Reflections on the Anandamayi Ma Book

In our Wisdom Seekers Circle, we read "Anandamayi Ma, a Goddess Among Us." Anandamayi Ma’s name suits her so well that she did not even cry at birth. Born with divine grace, Anandamayi Ma exhibited remarkable wisdom from a young age. Her husband, recognizing her sanctity, considered her his Guru, and Anandamayi Ma revered him as the same. 

People saw the embodiment of their beloved deities when they met Anandamayi Ma, the same way we see Baba in Guruji Tatayya. Devotees were drawn not only to Anandamayi Ma’s profound wisdom but also to her vibrant and joyous spirit. Her teachings and experiences resonated deeply within them. While reading the book, we came across Anandamayi Ma’s suggestion to have our ideal spiritual day, which many of us tried in different ways and saw amazing results. 

While reading the book, we noticed many parallels between Anandamayi Ma and the saints we knew already. 

1. Anandamayi Ma repeatedly chanted the name of a divine being, as she believed it brought people closer to God, similar to how we chant Baba’s name at Saipatham. 

2. When devotees would ask Anandamayi Ma, “Are you not tired of blessing so many people?” she would reply that whenever someone took blessings from her, she felt that it was her own hand touching herself. Anandamayi Ma believed everyone was a part of her, similar to what Guruji once said, that “Baba is looking at himself when he looks at us.” 

3. As Anandamayi Ma approached her passing, she started calling herself “the body,” which was similar to Ramana Tatayya’s speaking of his body, saying that he felt “it was like trying to fit an elephant into a small box”.

Anandamayi Ma is a saint who fills her devotees’ hearts with happiness so when they are with her, there is no room for emptiness. I wish saints like Anandamayi Ma, Baba, and Guruji Tatayya were still in their physical form so I could have a visual treat in my heart. 

Written by Tanvi Pothireddy