Local transportation options and nearby hotel information. Connect with fellow travelers through the Travel Exchange.
Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri will lead this inspiring retreat in-person.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to spend time in the inspiring presence of Amma’s foremost disciple, Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri and connect with Amma’s teachings in the serene and uplifting setting of MA Center, Chicago. Spend four delightful days in an intimate setting with Swamiji and Amma’s senior disciples from North America. Participate in a wide range of spiritually themed sessions alongside fellow retreatants in the beautiful ashram setting.
Gather with all of Amma’s North American Disciples in-person.
This retreat offers a unique chance to gather with all of Amma’s North American disciples in-person: Swamini Ambikamrita Prana, Swami Shantamritananda Puri, Swami Dayamritananda Puri and Br. Ramanandamrita Chaitanya. Reunite with the Amma community and reconnect with members from all across North America in the first major Amma community event since the pandemic began.
Participate in the C20 Symposium on Compassion
On the third day of the retreat, you will have the opportunity to participate in the C20 Symposium on Compassion, July 8th. This all-day event will highlight the importance of empathy and kindness in today’s world through discussions and talks by invited speakers. Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, Representative of Amma and Chair of Civil 20 India, along with other dignitaries, will share their experiences and insights on how compassion can help us build stronger communities and create positive change. Learn about Amma’s work as the Chair of the Civil 20. The five key topic areas will be: Health, Technology and Security, Gender Equality, Community Resilience, and Education.
Retreat participants will be automatically registered to join .
Retreat At-A-Glance
The retreat will take place at the MA Center Chicago: 41W501, Keslinger Rd, Elburn, IL 60119
- All accommodations for this retreat are off-site at local hotels, which you can book independently. You will also need to arrange your own transportation to/from the retreat venue.
- Please refer to this information page for helpful options.
- Campus buildings, including the program and event halls, are within walking distance of one another and are accessible for people with disabilities.
- Delicious vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) will be provided for retreatants.
- Schedule Overview can be found here.
*A detailed schedule with exact locations of each segment and meal timings will be shared with retreat participants closer to the retreat.
Questions? Contact events@amma.org
Thursday, July 6
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Check in
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Early Dinner
6:15 PM - 6:30 PM - Orientation
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM - Evening Program with Swamiji
8:30 PM Onward - Dinner & Cultural Programs
Friday, July 7
6:00 AM - 12:30 PM - Morning Session & Session 1 with Swamiji
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Afternoon Sessions
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM - Evening Program with Swamiji
8:30 PM Onward - Dinner & Cultural Programs
Saturday July 8
5:30 AM - 8:00 AM - Homa with Swamini Ambikamrita Prana
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM - Breakfast
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM - Civil 20 Symposium
6:15 PM - 10:00 PM - Dinner, Bhajans and Cultural Performances
Sunday July 9
6:00 AM - 9:45 AM- Morning Meditation, Breakfast, Amrita Yoga
9:45 AM - 1:00 PM - Morning Session with Swamiji
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM - Lunch
2:15 PM - 3:45 PM - Afternoon Session with Swamiji + Disciples
6:15 PM - 8:45 PM - Public Program with Swamiji (open to all)
8:45 PM Onward - Dinner
Retreat Highlights
Compassion as the Centerpoint
Centered around the theme of “Compassion: the need of the hour,” this retreat promises to be an extraordinary and impactful experience. This is a unique opportunity for our community to come together once again, dedicating ourselves to spiritual practice and deep contemplation in pursuit of a better world. It is an occasion of rare significance, where we can collectively foster compassion and contribute towards positive change.
In-Person Q&A with Swamiji
There will be question and answer sessions where retreat participants can directly ask Swamiji spiritual questions. This is a rare opportunity to explore the depths of spiritual inquiry with Amma’s senior-most disciple.
Homa - Sacred Fire Ceremony
Participate in an auspicious homa, a sacred fire ceremony performed by Swamini Ambikamrita Prana. The Homa will take place in a beautiful outdoor setting at the MA Center, Chicago. Retreat participants may register for a sankalpa (spiritual resolve) to be made during the homa on their behalf or for a loved one.
Sadhana - Spiritual practices
The daily schedule will include enlightening spiritual talks by Swamiji and the other disciples, creating opportunities for profound insights. We will also immerse ourselves in the uplifting melodies of daily bhajans (devotional music). There will be an in-depth exploration of a scriptural text, deepening our understanding of spiritual wisdom. Each day, we will participate in the powerful practice of archana, chanting the thousand names of the Divine Mother.
Special Film Screening: Amma’s Way
Retreatants will be treated to a special screening of the documentary “Amma’s Way: A Journey to Embrace the World Again.” This 90-minute English documentary film portrays Amma and her humanitarian, societal, spiritual and educational work through the words of her disciples and devotees. This screening will be a great highlight not to be missed.
Civil 20 Symposium on Compassion
As the Chair of the Civil 20, Amma has said, “may our actions speak louder than our words.” The Civil 20 (C20) is a global platform for civil society organizations (CSOs) to voice their opinions to the G20 leaders. A C20 Symposium will be held on July 8, 2023 at the MA Center Chicago. Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, Representative of Amma, Chair of Civil 20 India, Member of C20 Troika and Steering Committee, will be present, along with other dignitaries and special guests. Retreat participants are invited to join the C20 Symposium and learn about Amma’s work through various working groups.
*Please note: registration for the retreat includes admission to the C20 Symposium.
Amrita Yoga
Amrita Yoga is an experience of love and compassion, embodied through yoga practice. There will be immersive sessions conducted by Amma’s disciples and Amrita Yoga-practitioner devotees at this retreat.
Compassion as the Centerpoint
In-Person Q&A with Swamiji
There will be question and answer sessions where retreat participants can directly ask Swamiji spiritual questions. This is a rare opportunity to explore the depths of spiritual inquiry with Amma’s senior-most disciple.
Homa - Sacred Fire Ceremony
Participate in an auspicious homa, a sacred fire ceremony performed by Swamini Ambikamrita Prana. The Homa will take place in a beautiful outdoor setting at the MA Center, Chicago.
Retreat participants may register for a sankalpa (spiritual resolve) to be made during the homa on their behalf or for a loved one.
Sadhana - Spiritual practices
The daily schedule will include enlightening spiritual talks by Swamiji and the other disciples, creating opportunities for profound insights. We will also immerse ourselves in the uplifting melodies of daily bhajans (devotional music). There will be an in-depth exploration of a scriptural text, deepening our understanding of spiritual wisdom. Each day, we will participate in the powerful practice of archana, chanting the thousand names of the Divine Mother.
Special Film Screening: Amma’s Way
Retreatants will be treated to a special screening of the documentary “Amma’s Way: A Journey to Embrace the World Again.” This 90-minute English documentary film portrays Amma and her humanitarian, societal, spiritual and educational work through the words of her disciples and devotees. This screening will be a great highlight not to be missed.
C20 Symposium
As the Chair of the Civil 20, Amma has said, “may our actions speak louder than our words.” The Civil 20 (C20) is a global platform for civil society organizations (CSOs) to voice their opinions to the G20 leaders. A C20 Symposium will be held on July 8, 2023 at the MA Center Chicago. Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, Representative of Amma, Chair of Civil 20 India, Member of C20 Troika and Steering Committee, will be present, along with other dignitaries and special guests. Retreat participants are invited to join the C20 Symposium and learn about Amma’s work through various working groups.
Amrita Yoga
Amrita Yoga is an experience of love and compassion, embodied through yoga practice. There will be immersive sessions conducted by Amma’s disciples and Amrita Yoga-practitioner devotees at this retreat.
Retreat Registration Fees
ADULT
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Access to all programs
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Participant access to C20 Symposium
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Vegetarian meals provided
TEEN (13-17)
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Access to all programs
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Participant access to C20 Symposium
-
Vegetarian meals provided
KIDS (12 & under)
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Access to all programs
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Participant access to C20 Symposium
-
Vegetarian meals provided
*Accommodation and transportation not included, please refer to the Local Information Page or the FAQ below for information.
Questions? Contact events@amma.org
MA Center, Chicago: A Serene Venue
Situated on more than 140 serene acres, MA Center Chicago was inaugurated in 2012 and serves as the midwest hub of charitable, educational, and spiritual activities for Embracing the World, the collective of charitable and humanitarian initiatives inspired by Amma. The venue offers a beautiful atmosphere to immerse in contemplation and spiritual practices.
Questions? Contact events@amma.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Accommodations for this retreat are available at local hotels. Registrants should book lodging independently. Nearby cities such as Geneva, Batavia, St. Charles, North Aurora, and Aurora offer a range of hotels just a short drive from MA Center Chicago, which is located at: 41W501 Keslinger Rd, Elburn, IL 60119
Additionally, there are options for tent and RV campgrounds within driving distance. Here’s a list of local hotels and campground & link to Travel Exchange:
All sessions will take place at MA Center, Chicago in the program hall (gym) where Amma conducted her 2019 programs.
The MA Center Chicago located at: 41W501 Keslinger Rd, Elburn, IL 60119
Parking information will be provided upon registration. Detailed directions on how to get to the MA Center, Chicago can be found here: Click here for transportation information.
Delicious vegetarian meals will be provided at the retreat site. Snacks and drinks may also be available for purchase. More information will be shared closer to the retreat.
Please note that we are unable to provide refunds for cancellations made after the 48-hour deadline prior to the retreat. There will be a $35 per person retreat cancellation fee. Credit card refunds can only be made to the account charged for the original registration.
Absolutely! This retreat offers a fantastic chance to participate in Sevas (selfless service). We highly encourage you to indicate your availability when registering on the form that will be provided.
If you’re interested in assisting the local team before the retreat, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with: macc.seva@macenters.org
Testimonials from past retreats
