A renowned humanitarian leader and spiritual teacher, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi is the guiding light of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham. Amma’s concept of education, stress on research and commitment to instilling universal values have come together to shape Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham into an institution where the latest advancements and discoveries combine with compassion and service-mindedness. As Mata Amritanandamayi said in 2010 when the State University of New York honored her with an honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters: “It is Amma’s prayer that we develop the expansive-mindedness to embrace both scientific knowledge and spiritual wisdom. We can no longer afford to see these two streams of knowledge as flowing in opposite directions. In truth, they complement one another. If we merge these streams, we will find that we are able to create a mighty river—a river whose waters can remove suffering and spread life to all of humanity.”
Aside from serving as the Chancellor of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Mata Amritanandamayi also runs the vast humanitarian mission known as the Mata Amritanandamayi Math, the headquarters of which is home to one of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s five campuses. A world-renowned institution, the Mata Amritanandamayi Math has built more than 45,000 homes for the homeless poor throughout India, is currently providing scholarships for more than 46,000 impoverished children, and has helped more than one lakh poverty-stricken women form self-help groups, and much more.
Mata Amritanandamayi is also a spiritual guide and teacher to millions throughout the world, giving people through her teachings and emotional support the strength to face the challenges of life with peace and mental equanimity. Her days are spent receiving thousands, placing men, women and children on her shoulder, addressing their concerns and instilling in them the confidence and inner strength to move forward in life. In this manner, more than 34 million people have come to Amma for her darshan.
Amma receives the “Hindu of the year award – Hindu Renaissance Award” from Hinduism Today.
Amma addresses the Parliament of the World’s Religions’ 100th Anniversary, where is she named President of the Hindu Faith.
Amma addresses the Interfaith Celebrations at the 50th anniversary of the UN.
Amma receives the Care & Share International Humanitarian of the Year Award.
Amma’s teachings began with her birth itself. She entered this world in silence, a divine gesture worthy of our contemplation. This has always been Amma’s way. Throughout, Amma’s life has been her teaching.
If we watch Amma, we will see the embodiment of all the divine qualities she is constantly encouraging us to cultivate. If you want to understand devotion, watch the tears as they roll down her cheeks during bhajans. If you want to learn about serving the world selflessly, sit by her side one evening as she embraces 12,000 people. If you have questions about sadhana, envision her years on the seashore when she sat motionless, completely estranged from the world. And whatever Amma does, it is meditation, whether sitting in silence, speaking to thousands or sweeping the ashram courtyard.
“There are two types of education: education for a living and education for life. When we study in college, striving to become a doctor, a lawyer, or an engineer, that is education for a living. But education for life requires an understanding of the essential principles of spirituality it is about gaining a deeper understanding of the world, our minds, our emotions, and ourselves.
“To awaken this unity and to spread the love that is our inherent nature to others – this is the true aim of human life. Indeed, love is the only religion that can help humanity rise to great and glorious heights. And love should be the one thread on which all religions and philosophies are strung together. The beauty of society lies in the unity of our hearts.
“We all know that the real goal of education is not to create people who understand only the language of technology the main purpose of education should be to impart a culture of the heart, a culture based on spiritual values. Viewing religion only outwardly creates more and more division. We need to see and understand the inside, the essence of religion, from a spiritual perspective. Only then will the sense of division come to an end. Where there is division, there cannot be any real spritual experience and where there is true spritual experience, there will be no division – only unity and love.
“If we are able to develop the right attitude, we can drastically reduce the burden of our sorrows.
“Only when human beings are able to perceive and acknowledge the Self in each other can there be real peace.
“The main purpose of education should be to impart a culture of the heart.
“Love and compassion are the very essence of all religions. What, then, is the need for us to compete?. Love is our true essence. Love has no limitations such as religion, race, nationality, or caste. We are all beads strung together on the same thread of love.
“Youngsters need to understand the purpose of life. They need courage and wisdom to face the challenges of life. With that understanding they become the light of the world. If we care for them responsibly, moulding their whole character with love, then the future of the world will be safe
