Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, Amma’s most senior disciple, has just completed the first leg of his 2026 tour in the US. Programs took place across the Western region—starting in San Ramon, followed by Phoenix, Seattle, Santa Fe, and Los Angeles. The journey will continue in August through the Midwest and East Coast, with stops in Ann Arbor, Chicago, Asheville, Washington, DC, and New Rochelle.
Swamiji was welcomed with great excitement and devotion, alongside Swami Dayamritananda Puri and Brahmachari Ramanandamrita Chaitanya, who lead Amma’s Ashrams in North America. Together with devoted musicians, they formed a traveling musical group, leading soul-elevating bhajan sessions. True to that spirit, Swamiji explained how devotion is unique as a spiritual practice because it is open to one and all.
“Anyone can call God. So, I sincerely believe that devotion to God or the Guru, is one of the most powerful forms of sadhana. More than any other, perhaps it is singing to God that has the capacity to open the heart and draw us quickly towards the godliness that already resides within us,” said Swamiji during his first program at the MA Center in San Ramon, California.
The tour began on July 4th, a day when American citizens celebrate the country’s birth as a nation. Amma’s devotees gathered not for fireworks, but for meditation, satsang, bhajans, and prayers for world peace. The experience shone a light on the true freedom that every human aspires to, whether aware of it or not—an awakening to our inherent nature of oneness.
Swamiji explained that while a devotee may occasionally become distracted from their spiritual focus, only unwavering devotion will carry them to the ultimate goal of life. He spoke about Sri Hanuman as one of the greatest examples of single-minded concentration through his devotion to Lord Rama.
“Without the elements of love and devotion, karma remains mere activity and yoga will not happen. This is why Amma emphasises the importance of selfless action,” said Swamiji. “Never mistake something good for your final destination when something greater is available.”
And then a divine moment occurred when Swamiji’s satsang was interrupted. It was Amma calling him on his mobile. Swamiji turned the phone to the microphone, and her beautiful voice came through the speakers, saying, “My darling children. Are you well? Kisses, kisses.”
Responding with utter joy, calling out to Amma with love and happiness, everyone experienced devotion instead of contemplating upon it.
Throughout the tour, this spirit of oneness resonated across the gatherings as people sang, danced, shared meals, and celebrated together. In Santa Fe, devotees performed John Lennon’s iconic song “Imagine”—a Western tribute to a world united.
Another inspiring moment featured Swami Dayamritananda leading an energetic game of “Amma Says”, lightheartedly reminding everyone to embrace life’s situations with humour and trust in Amma’s guidance.
In the tradition of Sanatana Dharma, Brahmachari Ramanandamrita conducted homas (sacred fire rites) as devotees prayed for the happiness of all. The positive vibrations brought a sense of peace as everyone envisioned how to truly serve their families, their neighbours, their country, and our world.
The western leg of the tour concluded in Los Angeles with heartfelt prayers to see Amma again soon. In these uncertain times, Swamiji brought a much-needed atmosphere of hope and celebration to Amma’s US devotees.
Swamiji’s tour continues in the Eastern US in August. Find out more.
