9 February 2026, Amritapuri Ashram
Nowadays Amma comes early in the afternoon, leads everyone in meditation, and then an ashram resident gives a short talk.
On this day, one of the residents shared her experience.
She said, “When I asked you, ‘Amma, what should be my sadhana?’ you answered—‘Everything here—walking, sitting, sleeping, eating, dancing—everything here is sadhana. You try.’
So Amma, I have been trying. Walking, eating, dancing, and sleeping all happen effortlessly. Sometimes meditation also happens.”
Responding to her words, Amma said, “In fact, everything should be meditation—eating food, walking, bathing, and even sleeping. All our actions should be meditation.”
Amma explained, “When you prepare to write a letter to your loved one, you take a pen, paper, ink, and other things. Even though you see many objects, your mind is on your beloved. Though there are many things before you, you see unity, your beloved.”
“Similarly, when we prepare for a puja, we arrange the lamp, oil, wick, matchbox, flowers, and other items. We see many things, but the mind is on the Lord. When you light the lamp for the puja, you are allowing the light that is already in your heart to shine forth. The sun does not need our candlelight. In the same way, God does not need our lamp. This is the practical aspect to puja which helps us focus on God. Whatever action we do can help the mind focus on the Divine.”
Amma reminded everyone that not everyone gets the opportunity to live in an ashram and meditate. “You need to convert every action into an act of meditation. Not everyone will get this opportunity. It is like winning a lottery—like hitting a jackpot.”
Amma further explained, “If you practice meditation, then eating becomes meditation, walking becomes meditation, sleeping becomes meditation—everything can become meditation.”
“To reach that state, begin with mantra. Chant the mantra with each step. First chant softly. After some practice, chant with the movement of the lips, without any sound coming out. As you gain greater control over the mind, chant without even moving the lips. Chant silently in the mind. Gradually, you will grow into meditation.”
Amma concluded by reminding everyone, “Along with practice, remember that we have come into this world like going on a picnic. Just as a bird goes out in search of food during the day but returns to its nest by evening, we should never forget our eternal home—the feet of Paramatma.”
-Sakshi
