Ananda Marga is a hierarchal organization led by senior members of AMPS, most of them dedicated monks and nuns. A well developed hierarchy is working in the AMPS organization where the Global Office is the main representative organ of AMPS, lead by the General Secretary.
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Ananda Marga Pracharaka Samgha (AMPS) meaning "the organization for the propagation of the path of bliss" was founded in Jamalpur, State of Bihar, India in 1955 by Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar (1921-1990), known by his spiritual name of Shrii Shrii Anandamurti. Ananda Marga bases its ideology on the theory that total human development can only be achieved through both personal development, and social service to the community. The meaning of Ananda Marga is "path of bliss", ananda meaning bliss, and marga path. Through a system of meditation techniques, yoga postures (asanas), spiritual gatherings, and social service the Ananda Margiis (followers of AM) strive to develop themselves as human beings, and the betterment of others.
History Ananda Marga:
The early history of P.R. Sarkar and his way towards the establishment of Ananda Marga Pracharaka Samgha is obscure and few writings can be found. There is however one account which proved to be significant in relation to Sarkars future as a spiritual leader, namely the initiation of a notorious criminal named Kalicharan.
Philosophy of Ananda Marga:
The philosophy of Ananda Marga is one of universalism. It is a synthetic outlook, recognizing God as the one limitless supreme consciousness. This universe, having been created by God, is existing in God, and as such all created beings are God's children, part of the one universal Cosmic family. Thus we are all brothers and sisters, connected in love by the bonds of Cosmic fraternity. This universe of diversity has evolved out of unity (God), and we must continually strive to see that unity in all diversity. Thus the social outlook of Ananda Marga recognizes that the welfare of the individual is inextricably linked with the welfare of the collective, each relying on the other for its existence and dynamism. Everyone has the right to equal opportunity and as such there should be no discrimination on the basis of superficial barriers such as race, nationality and religion. Ananda Marga advocates a world of justice, security and peace for all. To this end Ananda Marga gives a practical, rational, and systematic way of life for the balanced development of all human potentialities: physical, psychic and spiritual. It is a system that incorporates practices that are beneficial for personal and social upliftment. These range from proper hygiene and diet, to yoga postures, to a scientific technique of meditation based on morality and leading to complete peace and inner fulfillment. 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 humanity."