AYUDH Midwest Winter Retreat

Jan 13, 2023 3:00pm to Jan 15, 2023 5:00pm (ended)

Ready to register? Click here to sign up with Google Forms and Paypal.

Start the New Year with a 3-day spiritual retreat hosted by AYUDH Chicago in the serene MA Center Chicago ashram located at 41W501 Keslinger Rd, Elburn, IL 60119

The AYUDH Midwest Winter retreat includes several hands-on workshops, fun games, a Q&A session, a special satsang with Swami Shantamritananda Puri, Pongal celebrations, bhajans, opportunities for selfless service/seva, and more. This is a way for people of all ages to come together to celebrate the new year through a beautiful reunion that focuses on selfless service/seva and community. The retreat will also emphasize and bring awareness to Amma's recent involvement with G-20, as the chair of Civil 20 (C-20), one of the largest international collaborations working to bring the people's voice to the world's leaders. C20’s tagline is #YouAreTheLight, which calls every member of civil society to come together, make their own paths, find solutions, and resolve issues through collective effort. Amma gave the following message upon inaugurating the logo:

“May our actions speak louder than our words. May they create ripples of love, compassion, and respect in human hearts” 

The retreat fees are as follows:

A table showing the different fees for the retreat

*Note: These costs include food and beverages for all 3 days of the retreat. If you require financial assistance or have questions on registration and fees, please send us an email at ayudhchicago@macenters.org.

AYUDH Chicago will work with the MACC Hospitality Team to arrange for accommodations. However, if you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the MACC Hospitality Team at macclodging@macenters.org or 630-460-2441. Accommodation is available on a per-bed/dorm-style basis.

Masking is now optional in group gatherings and spaces at MA Center Chicago. Keeping the health and safety of all who wish to attend uppermost in our minds, please abide by the following Covid guidelines:

  • If you have any Covid symptoms, test immediately. If you test positive, isolate for 5 days after symptom onset. You can end isolation after 5 days but should wear a high-quality mask for 5 additional days around others. MA Center Chicago residents should notify a member of the Covid Preparedness Team to request help obtaining food/other supplies.
  • For those returning after international travel, please test 3-5 days after arriving back in the US. If negative, you may attend MA Center Chicago gatherings. If you have had Covid 90 days prior to arrival, and have no symptoms, quarantining is not necessary.

RETREAT SCHEDULE:

The retreat will start on Friday, January 13 at 5:00 PM CT and conclude on Sunday, January 15 at 2:00 PM CT. Here is the retreat schedule (subject to change):

A table showing the retreat schedule

A table showing the retreat schedule for day 2

A table showing the schedule for day 3 of the retreat

We're looking for volunteers to help prepare for the retreat. If you can help, please sign up for the retreat and/or other MACC seva opportunities here. If you have any questions, please email macenterchicago@ammagroups.org or ayudhchicago@macenters.org

Saturday
Jul
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 ›
Sunday
Jul
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. If... more ›
Saturday
Jul
12
10:30am - 12:00pm
Location: South Lodge Community Room at MA Center Chicago Join us Saturday mornings 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 to any... more ›
Saturday
Jul
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
Jul
12
4:00pm - 8:30pm
The full moon (purnima) day in the Hindu calendar month of Ashadha (July-August) is celebrated as Guru Purnima. It is a day to pay respect to one's guru, particularly the one who leads you in your spiritual path. This year, Guru Purnima falls on Thursday, July 10th. MA Center Chicago warmly invites... more ›
Sunday
Jul
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 ›
Saturday
Jul
19
10:30am - 12:00pm
Location: South Lodge Community Room at MA Center Chicago Join us Saturday mornings 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 to any... more ›
Saturday
Jul
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
Jul
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 ›
Saturday
Jul
26
10:30am - 12:00pm
Location: South Lodge Community Room at MA Center Chicago Join us Saturday mornings 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 to any... more ›

All are welcome to join the ashram residents for daily spiritual practices in the satsang hall:

WHITE FLOWER MEDITATION

Sunday through Friday at 5:50 pm (starts with 10-minute silent Ma Om meditation)

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