 | |
| Abbreviation | AMPS |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1 January 1955 |
| Founder | Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar |
| Type | Socio-spiritual organization |
| Legal status | Foundation |
| Purpose | Educational, philanthropic, philosophic studies, spirituality |
| Headquarters | Ánandanagar, Purulia, West Bengal, India |
| Location |
|
Area served | Worldwide |
Official language | English, Sanskrit, Bengali, Hindi |
Head | Purodhā Pramukha |
Main organ | Central Purodhā Board |
| Website | www anandamarga21 ampsnys |
Ānanda Mārga (lit. 'The Path of Bliss', also spelled Anand Marg and Ananda Marg), or officially Ānanda Mārga Pracāraka Saṃgha (organization for the propagation of the path of bliss), is a world-wide socio-spiritual organisation founded in Jamalpur, Munger, Bihar, India, in 1955 by Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar, known as Shrii Shrii Anandamurti. It is also the name of the philosophy and life-style propounded by Sarkar, described as a practical means of personal development and the transformation of society. It is established in more than 180 countries across the world.[1][2] Its motto is Ātmamokśārthaṃ jagaddhitāya ca (Self-Realisation and Service to the Universe).
Tantra yoga, as interpreted by Sarkar, serves as the foundation of Ananda Marga. According to his teachings, Tantra means liberation from darkness through the expansion of mind. Meditation is the main spiritual practice of this tantric tradition, which assists the practitioner to overcome weaknesses and imperfections. The path to liberation in Ananda Marga is free of religious dogmas, superstitions, artificial social barriers and ritualism. Ananda Marga recognizes spirituality and liberation as the birth right of every individual irrespective of one's race, caste, creed, nationality, gender, socio-economic status or belief system.
The basis of Ananda Marga practice is covered by a set of rules called the 'Sixteen Points' that guide the practitioner on both spiritual and social aspects. It consist of yoga asanas, mudras, bandhas, pranayama, self-massage and two specific dances, kaos'ikii and tandava. A lacto-vegetarian diet and fasting are also included as a fundamental part of yogic practice. The goal of Ananda Marga is "self-realization and the welfare of all".
- ^ "Ananda Marga". Archived from the original on 10 April 2019. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
- ^ "Ananda Marga - Banglapedia". en.banglapedia.org. Archived from the original on 3 July 2022. Retrieved 19 April 2022.