Bhai, The Light of Knowledge: MA
Shree Shree Anandamayee Ma Charitable Society, Kolkata, 1990