Amma Sri Karunamayi at Unity

Amma Sri Karunamayi has been described by many as the embodiment of love. She describes herself as our soul-mother who loves her Cleveland babies. She is here to uplift everyone, of all faiths, or no faith. Her purpose for being here is to give love. Her guidance for all is "love and serve."

Amma was born in India, but travels the world giving discourses on the fundamental truths that support all faiths. Her charity, SMVA Trust, has built two schools, whose students otherwise would be child laborers, and 32 water treatment plants, with more villages waiting for them. Her 21st annual tour of America began in March. She'll be in the U.S. for five months, giving individual blessings and group meditations, traveling from Los Angeles, to Dallas, to Cleveland.

This will be Amma's eighth annual visit to Cleveland. She will hold three programs, June 9-11, at Unity Spiritual Center, 23855 Detroit Road, Westlake. "The Divine Discourse," 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, June 9, usually begins with a short period of meditation for world peace. Subjects can vary from the spiritual, to the philosophical, to practical advice on how to live in purity and compassion. 

Saraswati is the goddess of learning, the arts and wisdom. On Friday, June 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Amma will offer diksha, or initiation, into the sacred Sri Saraswati Mantra to bless and inspire students between the ages of 4-24, so that their minds will flourish with concentration, creativity and discernment. The diksha/initiation is given only once in a student's lifetime. Individual blessings (for adults) are also bestowed during the program. A large number of people wish to receive an individual blessing, so please arrive well before 5 p.m. Be prepared to relax in the spiritual atmosphere of Unity's Sanctuary while awaiting your blessing. Individual blessings begin with a sacred ritual, honoring Lakshmi, goddess of prosperity. 

On Saturday, June 11, a meditation retreat can be attended for a full day, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., or half day, 12:30-6 p.m., and includes lunch. Amma encourages all of her children to meditate. Silence is the language of God, participants will be requested to maintain silence, allowing one to go deep within. Learn about meditation, or deepen your practice. The retreat costs $102 for the full-day session, $62 for the half-day.

The June 9 program is free and open to the public; the Saraswati Diksha and Meditation Retreat require registration. Register at Cleveland@Karunamayi.org or 216-374-3493. Please come with clean face and hair. Wear clothing covering shoulders and knees, white for the retreat. Experience the unconditional love of this Universal Mother by attending one or all of the programs. Join the love.