Womens Spirituality: Seeking Life-Giving Shakti  

By MATA AMRITANANDAMAYI  

Women are the power and very foundation of our existence in the world. When women lose touch with their real selves, there is disharmony. So, it is crucial for women everywhere to make the effort to rediscover their fundamental nature.

The infinite potential inherent in men and women is the same. If women really want to, they can somehow acquire the strength to break free of the 'rules' and conditioning that society has imposed on them. The greatest strength of women lies in their innate motherhood, in their creative, life-giving power. And this power can help women to bring about far more significant changes in society than men could ever hope to accomplish.

The power of a woman's innate motherhood helps her find a deep sense of peace and harmony within herself. This enables her to reflect and react at the same time whereas a man tends to reflect less and react more. A woman can listen to the sorrows of other people and respond with compassion; but, still, when faced with a challenge, she can rise to the occasion.

In today's world, everything is being made unnatural. In this environment, woman should take extra care that her qualities of motherhood - her essential nature as a woman - don't get either contaminated or distorted. Whether you are a woman or a man, your real humane nature will be revealed only when the feminine and masculine qualities within you are balanced.

Through their will power and spiritual practices, women should overcome their weaknesses. But in the process of striving to regain their rightful position in society, women should not lose their essential nature. For, it is impossible to attain real freedom by imitating men. If women themselves turn their backs on the feminine principle, this will culminate in the utter failure of women and society. If women reject their feminine qualities and cultivate only masculine qualities, the imbalance in the world will only become greater. The real need is for women to contribute all they can to society by developing their universal motherhood, as well as their 'masculine' qualities.

Woman is the creator of the human race. She is the first guru, the first guide and mentor of humanity. Think of the tremendous forces, both positive or negative, that one human being can unleash on the world.

The responsibility of a mother, when it comes to influencing and inspiring her children, cannot be underestimated. Wherever you see happy, peaceful individuals; wherever you see children endowed with noble qualities and good dispositions; wherever you see men who have immense strength when faced with failure and adverse situations; wherever you see people who possess a great measure of understanding, sympathy, love, and compassion towards the suffering, and who give of themselves to others - you will usually find a great mother who has inspired them to become what they are.

Mothers sow the seeds of love, universal kinship, and patience in the minds of human beings. There is a special bond between a mother and child. The mother understands the heart of her child; she pours her love into the child, teaches positive lessons, and helps correct the child's mistakes.

A child's mind is like a freshly cemented floor. The impressions made in the fresh cement will remain there. The good thoughts and positive values we cultivate in our children will stay with them forever.

The forthcoming age should be dedicated to awakening universal motherhood. The future of humanity lies in stree shakti . Women everywhere have to actualise the qualities of motherhood within themselves. In this way, we can realise our dream of global peace and harmony, and to further progress in life.

.

.

See also: Womens Spirituality, God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)