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Ananda Ashram was founded in 1964 by Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati (then Ramamurti S. Mishra, M.D.) as the country center of the Yoga Society of New York, Inc. It is also the location of the International Schools of East-West Unity (Gurukula), Inc., established by the Founder in 1992. |
Topics of workshops, courses and lectures offered include the various aspects of Yoga, classical arts, Sanskrit language and natural health. East-West cultural performances highlight summer weekends and special celebrations. Guest teachers and artists from a variety of traditions are regular contributors. The Ashram philosophy is nonsectarian with an emphasis placed on Self-awareness and meditation.
Guest and student accommodations consist of dorm and semiprivate rooms. Facilities include classrooms, meditation room, program halls, Temple, natural healing center (for members), seasonal swimming pool and publication center. The inspirational Ashram environment is well suited for a meditative retreat, holistic studies and exploration of the deeper aspects of life.
Ananda Ashram is easily accessible by car, bus or train. |
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Ashrams have existed in
the East from the earliest period of civilization as places
of meditation, spiritual practice and research, higher learning
and culture, where teachers and students lived and worked in
togetherness. Ananda Ashram was dedicated as a universal center
following that same tradition, for the exploration and application
of the principles of Yoga and Vedanta through East-West philosophical
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cultural exchange. Since its beginning,
the Ashram has introduced and hosted many outstanding teachers,
guest lecturers and artists from various disciplines. A preferred platform is given to those who focus on the underlying unity of all. In its core program, Ananda Ashram strives to maintain a distinguished, nonsectarian spiritual and educational standard throughout.
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Yoga is understood here
to be the essential harmony and union of individual existence
with cosmic existence, as well as the physical, mental and
spiritual practices leading to its realization. Nondualistic
Vedanta philosophy declares the oneness of all beings in the
Supreme Spirit and the ultimate freedom of the Self as Pure
Consciousness, referred to by Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati as
the "I-Am" beyond the body and mind. These and related
teachings are studied at Ananda Ashram both through English
sources and through the original Sanskrit texts, with emphasis
on the Upanishads, Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, and Shankaracharya's
writings.
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Brahmananda's translations, commentaries, books, essays and
recordings, recognized as a comprehensive and authentic modern
synthesis of the classical teachings. The truths expressed
by the great masters, the realized sages and thinkers of various
world religions and philosophies as well as of the sciences
and arts, are incorporated and honored in the light of Vedanta.
• The contents of specific lectures
and workshops taught by guest teachers at Ananda Ashram are
not necessarily endorsed by the Yoga Society of New York,
Inc./Ananda Ashram. These programs are offered for the purpose
of information and education only, and the Yoga Society of
New York, Inc., is not responsible in any manner for the opinions,
philosophy or teachings expressed by said individuals.
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