Growth through Selfless Service
The Amrita Karma Yoga Program was established to create an opportunity for individuals to practice Amma's teachings of spiritual growth through selfless service. At MA Center Chicago (MACC), karma yogis are immersed in an environment where they can deepen their spiritual life, their relationship to Amma and their connection to the community — participating in the ashram's daily routines and supporting Amma's charitable activities. Situated on 142 acres of beautiful farmland just 41 miles west of Chicago, the center is home to over 60 full-time residents from the US, India and other countries.
Karma Yoga is integral to the sadhana (spiritual practice) prescribed by Amma. Along with Bhakti Yoga (devotion), Raja Yoga (meditation) and Jnana Yoga (self-reflection), Karma Yoga is an ancient path to the expansion of consciousness — performing service without expecting any personal reward, so that the mind is purified and every action becomes a meditation.
"In this age of selfishness, selfless service is the only soap that truly purifies."
— Amma
About the Program
The program begins with a two-week trial period during which participants are introduced to the various departments and experience ashram life. After the two weeks, applicants meet with the Karma Yoga Committee to discuss extending their stay for up to two months. The longer-term program includes six hours of seva per day, six days a week, with the remaining day free. Seva areas include:
- GreenFriends Farm & Orchard — sustainable agriculture: planting, trimming and harvesting herbs, flowers, vegetables and fruit.
- Maintenance & Construction — carpentry, electrical, plumbing and landscaping, from novice to expert.
- Event Preparation & Support — set-up, logistics, meals and cleanup; the highlight is Amma's summer tour program, which attracts thousands of visitors.
Accommodations are dorm-style with shared baths; meals are vegetarian and communal. Participants are asked to abstain from alcohol and drugs and to maintain celibacy while on the property, and the program is not compatible with outside work or school. The program is entirely voluntary.
The rhythm of the day
- 8:00 to 9:00 am — breakfast
- 1:00 to 2:00 pm — lunch
- 5:30 to 6:30 pm — dinner
- 6:30 to 9:00 pm — evening meditation, bhajans or Gita class
- 10:00 pm — lights out
Beyond the seva
Saturdays bring people in from across the region for seva, a meal and an evening of chanting, talks and devotional singing. Through the year the community keeps the Indian festivals and holy days from other traditions too.
There are retreats of a full day or several, satsang discussions, Bhagavad Gita classes, gentle Amrita Yoga, and the chance to learn IAM, Amma’s Integrated Amrita Meditation technique, during your stay.
