Regular Classes & Programs

MA Center Chicago offers several classes, programs, and events on a regular basis:

• Amrita Bala Kendra 
• Amrita Book Club of North America
• Amrita Kirtan Class
• Amrita Yoga and Chair Yoga
• Archana
• AYUDH 
• Daily group spiritual practice/sadhana opportunities (meditation, chanting, and bhajans)
• Guided Integrated IAM Meditation
• Mother's Kitchen Volunteer opportunities
• Karma Yoga program
• Karthika (Amma's birth star)
• Volunteer or Seva/Selfless Service opportunities

Generally, information about these events and programs is shared in our weekly newsletter. To sign up to receive it, click here. To view details for upcoming programs and events, click here. 

Amrita Bala Kendra, or ABK, is generally held every Saturday in the South Lodge ABK Room. ABK is structured to teach spiritual values to children through the application of Amma's teachings. Classes include fun and engaging educational activities such as stories, games, music, and arts and crafts. ABK is open to children ages 4 -14 (the class pauses during the summer months).

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 (remote option available) to explore Amma’s books and books written by Amma's senior disciples. All are welcome to attend, even if you do not own a copy of the book being studied. 

Amrita Kirtan Class is offered for those who wish to learn bhajans and study devotional songs. Amma says, "Bhajans are prayers in the form of songs, rich in meaning and full of devotional content." The class is open to singers of all levels and typically meets on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 2:30 pm to 3:45 pm (the class is remote only and pauses during the summer months).

Amrita Yoga classes are offered on Tuesdays and Saturday in the MA Center Chicago Yoga Shala (under the satsang hall). Chair Yoga classes are offered on Tuesdays in the MA Center Chicago satsang hall. 

AYUDH is the youth wing of Embracing the World®, the global network of charitable activities inspired by Amma. It is an international youth movement dedicated to empowering young people to contribute to a peaceful and sustainable world and become compassionate leaders with a sense of tolerance, solidarity, and global responsibility. 

Daily group spiritual practices/sadhana activities include archana, the MA-OM meditation, chanting and bhajans

A Guided IAM-35 Meditation Session is generally held every Saturday (remote option available) The Integrated Amrita Meditation technique, or IAM-35, takes just 35 minutes and releases stress, preparing you to go into a deep meditative state. Experience the deep peace of IAM during this free certified instructor-led guided IAM 35 session. This session is open to IAM 35 course graduates only. 

Mother's Kitchen provides meals for individuals and families in need. On the first Thurseday and first Sunday of every month, an MA Center Chicago volunteer team prepares and serves food at a local shelter. 

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, Karma Yogis are immersed in an environment where they can deepen their spiritual practices and their connection to the community by participating in the ashram’s daily routines and supporting Amma’s charitable activities (known collectively as Embracing the World®). For more information about our Karma Yoga program, click here. 

Karthika (Amma's birth star) is celebrated once a month at MA Center Chicago in the satsang hall. A monthly birthday is traditionally observed in India based on the moon's position at the time of birth. 

Volunteer or Seva/Selfless Service opportunities are available year-round at MA Center Chicago. Depending upon the time of year, we may need help preparing for Amma's MA Center Chicago programs, with gardening activities, serving the needy, and more. To read about some of our past projects, click here to visit our News page. To inquire about ongoing and upcoming volunteer opportunities, email macc.seva@macenters.org. 

If you have additional questions, or if you'd like to suggest a program, contact us at macenterchicago@ammagroups.org or 630-387-5077. Interested in a weekend retreat for spiritual reflection? Inquire about onsite accommodation at macclodging@macenters.org.