Amma: Meeting a Living Master

Sunday, 2 - 2:45 pm, Lecture Room 2

Lecture is Free with General Admission

In 1987 Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma) began her annual (now twice yearly) visits to the U.S. Thomas Van Demark met her that first year and has studied with her ever since. His presentation includes a look at Amma's life, teachings, and humanitarian activities, as well as personal anecdotes about spending time both in her presence and away from her, and a short meditation. Also some tips on meeting Amma in San Ramon this November, and for the more adventurous, traveling to her main ashram in Kerala, India.

Thomas Van Demark arrived in the Bay Area in 1970 with an MFA from the Iowa Writers Workshop and a teacher’s certificate. He has taught middle school in SF and Oakland, worked in community mental health services as well, and most recently led the City of Oakland Pedestrian Safety Project. His search for the inner life included TM, hatha yoga, and study with various teachers. He says that when he met Amma in 1987 "the path suddenly felt like a freeway and there was no speed limit."

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