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Can anyone attend a retreat or public program with Amma?
Yes. Amma welcomes and blesses all people from all cultures, backgrounds and religious traditions.
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What is the difference between a public program and a retreat?
Amma's public programs are free of charge and open to the public.
Retreats require a fee and you must register in advance. Please
see the general program schedule and retreat information details.
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Is the public program similar to the retreats?
No. There are many special programs during the retreat. Although
darshan is given by Amma at both retreats and public programs,
the retreats provide more opportunities to interact and be with
Amma. Retreat programs include a special meditation with Amma,
a meal served by Amma, question and answer session with Amma,
a guided morning meditation by Amma's senior disciples and daily
spiritual classes by Amma's senior Swamis.This year, the IAM
(Integrated Amrita Meditation) technique is also being offered
as part of the retreat.
Retreats offer two options: with-accomodations or without accommodations for you to choose from. Meals are included in the retreat fee with either choice.
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Can
you explain what types of events take place during the public
programs?
Amma's morning programs begin at 10:00 am when she enters the
hall. It's nice to be there when she enters the hall (however,
you are free to come and go at any time). After Amma enters
the hall, there is a short guided meditation. After the meditation
Amma begins to individually receive everyone who has come for
her blessing.
A personal blessing with Amma is called darshan. Amma's darshan
is unique. She spends time with and hugs each person who comes
to her. Amma's morning darshan usually lasts until 2:00 or 3:00
pm.
Amma's evening program begins at 7:30 pm. Evening programs begin
with a spiritual talk by Amma or one of her Swamis or close
disciples. After the talk, Amma sings bhajans (devotional songs)
with everyone until approximately 9:30 pm. The singing is followed
by a short meditation and closing prayers. The evening darshan
begins after prayers and generally lasts until 2:00 or 3:00
am.
During darshan, bhajans are sung by Swamis and other devotees.
Many people take advantage of the highly charged spiritual atmosphere
and meditate or pray during darshan. You may also want to visit
the bookstore and gift shop.
Vegetarian meals and snacks are for sale for a small fee. Chairs
will be available in the program hall; however, if you wish
to sit on the floor, you may want to bring a mat or a cushion.
We request that everyone limit their talking in the hall while
darshan is taking place to help maintain a peaceful atmosphere.
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How do I get in line for Amma's blessing (darshan)?
Amma makes herself available to anyone who wishes to
receive her blessing and does her utmost to accommodate
everybody, particularly newcomers.
In order to ensure a
harmonious flow, a token system has been developed. Free,
numbered tokens are given out approximately one hour prior
to the start of each program, with priority given to those
meeting Amma for the first time, and should be obtained
early in the program. Due to time constraints, token
distribution may be limited.
Due to the large number of people attending each program,
those with tokens may have to wait awhile before their
number range is posted. However, it is important that
those going to receive darshan remain mindful of the token
numbers so that they can get in line when their number range
is posted, and not before or after.
When not in the darshan
line, all are welcome to sit close to Amma or explore the
various activities in the hall. It is important to receive your
token in the early part of the program.
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What should I do if I have special needs or am physically challenged and cannot
wait in the regular line for darshan?
If you have special needs or disabilities, please inform the
host or hostess who is stationed at the entrance to the hall.
They will seat you in a special section close to Amma and you
will be assisted to Amma for darshan as needed. Disabled persons
may also be dropped off at the entrance to the hall.
Can
you explain how Devi Bhava program is different from the other
evening programs?
Literally translated as "the mood of the Divine Mother", Devi Bhava is a very special event that celebrates the feminine
aspect of God, and God’s unconditional love and compassion
for all humanity. It is a traditional, joyful celebration when
Amma gives darshan as the Divine Mother in the manner
symbolized by the Hindu tradition.
The evening commences with an Atma Puja, a ceremony
to promote peace and well being for the whole world. It is
a ceremony in honor of the Divine Self that dwells in all.
The Atma Puja includes a spiritual talk by Amma, a powerful
ceremony involving the chanting of the names of Devi (the
Divine Mother), and the distribution of holy water blessed by
Amma to all attendees.
Following the puja, Amma offers her
darshan to everyone present, typically into the early hours of
the morning! Once everyone has been received, Amma blesses
all participants by showering flower petals on those gathered
in a poignant conclusion to the program.
Are there any programs available for young children?
Usually programs are available for children ages four through
ten, pre-teens and teens during certain hours. Children must
be under the supervision of an adult at all times.
Are
there any other customs or regulations during the programs?
Out of respect for the Indian culture, we recommend modest dress.
For examples, tank tops, shorts, tight leggings and short skirts
are not recommended.
Children must be under the supervision of an adult at all times.
You should receive your token in the early part of the program.
Sleeping in the hall during
program is not permitted. Sleeping anywhere on the program grounds
in your car or camper is not permitted.
No use of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs is allowed on the
program premises. Also, no audio or video recording or photography
is permitted.
Amma 
Amma
Tours 
Swami
Tours 
