Love is Amma's Only Miracle
Times of India
--- S. Balakrishna
March 2001
Within a relatively short period of time Mata Amritanandamayi has
acquired a following that runs into the millions not only in India,
but even abroad. She performs no miracles, but what impresses her
devotees is her genuine love for them.
She gives a patient hear to people who come to her with their problems,
takes them into her embrace and utters words of solace in their
ears. Her devotees derive tremendous inner satisfaction after her
and many testify to the new direction, which she has given to their
lives.
Born in a poor family in the backwaters of Kerala, Amma, as she
is affectionately called by her followers, is not only spearheading
a moral renaissance, but is also diverting huge resources to building
hospitals, schools, old age homes, and providing shelter to the
poor. She says she has no secret formula for her success. "I
am like a river which keeps on flowing. The river has no mission
but simply keeps on flowing and people flock to it to drink its
pure water," she explains.
In Mumbai on a brief visit, Mata Amritanandamayi spoke to The Times
of India News Service.
Excerpts:
Question: The ongoing controversy about corruption in high
places shows the extent of rot in Indian society. Even the army
appears to have fallen victim to corruption. What is the reason
for this deep decline in morality?
I am not interested in politics. But all the same I feel the issue
is social. The present situation is the outcome of people moving
away from 'dharma.' This includes politicians. People have knowledge
about several things, but lack awareness. Only when knowledge is
put into practice does it lead to awareness.
Question: You deprecate the lack of 'dharma.' Why don't
you lead a moral revolution in the country?
(Laughs) I do not want to lead a 'viplavam' (revolution.) My life
itself is a message to the people. But it will be a good idea to
have a non-governmental organization (NGO) working at the grassroots
level to assert their moral authority of the masses. Only then can
they be made accountable.
Question: Temple administrations in Kerala and elsewhere
are facing the problem of political interference from the government.
Please comment.
So long as the monies collected by the temples are not used for
political purposes there is no problem. In fact, the funds should
be utilized for social service like building hospitals. In Kerala,
the communists are idealists and I have no quarrel with them so
long as the temple funds are not misused.
Question: Certain organizations are demanding reservation
facilities for Dalit Christians. What is your opinion?
It is not a justifiable demand.
The problem of religious conversions continues to crop
up in our country. What is your stand on this vexed issue?
I am bringing about a change of heart and not change of religion.
I am against people converting illiterate people. It has almost
become a business.
Question: You are doing a lot to mitigate the suffering
of people. Is it not possible to pre-empt people's suffering?
Suffering can be avoided if people share their wealth. The wealth
amassed by the rich belongs to the poor. People should learn to
share love and cease to be selfish. Greed should be avoided. These
days there is a lack of love and communication within families.
Both parents go to work and they have no time to spend with their
children. People are going about their chores like machines. That
is why we are witnessing an increase in the number of divorces.
The social crises can be tackled if people start loving and communicating
with each other. They should start caring for others.
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