>> Read about Swamiji’s Western US Tour 2026
Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, Amma’s most senior disciple, brought a message of hope to Amma’s devotees in North America who are struggling with fears about the economy, political climate, and other unstable situations. From August 5 to 18, 2026, he travelled to Ann Arbor, Michigan; Chicago, Illinois; Asheville, North Carolina; Washington, DC; and New Rochelle, New York.
“The outside world can be chaotic and full of serious challenges, however, genuine peace and happiness are not caused by external events. By gaining deeper understanding and discernment, you will see that nothing, even the toughest circumstances, can shake your inner calm.” he assured them.
Swamiji was welcomed alongside Swami Dayamritananda Puri and Brahmachari Ramanandamrita Chaitanya, who lead Amma’s Ashrams in North America.
Amma’s Words of Comfort
During Swamiji’s stop in Ann Arbour, Michigan, Amma called with words of consolation: “Amma asks you not to fear change. While you may not be able to alter the outside world, you can transform your inner world which is the true source of all changes, or the true source of heaven.”
This brought tears of relief, gratitude, and remembrance in everyone’s heart. Amma’s words always remind her devotees of the true goal of life which surpasses all material goals and striving.
Youthful Energy in Chicago Ashram
The youth were happy and enthusiastic, especially in the MA Center outside Chicago. AYUDH Chicago, Amma’s international youth movement, hosted a special regional gathering called “A Day with Swamiji” on August 7th. It was a joyous event on a sunny day that culminated in a light hearted tug-of-war between the young men and women.
Swamiji gave spiritual advice to the youth. For example, he explained that logic and wisdom are not the same. He encouraged the young people to avoid breakdowns and embrace breakthroughs while cultivating presence of mind. He also reminded them that everyone has some talents, so we should never underestimate anyone and never hesitate to love others and do good things.
The Chicago ashram also presented a wonderful play based on the well known Samudra Manthan (the churning of the cosmic ocean of milk) from the Vishnu Purana. The Devas and the Asuras combined forces to churn the ocean to extract amrita, the nectar of immortality.
This was not dissimilar from the earlier tug-of war, however on an epic scale. Many ratnas (gems) appeared and wonders and hazards, including the deadly halahala poison. This symbolizes how, when we begin to do spiritual practices, often the first thing we get to see is the ego. But this churning is needed, it is the tapas, or intensity that will lead us to the goal of spirituality.
As Swami explained,“Tapas means heat. Whenever you desire something, whenever it becomes intense, when it becomes a longing, an unquenchable thirst, then it is cosmic.”
At the end, a battle ensued for the final prize of the amrita nectar. The youth had a lot of fun with this play fighting. In the end, Swami Dayamritananda Puri held aloft the precious nectar to the cheers of the audience. This is the sweet nectar we all imbibe when in the presence of Amma.
Carrying Amma’s Presence Across the East Coast
Amma was not able to come to the US, but when she sends her most senior disciple, her devotees feel her presence and love through him. Swamiji is recognized for his ardent devotion to Amma. His journey has been one of unwavering focus on his Guru; for this reason, he is an inspiration to all.
India’s 80th Independence Day was celebrated during the Washington, DC stop. Many held both Indian and US flags aloft to symbolize the ashram bonds between the two nations. Final stops in North Carolina and New Rochelle were also full of love and enthusiasm. Devotees gathered to welcome the swamis, sing bhajans, listen to inspiring satsangs, explore yoga, and share good food and laughs.
At each stop, Brahmachari Ramanandamrita Chaitanya performed beautiful homas (Vedic fire rituals) for world peace, bringing a much needed reprieve from the fears of the future. The tour ended with a spirit of unity and love and a renewed faith in Amma’s teachings to carry as a beacon into an uncertain future.
