Sri Mata Amritanandamayi, fondly known as Amma, or “mother”, will be appearing in Arlington on July 5 and 6. On both days there is a morning program beginning at 10 a.m. and an evening program starting at 7 p.m. On July 6, the evening program features Devi Bhava, a special prayer for world peace.

Born in India, Amma says that her religion is love. She dedicates every moment of her life to serving others with a pure selfless attitude. Amma works tirelessly to nourish and comfort people with her many humanitarian activities, including hospitals, orphanages, disaster relief, food for the poor and needy, schools, pensions for the elderly and disadvantaged, housing for the homeless and more.

As the “hugging saint”, Amma spends hours on end giving darshan (spiritual blessings) in the form of a hug. Over the past 40 years, Amma has embraced millions of people worldwide and received the Ghandi-King award for non-violence at the United Nations in 2002.

Admission is free. Location: Crystal Gateway Marriott, 1700 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington. For more information, visit Amma.org.