"Real love has nothing to do with lust or self-centeredness. In real love, you are not important; the other is important. In love, the other is not your instrument to fulfil your selfish desires; you are an instrument of the Divine with the intention of doing good in the world. Love does not sacrifice others; love gives joyfully of itself. Love is selfless—but not the enforced selflessness of women being pushed into the background, treated as objects. In real love, you do not feel worthless; on the contrary, you expand and become one with everything—all-encompassing, ever blissful."
React to this quote
More by Mata Amritanandamayi
See allResonant Thoughts
"It is not a religion that teaches that man is made in the image of God—that is anthropomorphic. Man has infinite dimensions and finds God in his conscience. This religion has no dogma other than teach…"
"I began to suspect that the ultimate sacrifice isn't death after all; the ultimate sacrifice is willingly bearing the fullest penalty for your own actions."
Explore Further
Related Quotes
"Did you ever sum up these prizes and think how very little the millionaire has beyond the peasant, and how …"
— Andrew Carnegie"We call “happiness” a certain set of circumstances that makes joy possible. But we call joy that state of m…"
— André Gide"Mademoiselle, I am told that you look like a Renoir and Maillol . I would be happy with a Renoir."
— Aristide Maillol"I am content; that is a blessing greater than riches; and he to whom that is given need ask no more."
— Henry Fielding"Young people have many pleasures and many sorrows, because they only have themselves to think of, so every …"
— Hermann Hesse"I am now quite cured of seeking pleasure in society, be it country or town. A sensible man ought to find su…"
— Emily Brontë