COLI - Circle of Love Inside

As we see Amma’s love in action around the world, we see how we ourselves can grow further. Just as Amma calls us 'daughter' and 'son,' we become brothers and sisters through letter writing to people in prison.

Hari from New York City, one of the first letter writers, called Circle of Love Inside “Amma’s crime prevention program.” Our letters allow the inmate to join us as we both open together to greater good in ourselves and our lives. We don’t convert inmates to anything. We support them in whatever helps them grow.

Through Circle of Love Inside, when requested by inmates, the M.A. Center, San Ramon, CA sends books it publishes free of charge to them, or to prison chapel libraries. About 5% of inmates served are interested in Amma. Inmates currently served are Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Muslim, Native American, or ascribe to more unique community spiritual responses to today’s challenges.  Of course, some may not relate to spirituality at all. Letter writers learn to recognize and encourage growth in any good quality, and to acknowledge and encourage greater growth in it.

Groups of people inspired by Amma who meet regularly in their local area for fellowship and prayer include Circle of Love Inside as a sponsored humanitarian service for attendees. Currently groups in Victoria BC, Eugene OR, Santa Barbara CA, Austin and Dallas TX, St. Louis MO, Ann Arbor MI, and Athens GA include Circle of Love Inside as one of their regular activities. Contact us to see how your group can join.

A Texas inmate in solitary confinement for over 10 years, wrote “I seem to go through little trials now and then but, in every one of them, you come to me with a spiritual book or a tool to get me across the waters.” As a thank you, he sent some original art. Our friends inside often gift us with artwork to express gratitude. Here is a slideshow of inmate art.

There are always inmates waiting for letters. Getting letters is a lot of fun. Could you write to an inmate? If you would like more information about the program, or would like to start writing a new spiritual friend, please contact us.