Sri Anandamayi Ma (1896-1982) was one of the most influential spiritual luminaries of the Twentieth Century. Her devotees ranged from Prime Ministers and great Saints down to the simplest villagers, and people came from all over the world to simply see Her and sit in Her presence. Though virtually uneducated, She spoke with the authority of direct experience and captivated all with Her sweetness and power. To this day, Her presence and guidance is felt by those who turn to Her in prayer, and Her life is an inspiration to all who feel drawn to the spiritual Path.
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Although having no external Guru, in 1922 She spontaneously went through the ritual of Initiation exactly according to the Shastras, the Guru emerging from within, and after imparting the instruction and empowerment, being absorbed back into Her own Self. She later gave Her husband diksha, changing his name to Bholanath, and beginning his transformation from a simple, yet virtuous man of the world, into a great sadhak and saint.
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