How to Work

There should be shraddha (care and attention) in every action of ours. We should imagine that we are removing the stains of our mind while washing clothes and bathing our Beloved Deity while giving a bath to our child. While walking, imagine that the Lord is walking beside you and sitting near you as you eat. Thus we should try to develop the habit of remembering God while doing our work.

Think of the kitchen as a place of worship. It should be kept clean and organized. In the morning, always take a bath before beginning to cook. While preparing the food, chant your mantra and think of the food as an offering to God. Imagine that He receives the essence of the food before it is served at the table. Before retiring at night, all the dishes should be washed and the kitchen floor swept. Take care not to leave any food uncovered.

It is good to hang a picture of your Guru or beloved deity in a visible place in every room. Dusting them daily will enhance your shraddha and devotion.

The scriptures say that every person has his or her dharma, or duty, to fulfil. If everyone follows their dharma, the world will be harmonius and peaceful. Therefore work not for the employer or the company, but for God. If you put in your best efforts at work and surrender the fruits of your labor to God, the work will become worship.

Amma says that we should try to give a portion of our wealth to help the poor and suffering. You may feel you don't have anything to spare. But if you are working eight hours a day, and with those eight hours you are able to meet your family's needs, try to work an extra half hour or hour each day; the earnings from that extra time can be dedicated to charity. Always try to maintain remembrance of God while performing your work. If this is not possible for you, you can dedicate your day's work to God before starting and after finishing your work.