Ask Amma a question and you can be sure that the answer you get will be the most precise, practical, and correct one possible. So it is no wonder that there are always tiny scraps of paper closely packed with writing, being passed to the translators beside Amma - questions ranging from "Is this person right for me?" to the essence of mystic truths hidden away in obscure scriptural texts. Usually all questions and answers are kept confidential. However, if the question is not of a personal nature, Amma's advice benefits all who are within hearing range.

Like the woman who had a question about chanting her mantra (sacred syllables representing the Divine)

The woman explained to Amma that her job required her to concentrate on the work at hand. It was mostly 'mind-work' and hence chanting her mantra constantly, as Amma recommends, distracted her and made her lose concentration, causing her to make mistakes in her work.

Each person's situation is different and unique and hence Amma gives advice in accordance to the situation. Usually Amma suggests chanting a mantra to gain focus. But in this case, Amma suggested that she not chant her mantra while engaged in intellectual tasks. She further guided her to concentrate on her work until completed, and then resume chanting the mantra.

Hearing this answer, a gentleman nearby expressed his wish of how he wanted to remember Amma in all of his actions, but that as soon as he switches on the computer, he completely forgets about her and only thinks of work. Amma has often said that the goal of spiritual practice is to remember God in every action. Therefore, this devotee felt that working in this way was egoistic, and that he should instead work for Amma's charities, creating a situation where thinking of her constantly would be easier.

Amma replied to his question, saying that some amount of ego is necessary for work. However, when the same ego, that is the feeling of, "I am doing the work", is offered to God, that work becomes worship. If all work, including that which is done to earn money for oneself, is done as an offering to God, then it is equal to working for God.

As Darshan (meeting and receiving a hug from Amma) went on, a woman told Amma that her husband spends much of his time doing seva (selfless service) for Amma. His dedication to this selfless service drives him to work long hours effortlessly. She went on to describe her own desire to do more service for Amma. Her complaint to Amma was that she did not get as many opportunities to do seva as her husband. Amma gave a most loving reply to the devotee. She said that in order for her husband to offer his skills, he needed immense support from his wife. Had she held him back, his skills would not have benefited society as much as they do now. Thus, her seva has been offering support to her husband; hence it is she who needs to be honored for his dedicated service.

Each question is different, and yet Amma consistently gives an answer that is practical and specific to the individual. At times her answer may appear to contradict a previous teaching, as with the question about the mantra. However, upon closer examination, one realizes there is really not one correct answer, just infinite possibilities. Depending on the understanding and mental maturity of the asker and the particular personal situation surrounding the question asked, Amma, in her all-knowingness, gives the perfect answer. The only thing needed when approaching Amma with a question, is an open heart and an unflinching trust in her infinite wisdom.