Among all spiritual gurus, Outlook chose Mata Amritanandamayi Devi for this interview because she is unlike others in many respects. She is from a fishing village on the Kollam coast in Kerala, one of the few which are still Hindu, speaks only Malayalam and is a symbol of a person’s journey from vulnerability to veneration. As an individual, she is the most effective preacher in God’s own land of holy men and women. And her influence is spread across charity, education, healthcare, media and entertainment. Excerpts from an interview:
All these years, you have been trying to bring devotees closer to God. Who needs God? Is God just a crutch for those who do not have mental strength?
Everyone needs God. Some realise it, some don’t. In reality, the path to God is only meant for people with tremendous mental strength. This is because controlling one’s mind is a fundamental aspect of spirituality. It is impossible for someone who is weak-minded to control and sublimate his or her desires, thoughts and...

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