Even before I begin to jot down these lines, let me confess that for me Amma still remains far beyond, though I have spent 22 years in Her presence.
This phenomenon — known as Amma or Mata Amritanandamayi — that appears so ordinary to our eyes is actually the extraordinary in an ordinary way. Amma is so extraordinary and incomprehensible that it is impossible to describe Her accurately. Even then, if I had to choose one word to describe Amma, that word would be "wonder."
We study about the seven man-made wonders and natural wonders of the world. But Amma is a greater wonder than all of them combined! I am wonder-struck at the untainted love and compassion that She showers on everyone equally; I am wonder-struck at Her patience that is beyond comparison; I am wonder-struck at the bliss She is constantly established in; I am wonder-struck seeing the transformation that Amma brings in people’s lives; I am wonder-struck at the limitless energy that She embodies; I am wonder-struck at Amma’s purity and the way Amma is offering Herself in serving humanity selflessly; I am wonder-struck at Her supreme detachment. And my wonderment, I know, is going to be endless.
Just as a child whose eyes are filled with wonderment while beholding anything and everything, I am utterly amazed looking at Amma and the different aspects of Her life, which I am sure are only a few of Her infinite divine qualities.
I am reminded of Lord Krishna’s words to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita: "Some see the Atman (a Self-realised Soul) as wonder. Similarly, some others speak about the Atman as wonder. There are others who hear about the Atman as wonder. Yet, no one knows the Self, or a great being, who is established in that supreme reality."
Living in a world of differences, conflicts and endless problems, it is such a great relief and joy to be in the presence of a divine master like Amma.
What is the difference between Amma and us?
Simple, we find only differences, speak about them and turn people away from us, from God, and from everything that is good and wise. Most of the conversations people hold will have subtle hints such as, "Look at me, I am greater than you… I am wealthier than you... and of course more successful than you… and just look at my car, it is a fancier car than yours... and I am certainly more appealing than you. You know what? In fact, I differ from you in all respects, and I really don’t want to converse with you!" These feelings are subtle, therefore powerful. The strong vibration of our thoughts makes other people feel restless. Finally they turn away thinking, "Oh my God, I must have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed this morning, and there must be some strange alignment of the planets because everything that has happ-ened so far today has gone dreadfully wrong. Otherwise why did I bump into that person?"
But Amma sees only one thing in everyone — call it God, goodness, divinity or love. Amma doesn’t compare, She doesn’t judge. Everyone and everything, including animals, plants and even seemingly insignificant objects, are unique in Amma’s eyes
This phenomenon — known as Amma or Mata Amritanandamayi — that appears so ordinary to our eyes is actually the extraordinary in an ordinary way. Amma is so extraordinary and incomprehensible that it is impossible to describe Her accurately. Even then, if I had to choose one word to describe Amma, that word would be "wonder."
We study about the seven man-made wonders and natural wonders of the world. But Amma is a greater wonder than all of them combined! I am wonder-struck at the untainted love and compassion that She showers on everyone equally; I am wonder-struck at Her patience that is beyond comparison; I am wonder-struck at the bliss She is constantly established in; I am wonder-struck seeing the transformation that Amma brings in people’s lives; I am wonder-struck at the limitless energy that She embodies; I am wonder-struck at Amma’s purity and the way Amma is offering Herself in serving humanity selflessly; I am wonder-struck at Her supreme detachment. And my wonderment, I know, is going to be endless.
Just as a child whose eyes are filled with wonderment while beholding anything and everything, I am utterly amazed looking at Amma and the different aspects of Her life, which I am sure are only a few of Her infinite divine qualities.
I am reminded of Lord Krishna’s words to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita: "Some see the Atman (a Self-realised Soul) as wonder. Similarly, some others speak about the Atman as wonder. There are others who hear about the Atman as wonder. Yet, no one knows the Self, or a great being, who is established in that supreme reality."
Living in a world of differences, conflicts and endless problems, it is such a great relief and joy to be in the presence of a divine master like Amma.
What is the difference between Amma and us?
Simple, we find only differences, speak about them and turn people away from us, from God, and from everything that is good and wise. Most of the conversations people hold will have subtle hints such as, "Look at me, I am greater than you… I am wealthier than you... and of course more successful than you… and just look at my car, it is a fancier car than yours... and I am certainly more appealing than you. You know what? In fact, I differ from you in all respects, and I really don’t want to converse with you!" These feelings are subtle, therefore powerful. The strong vibration of our thoughts makes other people feel restless. Finally they turn away thinking, "Oh my God, I must have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed this morning, and there must be some strange alignment of the planets because everything that has happ-ened so far today has gone dreadfully wrong. Otherwise why did I bump into that person?"
But Amma sees only one thing in everyone — call it God, goodness, divinity or love. Amma doesn’t compare, She doesn’t judge. Everyone and everything, including animals, plants and even seemingly insignificant objects, are unique in Amma’s eyes
Amma, the Incomparable - By Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri
