After completing a three-day darshan program in Aix-en-Provence, Amma travelled straight to the Amma Centre located at Ferme du Plessis. It is an Ashram that flourishes in the beautiful natural surroundings just 12km from the big-city bustle of Paris.
This historic site, whose origins trace back to the 13th century, is one of Amma’s most architecturally remarkable centres. An ancient castle stands within trees and fields, retaining the old moat that is now home to ducks and geese, three slate-roofed towers, and a farmhouse with stables and barns.
The peaceful setting came alive with joy when Amma decided it was time to row one of the boats in the ashram pond. She made sure to call a resident who could not get time off work to join her programs in the cities.
Once a place marked by war and conflict, today Ferme du Plessis stands as a symbol of love, harmony, and selfless service. It is the headquarters for the humanitarian initiatives of Amma en France—the country’s branch of Amma’s global movement. Designed as a model ecological site, the ashram is managed by dozens of volunteers with a participatory governance model.
With its forward-thinking charitable, spiritual, and environmental projects, the Amma Centre hosts meditation, yoga, and retreat programs, while also developing an eco-village with 28 homes. In this way, the community breathes compassion-in-action through its residents and volunteers.
As Amma has often said, “A centre is not a mere cluster of inanimate buildings, temples, trees and residences. It is a vital, dynamic, and living institution.”
Les Aînés du Plessis—Care Home for the Elderly
Next, Amma proceeded directly to the centre’s newly established care home for the elderly. A beautiful rainbow graced the eastern horizon as she arrived at Les Aînés du Plessis. Amma conducted a puja to instill peace and harmony, and then, as is her way, spontaneously embraced each of the 10 residents.
As well, Amma joined them and their caregivers for a group photo, instilling their hearts with “family” belonging. Their joy cannot be described.
The next day, Amma and her tour group proceeded to Chartres, France, where thousands of devotees had gathered for the next leg of the European Tour.
