• 950 tree organic apple orchard
  • 5 miles from downtown Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan campus.
  • Detroit Metro airport (DTW) is 25 miles away
  • Orchard is located on the same land as the MA Center Michigan ashram
  • Accommodation provided at the MA Center Michigan ashram 3 bedroom house with shared bathroom, kitchen and living area.
  • Meal allowance or simple meals provided
  • Tasks

About Amrita Farms

Assisting in preparing and spraying compost tea and neem
Orchard maintenance like identifying pests, weeding whipping, mulching
Maintaining hugel beds, growing organic vegetables, and helping care for 4-8 beehives with Master Bee Keeper
Learning organic farming and permaculture principles 

Karma Yoga Program

The Amrita Karma Yoga Program was established to create an opportunity for individuals to practice Amma’s teachings of spiritual growth through selfless service. At MA Center Michigan(MACM), Karma Yogis are immersed in an environment where they can deepen their spiritual relationship to Amma and their connection to the community by participating in the ashram’s daily routines and supporting Amma’s charitable activities (known collectively as Embracing the World).
"Serving the world with love and cooperation, you will find your own true self. As you help those in need, selfishness will fall away, and without even noticing you will find your own fulfillment." 
- Amma
Copyright Amma Center of Michigan © All rights reserved. 
Knowledge of running and maintaining farm equipment is a bonus though not necessary.
Driving a small tractor, golf cart
Assisting in harvesting and conducting U Pick tours
Assisting in making apple products like apple cider and baking apple crisps

WHAT IS KARMA YOGA?

Karma Yoga is integral to the sadhana (spiritual practices) prescribed by Amma for individuals seeking spiritual growth. Along with Bhakti Yoga (devotion), Raja Yoga (meditation), and Jnana Yoga (self reflection), Karma Yoga is an ancient path to the expansion of consciousness - i.e., to knowing one’s higher self and realizing one’s connection to all of creation. This is done through performing service without expecting any personal reward. The ultimate goal is that, while performing all actions selflessly and with awareness and love, the mind is purified of negative impulses, and every one of our actions becomes a meditation.

ABOUT THE KARMA YOGA PROGRAM

Karma Yogis commit to a 2 week minimum stay. A Karma Yogi can apply again after 2 weeks to stay for up to another 1.5 months, depending upon need and room availability. Typically, there is work through the harvest season in October

“As you perform good actions selflessly, true love will blossom, which will purify our emotional mind.” 
- Amma

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

The Karma Yogi program includes 6 to 8 hours of seva per day. To gain a well-rounded experience of ashram life, karma yogis also participate in other ashram activities held at the ashram throughout their stay.

Green Friends Farm and Orchard - Become a part of our farm family and learn about permaculture, organic fruit growing, beekeeping, organic vegetable growing, and food production. Immerse yourself in a spiritual setting that encourages personal growth and experience the benefits of meditation and yoga. We are dedicated to the environment and offer certified environmental training through an affiliate organization.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Karma yogis also participate with other satsang members in the general cleaning and upkeep of the ashram common areas.

ACCOMMODATIONS AND MEALS

There are 3 bedrooms in the ashram house with a shared bath. You are welcome to prepare your own food (allowance provided) or share some of the meals.

OUR COMMUNITY

The MA Center Michigan community extends throughout the greater Ann Arbor and Detroit area, including its suburbs and many small towns. Individuals and families come from all over to participate in our programs, help with projects, and perform selfless service throughout the year.

Ashram residents have chosen to dedicate their lives to selfless service and to helping support Amma’s charitable activities. We live together in community, learning and growing from each other under the wings of Amma’s teachings and direct guidance.

As a karma yogi, you will become an integral part of this active community.

"One should see any opportunity to serve as a rare and precious gift...never waste such an opportunity.”
- Amma
Saturday programs
Mother’s Kitchen and Satsang which includes a reading from Amma’s teachings, bhajans (devotional singing), meditation, universal peace prayer chanting, and a delicious vegetarian dinner.
Amma’s Integrated Amrita Meditation Technique
This is also known as IAM, which karma yogis have the opportunity to learn and practice.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Because of the requirements and commitments of participating in the Karma Yoga Program, it is not feasible or practical for participants to work or attend school while in the program.

No alcohol or drugs are permitted on the property. While enrolled in the program, Karma Yogi Program participants are expected to abstain from alcohol and substance use, including marijuana, both on and off the property. Participants also are expected to maintain celibacy while on the property.

The Karma Yoga program is entirely voluntary, and at any time, for any reason, participants may choose to leave the program, or MA Center Michigan may elect to terminate the participant’s stay. 

Please note that submitting your application does not guarantee a placement in the Karma Yoga Program.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE KARMA YOGA PROGRAM

For an application and more information, email: [email protected]

ABOUT OUR INSPIRATION, MATA AMRITANANDAMAYI (Amma): www.Amma.org

ABOUT EMBRACING THE WORLD (Amma’s Charitable Organization): www.embracingtheworld.org

"The beauty and charm of selfless love and service should not die away from the face of this earth. The world should know that a life of dedication is possible, that a life inspired by love and service to humanity is possible." 
- Amma

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Saturday programs

ACCOMMODATIONS AND MEALS

There are 3 bedrooms in the ashram house with a shared bath. You are welcome to prepare your own food (allowance provided) or share some of the meals.

Register