SPIRITUAL GUIDELINES
(Continued from “Commitment and Courage”)
I feel very blessed by the Grace of a satguru in my life. They say the teacher comes when the student is ready. I stumbled upon and met Mata Amritanandamayi Devi in Kerala, South India in 1993 when I was internally called to go to India to deepen my yoga practice.
Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, lovingly known as Amma, or Mother, is the embodiment of unconditional love, the primordial shakti, or divine life force. Her teachings are clear and simple, practically relevant to our busy, modern lives. Her focus on selfless service as a means of God-realization provides straightforward guidelines on spiritual living. She says, "Fill your hearts with love and express it in all you do."
Here are a few of Amma's guidelines for spiritual growth and expansion. They have become points of regular contemplation for me. As with most spiritual truths, there is a profundity in the simplicity found within them. In each of these points, we can find deeper and richer jewels to guide our way along the spiritual path. May they inspire you at least as much as they continue to inspire me.
Wishing you much grace along your path.
May we all swiftly realize our true nature and merge with the divine.
Parvati
AMMA'S GUIDELINES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND EXPANSION
When thinking about what to do, consider how each of your actions will be of service to humanity.
Progress is being made when you can maintain evenness of mind in the face of praise and shame, honor and dishonor.
Communication begins when you fully understand the other person's point of view.
If you cannot speak with love and respect, wait until you can.
When you harm anyone, you harm everyone, especially your own self.
If someone is doing something you find really offensive, check to see whether you are doing something similar to someone else or yourself.
Make an appointment with God each day and hold that as your highest priority.
Practice withdrawing the mind from sense objects.
Balance your life with jnana, karma and bhakti yoga.
Excessive talking increases mental turbulence, drains your energy and drowns the subtle voice of God within.
Read a passage from the Guru's teachings each day.
Establish a sadhana plan and follow it as sincerely as possible.
Take advantage of the stillness of the early morning hours for meditation and prayer.
Don't just apologize for hurting someone. Make the firm resolve you will never again do that painful act to anyone.
"The goal in life is God realization. Strive for That!" - Amma
I love these guidelines, to which I have referred for years now. There is always something in them which is relevant to whatever situation is at hand.
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