Experience Amma’s Embrace: A Global Humanitarian’s Upcoming Visit to Chicago

“Looking into her eyes, I felt a love I’d never experienced in my entire life.”—RB In August, Chicago will welcome Sri Mata Amritanandamayi, known to millions simply as “Amma” (Mother). But who is Amma, and why do people from all walks of life seek her embrace? Born on September 27, 1953, in Kerala, India, Amma […]

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“Looking into her eyes, I felt a love I’d never experienced in my entire life.”—RB

In August, Chicago will welcome Sri Mata Amritanandamayi, known to millions simply as “Amma” (Mother). But who is Amma, and why do people from all walks of life seek her embrace?

Born on September 27, 1953, in Kerala, India, Amma has become a global humanitarian and spiritual leader. Amma’s life—a life inspired by love and service to humanity—is her message, and her example has inspired millions across the world to follow in her path of selfless service.

From her earliest years, Amma displayed an extraordinary capacity for compassion. In a culture steeped in devotion, she stood out for her dedication to alleviating the suffering of others. By the time she turned sixteen, people were traveling from around the world to her small fishing village to meet her.

Today, Amma’s reach extends globally through Embracing the World (www.embracingtheworld.org), a network of volunteer-run national and regional nonprofit organizations led and inspired by Amma. Embracing the World encompasses educational initiatives, disaster relief, housing programs, schools, orphanages, hospitals, and more.

In the U.S., Amma’s centers (MA Centers) across the country provide a spiritual home for a vibrant community of seekers. These hubs of service, worship, and education are staffed by volunteers from diverse backgrounds, united in their commitment to Amma’s vision of universal motherhood, or “vishwa matrutvam.” MA Center Chicago, located in Elburn, one of Chicago’s far west suburbs, serves as the hub of Amma’s charitable, educational, and spiritual activities in the Midwest, conducting programs regularly, including prayer sessions, guided meditation, spiritual discourses, green initiatives, and youth programs.

“Volunteering with Amma’s ‘Embracing the World’ humanitarian efforts allowed me to travel the globe to help rebuild, teach, serve, and support,” shares one devotee. “My life has been so enriched by discovering Amma. The Amma family is the community I always hoped I would find.”

Amma’s approach is unique. She offers her love and wisdom through a simple yet profound act: an embrace. This “darshan,” or individual connection, has touched millions. Many who experience Amma’s embrace report transformative experiences:

“When I finally met Amma, I knew I was home. I felt seen, understood, and accepted for who I am,” says DM.

NS recounts, “After my first time meeting Amma, I went home and sobbed throughout the next day and night. I never cry. I think I let go of the pain I’d been burying since my childhood.”

For those drawn to deeper spiritual practice, Amma offers guidance through mantras, meditation, and teachings. These practices can help serve as the foundation for a student’s sadhana, or dedicated spiritual path, aimed at cultivating awareness and inner peace.

Amma’s Chicagoland programs will take place Friday through Sunday, August 9—11, 2024. All are welcome to attend these free programs, during which they can experience Amma’s personal blessing (a hug), enjoy inspirational live music, participate in meditation sessions, listen to spiritual discourses, experience healing arts, and savor delicious vegetarian food. To help ensure everyone who comes gets to meet Amma, it is recommended to arrive early, as the line to receive Amma’s embrace can be lengthy.

Admission is free. Location: MA Center Chicago, 41W501 Keslinger Rd., Elburn, IL. For more information, call 1-630-387-5077, email [email protected], or visit chicago.amma.org

The post Experience Amma’s Embrace: A Global Humanitarian’s Upcoming Visit to Chicago appeared first on Yoga Chicago.