Updates on Amma's US Tour 2024

"If we can bring a moment of happiness to just one person’s life, it will greatly enrich our own life,” shared Amma during a Tour Stop in California. She explained it is what we give, not what we take, that determines the value of our life.

This is the essence of Amma’s Tours. Amma is a living example of “Giving” and thousands leave with an inspiration to serve others selflessly.

Seattle

Amma’s US tour began in Seattle on July 4th, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue.

The hall was packed, with long lines extending into the hotel corridors and lobby. People expressed their joy at meeting Amma by calling out to her and eagerly joining the long line for a heartfelt hug.

On the first day, several dignitaries came to welcome Amma to Bellevue. Among them were Prakash Gupta, a career diplomat from the Indian Foreign Service, Jared Nieuwenhuis, the Deputy Mayor and Councilmember, and Dustin Lee Hiles, a Canadian-born, Indigenous Pacific Islander tenor renowned as one of the nation's most sought-after young tenors.

Oakland, Bay Area

There were three days of Retreat with Amma in Oakland Marriott City Center. Several hundred people attended the retreat. Q and Answer session was inspiring. There was a question about the difference between self-confidence and being egoistic. Amma answered the question with many examples and illustrations. Audience appreciated Amma’s guidance with a grateful applause.

Los Angeles

Next tour stop was Los Angeles. The program was packed with an overflowing hall in Hyatt Regency, Irvine.

Among the notable attendees were Maria Shriver, the former First Lady of California, who came to receive Amma’s blessing, and Christina Schwarzenegger, daughter of Hollywood star Arnold Schwarzenegger, who also sought Amma’s darshan and engaged in heartfelt interaction.

There was a public program and three days of Retreat.

Brahmacharini Amrita Chaitanya gave an introductory satsang and shared how Amma’s every breath is about giving. She said, "It is that relentless and entire giving of herself at every second, day-in and day-out, that makes her the most precious treasure." 

Albuqueruque

When Amma arrived in #Albuquerque, #NewMexico on July 19th, it seemed as though Mother Nature came to welcome her alongside the many people from far and wide. Heavy rains brought life to the beautiful desert setting. And then a rainbow appeared in the sky while Amma continued to embrace people. 
Amma’s four-day stop runs until July 22nd at Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town, with a retreat from July 20 – 22. For details please visit us here

Washington DC

Said Brahmachari Chidanandamrita in a spiritual talk, “When our heart gets overwhelmed with #love, logic fails. I have often felt that there is only one quality that distinguishes Amma from us. If we can assimilate that one quality, we can also become Amma. Yes. We can all become Amma. That one quality we need to develop is unconditional love.”

Boston

Amma arrived in the #Boston area on July 31st for a three-day program. Crowds arrived from the early hours of the morning to welcome her for her first visit after #COVID-19. In a spiritual talk, Brahmachari Sachinmayamrita shared Amma's words: "Amma always says, 'Everyone's body will eventually perish. So, rather than letting it rust away from inactivity, it's better to wear it away doing something beneficial for society.'" He continued, "We know Amma leads by example. During the pandemic, Amma and the Ashram engaged in seva to support those suffering physically, emotionally, and intellectually." The days were further enriched by a vibrant cultural celebration, featuring a traditional African dance performance by Ammaya Dance & Drum.

New York

Amma arrived in New York City for a bustling three-day program at the Javits Center. Among the thousands who received Amma's blessings were Ben Vereen, American actor, dancer, singer, and Tony Award winner; Elizabeth Gilbert, the #1 New York Times best-selling author of Eat, Pray, Love; and renowned Acharya Dr. Sthaneshwar Timalsina, religious scholar and associate professor at San Diego State University. Each of these VIPs spent heartwarming moments in Amma’s presence.

Chicago

Brahmacharini Amrita Chaitanya shared how Amma is the ideal example of adapting perfectly to any situation. Especially while embracing the incredible variety of people who arrive for her darshan. “One moment she is talking seriously to someone about the intricacies of their PhD research topic. With the next breath, she is consoling someone who has lost a family member, and even sheds tears with them. Moments later she can be seen joking and laughing with children,” said Bri Amrita in a satsang with Amma.

The 2024 US Tour Concludes

Those who had the chance to join the tour or attend the programs will agree that it was a celebration of pure love. Amma spreads the essence of love through her unique yet simple act of giving a hug. This extraordinary embrace inspires people to serve society and extend care and kindness to others. It’s safe to say we’ve all experienced a heavenly atmosphere, where kindness and love are the universal language.

                                                                                          May all beings be peaceful and happy