M. A. CENTER

Chicago

  • The community gathered with Swamiji at a retreat at MA Center Chicago
  • Aerial view of the 142-acre MA Center Chicago campus in Elburn, Illinois
  • Diwali celebrations at MA Center Chicago

Upcoming Events

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  • Oct ’26
    Sat
    10
    6:00 AM

    Ganapathy and Mahalaya Amavasya Tila Homa by Swamini

    Swamini Ambikamrita Prana will perform an auspicious Ganapathy and Mahalaya Amavasya Tila Homa (sacred fire ceremony).GANAPATHY HOMA: Lord Ganesha is considered the remover of obstacles. This homa is performed to invoke…

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  • Oct ’26
    Sat
    10
    6:00 AM

    Mahalaya Amavasya Homa (Ganapathi & Tila)

    Join Swamini Ambikamrita Prana for a Ganapathi Homa and Tila Homa on Mahalaya Amavasya, Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 6:00 to 9:00 AM Central, at M.A. Center Chicago.The Tila Homa is a sacred fire ceremony offered for…

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  • Oct ’26
    Sat
    10
    3:00 PM

    Guided IAM-35 Meditation Session

    A guided IAM-35 meditation session for those who have completed the IAM-35 course, held Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. — in person in the South Lodge Community Room and via Zoom. Contact maccmeditation@macenters.org for details.

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  • Oct ’26
    Sat
    10
    3:00 PM

    Amrita Bala Kendra (ABK)

    Amrita Bala Kendra is our children's program, passing on Amma's teachings through stories, bhajans, arts and crafts, festivals and service. Classes meet Saturdays from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. in the South Lodge (in person and…

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"When love overflows and is expressed through every word and deed, we call it compassion. That is the goal of religion."

— Amma

Get Involved

The community gathered with Swamiji at a retreat at MA Center Chicago

Saturdays at MA Center

Seva in the morning, satsang in the evening — Saturday programs are the best way to experience all the center has to offer. All are welcome.

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Autumn colors around the water tower at MA Center Chicago

GreenFriends Farm & Orchard

Organic gardens, fruit orchards, native prairie and permaculture — the center strives to be a model of caring for nature.

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Karma yogis in seva at MA Center Chicago

Karma Yoga Program

Live on the ashram from two weeks to two months and serve — a residential immersion in Amma's teaching of selfless service.

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Come Visit Us

Set on 142 peaceful acres in Elburn, just west of Chicago, MA Center Chicago is the Midwest hub of Amma's spiritual and charitable activities. Whether you come for a Saturday program, an overnight stay, or simply to walk the grounds, all faiths and backgrounds are warmly welcome.

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Local Info

Group News

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MA Center Chicago volunteers of all ages standing together after planting native oak trees
Local Service Projects

Planting 30 Native Oak Trees

Volunteers of all ages planted 30 native Illinois oaks for Amma’s birthday.

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October 2, 2026
MA Center Chicago volunteers preparing a vegetarian meal in the Center kitchen
Local Service Projects

Serving a Vegetarian Meal at an Aurora Shelter

Volunteers cooked a vegetarian meal and served it at an Aurora homeless shelter.

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October 2, 2026
Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri during his August 2026 Chicago visit
Swamiji Tours

Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri's August 2026 Visit

Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri visits Chicago with youth programs and a weekend retreat.

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August 16, 2026

In today’s world, people experience two types of poverty: the poverty caused by lack of food, clothing and shelter, and the poverty caused by lack of love and compassion. Of these two, the second type needs to be considered first because if we have love and compassion in our hearts, then we will wholeheartedly serve those who suffer from lack of food, clothing and shelter.

Amma