Contentment Comes From Within
Indian Express
March 2002
An Interview by Amrita Choudahary
In the city for the tenth
anniversary celebrations of the Brahmasthanam Temple, Mata Amritanandamayi
Devi talks about peace, contentment and spirituality.
Question: What do you have to say about violence in the
name of religion?
Answer: Violence and hatred in the name of faith and religion has
been there since time immemorial. It happens because people are
ignorant about the basic principles of religion and the lack of
understanding of oneself. There are two aspects of religion and
people tend to get carried away and give more importance to the
rituals rather than the spiritual aspect. However religion cannot
be rejected as it is a part of life and one needs to follow some
basic principles of dharma to maintain harmony in society.
Question: What does peace mean to you?
Real peace comes from creating equilibrium in life. We must be
able to face all circumstances in life with a balanced approach.
Religious principles help us strike this balance; however even in
spiritual practices there are certain guidelines that one must follow.
Once should not go overboard but follow the master's word, as every
individual is different.
Most people are always looking for contentment but it keeps eluding
them? Contentment is an attitude. It is a feeling that comes from
within and there is no point in looking for contentment from the
material world. People who do so are constantly 'taking from others',
however we should have the willingness to 'give'.
Question: What is your message for today's women?
In the olden time, the role of women was confined to homes but
today they have multiple roles as they have stepped into various
fields. Men therefore should have a certain degree of understanding
and should awaken to this reality. She should not be restricted
from doing what she wants as man will then keep holding her back
rather than letting her free to bloom. What a woman needs to remember
is that she should be patient and loving.
Question: Do you think the youth is moving towards spiritualism?
What message do you have for them?
There is a certain inquisitiveness and enthusiasm visible in the
society but a deeper understanding of religion is required to sustain
this trend. The youth get addicted to all kinds of vices because
of lack of understanding of culture and land up as pest infested
flowers in their budding stage. They should spare some time once
in a while and visit ten families to see the sorrows and sufferings
of people. This will give them a better understanding of life, help
them grow and might also get rid of their extravagance.
Question: One of your most cherished memories…
I cherish every incident-big or small. I am like a river, flowing
through places and accepting all that comes my way. Every person
is unique and has special qualities within them.
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