This weekend, people from all over the Northwest will flock to the Hyatt Regency Bellevue to experience AMMA, one of the world’s most accessible humanitarian and spiritual Leaders.

Mata Amritanandamayi Amma has dedicated her entire life to alleviating the pain of the poor and those suffering physically and emotionally. Known as “Mother” to her followers, AMMA has embraced and comforted more than 33 million people from all walks of life.

According to Amma, “In today’s world, people experience two types of poverty: the poverty caused by lack of food, clothing and shelter, and the poverty caused by lack of love and compassion. Of these two, the second type needs to be considered first because if we have love and compassion in our hearts, then we will wholeheartedly serve those who suffer from lack of food, clothing and shelter.”

Interested in serving people all around the world, Amma’s humanitarian programs stretch across 30 countries and include the following: orphanages, homes for the impoverished, scholarships for children, hospitals, disaster relief and micro finance-powered initiatives for women.

Amma will be in Bellevue through May 27, during which she will offer three free programs and a paid retreat. The programs include guided meditations, devotional singing, and spiritual talks. Attendees will also have the opportunity to receive Amma’s darshan—a spiritual blessing in the form of a physical motherly embrace. Amma’s programs are staffed entirely by volunteers. Funds from the sale of food, books and gifts directly support Amma’s global network of charitable projects.

Amma will offer two free darshan programs – at 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday May 24. She also will host “Devi Bhava Darshan – A Ceremony For World Peace,” at 7 p.m. Monday, May 27. Those interested in attending the programs should arrive at the Hyatt Regency 90 minutes prior for seating.