Amma means Mother in many languages.
Her real name is Mata Amritanandamayi.
Born in a remote coastal village in southern India, Amma first began to embrace the people in her village as a way to ease their suffering.
Here's how a few world leaders and journalists have described their experiences with Amma.
Best known for her embrace, Amma also oversees an award-winning network of international charities.
Amma has completed the North American 2024 tour.
Amma's North American 2024 retreats have been completed.
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An International Network of Charitable Organizations Active in 40+ Countries, Collectively Known as Embracing the World.®
an NGO with Special Consultative Status to the United Nations
Details of satsang programs conducted by Amma's monastic disciples in various cities in the Americas.
A short and simple approach that anyone can learn, always taught free of charge.
Amritapuri is located in the picturesque village of Vallikavu, in the southern Indian State of Kerala.
Amma has never asked anyone to change their religion.
Only to go deeper into their values or faith, and live by those essential principles.
"Be like the honeybee who gathers only nectar wherever it goes. Seek the goodness that is found in everyone."
"Don't be discouraged by your incapacity to dispel darkness from the world. Light your candle and step forward."
"Where did we go wrong? The real mistake we commit lies in our inability to differentiate between requirements and luxuries."
MA Center Chicago annual Ganesha Chaturthi satsang on Saturday, August 30, 2025.
