“Spirituality is the science that teaches us how to live happily in the world,” Amma says, and these recollections of devotees’ experiences reveal how Amma has guided them to uncover this secret knowledge that lies dormant in our hearts.

Amma’s every glance, every touch, every word, literally every thought arising from her presence reveals an intimacy with her that transcends the limitations of time and space. It is through this deep connection that Amma guides us out of the mire of worldliness and into the realm of overflowing love.

Having been touched by Amma’s love, the soul yearns for an ever-expanding heart, just as a tree reaches for the sky — and suddenly we realize that our lives have been transformed. Evolving through selfless action and contemplation, Amma’s children awaken to their mother’s call: “Amma bows down to all of you, who are embodiments of pure
love and the supreme self.”

“Whether we laugh or cry, days will pass by. So why not choose to laugh?” Amma says, “Happiness is a decision.” Many of Amma’s children have faced tremendous hardships in both material as well as spiritual life. This teaching of Amma’s may be one of the most profound and at the same time one of the most difficult to accept. Is happiness really a choice?
This book contains the transformational journeys of twenty-five of Amma’s children. Every story is real. Every child is unique. So many struggled hard to open up to receive Amma’s pure and selfless love. Yet somehow an inner transformation started the moment Amma touched their lives, and each person in their own time eventually became receptive to her love and grace.

Accepting Amma’s love and grace is always a turning point in everyone’s life. As we read these chronicles that her devotees have offered in love, it removes any doubts that we too can grow into a life filled with love. Therefore let’s laugh with enthusiasm and follow Amma’s loving clarion call: “My children, happiness is a decision.