MA CENTER LA - RETREAT WITH SWAMI DAYAMRITANANDA PURI JAN 20, 2026

NEW YEARS RETREAT WITH SWAMI DAYAMRITANANDA PURI

On January 10, 2026 AMMA devotees gathered at MA Center LA in Redondo Beach, California, for a serene New Year’s retreat led by Swami Dayamritananda Puri.

The theme, New Beginnings, Inner Silence, set the tone for a day of renewal, reflection, and reconnection with the Divine.
The morning began gently with stretches and a silent walking meditation to Redondo Beach.  As the sun rose over the ocean, participants joined Swamiji in a heartfelt Manasa Puja — a mental worship ritual that invited deep inner stillness and devotion. The group then joyfully chanted the 1000 names of the Divine Mother, Lalitha Sahasranamam, with Swamiji, creating an atmosphere filled with sacred vibration and love.

After the chanting, Swamiji offered an uplifting spiritual discourse, sharing Amma’s “12 Pointers for the New Year.” His inspiring message encouraged everyone to nurture awareness, compassion, and patience on the spiritual path. As part of the session, participants were invited to reflect inwardly and write down a personal resolution — identifying one negative tendency they wished to transform into a positive quality. These written intentions were then reverently offered at Amma’s feet, symbolizing the surrender of old patterns and the embrace of new beginnings.

Following a nourishing lunchprasadam, the afternoon filled with music and devotion as Amrita Virtual Academy teachers Anu and Swarna conducted a bhajan class, accompanied by Vishnu on the harmonium and Vajraang on the mridangam. Their melodious instruction brought the community together in song, celebration, and shared joy.

A highlight of the retreat was Swamiji’s engaging interview with Mr. Richard Perl — a distinguished Columbia graduate in law and business, and a longtime devotee of Amma since 1999. Richard spoke about weaving spirituality into every aspect of life, including his leadership in both profit and non-profit organizations. He shared how compassion and purpose drive his professional endeavors, such as developing the line of fine chocolate bars for the Amma Shop — an initiative that reflects doing good through creativity and devotion. His words inspired attendees to see spirituality not as separate from daily life, but as its guiding essence.

The day concluded with a warm and enlightening Q&A session, where Swamiji gently addressed devotees’ questions, clearing doubts with humor and depth. He then led a session of vibrant, high-energy bhajans that lifted every heart in the hall. The retreat closed with everyone partaking in delicious dinner prasad — a sharing of nourishment and grace after a day steeped in divine presence and renewal.

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MA Center LA / Facebook page has pics of the event.  
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