Amma arrived in the Boston area on July 31st for a three-day program at the Best Western Royal Plaza and Trade Center in Massachusetts. Crowds arrived from the early hours of the morning to welcome her.
During the program, Amma gave satsangs, conducted prayers for world peace and harmony, and guided meditations. Thousands received Amma’s darshan, experiencing her divine presence while in her arms.
“We all know—all too well—that Amma has not been able to come to the US for the past five years. But even though the world was on lockdown and traveling and holding programs such as this became next to impossible, that doesn’t mean Amma was idle,” said Brahmachari Sachinmayamrita Chaitanya, as he referred to COVID-19.
In fact, Embracing the World’s pandemic efforts came to more than $10 million in medical treatment, economic relief and vaccinations throughout India. The largest initiative was financial aid and basic supplies to Amrita SREE members, our women’s self-help group initiative. There are more than 200,000 members in 13,500 SHGs.
Worldwide, our volunteers supported their communities through distribution of basic needs to the poor, elderly, and people with disabilities. Following COVID-19 protocols, they also stitched masks for public distribution and conducted cleanup drives and tree-planting initiatives.
“Amma always says, ‘Anyway, everyone’s body will one day perish. So, rather than letting it rust away by doing nothing, it’s better to wear it away doing something beneficial to society,’” continued Br Sachinmayamritananda.
“We know Amma always walks the talk. So, Amma and the Ashram became engaged in seva to help the people suffering physically, emotionally and intellectually during the pandemic.”
Amma’s Boston program also featured a vibrant performance of traditional African music and dance while Amma gave darshan, adding a unique cultural celebration to the evening.
Ammaya Dance & Drum, named for Amma, started with a harvest dance from the Bamana people of Mali, West Africa, called “Madan”. Next, was another dance from Mali, called “Sunu”, about a beautiful, legendary dancer. During this song, the group sang to Amma as the divine dancer. Finally, was a dance called “Fula Fare,” from the Fulani people of Guinea.
Amma is now in New York City. Find out more – us.amma.org/tours