Sprituality is not intellectual arcobatics: Amma

Kochi, Apr 28 (UNI) Mata Amritandamayi Devi today called upon the people to respond positively even to bitter experiences in life and learn from them.

Addressing devotees at a satsang at the Edappally Brahmasthanam here, Amma, who arrived here last evening, said ''we have knowledge today, but lack consciousness; we have sharp brain, but the heart is drying up. We have built beautiful houses in which live broken families. While trying to reach the moon, we are getting away from our immediate neighbours.' She also said the number of scriptures read or 'satsangs' attended was no criterion for guaging the spiritual evolution of an individual. The vital question was to what extent the eternal values have been imbibed in life.

Observing that reading of scriptures and attending 'satsang' was futile if it did not help change one's life, she said most people attend discourses or learn the scriptures just to equip themselves for arguing with people and not to translate the noble teachings into action. ''They only indulge in intellectual acrobatics. There is no difference between them and a tape recorder,'' she added.

Stating that there were many who argue that a guru is of no need in spiritual evolution, she said when your telephone and television set goes wrong, you summon the technician to correct it. Similarly, when your mind gets disturbed you need the guidance of a guru.

Urging the devotees to learn to tackle themselves before getting ready to tackle external problems, she said one who succeeds in mastering his own mind would succeed in winning the world.

UNI