Since her early years, Mata Amritanandamayi, affectionately known as " Amma " (which means 'Mother') has dedicated her whole life to serving others. Her NGO " Embracing the World " was awarded special consultative status by the UN. Today it is a vast network of charitable activities. [Who is Amma ? ]

Amma travels all over the world to spread her infinite love. During her annual European Tour, she attracts thousands of people. In France, she visits Toulon and Paris. The programs are totally run by volunteers.

In her arms, they regain serenity. She deserves respect because, like Nelson Mandela and Kofi Annan before her, distinguished institutions bestowed the Gandhi King award for Non-Violence upon her.

She collected 18 million Euros to help Tsunami victims that alone inspire admiration .../...

« L’étreinte express d’Amma » par Anne Ghiringhilli
FEMME ACTUELLE. N°1104 – 21 novembre 2005

From a very young age, Mata Amritanandamayi Devi has been a living example of compassion, love and tolerance. She spreads her message through the example of her own life, rather than through words, and that example conveys her unconditional and universal love for all of humanity.

Michaëlle Jean, Gouverneur Général du Canada, Ottawa,
Juillet 2006

Every program lasts 3 days. Entry is free for all. Access is possible to people with disabilities.

Darshan, Bhajans, Puja, Devi Bhava are the ways offered by Amma to bring us closer to ourselves, our true nature of joy, love and peace.

· In order to give a chance to as many as possible to be hugged by Amma, a system of tokens has been set up. The tokens are free and can be given only at the programme venue, on a first come, first served basis. They are delivered one hour before the start of the programme to all those who wish to be hugged by Amma. Everybody needs a token, even babies. Be aware that only the persons physically present can get a token. Priority is given to the people who have never been embraced by Amma.

· Each token has a one or two figure number plus a letter. Check the signs in the darshan hall (where Amma is) and in the dining area to find out if the letter/number on your token match the ones on the sign. If so you can show up at the entrance of the central line to go up to Amma.

· If the crowd is too big, you'll get what is called an " EXCHANGE TOKEN ". That kind of token doesn't in itself allow you to go for darshan; it has to be exchanged against a real darshan token). If you were given an " exchange token " in the morning and couldn't go for darshan in the morning programme and can join the line for darshan in the evening programme, you will be given a real darshan token which will give you priority to go early for the evening darshan which starts at around 10:00pm.)

If you want to go for morning darshan (from 10:00am until mid-afternoon), it is best to get there early: 7:00 am for Paris and 7:30am for Toulon. After 9:00am, you might end up going for evening darshan (from 22:00pm to 2:00am)

There are waiting lines for people with special needs.

· Everybody can sit for some time near Amma. Newcomers can sit in special restricted areas close to Amma.

· Due to the big crowds, you may have to wait for a long time before getting Amma's hug; then, while Amma gives darshan, you can find out about Amma's vast network of charitable activities, watch exhibitions and visit many information tables (green initiatives, handcraft etc). You can also meditate, listen to live music or have something to eat and drink in the snack bars serving Indian or western food and drinks.

ALL BENEFITS GO FOR AMMA'S CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

DEVI BHAVA – On October 26/27 night 2010 (PARIS) and November 4 /5 night 2010 (Toulon)

Darshan tokens will be given before the Puja. If necessary, the distribution of tokens will go on after the Puja, until around 9:00pm.)

Out of respect for Amma, it is recommended not to lie down in the hall where she is giving her darshan. The hall is to be considered as sacred.

Warning : During the night from October 26th to 27th 2010 for Paris
and during the night from November 4th to 5th 2010 for Toulon,

The entrance doors will close at 12:00pm until the end of the programme. If the crowds are too big, the doors will close

· The Hall where Amma gives darshan is to be considered as sacred.

In the hall as it would be disrespectful :

No EATING - No SLEEPING - No RECORDING - No PHOTOGRAPHS

ACCOMODATION

THERE ARE ABSOLUTELY NO FACILITIES IN THE PROGRAMME VENUES.

Think ahead (see hotel lists in Paris and Toulon.)

FOOD

Both Indian and western vegetarian hot meals are served at lunch time and in the evening. A well assorted snack bar is open from 8:30am until the end of the programme.

Food is prepared and served by volunteers.

When you choose to have food at the programme, you contribute to sponsoring Amma's visit (hall and equipment renting ...)

LEFT LUGGAGE STORAGE IN TOULON / CLOAKROOM IN PARIS

There is limited space both in Toulon and in Paris. The storage rooms are free and whatever you leave there remains under your own responsibility. (Note well: no clothes in the Toulon left luggage storage room.)

Avoid bringing bulky luggage and valuables. Never leave valuables in the cloakrooms. We are not responsible for theft.

LOST AND FOUND

For Paris, there is a lost and found table near the Local Info table in the Darshan Hall. After the programme, contact the Amma Center: 03 37 37 44 30.

CAMPING

WARNING: Camping is FORBIDDEN in all parks in Toulon and in Pontoise.

CAR PARK

CAMPERS cannot park in the public car-park in front of the Zenith Hall in Toulon. (For more info, get in touch with the contact person)

CHILDREN

Children remain under the responsibility of their parents both in the halls and in the children's areas.

In Paris: The babies' area is situated within the children's area (changing tables, baby bottle warmers, cots, meal heating facilities ...)

ANIMALS

Animals are not allowed (to the exception of guide dogs for the blind); If you want to have your pet blessed, you may bring a photo.

· RED HEARTS

People wearing a red heart reading " Puis-je vous aider? " (May I help?) Are available to answer your questions about Amma.

FIRST AID

Paris & Toulon : first aid stations are open throughout the programmes during the three days.

• On Foot : It's a 5 minutes walk from the railway station
  
  
• By Car :
  
  
  • · Coming on the motorway : as you come into Toulon,
    - keep left
    - follow the sign " Toulon Nord - prefecture - Omega Zenith
    - Finally go to " Omega Zenith - Parking des Lices "
  • · Coming from Nice or Brignole :

  Follow Toulon centre ville
  - Then follow Gare SNCF
  - Then follow Toulon Nord
  - Then follow Toulon Ouest Omega Zenith
  - Finally go to " Omega Zénith - Parking des Lices "

BY CAR FROM PARIS

Take the "Porte de Clignancourt" exit, follow "Autoroute A 15" head for Cergy-Pontoise
Exit n° 9 or 10, Follow signs to "Parc des Expositions"

"Pont de Gennevilliers", take the "Nationale 315" and go on to the A 15 : Exit 9

BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT FROM PARIS

Both RER A and RER C can take you to PONTOISE and the neighboring area
RER C: Get off at Pontoise station. Do not leave the station. Take the escalator up. Exit at the Plateforme routière. Follow the signs to " Parc des Expos " (800 meters)
RER A : Get off at "Cergy Prefecture station" - Then catch a 57, 38 or 36 bus (a 5mn
ride to the Hall) - Get off at "Plateau St Martin".

BY TRAIN FROM PARIS:

FROM the "GARE du NORD"
FROM the "GARE St LAZARE"
Get off at "Pontoise": It's a 5mn walk (800m) to the Hall.

Prices are indicative. Check with hotels. Thank you