Matri Vani (Volume 2): The Voice of Anandamayi Ma

The second volume of Mätri Väni, containing additional selections from the sayings of Mother, provides us with another spiritual treasure. Her message is both timeless and timely, for a world filled with tensions and confusion needs to be constantly reminded that all our sufferings and tribulations can be traced to one primary cause alienation from God, the source of our being. Mother aptly points out that all those who are steeped in worldliness are the actual denunciates, foregoing the bliss of God-realization for the sake of paltry, ephemeral material pleasures. Again and again She reminds us that we who are blessed with the possession of a human body have to live in accordance with our exalted destiny, concentrating all our efforts on the only worthwhile goal, realization of our immortal nature. While in the ultimate sense time is a delusion, but for all practical purposes time is the most valuable commodity which must not be squandered. Consequently it behaves us ceaselessly to invoke the divine name. This is the way to cope with whatever problems confront us and to remove bad karma. Utilizing any and all devices that will remind us of the divine presence, we shall assuredly overcome mäyä. While Mother acknowledges that normally mãya holds mankind in a vice- like grip, she makes it clear that mäyäitself contains the key to our liberation, for “where there is a veil of ignorance, there is also a door to Knowledge”. It is by suffering that suffering is overcome, because without suffering few would see the need for self- purification which leads to the unfoldment of our immortal Self. The pilgrimage to immortality may appear arduous and unattractive at first, but it has to be undertaken, for it will lead us to our true home from which we have been absent too long, exposing us to the dualities of worldly life and the cycle of birth and rebirth.

Endurance courage are essential requirements on the spiritual path. God- realization is not bestowed upon cowards. Just as did Arjuna, each one of us has to act heroically, slaying our weaknesses. There is no escape from the battlefield of life, since any attempt to evade our duty will only prolong the ordeal, keeping us in bodily captivity. Instead we must confidently engage in battle, wielding the unfailing weapon of japa. God will not withhold the price of victory, blissful immortality, which is none other than our own true nature.

Mother’s advice is meant for enunciates and householders alike, for She advocates regarding all our duties as service to God who is immanent in all beings and conditions. Actually, we are all ashramites, since where is there a boundary, an area where God is not? All distinctions are part of our limited consciousness. In truth, mine and thin do not exist. Mother is never apart from us. It is to this level of realization that she urges us to advance. There, where only one is, all suffering ceases. And it is from the realization of Oneness that Mother addresses us. Thus Her sayings originate horn a level beyond time, space causality. Consequently, any analysis of [ice personality or her motives from a dualistic level of consciousness is futile. As an unruffled lake at night clearly and accurately reflects the moon shining upon it, likewise Mother mirrors our own state of consciousness. Our visions of her and our interpretation of her advice constitute a reflection of our spiritual understanding. Ultimately, we must attain that level where we realize that she and we are one. May many a reader of this precious book be blessed with that attainment?