AMRITAPURI, Kerala: Increasing complexities of life in the modern era called for a “revolution of the internal self” that would prompt people to shed selfishness and kindle in them the spirit of service, Mata Amritanandamayi said here today.
The world’s population, especially the youth, must eschew ostentation and work for the benefit of society at large, the spiritual leader told a huge gathering at her ashram here on the occasion of her 60th birthday.
She said sadness was ephemeral and that ameliorating it is what had a lasting effect.
Modern technology, for all its advantages, should not make the young generation slaves of new-age gadgets, she said.
“Take, for instance, the Internet. We only invented it. It is highly beneficial today. But it should not be dictating the terms of our life,” she said.
She recalled her childhood in Parayakadavu village here, where the fire in one kitchen used to be shared for cooking.
“Only one house in the cluster would first light the fire, to where the children would go and bring a bit of it to their houses,” she recalled.
She noted that people now, more so the new generation, generally suffer from a fragile mind and body.
“Wrong food habits weaken your physique; you develop all sorts of diseases. Your mother scolds you; you kill yourself.
You flunk exams and commit suicide. It is high time society developed a healthy mindset,” she said.
Earlier, the President and Prime Minister greeted Mata Amritanandamayi on her birthday and hailed her charity work and efforts to spread the message of love the world over.
President Pranab Mukherjee lauded her initiatives to serve humanity, in India and abroad. “It is for her love and compassion for all human beings, irrespective of their caste, creed and religion, that she is popularly known as Amma.”
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Mata Amritanandamayi inspires millions of people all over the world with her message of altruism, selflessness, love and compassion.
“Hers is a life dedicated to the service of society and spiritual awakening of the people. I extend my greetings and good wishes to Mata Amritanandamayi for many more years of service to humanity,” he said. -PTI
