Train the Mind: Selections from “Sad Vani – A collection of the teachings of Sri Anandamayi Ma (vegetarian),” Part 1 of 2

Sri Anandamayi Ma is a beloved Hindu Saint who graced our planet from 1896 to 1982. Her name “Anandamayi Ma” was given to her by her devotees and means “Joy-Permeated Mother” in Sanskrit. She attained self-initiation at 26 years of age. She traveled throughout India and Bangladesh teaching the importance of living a God-centered life. Everyone could be in tune with the Divine, and every opportunity in one’s life, be it work or family, done with sincerity, love and devotion would enable one to walk the noble path. She was a vegetarian with a compassionate love for every living being. Her acceptance of all faiths and backgrounds, along with her universal teachings of Divine love and joy, has enabled countless people from different walks of life to benefit from her wisdom.

Today, we are delighted to share selections from the book “Sad Vani: A collection of the teachings of Sri Anandamayi Ma” recorded and translated by her devotees Bhaiji and Atmananda respectively, whereby the venerated Saint expounds on ways we can become closer to God.

“The more the heart becomes filled with the love of God, the fainter will grow the appetite for material enjoyments. The moment you become charmed and therefore transformed and inspired by Him, your mind will be stilled.”

“If you are in dead earnest, you are bound to find Him. Do you know by what signs a true seeker can be recognized? If you pine for Him as a shipwrecked traveler longs for the shore, as a bereaved mother yearns for her child; if you desire Him with such eagerness, you will find that He is with you every second, day and night.”

“Remember that spiritual endeavor must be coupled with purity of heart. To the extent that we harbor unkind or narrow thoughts, we increase the cause of evil in the world. What necessity is there to pay attention to what others have or have not? Far better be intent on your own improvement. If you can develop inner beauty, and enshrine Him, the ever Beautiful, in the glorious temple of your heart, you will then be able to perceive beauty in everything.”