Anand Ashram is not an institution. It is a living, organic expression of the teaching of Yoga. Thousands of years ago, during the age of the Great Epics and Upanishads, perhaps the most notable and inspiring period in human history, Ashrams existed as the highest and purest expression of the culture of the time. An Ashram was the home of a teacher of high spiritual attainment and great knowledge. Students and disciples, both male and female, of all ages would gather around the Guru to gain from his experience and wisdom. The subject of their study was the Self, the discovery of the true, essential meaning of life. In that age Self-knowledge was considered the highest knowledge. Many students came seeking such knowledge, and Ashrams were lively centers of activity. The study we are discussing here is timeless. As long as humanity has existed, as long as humanity continues to exist, there will always be the need for such a study. In essence, life is the teacher, the world is the Ashram. Every moment, every happening, every contact is an opportunity for developing awareness. But in order to take full advantage of the teachings of life, in order to attain Self-Knowledge, a new orientation is required. Anand Ashram is here to provide an atmosphere conducive to the practice, study, work and sharing which can bring about such an orientation.

The Anand Ashram grounds consist of 85 wooded acres, including five houses, an apple orchard, a formal garden, and a beautiful lake with an island. All upkeep is done simply through the dedication of the students and guests living here. This aspect of our life is called Karma Yoga, a meditation in action. Work that is approached with non-attachment to the results, with dedication, and with moment-to-moment awareness, is a meditative experience. Doing a job without the need for some recompense, free from competition or the need for approval from others, is a joy and an inspiration. With this in mind, work becomes the most valuable tool of Self-analysis. “The sage stays behind, thus he is ahead. He is detached, thus at one with all. Through self-less action, he attains fulfillment.” (Lao Tsu) Anand Ashram is a non-profit organization. Like everyone else, we need money to exist, but we are not here to make money. We are here to get to know ourselves that is to realize our true nature, and to know each other better. This comes through working together, studying together and meditating together. For these reasons, every resident and every guest at the Anand Ashram is asked to take part in Karma Yoga projects. Karma Yoga projects are vital and required part of our program.

Anand Ashram is dedicated to the cause of world peace and unity. All men and women of all countries of the world are our brothers and sisters. Therefore, all our knowledge and experience and growth have meaning only to the degree that we can share it with our brothers and sisters. Anand Ashram is not a cloistered community. It is a lively center of activity like the Ashrams of ancient times. Thousands of people from all countries and religions, from all walks of life come here. Hundreds of teachers receive their training here. Our own teachers are presently teaching courses and giving lectures and demonstrations in many colleges, high schools, community centers, hospitals, and in our own center in New York City.

The doors of Anand Ashram are open. We are here to serve all of those who are willing to look deep inside themselves, and who are seriously intent upon practicing meditation and Self-analysis. Once one has practiced the teaching and exercises that are taught here, every moment in life, every person, and every situation becomes a teacher. With such an attitude it becomes difficult to hate anyone. Even your enemy becomes a teacher through whom you can learn something about yourself. We can’t promise any techniques for instant enlightment. We can offer the practices, the environment and, most important of all, the support through which anyone can initiate, or advance his or her spiritual evolution. If you are interested in visiting Anand Ashram, we have special weekend programs and convocations as well as year-round facilities for guests, students and residents. If you are interested in these programs, please call or write for specific information to:

Anand Ashram 
(A Non-Profit Tax-Exempt Organization)
Rd.#3, Box 141
Monroe, N.Y. 10950
U.S.A