In 1955, while still leading a normal life as a railway official, Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar formed the organization Ananda Marga (“Path of Bliss”) with the twin purposes of spiritual progress and social change. To this end he began training missionaries to spread his teachings of “Self-realization and service to humanity” all over India and later throughout the world. Reflecting the broadness of his universal vision, Ananda Marga subsequently became a multi-faceted organization with different branches dedicated to the upliftment of humanity through education, relief, welfare, the arts, ecology, intellectual renaissance, women’s emancipation, and humanistic economy.

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.

From his early childhood in Bihar, India, where he was born in 1921, Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar has been attracting others by his deep love for humanity and guiding them along the path of self-realization. Adjusting the ancient science of Tantra Yoga to meet the needs of this age, he developed a scientific and rational philosophy (based on the immanence and transcendence of God) and taught a system of practical spiritual disciplines for physical, mental and spiritual development. Recognizing him as a spiritually realized master, his followers called him Shrii Shrii Anandamurti, which means “He who attracts others as the embodiment of bliss”, or simply “Baba” (father).

Those who followed his teachings found their lives transformed as they overcame the weaknesses and negative tendencies of the mind to experience a deep peace and bliss within. Inspired by his selfless example, they focused their efforts on serving the society and elevating the oppressed.

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.

When people through practice of meditation become more aware and understanding, often they want to share what they got with others and help them to realize their potential. Often this help can be expresed in the form of social service projects. These projects include the distribution of food and disaster relief, construction of clinics, the establishment of orphanages and school and many other activities.

The work of Ananda Marga, which is a non-profit organization, is supported by contributions from its member and friends.

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.”

Uncredited quotes by Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar (Shrii Shrii Anandamurti)

Namaskar, means: "I salute the divinity within you with the strength of my mind and the love of my heart".

It´s a way to give spiritual value to a simple repeated action, to remind us to look at the people we meet with love and kindness.

Accompanying words with a gesture amplifies the meaning, so while pronouncing "Namaskar" our folded hands are touching the point between the eyebrows and then the midpoint of the chest at heart level.