Our Philosophy
Our project is deeply rooted in the timeless philosophy of yoga. It lives in everything we do—in the way we speak, think, breathe, and nourish ourselves. This project was born from a strong belief that we need a space where our experiences can be shared, and where others can find inspiration to explore their own journey. Discover the essence of this place by learning more about the concept of Ananda Marga and understanding why projects like ours exist around the world.
The essence of Ananda Marga
The Path of Bliss: A Living Tradition Founded in 1955 by Shrii Shrii Anandamurti, Ananda Marga (“The Path of Bliss”) revitalizes the ancient science of Tantra Yoga, adapting its timeless wisdom for the modern world. Our holistic philosophy is grounded in Bhakti Yoga (devotion), weaving together the best of Tantric and Vedic traditions to create a path of spiritual fulfillment.
Our Inspiration: Shrii Shrii Anandamurti
Ananda Kalyani’s vision and work is founded on the life, work and teachings of Shrii Shrii Anandamurti (1921–1990), also known by his birth name, Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar. A modern seer, philosopher, and social revolutionary, he dedicated his life to the comprehensive development of humanity—spanning the physical, mental, and spiritual realms, as well as the social, cultural, economic and political spheres.
Shrii Shrii Anandamurti taught that human life is a dynamic balance between two poles:
- Self-Realization: The internal practice of meditation and yoga to expand the mind and experience inner peace.
- Service to Humanity: The external expression of love through selfless service to the world; service that not only fulfils needs but also works to transform the one who serves, as well as the social and economic attitudes and conditions that perpetuate poverty, injustice and oppression.
This integral approach is captured in the mission’s foundational concept: “Atma mokshartham jagat hitaya cha”(For the liberation of the Self and the welfare of the world)
Neo-Humanism: Expanding the Circle of Love
At the heart of Ananda Kalyani’s ecological mission is Anandamurti’s philosophy of Neo-Humanism. While traditional humanism embraces compassion to human beings, Neo-Humanism expands this spirit of love to include all living beings—animals, plants, and even the inanimate universe.
He taught that we must act as stewards of the Earth, protecting its ecological balance not just for survival, but out of a deep spiritual sentiment of devotion. This is the foundational ethic behind our efforts.
Beyond philosophy, he was a prolific linguist and composer. He authored over 250 books on subjects ranging from sociology and microvita (sub-atomic theory) to linguistics and history. In the final years of his life, he composed 5,018 songs, known as Prabhat Samgiita (Songs of the New Dawn), which express the full spectrum of human emotion and spiritual longing.
Shrii Shrii Anandamurti did not ask for blind faith in his teachings; he encouraged rationality and scientific inquiry in the pursuit of spirituality. His life is a testament to the belief that human beings have infinite potential and that by working together, we can build a human society that is just, spiritually enlightened, and ecologically vibrant.
“You should remember that human life is not like a single flower, it is like a bouquet or a garden of flowers blooming with many varieties of flowers”
– Shrii Shrii Anandamurti
We believe that yoga extends far beyond the mat; it is a lifestyle that must be nurtured daily to be truly lived. At Ananda Kalyani, we embody these principles with care and dedication, offering visitors and volunteers an authentic immersion into the yogic way of life. Here are the key practices we embrace:
Community engagement
Being of service (seva) to the wider community we live in and near to is at the heart of the Ananda Marga philosophy. Living a yogic lifestyle naturally includes serving humanity and all of life. At Ananda Kalyani, we engage in various forms of seva, both on the land and through local projects and activities, as part of our daily life.
Daily collective meditation
Every morning and evening, we hold collective meditation sessions that begin with kiirtan (devotional singing with dance) followed by silent meditation. Participation is optional for visitors, but highly recommended to fully experience the essence of our project.
Sattvik food
We follow a sentient, sattvik diet that excludes meat, fish, eggs, onions, garlic, mushrooms, and other tamasic ingredients. This supports clarity of mind, vitality, and balance throughout the day.
Yoga asanas sessions
We offer optional collective or individual yoga asana classes, designed to harmonize and vitalize body and mind through mindful movement and deep relaxation.
The Vision of Master Units
Ananda Kalyani is a Master Unit of Ananda Marga—a direct manifestation of the vision of Shrii Shrii Anandamurti. He envisioned these model projects as spiritually and ecologically based villages or townships, designed to act as “nerve centers” for their regions. By also fostering local self-reliance, Master Units work to model a more balanced, holistic and authentic development to the surrounding society.
More than just a physical space, a Master Unit is an integrated development project. It is a sanctuary where spiritual practice, regenerative agriculture, education, and culture blend seamlessly. At Ananda Kalyani, we embody the mission of bringing wellness, upliftment, and relief to the world by fostering holistic development in rural areas and supporting the local economy. While we share similarities with ashrams, ecovillages and intentional communities, a Master Unit is distinct in its primary focus on community service and its deep connection to the local population. We operate as an international platform for diverse projects, partnering with ecological, social, and spiritual organizations. Rooted in socio-environmental awareness, we work closely with volunteers to restore and care for the land, standing as a living model for sustainable, conscious living.
Explore opportunities to visit us
Get to know our project by volunteering with us. We are happy to receive dedicated and inspired service-minded volunteers.
Experience the exciting life at Ananda Kalyani by visiting us. Learn more below about the conditions and types of stay in our project.