Amrita Bala Kendra Retreat
Aug 29, 2026 8:30am to Aug 30, 2026 12:30pm
Amrita Bala Kendra (ABK) is a spiritual and character-building program that nurtures children and teens ages 4 and up in the values, traditions, and spirit of selfless service inspired by Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma). Join us for a weekend built around connection — with each other, with nature, and with a curriculum inspired and directed by Amma herself.
Join us for a two-day retreat for parents, teachers, children and teens presented by National ABK Coordinator Prana Thoppil and long-time ABK teachers Priya Thoppil, Amritesh Thoppil, and Shilpa Kurup. The weekend retreat will include sessions with Swami Dayamritananda Puri and Swamini Ambikamrita Prana, and remote participation will be available for many sessions.
There is no fee for the retreat, but pre-registration is required. To inquire about accommodations email macclodging@macenters.org.
Meals will be available for a modest donation. To sign up for the retreat, click here.
Sunday
Aug
30
6:00am - 8:30am
"The silence that we acquire through prayer and meditation helps us find peace and true happiness in this noisy world." ~Amma
Join us for a Silent Sunday Morning (with Swamini Ambikamrita Prana when she is here), starting with archana in the MA Center Chicago satsang hall at 6am, followed by... more ›
Thursday
Sep
03
9:00am - 12:00pm
Inspired by Amma's teachings, Mother’s Kitchen groups in North America prepare, cook and serve 150,000 meals for the homeless and hungry each year.
At MA Center Chicago, on the first Thursday of every month, we prepare food in the MA Center Chicago kitchen from 9:00 am to noon and deliver it to an... more ›
Thursday
Sep
03
11:30am - 12:30pm
The purpose of Yoga is for our inner well-being. It does not belong to any particular faith or religion. It was passed on to us by the ancient seers for the well-being of humanity. Yoga helps us reconnect with nature and eventually become one with God. - Amma
Please join us for gentle chair yoga... more ›
Saturday
Sep
05
2:00pm - 3:00pm
The Amrita Book Club of North America gives participants an opportunity to dive more deeply into Amma’s teachings. The club meets twice a month on the first and third Saturdays from 2 pm to 3 pm via Zoom to explore Amma’s books and books written by Amma's senior disciples. All are welcome to attend... more ›
Saturday
Sep
05
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: MA Center Chicago Yoga Shala (underneath the satsang hall)
Join us Saturdays at 2pm for an open yoga class with simple, gentle Amrita Yoga postures/asanas. No prior experience or training in Amrita Yoga is necessary.
"The purpose of Yoga is for our inner well-being. It does not belong... more ›
Saturday
Sep
05
3:00pm - 4:00pm
"A river that flows through many branches will not have a powerful current. If the branches are redirected and the river is redirected to flow only through the main stream, the force of the current will increase greatly. It may even be possible to generate electricity from such a strong current.... more ›
Saturday
Sep
05
4:00pm - 7:30pm
Amma says, "Satsang has the power to turn our minds towards good thoughts. Children, don't waste any opportunity to participate in satsang."
Join us Saturdays in the MA Center Chicago satsang hall for a community satsang, which starts with group archana at 4pm, and is typically followed by bhajans... more ›
Sunday
Sep
06
6:00am - 8:30am
"The silence that we acquire through prayer and meditation helps us find peace and true happiness in this noisy world." ~Amma
Join us for a Silent Sunday Morning (with Swamini Ambikamrita Prana when she is here), starting with archana in the MA Center Chicago satsang hall at 6am, followed by... more ›
Sunday
Sep
06
8:00am - 2:00pm
Inspired by Amma's teachings, Mother’s Kitchen groups in North America prepare, cook and serve 150,000 meals for the homeless and hungry each year. At MA Center Chicago, on the first Sunday of every month, we prepare food in the MACC kitchen starting at 8AM and then serve it at a local shelter. We... more ›
Thursday
Sep
10
11:30am - 12:30pm
The purpose of Yoga is for our inner well-being. It does not belong to any particular faith or religion. It was passed on to us by the ancient seers for the well-being of humanity. Yoga helps us reconnect with nature and eventually become one with God. - Amma
Please join us for gentle chair yoga... more ›
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All are welcome to join the ashram residents for daily spiritual practices in the satsang hall:
WHITE FLOWER MEDITATION
Sunday through Friday at 6:00 pm
Amma requests everyone to regularly practice this meditation once or twice a day for the benefit of the entire world. Join us live or via Zoom: https://bit.ly/maccmed
Meeting ID: 828 7832 9402
Passcode: 092753
One tap mobile
+13092053325,,82878329402#,,,,*092753# US
+13126266799,,82878329402#,,,,*092753# US (Chicago)
EVENING BHAJANS
Sunday-Friday at 6:30 pm (in-person only)
- Guru Stotram chanting
- Bhajans (devotional singing)
- Closing prayers and arati