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.
Saturday
Sep
12
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
12
3:00pm - 4:30pm
Amrita Bala Kendra (ABK) passes on Amma’s teachings to children through fun and engaging activities such as stories, bhajans, arts and crafts, celebration of festivals and service projects. ABK focuses on values, multi cultural traditions, and spiritual practices. ABK is held in-person in the MA... more ›
Saturday
Sep
12
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
12
4:00pm - 8:30pm
Amma has said that "Many great souls have taken birth on this earth, but Sri Krishna was a master and guide for all times, places and people.” Join us for our annual Krishna Jayanthi satsang, which will include a Krishna puja, bhajans, and Uri Adi (the breaking of the pot celebration - fun for kids... more ›
Sunday
Sep
13
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
13
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Join the MA Center Chicago knit and crochet group to help people in need of warm hats, scarves, and more. The group meets from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm on the second and fourth Sunday of each month in the South Lodge Community Room.
All skill levels are welcome, and if you are unable to attend the... more ›
Thursday
Sep
17
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
19
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
19
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
19
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 ›
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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