The Awakening of Universal Motherhood (B)

Although it might seem by the title Universal Motherhood that Amma is referring only to an audience of women, Amma's powerful address calls to both men and women - challenging all of us to develop our innate power of love and selflessness - the power Amma calls motherhood.

"The essence of motherhood is not restricted to women who have given birth; it is a principle inherent in both women and men. It is an attitude of the mind. It is love -- and that love is the very breath of life. No one would say, 'I will breathe only when I am with my family and friends; I won't breathe in front of my enemies'. Similarly, for those in whom motherhood has awakened, love and compassion for everyone are as much a part of their being as breathing." -- quote from Amma's address.

Given upon her acceptance of the 2002 Gandhi-King Award for Non-Violence, this gem of a booklet will inspire, and possibly stir up, both men and women. Additionally, the booklet contains a moving forward by Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri that documents Amma's mission at that year's Peace Initiative.