ANANDAMAYI MA

MA IN HER WORDS

by ANANDAMAYI MA

Anandamayi Ma was an Indian saint and mystic, revered for her spiritual wisdom and teachings. She often spoke about the unity of life and religion, emphasizing that everyday activities, when performed with sincerity and devotion, can be a path to spiritual realization. Her words highlight the importance of self-realization, detachment from worldly desires, and the interconnectedness of all beings. 

ANANDAMAYI MA

Anandamayi Ma was an Indian mystic, saint, and teacher, revered by many as a living incarnation of the Divine Mother, revered as the “Bliss-permeated Mother” for her profound wisdom and divine presence. She was known for her innate spiritual wisdom, spontaneous yogic practices, and ecstatic states of consciousness, which she called sadhana leela or "play". She never had a traditional guru, instead embodying direct spiritual realization and the attainment of sahaja samadhi, natural enlightenment. Her husband, Bholanath, became her first devotee after recognizing her divine nature and dedicating himself to her spiritual guidance. Her teachings emphasized the unity of life and religion, encouraging followers to perform daily tasks with love and devotion, fostering a deep connection with the divine.

Paramahansa Yogananda devoted a chapter of his Autobiography of a Yogi to Anandamayi Ma, which introduced her to the Western world and established her as a significant spiritual figure.  During their meeting in India, Anandamayi Ma, exclaimed, "Father, you have come!" in a deeply affectionate welcome. Ma expressed her timeless consciousness, explaining that she was the same in every stage of life. Yogananda recognized her divinity and was deeply impressed by her profound spiritual bliss and inner stillness, which he documented in detail.