Ammachi: A Biography of Mata Amritanandamayi

June 2006 I met Amma, and felt bliss after some time spent around her. For a week after that I felt like 17, full of energy and feeling happy. At that time I bought this book to learn more about Her. I only started reading it months after, on the plane going to see her again. Learning about what she has been through in her life made me appreciate her work even more. How wouldn't I? She had to overcome a lot of difficulties - especially from her mother who was ill and enjoyed seeing her suffering - working hard for her family and for relatives (as it is customary in India), but yet making time to be in touch with God for hours daily. She never complained, seeing everything as a test, as an opportunity to prove that she will never abandon God, no matter what else happens in life. She especially loved her mother, even more when being so cruel to her, because it gave her so many opportunities to increase her inner strength. Not before long, villagers and soon people farther away realized that she is blessed by God, and realized her acts to help everyone (such as sometimes taking food from family to offer beggars and suffering for that) - that her acts came from a compassion of true divine nature. Before 20, she already had disciples... and their number grew and grew over years. The books also presents some testimonials (actually stories) of people who were helped by Amma, and some of them are amazing. There are some short stories about her teachings at the end of the book, but if you really want to know more, the best thing seems to be a series of nine volumes - "Children awaken". Oh yes, all the beings are Amma's children - regardless of age, race, and so on. This book may not be a page turner, but if you want to know more about Amma's life then you came to the proper place. If there is one message to be extracted from the book, would be that of hope, that regardless of difficulties, you can achieve what you yearn for. Even masters encounter hardships, but makes them different is how they turn them into opportunities to become better... and build a better world.

This book is a must-read for any spiritual seeker. This is a great biography of one of India's greatest Living Masters- Ammachi. Known all over the world for Her incredible Love and compassion, Amma's life is an unfolding miracle. The book gives details of Her harrowing childhood, the spiritual austerities Amma performed in Her childhood and how Amma's mission has unfolded over the years. It give good insights to the seeker as to how to keep one's mind and heart focussed on God in the midst of all sorts of trials and tests and how a Great Master deals with everyone- whether they are admirers or detractors. The book will inspire and move you to tears - and will certainly help anyone who wants to actually meet Amma and experience the Divine Love that She shares with all. The book is written by Amma's chief disciple, Swami Amritaswaroopananda who has lived in Amma's ashram for more than 20 years. A great book of a Great Master.

Ammachi has touched the lives of millions by Her physical, mental, and overwhelming loving spiritual embrace. The biography written by Her seniormost disciple, Swami Amritaswarupananda, gives a beautiful picture of Her life. For one unfamilliar with Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, Her Biography is very helpful in learning about Her life as well as the lives of other saints and highly spiritual persons. The testimonies given at the end of the book are very exciting and reafirming to the mysterious and unassuming character of Amma. I HIGHLY recommend this book. I found myself immersed being brought to tears of laughter or longing. I have since bought several copies as gifts!

ANy book about my dear mother is so precious. Understanding of her past life experiences is an important thing to have. Personally, I have known Amma since the tender age of 3 and am now 13. In Her Service

I must really recomment this book to everyone who wants to read about the amazing life and love of Sri Mata Amritananada Mayi. Her life is a inspiration and contemplation for all. The book is well written and has some great first hand experiences. Highly recommended !