Sri Amma Bhagavan

Sri Amma Bhagavan Information

Nestled at the majestic foothills of Vellikonda range on the eastern coast of South India, lies the serene and beautiful Oneness University, just 80 km of Chennai. Fondly called the Golden City, the university was established in 1996 as a spiritual organization to create a peaceful learning atmosphere for people to leave behind miseries and suffering and become conscious of their individuality. With inner transformation and awakening being the primary motive of setting up the university, the center has successfully gained the love and support from more than 100 million people. The founders, Sri Amma Bhagavan are the inspiration behind the university who seek to establish the humankind into a state of enlightenment and right human relationship. The devout followers assume Sri Amma and Sri Bhagavan to be god-gifted in the state of oneness with all of life. They are not regarded as two separate human beings, but the masculine and feminine aspects of an avatar; thus, they are jointly referred to as Sri Amma Bhagavan.

Who are they?

Born as Kalki Vijayakumar on March 7, 1949 in Natham on the outskirts of Gudiyatham, Tamil Nadu, Sri Naman Kalki Bhagavan, or Sri Bhagavan, was highly influenced by the aspects of introspection and solitude since childhood. With determination of bringing about a massive change in the world, he established a spiritual school called Jeevashram in the Chitoor district of Andhra Pradesh, along with Sri Amma and some of his disciples. The real Sri Bhagavan was revealed to his disciples and other people after they began experiencing divine mystical incidents. From just a handful of youthful disciples, his message has been passed throughout the world, evident from over 15 million followers.

Sri Bhagavan's wife, Sri Padmavati Amma was born on August 15, 1954 in the Sangam village, Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh. She made her presence felt in the hearts of spiritual followers through her innocence, wisdom, and graciousness. Believed to be the divine mother, she has earned high respect and admiration due to the tremendous miracles occurring in her presence. Along with husband Sri Bhagavan, Sri Amma has attracted many spiritual seekers, in search of human consciousness, divine grace, and inner transformation.

Vision & Mission

The university has been established with the aim of generating awareness among people in order to lead a 'happy' individual and family life. It emphasizes on the growth and learning in both the internal and external spheres of life. The global facilities available here assist the followers in connecting with the universe within and around oneself to extract the best potential. The main visions of the university are:

• To awaken every human being into Oneness through personal experience which, in turn, would manifest as the Golden Age for all humanity
• To set man totally and unconditionally free from all forms of suffering
• To seed the spirit of Oneness within an individual, which, in turn, would move on to his family and then on to society at large, finally flooding the entire planet.
• To integrate spirituality into mainstream existence, not divorced from everyday living and real-time functionalities
• To create a new world order transcending all divisive labels such as nationality, caste, creed, religion, gender and so on. This would be characterized by an underlying spirit of connectedness and Oneness

Teachings

• Joy is in the doing, not in the seeking.
• Man cannot make it on his own; it has to be given to him.
• All learning is unlearning.
• Oneness is not a one-stop destination; but a never ending unfoldment.
• Man is an Orphan without God.
• This place exists to set humanity totally and unconditionally free.
• Awakening experiences do not make an Awakened one.
• You cannot understand anybody because there is 'nobody' to be understood.
• Experiencing does not lead to freedom, experiencing is freedom.
• Life is a quest to know oneself.
• Deeksha works irrespective of your beliefs and sometimes in spite of your beliefs.
• Deeksha is God reaching out to man.
• Life is a mystery to be experienced, not a puzzle to be solved.
• Life is a process of Learning.
• To see is to be Free.
• Where there is Oneness, there is no resistance.
• When the impossibility of change strikes you, you are awakened.

Oneness University

The divine beings, Sri Amma and Sri Bhagavan, reside in the magnificent and vast Oneness City, the Oneness World Headquarters. Sprawling over thousand acres of lush greens and sunny plains, enclosed by the tranquil Ubbalamadugu Hills, the university is just 80 km north of the fourth largest Indian city, Chennai. With eight different campuses, dozens of classrooms and dormitories, meditation halls, and Oneness Temple, the university is one-of-a-kind in the entire Andhra Pradesh state. A perfect example of contemporary engineering and ancient Vedic architecture, this spectacular structure is fast becoming a major tourist attraction of India. The university also caters to the needs of thousands of religious seekers visiting the Oneness Temple, through the kitchen and dining facility. Collectively known as the "Golden City", the eight campuses offer peace, relaxation, meditation, and rest amid natural beauty and picturesque settings.

Yoga Institute Mumbai

Yoga Institute Mumbai Information

About The Yoga Institute of Mumbai

The Yoga Institute is situated at Prabhat Colony in Santacruz, Mumbai. It was founded by Shri Yogendraji in the year 1918. The Yoga Institute of Mumbai holds the distinction of being one of the oldest organized centers of Yoga in India as well as the world. It is a non-profit organization, devoted to physical, moral and psychic self-education of an individual, with the help of yoga. Presently, it is being run by Dr. Jaydeva, Hansaji and Shri Patanjali.

Shri Yogendraji 

Shri Yogendraji met his Guru, Shri Paramahamsa Madhavdasaji, during his college life. From that moment onwards, he became a firm believer in Yoga. He received education in Yoga at Paramahamsa Madhavadasaji's ashram in Malsar, Gujarat. On the completion of his education, he left the ashram to spread the knowledge throughout the world. Thus began his first step towards the establishment of the Yoga Institute in Bombay city of India.

Health camps 

Regular health camps are organized at The Yoga Institute of Mumbai. These residential camps stretch over seven days and are quite renowned. Two-days camps are also organized here.

Teacher Training Programs 

Those individuals who have completed the seven-days yoga camps organized by the institute can apply for Yoga Teachers Training course of 7 months (in English) and one year (in Hindi).

How to Reach Yoga Institute of Mumbai 

By Air 
There is both a domestic as well as international airport in Mumbai, serviced by all the major domestic and international airlines.

By Rail
The main railway station of Mumbai is the Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST). It is connected with all the key cities in India.

By Road
An extensive network of roads and state highways link Mumbai with the rest of the country.

Local Transport 
Buses local trains, taxis and auto rickshaws are easily available for commuting within the city.

Vipassana International Academy

Vipassana International Academy Information

What is Vipassana?

The term 'Vipassana' literally means "to see things as they really are". Vipassana is regarded as a type of Buddhist meditation technique, through which a person stills the mind and achieves a sort of equanimity and composure. It is said that Lord Gautama Buddha, Himself, made use of this meditation technique. The technique of Vipassana is 'to watch your breath with awareness'. In Vipassana, a person is just required to be aware of his breathing and not try to control it.

Vipassana International Academy

The first Vipassana meditation center in India, for teaching the technique, was set up at Igatpuri by S.N. Goenka. The center was given the name of 'Dhamma Giri: Hill of Dhamma'. Today, it is known as Vipassana International Academy and has the distinction of being the principle center of Vipassana meditation in the world.Students from various parts of India as well as abroad come to the academy and attend its courses. Vipassana Research Institute (VRI) stands adjoining the academy. It was set up in 1985 to carry out research into Vipassana meditation.


The Courses at Goenka Vippasana Center, India

The first course at Vipassana International Academy was held in October 1976. Since that year, the number of courses offered at the academy has grown year by year.

Ten-day Course

The ten-day course is the main course offered at the Vipassana Meditation Center of Igatpuri. They are taught by Goenkaji himself.

One-day Course & Group Sittings 

This courser is only for those students who have completed a ten-day course with Goenkaji or any of his assistants.

Satipatthana Course

Satipatthana course is for those students who have completed at least 3 ten-day course and have practiced regularly for the past one year.

Twenty-day Course

For this course, a student must have completed at least 5 ten-day courses and 1 Satipatthana course and practiced daily, for the past two years.

Thirty-day Course

For this course, a student must have completed at least 1 twenty-day course and participated in a full-time Dhamma service in at least one 10-day course.

Special course

This course is for those who have completed one long course or are qualified for long course since the last five years.

S.N. Goenka

S.N. Goenka was taught Vipassana by a Burmese Vipassana teacher, Sayagyi U Ba Khin. In order to fulfill the wish of his Guru, he set up a Vipassana Meditation Center at Igatpuri.

Learning Vipassana

The ten-day residential course for learning Vipassana can be undertaken by any individual, regardless of the caste, religion, economic background, etc. You will be required to practice 10 hours of meditation and maintain complete silence. Complete abstinence from actions like killing, stealing, lying, sexual misconduct and the use of intoxicants is to be maintained. Along with that, the first three and a half days, you will have to practice anapana meditation, which means focusing attention on the natural breath. The next six and half days will be spent in practicing Vipassana.

How to Reach Goenka Vipassana Center, India


By Air 
The nearest airport is at Nashik city. It is well connected with most of the key cities in India.


By Rail
The railway station at Igatpuri is serviced by a limited number of trains. You can also catch a train from the Nashik railway station.


By Road
Direct bus services are available to both Nashik as well as Mumbai. You can also hire a taxi for the purpose.

Vaswani Ashram

Vaswani Ashram Information

What is Vaswani Mission? 

The Sadhu Vaswani Mission is a spiritual organization, working towards the welfare of the society as a whole. The mission was initially started in the year 1931 in Hyderabad, Sindh (now in Pakistan). The founder of the Vaswani Mission was Sadhu T. L. Vaswani, who was dedicated towards alleviating the sufferings in the world. After the partition of India, the Headquarters of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission was shifted to Pune in 1950.

Sadhu Vaswani Ashram, Pune 

Sadhu Vaswani Ashram at Pune serves as the headquarters of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission in India. A number of institutions are located within the complex of the Vaswani Ashram, namely…. 

• Shanti Vidya Mandir (Kindergarten, English Medium)
• St. Mira's Bal Bhavan
• St. Mira's College for Girls
• St. Mira's English Medium School (Primary and Secondary)
• St. Mira's High School (Sindhi Medium)
• St. Mira's Primary School (Sindhi Medium)

Mira Movement in Education 

Sadhu Vaswani also started the Mira Movement in Education in the tear 1933. The headquarters of the movement is at the Sadhu Vaswani Ashram, Pune. The endeavor of this movement is to provide education to all. There are at least six educational institutions, under the Mira Movement, in Pune itself, that impart spiritual, social and moral values to individuals.

Sadhu T. L. Vaswani

The founder of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission in India, Sadhu T. L. Vaswani was born on November 25, 1879 in Hyderabad, Sindh. He started his career as a professor in Metropolitan College (now Vidyasagar College) of Calcutta. He joined the freedom struggle, along with Mahatma Gandhi and during that period, he made considerable contribution to literature. After independence, he withdrew from active politics and devoted himself entirely to the field of education.

The Philosophy

As per Sadhu Vaswani, religion was nothing but serving God, through the service of the poor and needy. He believed that God resides in each and every individual and when we serve the deprived, we serve God. God cannot be found in isolation or in temples and churches. In his own words…
"You will meet Him in the sweat and struggle of life, in the tears and tragedies of the poor. Not in decorated temples, but in broken cottages is the Great God, - wiping the tears of the poor and singing His new Gita for the New Age!"

Activities of Sadhu Vaswani Mission

• Dada Bhandara (Feeding the Poor)
• Digging of irrigation wells
• Education
• Jiv Daya (Loving Animals and Birds)
• Meatless Day Campaign
• Medical Relief and Health camps
• Millennium Camp
• Promotion of The Sindhi Language
• Provision of drinking water
• Sadhu Vaswani Mission Newsletters
• Satsang (Religious Discourses)
• Soil conservation
• Tree plantation drives
• Village Upliftment
• Vocational training classes

How to Reach Sadhu Vaswani Ashram, Pune

By Air
Pune airport is situated about 12-km from the main city. There are direct flights from Pune to most of the major cities in India.

By Rail
Pune has excellent train services, connecting it with all key cities.

By Road
An extensive network of roads link Pune with the rest of the country. There are daily bus services between Pune and Mumbai.

Sudhanshu Maharaj Ashram

Sudhanshu Maharaj Ashram Information

Who is Sudhanshuji Maharaj?

Sudhanshuji Maharaj was born as Yashpal, on 2nd May 1955 in Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh. From tender age, he showed a deep thirst for knowledge. He was always concerned with the well-being and upliftment of the society. His visit to Thailand proved to be a major turning path in his life. There, he attained Enlightenment by perfecting the Gyatri Mantra. From that moment onwards, he decided to work towards the upliftment of mankind and to teach them to walk on the path of spirituality. Thus was born the idea of Vishwa Jagriti Mission. After coming back from Thailand, Sudhanshuji Maharaj came to Delhi and started giving spiritual discourses.

Sudhanshuji Maharaj Ashram Delhi

Sudhanshuji Maharaj has set up his main ashram in the capital city of Delhi, known as the Anand Dham Ashram. It also has an old age home, with a capacity of 500 residents. The finest boarding and lodging facilities are provided here to the aged. The day begins with prayers, followed by discourses, yoga and then meditation. There is also a beautifully manicured lawn, with blooming flowers and shady trees. A tranquil stream flows alongside and serves as home to a number of ducks. Other facilities at Sudhanshu Maharaj Ashram of Delhi include a Music Center, a Center of International Cultural Education, a well-stocked Library, a huge Prayer Hall, a Gaushala (cow shed), a Yajnyashala and an Atithiniwas (Guest House), etc.

Other Sudhanshu Maharaj Ashrams India

There is a Sudhanshu Maharaj Ashram at Pune also, known as the Punya Dham Ashram. There are ashrams at Kullu Manali, Panchkula, Hyderabad and Dehradun also. These ashrams serve as the serene and calm spiritual retreats for the destitute and homeless people.

The Philosophy of Sudhanshuji Maharaj

Sudhanshuji Maharaj believes that a human has enormous potential within himself. It is his responsibility to bring out his capabilities and achieve higher levels of consciousness. Each and every individual should strive towards restoring social peace and accord. It is his duty to reinstate the values of oneness and unity in the world.

Vishwa Jagriti Mission

Sudhanshuji Maharaja established Vishwa Jagriti Mission in the year 1991. The aim of this mission was to propagate the teachings of Sudhanshu Maharaj. The objectives of the Mission can be summarized as…

• To encourage patriotism
• To help the deprived and the oppressed sections of the society
• To inculcate the concept of spiritual consciousness in people
• To inspire the thinking of the society
• To instill the spirit of devotion in people
• To promote social service, goodwill and compassion

How to Reach Sudhanshuji Maharaj Ashram, Delhi

By Air
Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi has both domestic as well as international terminals. It is serviced by all the domestic and international airlines.

By Rail
The railway stations in Delhi have direct train services to all the major cities in India.

By Road 
Buses as well as taxi services are available from Delhi for a number of key cities in the country.

Sivananda Ashram

Sivananda Ashram Information

Swami Sivananda

Swami Sivananda Saraswati was born as Kuppuswamy in Tamil Nadu on Sep 8, 1887. In the year 1924, he met his guru, Swami Vishwananda Saraswati, who initiated him into the Sanyas order. Thereafter, he settled in the holy city of Rishikesh and engrossed himself in intense spiritual practices. He became one of the greatest spiritual leaders of India and promoted the art of Yoga as well as the Vedanta throughout the world. Apart from being the founder of Swami Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh, he was also the founder of Divine Life Society. He left for the holy abode on July 14, 1963.

List of Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center in India

• Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Nataraja Center - New Delhi
• Sivananda Kutir (ashram) - Rishikesh, Uttaranchal
• Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center - Trivandrum, Kerala
• Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwanthari Ashram - Trivandrum, Kerala
• Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center - Chennai (Madras), Tamil Nadu
• Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center - Madurai, Tamil Nadu
• Sivananda Meenakshi Ashram - Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Swami Sivanada Ashram, Rishikesh 

Sivananda Ashram at Rishikesh is the headquarters of the Divine Life Society, a worldwide organization. Swami Sivananda founded the ashram in the year 1932. Initially a small structure, Sivananda Ashram has now evolved into a huge complex with a number of halls, a temple and Gurudev's Kutir. Any person inclined towards spirituality can join this ashram and spend his life in the service of others.

Sivananda Yoga

The form of yoga taught at Shiva Nanda yoga centers and ashrams is known as Sivananda Yoga. A type of Hatha Yoga, it emphasizes on proper breathing (pranayama), exercise (asanas), relaxation (savasana), diet (vegetarian) and positive thinking and meditation (vedanta and dhyana). The teachers at these yoga centers are graduates of the internationally recognized, Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training Course.

Divine Life Society

In 1936, Swami Sivananda established the Divine Life Society at the Sivananda Ashram. The motto of this society is "Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realize". It was set up with the aim of spreading spiritual knowledge throughout the world. Later, in the year 1938, 'The Divine Life' Journal was started.

Yoga-Vedanta Forest Academy 

Swami Sivananda instituted the Yoga-Vedanta Forest Academy in the year 1948. It was established to train disciples in the discipline of yoga.

The Course

The students of the Sivananda Ashram are educated in Yoga, Vedanta, philosophy, ethics and meditation. The three courses are offered each year, in March-April, May-June and August-September. The duration of the courses is two months.

Sivananda Eye Hospital 

Swami Sivananda established the Sivananda Eye Hospital in the year 1957.

How to Reach Swami Sivananda Ashram of Rishikesh

By Air
At a distance of around 35 km, Dehradun airport falls the nearest to Rishikesh.

By Rail
The nearest railway station of Haridwar has direct train services to almost all the key cities in India.

By Road
A good network of roads connects Rishikesh with the other cities in Uttaranchal as well as the rest of the country.

Shankaracharya Peethas

Shankaracharya Peethas Information

Adi Shankaracharya 

Adi Shankaracharya was one of the most notable philosophers as well as Savants of India. In his short lifespan of thirty-two years, he became one of the greatest teachers of the Vedas. He was a major proponent of the Vedanta tenet that 'Lord Brahma and men are of one essence and every individual should try to develop this vision of oneness'. As per him, God is one and the only way to achieve salvation is through the study of the Vedas. He founded four Shankaracharya Peethas (spiritual centers) in the four corners of India, which uphold his teachings.

Shankaracharya Ashrams in India 

Adi Shankaracharya established four peeths or maths in the four corners of India. Known as Amnaya Peethas, Shankaracharya Ashrams count amongst the most revered pilgrim destinations in the country. The heads of these four institutions are considered the principal Shankaracharyas in India.

Vedanta Jnana Peetha, Sringeri (South India) 

Sringeri is situated in Karnataka, on the embankment of river Tunga. Great sages like Vibhan-daka, Rishyashringa, etc have meditated here in the ancient times. The serene and calm environs of Sringeri charmed him and he established his first Vedanta Jnana Peetha here. He installed there the idol of Sri Sharada, the Goddess of Learning, and named Sureshwara as the Head of that Sharada Peetha.

The three other Adi Shankracharya Maths in India are as follows-

• Govardhana Peetha in Jagannath Puri (Orissa)
• Kalika Peetha, Dwaraka (Gujarat)
• Jyotih Peetha, Badarikashrama (Uttarakhand/Uttaranchal)

Sathya Sai Baba Ashram

Sathya Sai Baba Ashram Information

Sathya Sai Baba 

Sri Sathya Sai Baba is one of the most revered spiritual leaders of the 20th century. He has propagated the message of looking towards God and moving on the path of spirituality throughout the world. He has never intended to start a religion and nor does He recommend His followers to adopt a particular religion. From a young age of 14, Shri Satya Sai Baba has been working towards the goal of serving others and guiding them in the right direction.

He has been walking on this path for more than 50 years, with the highest ideals of truth, right conduct, peace, love, and non-violence. People from far off places come to the Sri Sathya Sai Baba Ashram at Puttaparthi, known as Prasanthi Nilayam. Baba interacts with all His followers on a personal level, without any intermediary in between.

Prasanthi Nilayam Puttaparthy 

The main ashram of Shri Sathya Sai Baba is at Puttaparthy and it is known as Prasanthi Nilayam, meaning "abode of the highest peace". Sathya Sai Baba inaugurated the ashram on November 23, 1950, His 25th birthday. The ashram complex consists of beautiful temples, a kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling tree) a meditation tree and a Darshan hall, where Sathya Sai Baba meets his devotees. There is also a post office, a public relations desk, a canteen and even a bakery within. Just a village a few years back, Puttaparthi has progressed to a developed town.

Other Satya Sai Baba Ashrams in India 

Apart from the main ashram at Puttaparthi, there are two other Satya Sai Baba Ashrams also in India, namely…

Brindavan 

The Brindavan Ashram of Shri Satya Sai Baba is situated in Whitefield, on the outskirts of Bangalore.

Kodai Kanal

The third ashram of Sri Sathya Sai Baba is at Kodai Kanal, a beautiful hill station in India.

Message of Sri Sathya Sai Baba 

Satya Sai Baba encourages people to look inside themselves and recognize who exactly they are. An individual is not the mind, not the mind; he is the eternal spirit that temporarily occupies the mind and the body. He preaches people to have unquestionable faith in God and follow their own conscience with courage and resolve. This is what spirituality is all about and this is what will bring unity and peace. The main motto of Baba has been "Love All, Serve All".

Teachings of Shri Satya Sai Baba 

Through His writing as well as His discourses, Satya Sai Baba has created a wide pool of knowledge and guidance. The main teachings of Baba have been summarized below…

• A person may follow any religion, but he must do it utmost devotion.
• Always respect other religions.
• Always respect your country and abide by its laws.
• God is one, but His names are different.
• Good behavior and morality must be strictly followed in everyday life.
• Serve the poor, the needy and the sick, without expecting anything in return.
• The values of truth, divine love, right conduct, peace and non-violence should be followed and promoted.

How to Reach Sri Sathya Sai Baba Ashram, Puttaparthi

By Air
There is an airport at Puttaparthi. One can also go to Bangalore airport, with direct flights to almost all the major cities in India.

By Rail
The railway station at Puttaparthi has regular train services to Bangalore.

By Road
There are frequent buses as well as taxi services between Puttaparthy and Bangalore.

Ramana Maharishi Ashram

Ramana Maharishi Ashram Information

As you enter the Ramana Maharishi Ashram, you will be greeted by a calm and serene environment. A large open courtyard, bordered by shady trees and beautifully manicured gardens, give this ashram the tranquility that all of us aspire for. You will immediately feel a soothing stillness and harmony inside you.

Ramana Maharishi

Ramana Maharishi was born as Venkataraman in Tiruchuli village of Tamil Nadu, on 30th December 1879. An average child, he heard the name of Tiruvannamalai from an elderly relative and was deeply attracted towards it. Then, he came across a copy of Sekkilar's Periyapuranam, related to the lives of the Saiva saints. Soon after, he developed a desire to renounce the world and move on the path of spirituality. Thus began his life as one of the greatest sages of India, Sri Ramana Maharishi.

Sri Ramana Maharishi Ashram, Tiruvannamalai 

After renouncing the world, Sri Ramana Maharishi started living in a cave on the Arunachala Mountain, in Tiruvannamalai. As his devotes grew, the cave became too small and he moved to Skandasramam, a little higher up the mountainside. Soon, his mother also renounced the world and came to join him. In the year 1922, she achieved salvation and she was buried at the foot of the mountain. Ramana Maharishi started visiting the burial place regularly and one day, he decided to stay there permanently. Later, Sri Niranjanananda Swami, his younger brother, started the construction of Sri Ramanasramam at the place.

Teachings of Sri Ramana Maharishi

• A guru need not be in the human form only. Guru makes you realize that God is within you.
• Complete surrender, either to self or to God, leads to jnana or liberation.
• Free will and destiny exist forever.
• In order to be truly happy, one must known oneself.
• Mind is the source of ego. Only when the heart takes over the mind can one attain the Self, the real, the eternal.
• Renunciation is not a precondition for achieving liberation.
• Self-realization is nothing but being oneself.
• The only reality in the world is consciousness.

How to Reach Ramana Maharishi Ashram, India

By Air
The nearest airport is at Chennai (Madras), at a distance of approximately 250 km.

By Rail
Sri Ramana Ashram falls on the Villupuram-Katpadi branch line of the Southern Railway. However, it has no direct trains to Chennai.

By Road
There are direct bus services between Chennai and Tiruvannamalai. From there, one can take a taxi or auto rickshaw to Ramana Ashram.

Ramakrishna Mission

Ramakrishna Mission Information

What are Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission?

Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission are the two wings of a religious organization formed by Swami Vivekananda, a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna. The main reason behind the formation of this organization is to serve the poor and destitute people as well as to provide a comfort to the nervous ones. The headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission are at Ramakrishna Ashram at Belur in Howrah district of West Bengal.

Motto of Ramakrishna Math & Mission "

Atmano mokshartham jagad hitaya cha." It means, 'for one's own liberation, and for the welfare of the world'. The math as well as the mission has been founded to help people in attaining salvation themselves as well as in serving others.

Philosophy of the Ramakrishna Mission 

Ramakrishna Mission is based on the philosophy of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa. As per this philosophy, the main aim in the life of an individual is the upliftment of himself as well as others. Each human being is gifted with enormous moral and spiritual potential. The only thing he has to do is work towards the discovery and development of that potential. The mission does not believe in the superiority of a particular religion, nor does it prescribe the necessity of shastras (religious texts) and anushthana (rites and rituals).

Sri Ramakrishna 

Sri Ramakrishna was born on 18 February 1836 in the Kamarpukur village, near Kolkata. He never gave public discourses or wrote his teachings. He believed that the goal of life is the attainment of the Ultimate Reality, for which an individual must have purity of mind. He preached that God is present in every individual and therefore, serving needy people is like serving God Himself.

Swami Vivekananda 

Swami Vivekananda was born on 12th January 1863, as Narendra Nath Datta, in Kolkata. A disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, he formed the Ramakrishna Mission on 1 May 1897, to promote the teachings of his Guru throughout the world. The Belur Math was also founded by Swami Vivekananda.

Expansion of Rama Krishna Mission 

Rama Krishna Mission has expanded to approximately 162 centers throughout India. A number of centers have been opened abroad also, in Argentina, Bangladesh, Canada, Fiji, France, Japan, Mauritius, the Netherlands, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Ramakrishna Math, Belur 

The headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math, Belur Math is the place where Swami Vivekananda spent the last days of his life. The Math complex consists of temples dedicated to Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda, containing their relics. It also houses the main monastery of the Ramakrishna Order and a museum.

Activities of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission 

The math and mission provide the following types of facilities to the poor and the needy…

• Educational Service
• Medical Services
• Women Welfare Programs
• Work in Rural and Tribal Areas
• Youth Welfare Programs

How to Reach Belur Math

By Air
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Intrnational Airport

By Rail
Nearest Railway stations are Belur (Suburban) & Howrah (Main Junction) while the nearest Metro Station is Dum Dum.

By Road
You can reach Belur by buses, mini buses and taxis that are available from various parts of Kolkata.

Radhasoami Satsang Ashram

Radhasoami Satsang Ashram Information

What is Radhasoami Satsang? 

Radhasoami Satsang is a charitable, non-profit institution, dedicated to the inner development of an individual. Public welfare is one of the major aims of the satsang. It runs a number of voluntary programs and activities to achieve this purpose. The spiritual movement has now expanded to a great extent and established its centers in a large number of countries.

Radhasoami Satsang Ashram 

The headquarters of the Radhasoami Satsang Ashram are near Beas River, in North India. It was established in the year 1891. People who are interested in adopting the movement can come and stay in the guestrooms built there. There is also a 300-bed hospital here, which provides free medical care to the needy members as well as non-members.

Establishment of Radhaswami Satsang 

One of the largest spiritual movements of the world, Radhaswami Satsang was started in the year 1861. Swami Shiv Dayal Singh Ji Maharaj was the founder of the movement, which initiated in the city of the Taj, Agra.

Basic Tenets of Radhasoami Satsang 

The members are required to engage in…

• A vegetarian lifestyle
• High levels of morality
• Abstinence from alcohol and drugs
• Daily practice of shabd yoga meditation

The Philosophy

The term 'Radhasoami' literally means union of the soul with God. Followed by Hindus as well as Sikhs, Radha Swami Satsang is based on the philosophy that communion with God can be obtained. However, for the purpose, an individual must listen to the shabad (sound), or naam (name), of the Lord. Emphasis is also placed on 'satsang', 'the congregation of truthful people'. The philosophy is also known as Science of the Soul or 'Sant Mat', meaning 'teachings of the saints'.

The Objectives of the Movement

• Arranging satsangs (religious sermons) and bhandaras (large gatherings)
• Establishing and Maintaining charitable hospitals and/or dispensaries.
• Production as well as distribution of literature on Radha Soami Faith in India.
• Providing for langars (free meals) and lodgings for the sadhus, sewadars, satsangis and needy people.
• Spreading knowledge that will help in the spiritual and moral advancement of individuals.

Swami Shiv Dayal Singh Ji Maharaj 

The founder of Radhasoami Ashram in India, Swami Shiv Dayal Singh Ji Maharaj was also known as Soamiji Maharaj. He believed that human soul is Radha, aiming at communion with her Soami, the eternal reality. This is why he gave the name Radhasoami to his movement. He never advertised for the membership of his satsang and never in his life did he try to woo followers. It was his teachings that attracted individuals towards his satsang. He left for the mortal world in 1878.

Maharaj Sawan Singh Charitable Hospital 

Maharaj Sawan Singh Charitable Hospital is situated between Jalandhar and Amritsar. A 450-bed charitable hospital, it is has a team of highly qualified and experienced doctors. Free accommodation is also provided to the relatives and dependants accompanying the patients.

How to Reach Radhasoami Satsang Ashram, Beas

By Air
The airport at Amritsar is the nearest to Beas. It has direct fights to almost all the key cities in India.

By Rail 
The local railway station of Beas has regular train services to Amritsar and Jalandhar.

By Road
Lying on the National Highway, Beas is well connected to all parts of the country by road.

Osho Ashram

Osho Ashram Information

The Osho Ashram 

Years after the death of Osho, the Osho Ashram at Pune continues to attract people from the farthest corners of the world. The ashram, spread over an area of 40 acres, was founded by Bhagwan Rajneesh himself. Osho Rajneesh Dham is the perfect place, not only for spiritual development, but also for rejuvenation and relaxation after being frustrated by the tensions of everyday life. People, from as many as 100 countries, are staying at this ashram, each with a different purpose. You can choose to do anything here, from resting, swimming, meditating and so on. Six different meditations take place at the Osho Ashram of India, on a daily basis and extend for a period of one hour.

The Osho Commune

Individuals who join the Osho Commune are assigned new names. Titles are also attached to them; men are called 'Swami', while women are given the title of 'Ma'. After a person joins the commune, he/she is expected to severe the family bonds. The followers of Osho wear maroon robes for meditation and white robes for the discourses. You will also find them wearing a necklace of 108 rudraksha beads with an attached picture of Bhagwan Rajneesh.

Osho 

Osho was born as Rajneesh Chandra Mohan Jain on 11th December 1931. One of the most renowned as well as the most controversial spiritual leaders of India, Osho always came across as a rebellious, but an extremely intelligent individual. As per Osho himself, he received Enlightenment at the young age of 21. Thereafter, he completed his graduation and post graduation. For a brief period in his life, he worked as a professor of philosophy. In the year 1964, he organized his first meditation camp and from then onwards began his spiritual journey. He completed his journey in this world on 19th January 1990.

Osho Philosophy 

Osho believed that awareness, love, meditation and laughter are the greatest values in life. As per him, enlightenment is a normal state of being. However, human thought and emotional ties to societal expectations and the consequent fears and inhibitions that a person experiences distract him from attaining this normal state.

Osho on Meditation 

Meditation is nothing that is to be taught or learnt, it is inherent in every human being. Meditation is just to be, not do anything - no action, no thought, no emotion. Just being is what will give you pure happiness. He recognized that it is difficult for most of the people to just sit and meditate. So, he devised a new kind of mediation techniques, known as 'Active Meditation Techniques'.

How to Reach Osho Ashram, Pune

By Air
Pune airport is lies at a distance of almost 12-km from the main city. It is well connected to most of the major cities in India.

By Rail
Pune has excellent train services, linking it with almost all the cities in the country.

By Road
A good road network links Pune with the other parts of India. Direct bus services are available between Pune and Mumbai.

Nityananda Ashram

Nityananda Ashram Information

Nityananda Ashram 

Bhagwan Sri Nityananda Ashram is situated in Ganeshpuri, in the state of Maharashtra in India. It enshrines the samadhi of the great sage 'Swami Nityananda'. The ashram was founded by a disciple of Swami Nityananda, Swami Muktananda, after being so instructed by the Swami himself. People from far and wide come to Swami Nityananda Ashram of Ganeshpuri to find their inner self and move forward on the path of self-realization.

Swami Nityananda

Swami Nityananda was one of the greatest saints of India. It is believed that Bhagwan Sri Nityananda was a 'Janma Siddha' (a born Siddha or perfected yogi). In the early years of his life, he lived in isolation in the farthest regions of South India. Later, he came to Ganeshpuri and lived there till his last breath. It was here that he bestowed shaktipath (enlightenment) on Swami Muktananda and instructed his disciple to build an ashram. The Swami Nityananda Ashram of Ganeshpuri is also known as Gurudev Siddha Peeth.

Teachings of Swami Nityananda 

Swami Nityananda always taught his disciples to listen to their heart. He said, "The heart is the hub of all sacred places; go there and roam". Every individual must strive towards self-realization and to achieve that purpose, he should look within himself. God resides within each and every living being and we can find Him only when we search for Him inside ourselves.

Expansion 

Bhagwan Sri Nityananda Ashram has opened up a number of centers in India as well as abroad. The most important centers are the ones in India and USA.

Courses at Bhagwan Sri Nityananda Ashrams

Siddha Yoga Intensives 

This is one to two day course, aimed at teaching shaktipat, spiritual awakening.

Hatha Yoga Classes

This course aims at the physical well being of an individual. Hatha Yoga classes are held from morning to evening, under qualified teachers.

Home Study Course

The home study course is meant for longer initiation and stretches on for two years. Two lessons are taken every month and two years constitute one volume. There are six volumes of 48 lessons each in all.

How to Reach Swami Nityananda Ashram, Ganeshpuri

By Air

The nearest airport is at Mumbai, well connected with the major cities in India and abroad.

By Rail

Mumbai also serves as the nearest railhead from Gorakhpuri. It has direct trains to all the parts of India.

By Road

Gorakhpuri is well linked with Mumbai, by road.

Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi Centers

Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi Centers  - Information

Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi

Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi was born to a Christian family on 21 March 1923. As a newborn also, Mataji emanated such beauty and radiance, that her parents named her Nirmala. Since her parents were both freedom fighters, she grew up in the ashram of Mahatma Gandhi. Her wisdom and understanding was so deep that at time, even Mahatma Gandhi consulted her on important matters. She also took part in the freedom struggle, playing the role of a youth leader.

The Idea of Nirmala Devi Sahaja Yoga Centers

Just before independence, Shri Nirmala Devi got married to a civil servant, Sir C.P. Srivastava, one of India's most talented civil servants, who was knighted by the Queen of England. Sir Srivastava held the post of the Joint Secretary to the Prime Minister's office in the years 1964-66. As Sir C P moved on to the world stage from the Indian administration (he served as the Secretary General of the United Nations International Maritime Organization for 16 consecutive years) Shri Mataji started on the mission to promote spirituality in this materialistic world. On 5th of May 1970, while she was strolling on a lonely beach of Nargol, she felt a divine spiritual experience. With that, she found a way to present her knowledge before people. Thus was born the concept of Sahaja Yoga and Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi Yoga Centers. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi Sahaj Yoga Centers have been set up more than 75 countries, including India.

Sahaja Yoga
A meditation technique, Sahaja Yoga was created by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi in 1970. As a person practices Sahaja Yoga, his awareness enhances to a new dimension, where he can feel absolute truth physically - on his central nervous system. With this, he starts experiencing spiritual development. At the same time, he achieves a physical, mental and emotional balance. He then recognizes the Self or Spirit, which is the source of true knowledge, peace and joy.

Sahaj Yoga Principles

The principles of Sahaj Yoga are - Honesty, integrity, spirituality, helping each other in attaining enlightenment, hunting the truth and solving problems by using the latent potential, on both individual as well as collective level. As per Mataji Self Realization is the birthright of every human being.

Nirankari Mission

Nirankari Mission  - Information

What is Nirankari Mission? 

Sant Nirankari Mission, founded in India by Baba Buta Singhji, is a spiritual movement, devoted to the welfare of the mankind. As per this mission, the aim of life is the 'Realization of Fatherhood of God through the living Satguru'. As this aim is achieved, universal brotherhood, peace and unity automatically follow. As man has progressed in the filed of science, the spirituality in him has constantly diminished.

Sant Nirankari Mission of India aims at making people understand that spirituality can be attained through a revelation of God in the present life. It lays emphasis on the concept of 'One God for All'. Sant Nirankari Mission also has an organizational outfit, named Sant Nirankari Mandal, with its headquarters in Delhi. It was set up to promote the concept of One Formless God (Nirankar), peace, non-violence and universal brotherhood worldwide.

The Beliefs of Sant Nirankari Mission 

Sant Nirankari Mission of India is based on the following beliefs…

• Each and every human being is a child of the God.
• God can be realized in the present life.
• The Satguru confers the divine vision.
• There is only one God and He is Nirankar (formless)

The Five Principles of Nirankari Mission

• Each and every human being is the creation of the same God. A person should understand this fact and feel one with his fellow beings. The religion of a person should never become a reason for hating him.
• Realization of God does not require renunciation of the world and the worldly duties. A person should never escape his responsibilities towards his family and the society, in the pursuit of God.
• The divine knowledge bestowed by your Guru must not be divulged to anyone, without his permission. At the same time, Enlightenment should never lead to pride.
• The way a person lives, i.e., his dressing style, diet, etc, should never be a basis for looking down upon him.
• Whatever possessions a human being has, belong to God. He is only a trustee of those possessions and should not feel proud of them.

Baba Buta Singh Ji 

Baba Buta Singh Ji founded the Sant Nirankari Mission in India. He was born in Headwal Village under Kaimalpur (Pakistan), in the year 1873. Right from his childhood, he was inclined towards God and spirituality. He received the Brahm Gyan (God Knowledge) from Bhai Sahib Kahan Singh Ji at the age of forty. For the next fifteen years, he assimilated the knowledge he had received, comparing it with the knowledge of Gurbani. Thereafter, started his journey as a teacher to the other mortals.

A Unique Form of Greeting 

The followers of Sant Nirankari Mission have a very unique way of greeting each other. Whenever they greet each other, they touch the other person's feet, bow and say 'Dhan Nirankar', meaning 'God is Great'. This is way of showing love and respect towards the other person and acknowledging the fact that God resides within him/her.

Missionary of Charity

Missionary of Charity  -  Information

The Missionary of Charity 

The Missionary of Charity is a society founded by Mother Teresa in the city of Calcutta. In the year 1950, she received permission from the Vatican to set up her own order, originally known as Diocesan Congregation of the Calcutta Diocese. Thus was born the society or charitable institution, which later came to be known as the Missionaries of Charity. The main aim of the Mother Teresa Missionary of Charity is to help all those people who are sick, poor, needy and have been discarded by the society.

Mother Teresa 

Mother Teresa was born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu at Skopje on August 26th 1910. By the time she attained the age of eighteen, she realized that her mission in this life was to serve God and Jesus. She joined the Convent of Our Lady of Loreto in Dublin. Impressed with St. Therese of Lisieux, she adopted the name Teresa and took her vows in 1931. In 1937, she came to Calcutta (now Kolkata) and joined St. Mary's High School. It was there that she realized her true calling and devoted her life in service of the sick, poor and needy people in the society.

The Mission The mission of the Missionaries of Charity, started in Kolkata city of India, is to care for…

"The hungry, the naked, the homeless, the crippled, the blind, the lepers, all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, uncared for throughout society, people that have become a burden to the society and are shunned by everyone." --- Mother Teresa

Expansion 

Pope Paul VI granted a Decree of Praise to Mother Teresa in the year 1965 and with it came the permission to expand the order to other countries. From a small Order with 12 members, today it has expanded to over 4,000 nuns running a number of charitable institutions. The Missionaries of Charity now has branches in almost 133 countries of the world. It has set up orphanages, AIDS hospices and charity centers throughout the world.

Sister Concerns

• Missionaries of Charity Sisters (Active)
• Missionaries of Charity Sisters (Contemplative) - set up in 1976
• Missionaries of Charity Brothers (Active) - set up in 1963
• Missionaries of Charity Brothers (Contemplative) - set up in 1979
• Missionaries of Charity Fathers (set up in 1984)
• Lay Workers
• Volunteer Co-Workers
• Sick and Suffering Co-Workers
• Corpus Christi Movement for Priests (set up in 1981)

Training of Active and Contemplative Sisters

The training period ranges from six months to six years. After the completion of six months training, you become an aspirant, while, at the end of the sixth year of training, you become a Tertian. The exact duration of the stages is…

• Aspirancy - six months.
• Postulancy - one year.
• Noviciate - two years, at the end of which the first vows are taken.
• Juniorate - five years
• Tertianship - one year, at the end of which the final vows are taken

How to Reach The Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata, India

By Air
The airport of Kolkata has direct flights to all the major cities in India. There are also direct flights to most of the South-Asian cities.

By Rail
There are two main railway stations in Kolkata, at Howrah and at Sealdah. Both the stations are well connected with all the key cities in the country.

By Road
An extensive network of roads link Kolkata with the other cities of the country.

Local Transport
Trams, buses, rickshaws, metered taxis, minibuses and Metro are available for traveling within the city.

Ma Anandamayi Ashram

Ma Anandamayi Ashram Information

Ma Anandamayi 

Ma Anandamayi was born on April 30, 1896, as 'Nirmala Sundari', in Kheora village of East Bengal (now Bangladesh). Right from childhood, Sri Sri Ma Anandamayi gave signs of her divinity. Being born in a priestly community of Bengal, she was exposed to meditation and religious rituals at a very tender age. There was a spiritual aura that radiated from her all the time.

One of the most influential spiritual personalities of the 20th century, she got married at a very young age. Her husband also realized the divinity in her and became one of her most loyal followers. A guru never formally initiated Shree Shree Ma Anandamayee. Infact, it is said that she initiated herself, when she heard the chanting of the mantras inside herself. Ma left for the holy abode on 27th August 1982 at Kankhal, Haridwar.

Philosophy of Sri Sri Ma Anandamayi

Each and every Sri Sri Ma Anandamayi Ashram promotes her philosophy. Ma mainly believed in serving others, without the expectation of any return. She encouraged her followers to serve mankind and in return, not to hope for anything, even praise or acknowledgement. As per her philosophy, asking for something in return would make the service lose its value.

Along with that, Shree Shree Ma Anandamayee also preached that a person should detach himself from the world and engage in religious activities. However, she never advised people to worship one particular God. For her, devotion of the worshipper was more important than the form of God. For her, devotion towards God was the path to the ultimate truth or the realization of the supreme. Ma regarded all religions, all forms of life and even inanimate objects as expressions of the eternal truth.

List of Sri Sri Ma Anandamayi Ashrams

In India

• Agarpara - Calcutta
• Agartala - West Tripura
• Almora - Uttranchal
• Bhimpura - Baroda
• Bhopal - Madhya Pradesh
• Dehradun - Uttranchal
• Jamshedpur - Bihar
• Kankhal - Haridwar
• Kedarnath - Uttranchal
• Naimisharanya - Uttar Pradesh
• New Delhi
• Pune - Maharashtra
• Puri - Orissa
• Rajgir - Bihar
• Ranchi - Bihar
• Tarapeeth - West Bengal
• Uttarkashi - Uttranchal
• Varanasi - Uttar Pradesh
• Vindhyachal - Uttar Pradesh
• Vrindavan - Uttar Pradesh

In Bangladesh

• Dhaka
• Kheora

Shree Shree Ma Anandamayee Ashram, Haridwar

During her lifetime, Ma Anandamayi visited Swami Akhandananda Giri's Ashram in Kankhal quite frequently. Since she was quite attached to Kankhal, her devotees decided to build an international center there, devoted to Ma and her philosophy. Known as the Shree Ma Anandamayee International Centre, it is a place where Indians as well as foreigners study and meditate upon the meaning and message of Vedanta.

Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram

Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram Information

The Ashram

Away from the viciousness and malice of the mankind is situated the Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram, founded by Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (also known as Amma). Sited at Amritapuri, in the backwaters of Kerala, the ashram serves as a refuge from the spitefulness that has become so widespread in today's world. The sound of devotional songs and Amma's spiritual discourses greets the visitors of the Anandashram of Kerala. Amma's simple talks, abounding in examples from her own life, bring composes the mind as well as the soul.

Why to Visit Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram

Once a tiny ashram, Amritapuri has now progressed into a sanctuary of sorts for thousands of followers. They come here to break away from the vices of life and devote themselves selflessly in the service of others. Amma takes them under her supreme guidance and directs them towards the path of sadhana and service. She helps people in relieving distress and pain, with her compassion, warmth and affection.

Recognitions to Mata Amritanandamayi Devi

The efforts of Amma have been largely acknowledged by the world. In 1993, she was elected as one of the presidents of the assembly of global religions, in Chicago. In the same year, she also received 'Hindu Renaissance Award' by Hinduism Today, an international journal on Indian culture. She was even invited to speak at the Interfaith Celebrations in New York to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the United Nations.

Expansion of the Mata Amritanandamayi Philosophy

With time, the Anandashram, situated in Kerala, has expanded itself. It has spread its branches and service centers all over India. The ashram is visited not only by Indians, but foreigners also. They come here to relieve themselves of their tensions and worries and experience calm and serenity inside. There are also a number of educational institutions associated with the Ananda Ashram of Kerala. Hundreds of students enroll themselves every year at these institutions.

A Day at the Anandashram Ashram 

A typical day at the Amritapuri Ashram of Kerala begins around 5:00 a.m. The echo of Vedic chants and Amma's Ashtotataram (108 names of Amma) greets everyone in the morning. This is followed by Lalitha Sahasranamam (the 1000 names of the Divine Mother). The Ganapathi Homam, attended by many devotees, is also performed every morning. The time of 8.00 am to 9:30 am and 5.00 pm to 6.30 pm is reserved for meditation. Singing of devotional songs, led by Amma, starts at 6.30 pm and carries on for one and half an hour daily. On Thursdays and Sundays, bhajans begin at 5.00 pm and last till wee hours in the morning.

Facilities at Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram 

For accommodation purposes, rooms as well as dormitories are available in the Anandashram of Kerala, India. For foreigners, there is a café and a separate canteen. Other facilities include a bookstall, an Ayurvedic products counter, a general store and a cloakroom service for the visiting devotees.

How to Reach the Amritapuri Ashram of Kerala

By Air
The airports close to the ashram are at Kochi (120 km away) and Thiruvananthapuram (120 km away).

By Rail
The railway stations at Kayamkulam and Kollam are the nearest to Amritapuri Ashram.

By Road
Bus services are available till Vallickavu. From there, you can take a ferry service to the ashram. One can also take Taxis and auto-rickshaws are also available from Kayamkulam.

Iskcon Temple Ashram

Iskcon Temple Information

What is Iskcon?

Iskcon is the short form for International Society for Krishna Consciousness. It is basically a nonsectarian and monotheistic movement, which centers on Lord Krishna. The main purpose behind the foundation of Iskcon is to teach people the science of Krishna consciousness, as given in Bhagavad-Gita and other age-old scriptures. This is being achieved, mainly, through the establishment of a Hare Krishna Iskcon Temple, in various parts of India as well as the world.

Establishment of ISKCON 

His Divine Grace, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (Srila Prabhupada), founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in the year 1966. It belongs to the Gaudiya Vaisnava tradition, a devotional tradition based on the teachings of Bhagavad-Gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam.

Mission Statement of Iskcon 

The mission statement of International Society for Krishna Consciousness consists of the following points…

• Developing transcendental pastime places, dedicated to Lord Krishna.
• Promoting humanity and identification with Krishna amongst members.
• Propagating spirituality, unity and peace worldwide.
• Spread Krishna consciousness, as given in Bhagavad-Gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam.
• Teaching a simple way of living to its members.
• Teaching and encouraging the sankirtana movement.
• Publishing and distributing periodicals, magazines, books and other writings to achieve the above mentioned purposes.

Expansion of ISKCON

Since the time of its establishment, the ISKCON movement has expanded to a great extent. Today, the movement has extended its membership to 10,000 temple devotees and 250,000 congregational devotees. It also boasts of setting up more than 350 Hare Krishna Iskcon temples, 60 rural communities, 50 schools and 60 restaurants, throughout the world. One can find an Iskcon temple in most of the countries of the world.

Projects Undertaken 

The following projects have been undertaken by the members of ISKCON…

Back to Godhead: 

It is a magazine, devoted to the Hare Krishna movement.

The Bhaktivedanta Archives

The archives are being prepared to preserve and maintain the teachings and personal life of Srila Prabhupada.

Children of Krishna

This project has been started to promote the educational, economic, emotional, and spiritual development of the children of the Hare Krishna movement.

ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry

The ministry has been set up to encourage deity worship.

Iskcon Prison Ministry It has been set up to teach Krishna consciousness to inmates and guide them towards the path of spiritual development.

Bhaktivedanta Library Services

This project aims at wide distribution as well as promotion of Srila Prabhupada's books and other audio and visual materials.

Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education (VIHE) 

VIHE has been established to promote the study of Srila Prabhupada's literature.

ISKCON Youth Forum (India) 

Youth forum comprises of spiritually strong students, who diligently follow the Sanatana Dharma (Krishna consciousness).

Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education (VIHE) 

VIHE, devoted to the Iskcon movement, is situated in the holy city of Vrindavan, India. It was established in the year 1987 and aims at promoting Krishna Consciousness amongst the masses. The courses taught at VIHE emphasize on the main books of Srila Prabhupada's - 'Bhagavad-Gita: As It Is', 'Srimad-Bhagavatam', 'Chaitanya-Charitamrta', 'Nectar of Devotion', 'Nectar of Instruction' and Sri Isopanisad.

Isha Foundation

Isha Foundation Information

Isha Foundation and its Mission

Isha Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. The main aim of Isha Foundation is to use yogic science for the physical, metal as well as spiritual development of an individual. With approximately 150 centers worldwide, it strives towards world peace and works for the upliftment of destitute children, rural people and embattled women. The volunteers of the Isha Foundation work selflessly in the service of others.

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev 

The founder of Isha Foundation, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, was born in Mysore, India. His teachings mainly involve a combination of simple yoga techniques and age old spiritual knowledge.

Isha Yoga Center

The Isha Yoga Center was founded under the aegis of Isha Foundation. It is situated at the foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains, near the Coimbatore city of India. Spread over an area of 150 acres, it is regarded as a center for inner growth. One of the unique features of Isha Yoga Center is that it offers all the four major paths of yoga - gnana (knowledge), karma (action), kriya (energy), and bhakthi (devotion).

The Facilities and other Organizations 

The entire complex of the Isha Yoga Center comprises of Spanda Hall, a garden, a meditation hall and program facility. It also consists of the following organizations…

• Isha Rejuvenation Center
• Isha Home School
• Yogic Hospital
• The Vanaprastha Ashram
• The Dhyanalinga (meditation place)

Isha Yoga Programs 

Designed by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, Isha Yoga Programs are intended to provide individuals with opportunities for discovering the self. These programs make use of social as well as family obligations as instruments of self-development and self-realization. The following programs are offered at the Isha Yoga Center in India…

• Isha Yoga for adults (13-day foundational program, involving meditation, asanas and breathing techniques)
• Isha Yoga for children - 7 to14 years (10-day program)
• Bhava Spandana (4-day residential program, involving advanced meditation)
• Hatha Yoga (Involves use of asanas)
• Samyama (7-day residential program involving long hours of intense meditation)
• Wholeness (8-day residential program, involving asanas, Shakti Chalana Kriya and shoonya meditation
• Inner Engineering (3-7 day intensive program, involving guided meditation and Shambhavi Maha Mudra)

How to Reach Isha Foundation, Coimbatore

By Air
The nearest airport of Coimbatore has regular flights to and from Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.

By Rail
The nearest railway station is also the one at Coimbatore. It is well connected with all major cities in India.

By Road 
There are regular buses as well as taxi services between Coimbatore and Isha Yoga Center. A good road network connects Coimbatore with the rest of the country.

Chinmaya Mission

Chinmaya Mission Information

The Chinmaya Mission 

Chinmaya Mission aims at providing people with the knowledge and understanding of the Vedanta. It also attempts to teach them the practical way of attaining the goal of spiritual growth and contentment. All this helps in enabling them to make positive contribution to the society and its members.

Foundation of Chinmaya Mission 

His Holiness Swami Chinmayananda, the famous Vedanta teacher, laid the foundation of the Chinmaya Mission in India in the year 1953. The mission comprises of a broad range of spiritual, educational, and charitable activities. The administration of the Mission is under the Central Chinmaya Mission Trust, situated in Mumbai. Presently, His Holiness Swami Tejomayananda heads the Chinmaya Mission of India.

What is Chinmaya Mission? 

Swami Chinmayananda Mission is trying to bring the ageless wisdom of Vedanta closer to people. At the same time, it also provides them with the tools that will help them realize that wisdom in their life. The Mission follows Vedic teacher-taught tradition (guru-shishya parampara) and attempts to lift the human race beyond selfishness. It teaches them to strive towards a life of peace and harmony.

Projects and Activities under Chinmaya Mission

• Bala Vihar (Vedanta forum for children and youth)
• Devi Group (Vedanta study and discussion forum for housewives)
• Intensive Vedanta Courses [training for Chinmaya Mission's order of monks: swamis and brahmacharis (bachelors)]
• Jnana Yajnas (Vedanta lecture series, seminars, workshops)
• Management Courses and Services
• Medical Services and Training
• Pitamaha Sadans (senior citizens' homes)
• Publications
• Regional Centers
• Research in Sanskrit and Indology
• Rural Village Development Projects
• Schools and Colleges
• Spiritual Retreats and Camps
• Study Group (Vedanta forum for adults)
• Temples and Shrines
• Yuva Kendra (Vedanta forum for university students and young professionals)

His Holiness Swami Chinmayananda 

His Holiness Swami Chinmayananda was a spiritual leader and was one of the primary teachers of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. He was also the founder of Chinmaya Mission and emphasized on spirituality as the art of living. He left the mortal world in August 1993.

His Holiness Swami Tejomayananda 

His Holiness Swami Tejomayananda is the present spiritual head of Chinmaya Mission. He has served as an acharya (dean) of the Sandeepany institutes of Vedanta (gurukulas of Chinmaya Mission) in India and also as an acharya in Chinmaya Mission centers in India as well as the US.

Chinmaya Mission and Education 

Chinmaya Mission has set up close to 75 schools in India, known as Chinmaya Vidyalayas. Theses schools aim at making the students educated as well as socially aware individuals. Apart from that, the following institutions are run by the Mission…

• Chinmaya International Residential School (Coimbatore)
• Chinmaya Institute of Technology (India)
• Harihar Schools (for poor children in India)
• Sandeepany Sadhanalayas (specifically for the study of the scriptures)

Brahma Kumaris

Brahma Kumaris  - Information

Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (BKWSU)

Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University is a monastic community, founded in India. It teaches Raja Yoga, a form of meditation, which emphasizes on the development of mental abilities to learn the true meaning of life and achieve salvation. One of the unique features of the movement is that it is headed by females only. This is one of the main reasons why it is known as Brahma Kumaris.

Establishment of Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University 

Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University was founded in the year 1937, in the undivided India. The state of Hyderabad, which was under Sindh at that time, was the place of its establishment. It is said that Lekhraj Kripalani, also known as Dada Kripalani, had a divine vision of God Vishnu. After this incident, he sold off his business and started holding religious gathering. The movement slowly gained pace and became the Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya, which we know of today.

Expansion of Brahma Kumaris 

By the early 1950s, Brahma Kumaris started expanding itself throughout the country. From the initial 300 individuals, belonging to a single community, and one country, it has expanded to over 800,000 students in almost 8,500 Raja Yoga centers in 90 countries. The headquarters of the BKWSU, known as Madhuban, is in Mount Abu, Rajasthan.

Lekhraj Kripalani 

Lekhraj Kripalani, the founder of Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya, was born in 1876 in Hyderabad, Sindh. He was leading the life of a diamond merchant till he had the fortuity of receiving a vision from Lord Vishnu Himself. From that day onwards, his life changed entirely and he laid the foundation of a new world order, based on peace and brotherhood.

Dadi Prakashmani 

The heads of Brahma Kumaris are fondly referred to as Dadis (grandmothers). The current head of the organization is Dadi Prakashmani. She is also the president of the Raj Yoga Education and Research Foundation and the managing trustee of the World Renewal Spiritual Trust.

Beliefs of Brahma Kumaris

The beliefs of the Brahma Kumaris include…

• God is considered to be perpetual and a compassionate point of conscious energy.
• Raja yoga is the believed to be instrumental in knowing the true meaning of life.
• The soul is considered a minuscule point of spiritual light, which is in the forehead of the body it occupies.
• Time is believed to be cyclic, consisting of five ages (yugas); the Golden Age (Sat Yuga), the Silver Age (Treta Yuga), the Copper Age (Dwapar Yuga), the Iron Age (Kali Yuga) and Confluence Age (Sangam Yuga).

Philosophy of Brahma Kumaris 

Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya lays emphasis on value-based education, with the qualities of universal brotherhood and co-operation embedded within. Keeping this aim in mind, it has established two other institutions, known as Raja Yoga Education and Research Foundation and Brahma Kumaris Academy. For the development of human potential, the art of right living is taught here.

The Course

The course at the university is inclined towards spirituality. Instead of the usual books and lectures, a combination of satsang (spiritual discourses) and Raja Yoga meditation classes is used.

Madhuban Retreat, Mount Abu 

The scenic as well as soothing environs of the Madhuban Retreat will totally mesmerize you. Situated in the lone hill station of Rajasthan, Mount Abu, Madhuban campus is like the Mecca of Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University. The entire campus comprises of…

• Meditation Hut (meditation place of Dada Kripalani)
• Tower of Peace (Samadhi of Brahma Baba)
• Om Shanti Bhawan or the Universal Peace Hall (main hall)

How to Reach Madhuban Retreat

By Air
The airport nearest to Mount Abu is the one at Udaipur, approximately 185 km away.

By Rail
The Abu Road station of Mount Abu is well connected to almost all the major cities in India.

By Road
A good network of roads connects Mount Abu with the main cities in Rajasthan as well as the rest of the country.

Bihar School of Yoga

Bihar School of Yoga  - Information

Bihar School of Yoga 

Bihar School of Yoga was founded by Paramhamsa Satyananda, in India, in the year 1963. A charitable and educational institution, Satyananda Yoga School is situated in the state of Bihar, at a place called Munger/ Monghyr. The original school, started by Paramhamsa in 1963, is known as Sivanandashram. While, the new one established in 1985, is known as Ganga Darshan. Later, in 1995, Swami Niranjanananda established the Bihar Yoga Bharati, the academic wing of the Bihar School of Yoga.

The Mission 

Bihar School of Yoga aims at educating people throughout the world about the practice of Yoga as well as to remove the various false impressions about Yoga. As per this school, yoga does not merely relate to physical or mental aspects, rather, it is the holistic yoga that is more important. Along with the physical, mental and spiritual aspects, holistic Yoga also emphasizes the lifestyle aspect. The development of a balanced personality is the ultimate aim of holistic yoga. It attempts at creating synchronization between body, mind and spirit.

Paramhamsa Satyananda 

Paramhamsa Satyananda was born in Almora town, near the Nainital hill station in the year 1923. In his teenage years, a wandering Yogini introduced him to a Tantric form of yoga. At the young age of 19, he met his guru Swami Sivananda at Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh. In the year 1963, after Swami Sivananda passed away, Paramhamsa established the Bihar School of Yoga.

Satyananda Yoga

The form of yoga that is taught at the Bihar School of Yoga in India is known as the Satyananda Yoga. Developed by Paramhamsa Satyananda, the yoga uses a combination of the traditional practices to ensure the holistic development of an individual. For example, asanas (postures) are used to create a balanced between the body and mind. Pranayama (breathing practices) infuse energy into an individual and meditation to calms the mind as well as strengthens concentration.

Techniques of Satyananda Yoga 

Satyananda Yoga makes use of the following aspects of yoga…

• Bhakti Yoga (the path of heart and emotion)
• Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge)
• Karma Yoga (the path of service)
• Other yogic techniques

The Courses 

Sivanandashram offers short-term courses like yogic sadhana, yogic health management, yogic stress management and a number of specialized courses. Ganga Darshan offers sanyas and yoga training. The yogic techniques taught here are a combination of Tantra, Vedanta and Yoga and also incorporate the present methodologies of physical and mental health.

Use of Gurukul system and Karma Yoga 

Satyananda Yoga School of Bihar is based on the Gurukul system, which was prevalent in the ancient India. The students of the school live with their Gurus (teachers) and acquire knowledge. The adherence to the principles of Karma Yoga is also a unique feature of the Satyananda Yoga School of India. Karma Yoga aims at self-realization or communion with god, through the performance of their karma (work).

Swami Niranjanananda 

Paramhamsa Satyananda moved away from the main stage to a life of asceticism, in 1988. In his place, he appointed his closest disciple, Swami Niranjanananda. One of the youngest gurus in India, Niranjanananda performs the administrative and spiritual duties at the ashram.

Bihar Yoga Bharati 

Bihar Yoga Bharati is the academic wing of the Bihar School of Yoga. Swami Niranjanananda founded the wing on 8th September 1995, the 108th birth anniversary of Swami Sivananda. Affiliated to University of Bhagalpur, Bihar Yoga Bharati is the first government-accredited university of the world, which is totally devoted to the education of yoga.

Courses by Bihar Yoga Bharati

• 4 month Certificate Course in Yogic Studies:
  From February to May (in Hindi)
  From October to January (in English)
• One-year Undergraduate Diploma Course in Yogic Studies (in English)
• One-year Postgraduate Diploma Course in Yogic Studies (in English)
• MA Degree Course in Yoga Philosophy (in English)
• MA/MSc. Degree Course in Yoga Psychology (in English)
• MSc. Degree Course in Applied Yogic Science (in English)

How to Reach

By Air 
Patna airport is the nearest to Munger. It has regular flights to all the key cities in India.

By Rail 
The Munger railway station is well connected with the capital city of Patna.

By Road
One can easily reach Munger from Patna, by bus or by a taxi.

Baba Ramdev Ashram

Baba Ramdev Ashram  - Information

Who is Baba Ramdev? 

Ramdev was born as Ramkishan Yadav in Alipur, in the Mahendragarh district, Haryana. After studying till the eighth standard, he quit school and joined a yogic monastery (gurukul) in Khanpur village. There, he started studying Sanskrit and Yoga. Soon, he lost interest in the worldly desires, renounced the world and entered into Sanyas (monastic living). At that point of time, he assumed the name Swami Ramdev. It is believed that he traveled the Himalayas for several years before he settled in Haridwar.

Divya Yog Mandir Trust 

Baba Ramdev established the Divya Yog Mandir Trust in 1995 at Kankhal, Haridwar. The headquarters of the trust set up by Swami Ramdevji is at the Kripalu Bagh Ashram of Haridwar.

Mission of Divya Yog Mandir Trust

"The Mission Statement of the Trust is to "Establish a learning center wherein it will be the prime objective to foster education based on modern scientific learning; to promote a healthy mind and a vibrant body enabling facilitation of spiritual development to rejuvenate latent noble virtues in children so that their lives epitomize the values of beauty, dedication, and rationalism thereby engendering a world of harmony friendship, brotherhood, peace, and prosperity." ---- Mission Statement

Kripalu Bagh Ashram

Swami Kripaludevji Maharaj established Kripalu Bagh Ashram, in the year 1932. Baba Ramdev is the disciple of his successor, Swami Shankardevji Maharaj. Baba Ram Dev mainly teaches yoga at the Kripalu Bagh Ashram, situated in the holy city of Haridwar. Followers of Swami Ramdevji, visit Kripalu Bagh Ashram in large numbers to learn yoga from him.

Baba Ram Dev Pranayama 

Baba Ramdev teaches pranayama, a form of yoga, to his followers. The program that he teaches consists of the following six key breathing exercises in a sequence…

• Bhastrika Pranayama
• Kapal Bhati Pranayama
• Bahaya Pranayama
• Anulom Vilom Pranayama
• Bhramri Pranayama
• Udgeeth Pranayama

How to Reach Swami Ramdevji Kripalu Bagh Ashram

By Air
Dehradun airport is the nearest to Haridwar.

By Rail
Haridwar railway station has direct train services to almost all the major cities in India.

By Road
Haridwar is connected with the other cities in Uttaranchal as well as the rest of the country through a good road network.

Auroville

Auroville Information

What is Auroville? 

Auroville is a universal community in India, situated near the Pondicherry city. The city has been built to house a population of up to 50,000 people from around the world. The main motto of all the people living in the Auroville city, near Pondicherry, is to convert life into 'Supramental Consciousness'. It is also known by the name of Sri Aurobindo Ashram and is devoted towards 'unity of mankind'. Auroville intends to become such a city that will serve as a model to the cities of the future, cities where people will strive towards a harmonious future.

Basis of Auroville 

The main raison d'être of Auroville comprises of the teachings of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo. The city was inaugurated on 28th February 1968. Representatives from approximately 124 countries attended the inauguration ceremony.

The Mother (1878-1973) 

Mirra Alfassa, fondly called 'The Mother', was born to an Egyptian mother and a Turkish father. She was born in France and was the second child of her parents. She studied occultism in her twenties, in Algeria, and returned to Paris to work with groups of spiritual seekers. She met Sri Aurobindo in Pondicherry, in the year 1914, and immediately recognized him as a mentor she had already met in dreams.
She left India after the start of World War II, but came back to join Sri Aurobindo, in the year 1920. She was responsible behind the organization of Sri Aurobindo's followers into the Aurobindo Ashram of Pondicherry. In 1968, she commenced the project of Auroville Township as a means to implement Sri Aurobindo's vision.

The History Behind Auroville 

The concept of an ideal city, devoted to unity of mankind, came to the Mother in the 1930s. However, it was only in the mid 1960s that Sri Aurobindo Society in Pondicherry proposed the formation of Auroville to Her. After She gave Her consent, the approval of the Government of India was taken. The government took this concept to General Assembly of UNESCO and the project received approval as well as commendation in 1966.

The Aurovilians

Citizens of approximately 35 countries make up the population of Auroville. They belong to different religions, castes, cultures, social classes, etc. The current population of the city is around 1700, with Indians making up one-third of the population.

Auroville Charter

• Auroville belongs to nobody in particular. Auroville belongs to humanity as a whole. But to live in Auroville, one must be the willing servitor of the Divine Consciousness.
• Auroville will be the place of an unending education, of constant progress, and a youth that never ages.
• Auroville wants to be the bridge between the past and the future. Taking advantage of all discoveries from without and from within, Auroville will boldly spring towards future realizations.
• Auroville will be a site of material and spiritual researches for a living embodiment of an actual Human Unity.

How to Join Auroville 

Before joining Auroville, it is recommended that the concerned person first visits the city. After staying here for three months, if he/she decides to join Auroville, an interview is arranged with the Entry Group, at the end of the guest period. An application form is filled and after he/she returns to Auroville, the joining process initiates.

Thereafter starts the Newcomer period of the new member, which lasts for two years. When the Newcomer period gets over, he/she again meets the Entry Group, which recommend his/her joining to the Residents' Assembly. In absence of any objections from the rest of the Auroville residents, the person becomes an Aurovilian.

How to Reach

By Air
The nearest airport is situated at Chennai, approximately 135 km Pondicherry city.

By Rail
The nearest railway station is at Pondicherry, well connected with Chennai.

By Road
The nearest road link is Pondicherry, which is well linked with most of South India.

Local Transport
After reaching Pondicherry, you can take a bus, a taxi or an auto rickshaw for traveling to Auroville.