Ananda
Marga: "Path of Bliss"
Ananda means "bliss" and Marga means "path."
So Ananda Marga means "Path of Bliss."
Bliss is infinite happiness. It is the fundamental desire of human
beings. "There is in the living being a thirst for limitlessness."
We can never be satisfied with limited things. They may give us
pleasure for a while, but not long-lasting satisfaction. A limited
object can only give a temporary and limited amount of happiness.
But only infinite happiness will satisfy us. So how are we to attain
it? By expanding our awareness to infinity; by transforming our
individual limited experience into the cosmic experience of the
unlimited: infinite happiness; perfect peace and contentment –
bliss.
Ananda Marga is the name of the system which allows us to do that.
It is an optimal selection of those techniques and practices that
lead to the total experience of infinite peace and happiness –
what we call "self-realization." It is an ideology and
way of life; a systematic and scientific process for the fulfillment
of all human needs: physical, mental and spiritual. It is introversial,
intuitional practice; with techniques ranging from personal hygiene
to yoga postures; from social service to meditation. Its goal is
the all-round elevation of human beings, both individually and collectively,
in all spheres of human existence: individual, social, economic,
intellectual and spiritual. It is a total response to human longing
and aspiration.
As an organization, Ananda Marga has a global network of centers
in virtually every country of the world. Its activities encompass
a wide range of projects for the welfare of humanity, animals, plants
and the whole planet. These include yoga and meditation centers,
schools, children’s homes, food distribution centers, disaster
relief, medical centers and community development projects. Emphasis
is placed on meeting the needs of the local people and assisting
them in developing their personal and social resources for the prosperity
of all.
The philosophy of Ananda Marga is one of universalism. It is an
all-embracing outlook, recognizing God as the one limitless supreme
consciousness, with all beings of the universe part of the one cosmic
family.
It recognizes that a balance is needed between the spiritual and
mundane aspects of existence, and that neither one should be neglected
at the expense of the other. Hence the goal of Ananda Marga is "Self-realization
and the welfare of the universe."
Read more about the history
of Ananda Marga...
Email info at anandamarga.org
if you have any questions.
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