Our Roots
Ananda Marga
Ánanda Márga (Bengali: আনন্দ মার্গ প্রচারক সংঘ, Hindi: आनंद मार्ग ānanda mārga “The Path of Bliss”, also spelled Anand Marg and Ananda Marg) or officially Ánanda Márga Pracáraka Saḿgha (organisation for the propagation of the path of bliss) is a socio–spiritual organisation and movement founded in Jamalpur, Bihar, India in 1955 by Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar. It is also the name of the philosophy and life-style propounded by Sarkar, described as a practical philosophy for personal development, social service, and the all-around transformation of society.
The mission of Ananda Marga is self-realization (individual emancipation) and service to humanity (collective welfare): the fulfillment of the physical, mental and spiritual needs of all people. Through its meditation centers and service projects around the world, Ananda Marga offers instruction in meditation, yoga and other self-development practices on a non-commercial basis, and responds to social emergencies and long-term social needs.
Shrii Shrii Anandamurti
Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar (11 May 1921 – 21 October 1990), also known by his spiritual name, Shrii Shrii Ánandamúrti (Ánanda Múrti=”Bliss Embodiment”), and known as Bábá (“Father”) to his disciples, was a Spiritual Guru, Indian philosopher, yogi, author, social revolutionary, poet, composer, and linguist.
Sarkar was the founder of Ananda Marga (the Path of Bliss) in 1955, a spiritual and social organisation that offers instruction in meditation and yoga.
From his early childhood in Bihar, India, where he was born in 1921, Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar has been attracting others with his deep love for humanity and guiding them along the path of self-realization. Modern writer, philosopher, scientist, social theorist, and spiritual leader, Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar has attracted a following in more than 130 countries. His books have been translated into all the world’s major languages, and his unique blend of historical perspective and social commentary has been the inspiration for social activists seeking progressive alternatives to capitalism and communism.