Ānanda Mārga organizationally known as Ānanda Mārga Pracaraka Samgha , meaning the samgha (organization) for the propagation of the marga (path) of ananda (bliss), is a social and spiritual movement founded in Jamalpur, Bihar, India in 1955 by Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar (1921–1990), also known by his spiritual name, Shrii Shrii Ánandamúrti.
Ananda Marga is described as a practical philosophy for personal development, social service and the all around transformation of society. Its system of spiritual practice has also been explained as a practical synthesis of Vedic and Tantric philosophies. Through its meditation centres andservice projects around the world, Ananda Marga offers instruction in meditation, yoga and other self-development leadership practices on a non-commercial basis.
On August 2, 1939 (at 8:30 pm, on the full moon day of Shravani Purnima ), P.R. Sarkar initiated with Tantrikii Diiksa or "Tantric initiation" Kalicharan Bandyopadhyay (after aka Kalikananda Avadhuta) into meditation at Kashi Mitra Gh’at on the bank of the river Bhagirathi in Kalikata (Kolkata aka Calcutta), West Bengal, India. This was the start of Sarkar's spiritualteaching at the early age of 18 and many unknown Sadhakas ("spiritual aspirants") were initiated from then up to 1955. From 1941 until the early 1950s, Sarkar worked as an accountant at the Indian railways headquarters in Jamalpur, Bihar, India. He taught the techniques of ancient tantra meditation to a select number of his colleagues and gradually more and more people were drawn to the spiritual practices he taught.Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha (AMPS) is an organization and a socio/spiritual movement led by acharyas (or monks/nuns) and laypersons (or margis), practitioners of Ananda Marga meditation. The Ananda Marga Sanskrit motto, given by its founder P. R. Sarkar, is: "Átmamokśártham’ Jagaddhitáya Ca" ("liberation of the self and service for the welfare of all creation"). The highest level of religious minister in AMPS is a Purodha. And specifically the Purodha Pramukha is the spiritual head ofAnanda Marga and AMPS. The Global Office is the main representative organ of AMPS, led by the General Secretary. For administrative reasons the structure of the organization is geographically divided into nine sectors, each named after a primary city in the sector:
Ananda Marga runs yoga and meditation centers, schools, children's homes, food distribution centers, disaster relief programs, medical clinics, integral community development projects and other services, carried through many service branches. Emphasis is placed on solving the problems of the local people, by empowering them in managing all their personal and social resourcesfor the prosperity of all. To develop its service activities in the various levels of society, AMPS is composed of many bodies. Here are listed some:
List of main activities
Renaissence Universal"RU is an association of scientist, academicians, artists, journalists, lawyers, professional, executives, students and other group of thinkers who believes in universal neo-humanism, intellectual and intuitional or spiritual divulgation and research. They will support and cultivate the finer faculties of human psyche and encourage art, music, literature and all other branches of fine arts.
Progressive Women Spiritual Association
PWSA aims to acquaint women with spiritual practices for everyday life and give guidance in sustainable physical, mental andspiritual wellbeing.
Ananda MargaUniversal Relief Team
The social welfare and development organization under AMPS is Ananda Marga Universal Relief Team, or AMURT. There is a joint branch of AMURT run specifically by women called AMURTEL (AMURT Lady-Managed). AMURT has projects in over 80 countries and arranges both emergency relief during disasters, and long term projects such as building of schools, clinics, children's homes and other assets for community development.
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Plants
This board was founded on 1977 by Sarkar to ensure adequate protection to plants and animals. PCAP cover a large spectrum of ecology issues such as: Afforestation, Environmental education, Vegetarianism, Ecotourism, Biodiversityprotection, Organic gardens, Rural Eco-communities and protection of Indigenous Forest dwellers. "This Universe is the patrimony of all living beings, because all are children of the same Cosmic Father. But the skylicking greed of man always tries to deprive his animal brothers of their right to live in accordance with their inborn instincts and natural wonts. The PCAP program is to bring world-wide consciousness among human beings, regarding the rights of the members of the animal and plant kingdom.
Renaissance Artists and Writers Association
AMPS also strives for development of humanity in all other spheres of life. Renaissance Artists and Writers Association(RAWA) is an organization for the development of the fine arts. RAWA regularly arranges cultural training and events. TheAnanda Marga Association of Yoga Educators (AMAYE) was started in 2006 as a forum for research, discussion and sharing of knowledge about Ananda Marga Yoga & Spiritual practices and a conference is held every year.
Education, relief, tribal and women's welfare section
The service activities of this section founded in 1963 are focused on: 1)Education: creating and managing primary, post primary and higher schools, research institutes etc., 2)Relief: creating and managing children's and students' homes (for destitute children and for poor students), cheap hostels, retiring homes, academies of light (for deaf dumb and crippled), invalid homes, refuge reabilitation etc., 3)Tribal: tribal welfare units, medical camps etc., 4)Women's welfare: women welfare units, women's homes, nursing homes etc.
Ananda Marga Gurukula
Ananda Marga Gurukula was founded by P.R. Sarkar in order to build Ananda Marga University with its headquarters at Anandanagar, Purulia district (India) and to bring together the entire neohumanist education movement under its overall academic guidance and direction. The educational network of Gurukula now runs over 1000 schools in India and othercontinents.
Ánanda Márga Gurukula (AMGK) is engaged in creating a worldwide network of Neo-humanist Schools and Institutes to hasten the advent of a society in which there is love, peace, understanding, inspiration, justice and health for all. Reflecting the broadness of Sarkar’s universal vision, AMGK has become 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, andhumanistic economy. All these institutions are based on neo-humanist educational philosophy.
In 1990, the Ananda Marga "Education Relief and Welfare Section" (ERAWS), which grew to a global network of about 1,000 neo-humanist schools and institutes, culminated in the founding of the Ananda Marga Gurukula University, with links to several hundred self-reliant eco-village projects ("Master Units") throughout the world. AMGK is actively engaged in the following projects:
- building an educational township at Anandanagar, West Bengal, India, on a 525 square kilometre campus;
- supporting the building of a global eco-village network (Master Units), ranging from 5 acres (20,000 m2) to 1,000 acres (4.0 km2) each, in over 120 countries.
The headquarters of AMGK is in Anandanagar, West Bengal, India. AMGK Inc., is its global liaison office, located inIthaca, New York. Its Chancellor operates from office located at Ydrefors, Sweden. Dr. Acharya Shambhushivananda Avadhuta, PhD (University of Pennsylvania) is the Founding Chancellor (Kulapati) of Ananda Marga Gurukula the kulapati is supported by a steering body (cakradhuri), and an academic council (mahasamiti). The "Neo-Humanist Schools and Research Institutes", affiliated with AMGK, publishes a bi-annual newsletter, the Gurukula Network, in May and November.
Tantra yoga, as interpreted by Shrii Shrii Anandamurti, is the practical philosophy which serves as foundation of Ananda Marga. According to P.R. Sarkar's teachings Tantra meansliberation from darkness, the root tan meaning darkness, and tra liberation. Meditation is the main spiritual practice of this tantric tradition, and through it the practitioner struggles to overcome weaknesses and imperfections. The basis of Ananda Marga practice is covered by a set of rules called the 'Sixteen Points' that guide the practitioner on both spiritual and social aspects.
In the tantric tradition of Ananda Marga the spiritual aspirant (sadhaka) practices sadhana. Sadhana (a Sanskrit word) signifies the effort through which a person becomes completely realized. In Tantra the spiritual master, the guru, plays a special role. The guru guides and leads students on the spiritual path. The aspirant learns meditation by a qualified acarya. P.R. Sarkar taught many systems of meditation such as Prárambhika Yoga, Sádharana Yoga, Sahaja Yoga and Vishesha Yoga. In addition, he also taught Kapalika meditation to many sanyásins. His system of yoga can be termed as Rájadhirája Yoga,Tantra Yoga, or simply Ánanda Márga Yoga. The basic Ánanda Márga meditation system is called Sahaja Yoga ('simple yoga'). The sahaja system consists of 6 meditation techniques or lessons taught one by one, on a personal basis. There is also a set of higher meditation lessons taught to advanced practitioners committed to dedicate more time for spiritual practices and universal service.
According to the Ananda Marga system the Lalita Marmika dance is performed, particularly during the collective meditation. This yogic dance with swaying movements, combined with a kirtan (the chanting of the universal mantra), is regarded as useful in freeing the mind and preparing it for meditation. Ananda Margasystem recommends to its members the practice of collective meditation at least once a week. These meetings called Dharma Chakras (weekly held in a place calledDhyan Mandir) are preceded by the singing of few Prabhat Samgiita ("Songs of the New Dawn" composed by the Ananda Marga founder) followed by the spiritual dance of Lalita Marmika along with the singing and by the practice of meditation. Before meditation the Samgacchadvam mantra is chanted. At the end of meditation the Nityam Shuddham and the Guru Puja mantras are recited.
The basic practices of Ananda Marga comprises yoga asanas, mudras, bandhas, pranayama, self-massage and two specific dances, kaos'ikii and tandava. Lacto-vegetarian diet and fasting are also included, as a fundamental part of yogic practices.
- Diet and fasting: Lacto-vegetarian diet of ananda Marga avoids meat, fish, eggs and some substances which are considered to have a negative effect on the mind.Ananda Marga divides food into three categories: 1)Sattvic ("sentient food"): with good effects on body and mind, light and easy to digest. 2)Rajasic ("active food"): is beneficial for body or mind but not for both. 3)Tamasic ("static" or "inert" food): is harmful for both body and mind. This food is heavy, difficult to digest and unnecessary. Moreover, on specific monthly dates called Ekadashi (Sanskrit: एकादशी, ekādaśī: is the eleventh day after the full moon or after the new moon), the regular practice of Upavasa (yoga fasting) is recommended to improve health and strengthen the mind.
- Yoga asanas, mudras and bandhas: comprises 42 asanas which were specifically selected by P.R. Sarkar for their complementary benefits to health and for preparing body/mind for meditation. There are mainly two types of asana: svasthyasanas, mainly practised for physical health, and dhyanasanas practised primarily for concentration of mind and meditation. They should be performed at least once a day. 15 Yoga mudras and bandhas are also part of the basic Ananda Marga Yoga.
- Yogic treatments: on 1957 P. R. Sarkar published in Bengali "Yaogika Cikitsa o Dravyaguna" which was translated into English and published in 1983 with revisions under the title "Yogic Treatments and Natural Remedies". On this handbook he gave indications on yogic treatments using ásanas and mudrás combined with the use of natural and traditional remedies for about forty diseases. The book also contains many tips for maintaining good health through the use of water, clay, etc.
- Kaoshikii: the 'dance for mental expansion', was defined by P. R. Sarkar a 'physico-psycho-spiritual' exercise which can be performed by all and consists of 18mudras aligning with 6 physical postures, each associated with a specific idea while strengthening body and mind and making them flexible. There is also a claim that the exercise strengthens the nervous and endocrine system to give full body balance.
- Tandava or Tāṇḍava: is a vigorous dance. The name tandava is derived from the Sanskrit word tandu, which means 'to jump'. This dance is only performed by male followers in Ananda Marga because of its testosterone producing effect, which consequently strengthens male characteristics in body and mind. The dance is performed to imbue the practitioner's mind with courage and honour, dispelling all sorts of complexes and fear, even fear of death itself.
The philosophy of Ananda Marga is a synthetic outlook, recognizing the one limitless 'Supreme Consciousness', both transcendental and manifested in all. It covers both the spiritual and the social combining the two in a unique synthesis of universal vision. To this end Ananda Marga suggests a practical, rational, and systematic way of life for the balanced development of all human potentialities: physical, psychic and spiritual. This system incorporate practices that range fromhygiene and diet, yoga postures, to a scientific technique of meditation based on moral rules and directed to the 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 all".
As described by Thomas Lombardo:
...Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar developed a Spiritual or Neo-Humanism, bringing in spiritual, economic, social scientific, ecological, and moral themes to create a long term view of human progress; progress is the evolution of consciousness and movement directed toward the well-being of everyone. Basing his philosophy on love and respect for all things and the central human ideals of freedom, equality, and justice, Sarkar proposed that the physical, mental, and spiritial realms of humanity all need to be addressed in a vision of the future...
The scholar and Jesuit priest Giovanni Capelletto Devadatta highlighted similarities between some of the teachings expressed in Christian writings and those expressed in the philosophy of Ananda Marga:
The spiritual philosophy of Ananda Marga covers a vast range of topics and can be learned from P.R. Sarkar's publications. Ananda Marga philosophy recognizes that the universe is the creation of the mental thought-waves of the 'Supreme counsciousness'. The following is a brief list of the essential elements of Ananda Marga Spiritual Philosophy:...We should remember that his message (of P. R. Sarkar ) is never contrary and even different from the teachings of Christ. "Whoever is not against me is with me," said Jesus and St. Paul commented: "Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; (1 Thes 5:19-21) ...The perfection of God's law is love towards all his creatures. "Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning" (John 1:6). "..it is the bounden duty of every Ananda Margii to endeavour to bring all to the path of bliss... (Shrii Shrii Anandamurti's Supreme Command)
- Cosmology: the cosmology of Ananda Marga philosophy centers around the "Cosmic Cycle" (i.e. the "Cycle of Creation"), or Brahmacakra, a continual process of transformation at different stages. According to this philosophy Brahma, the "Cosmic Entity" (infinite, eternal and intransmutable bliss) composed of the two inseparable principles of Consciousness ("Witnessing Consciousness" or "Cognitive principle" akaPurusa or Shiva) and Force ("Operative principle" aka Prakrti or Shakti), transform a part of himself in a cycle in which the universe is created and then reabsorbed, and the finishing point is the same as the starting point. The first part of the cycle, in which Purusa allow Prakrti to gradually bind Him, from subtle to the ultimate state of crudity is called Saincara. The second part, the returning phase were the "Operative Principle" or Prakrtigradually contracts until the unit merges back into Him, is known as Pratisaincara.
- Energy: As a result of external pressure of the static principle or Prakrti on the five factors (or bala) two opposing forces develop: a centre-seeking(this internal force tries to maintain the structural solidarity of the object) and a centrifugal one (tries to split up the object into thousands). The collective name of these two forces is prana, or "energy" and every solid factor possesses prana.
- Solid structures, Life and Mind: if the resultant force created happens to be centre-seeking, a nucleus is formed within the solid factor. Under such circumstances a solid structure is created and maintenance of its physical solidarity depends upon the external pressure (bala). The important forces active in that body and collectively called Pranah or "vital energy") are a collection of ten vayus working within the physical structure. If they are properly controlled by the nucleus and if there is a congenial environment there will be the expression of life. According toAnanda Marga philosophy every living being (humans, animals or plants) has a mind and an Atman or unit of witnessing consciousness. The simpler the entity is in physical structure, the simpler will be its mind.
- Atma or Soul and Paramatma or the Cosmic Consciousness: the Consciousness (Purusa) is reflected in the unit objects forming the "unit consciousness" (atma) or soul. Particularly the reflection of the soul on the mind is called jiivatma and in that case the "reflector-soul" is calledParamatma (Supreme Soul). In whatever conditions the mind be–manifest (e.g. in animate beings and plants) or unmanifest, e.g., in inanimate earth, Iron, etc.), the soul or atma goes on reflecting itself on it and its crude objects. So every mind of crude entity is holding the Supreme Spirit according to its individual capacity. Their collective capacity is indeed the capacity of the "Macrocosmic Mind". The Paramatma or the Supreme Soul is the "Ultimate Knower" of the "Macrocosmic Mind" and that is why Paramatma is called "Cosmic Consciousness".
- Death and Samskara: death occurs when the vital energy enters a state of disequilibrium and leaves the physical body that immediately ceases to function. The mind enters a "long sleep" but did not die as the physical body. The samskaras (or "reactive momenta" of the mind: are the imprints left on the mind by experience in this or previous lives) exist and are recorded in the causal mind. The Atman remains as the witness of this inactive mind.
- Realms of the Mind: according to Ananda Marga philosophy the human mind is composed of five layers called Kosas: 1)Kamamaya Kosa("desire layer") or "Crude Mind": is the crudest layer, purified through adherence to the yogic code of morality, Yama-Niyama. 2)Manomaya Kosa ("layer of thinking") or "Subtle Mind": is the layer of thought and memory. 3)Atimanasa Kosa or "Supramental Mind": is the intuitive layer. 4)Vijinanamaya Kosa ("layer of the special knowledge") or "Subliminal Mind": is the layer of conscience or discrimination (viveka) andvaeragya (non-attachment). 5)Hiranyamaya Kosa ("golden level") or "Subtle Causal Mind": is the subtlest layer. Here the awareness of mind is very close to the direct experience of "Supreme Consciousness".
- Biopsychology: Ananda Marga "Biopsycology" explains how the traditional tantric science of chakras ("wheels") with their subtle energies are related with the body through nerve plexi as physiologic counterparts, influencing the associated endocrine glands with the neuroendocrine system and the psychic part of the body. The philosophy of Ananda Marga consider the human body as composed of the same five "fundamental factors" as the rest of the universe as explained in P.R. Sarkar's theory of Brahmachakra. Every factor is distributed throughout the body, but is controlled by a controlling nucleus, or cakra. Mind's propensities (vrttis) associated with each cakra affect the glands and thehormones secreted from those glands (hence the emotions, physical behaviour and functioning of the various body systems). But the glands and the hormones they secrete may also affect the mind in a chain of feedbacks.
- Microvita theory: "Microvita" is plural for "Micro-vitum" and literally means "micro-life". The concept was first introduced on 1986 through a series of lectures by P.R. Sarkar. According to this intuitional theory microvita are entities which come within the realms both of physicality of psychic expression. They are smaller and subtler than physical atoms and subatomic particles, and in the psychic realm they may be subtler than mind–stuff, and contribute to "pure consciousness". The author predicts that they will soon be recognized by conventional science.
The social outlook of Ananda Marga recognizes that the welfare of the individual is linked with the welfare of the collective, each relying on the other for its existence and dynamism. According to this philosophy everyone has the right to equal opportunities of life and development 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. The Social Philosophy of Ananda Marga can be categorized under the topics:
- Neohumanism: in 1982, Sarkar extended his writings on the subject of human society with the introduction of his new theory of "Neohumanism". If humanism tends to contemplate only humans in a human-centric view, neohumanism, according to Sarkar's theory, is instead the elevation of humanism to universalism. This is because, as described in the theory of Brahmachakra, "all existing things are all expressions of the Supreme Consciousness". According to this principle neohumanism gives preference to existential value over utility value of all living beings. Sarkar's neohumanism places great emphasis on rationality, the ability to discriminate between right and wrong, that distinguishes humans from other beings, encouraging what he calls "protopsychospirituality". According to Sarkar, rationality helps to give rise to devotion that he consider the highest sentiment of human beings. That's why, in Ananda Marga's vision, neohumanism leads to the liberation of human intellect from the constraints of imposed dogma and psychic complexes helping to bridge the gap between the inner and outer worlds.
- Education: according to the Ananda Marga system "Education is for Liberation." Education means the simultaneous development in the physical, mental and spiritual realms of human existence. By this, dormant human potentialities will be awakened and put to proper use. As Sarkar made clear in his teachings, real education leads to a pervasive sense of love and compassion for all creation. in the Ananda Marga'seducation system, special emphasis is given to moral education and the inculcation of idealism together with a proper psycho-pedagogical approach and an happy blending of occidental extroversial science and oriental introversial philosophy.
- Culture: The philosophy of Sarkar reinterprets the general concept of culture by inserting it into a new universalistic outlook. As described by Antonello Maggipinto:
...If the term “culture” is usually referred to the original meaning of this word (i.e. from the Greek "paidéia" to the Latin "humanitas", that is to human beings capable of distinguishably mastering the arts, rhetoric, and philosophy), then Sarkar offers a new point of view, with a large universalistic explanation: “the culture of the whole human race is one, but marked by different local manifestations... it is the same, but varying in expression." (Sarkar, P.R., 1987)...
- PROUT ("Progressive Utilization Theory"): is a socio-economic theory first mentioned in 1959 by P. R. Sarkar in his speech "The Cosmic Brotherood". PROUT or "Proutist Universal" is also a social movement promoted by people who are inspired by that theory. The proutist economy as described by Sarkar is a form of cooperative and decentralized economy that looks more at the collective welfare rather than to profit, without neglecting the promotion of the individual merits of each. "Progressive utilization" stands for the optimization and maximum utilization of natural, industrial and human resources on a sustainable basis for the entire ecosystem. This theory, that claims to overcome the limitations of both capitalism and communism with hisLaw of Social Cycle founded on Sarkar's "Social Cycle Theory", is not concerned solely with economics. According to its proponents encompasses the whole of individual and collectiveexistence - physical, educational, social, political, mental, cultural and spiritual - not just for human beings but for all beings. In 1968, Sarkar founded the organization "Proutist Block of India" (PBI), to further the ideals of his theory through political and social action.
Tantra is established at the roots of the spiritual practices in Ananda Marga. P.R. Sarkar has spoken extensively on the topic of Tantra, whose speeches were further published in variousvolumes. According to him, tantra was first systematized by Shiva. Tantra had its origin in India and South Asia (and in its Káshmiirii and Gaod'iiya Schools did exist before Shiva, but in a scattered and crude form). Ánandamúrti explains that the practitioners of higher tantra "would look upon things from a broader point of view, renouncing all narrow thinking. They would always strive hard to advance the welfare of the masses. Through self-realization and selfless service they would overcome the fetters of the mind, such as hatred and shame. The unprepared practitioners who followed the less-developed or crude Tantra would yet behave in the opposite way, indulging in casteism, superstitions of untouchability, and in manifestations of hatred and envy in relation to other groups".
Sarkar weaves continuity with the ancient philosophy of Tantra, infusing new insights in human psychology, social theory and in each individuals' roles as spiritual and "socio-economic-cultural-political" beings. Ánanda Márga Tantra has a broad metaphysical base which allows for ways of knowing, feeling and processing which go far beyond intelectuality or limited rationality. Priorities are given to the spiritual development, as Shrii Shrii Ánandamúrti notes, "spiritual life controls all other arenas of human life." Ananda Marga Tantra is a principle, a science which if practiced will lead to the desired objective. The essence of Tantra is to awaken the latent spiritual force in the human personality and unify oneself with the Cosmic Consciousness.
According to tantric tradition a proper preceptor and a proper disciple are both essential for success on the path of Tantra. P.R. Sarkar clearly explains that, disciples are of three categories: 1) disciples that acquire spiritual knowledge when they are in close contact with the preceptor, but as soon as they are apart from him they forget all his/her teachings, 2) disciples that learn many things from the preceptor with great hardship, but do not take proper care to preserve those instructions. They lose their hard-earned knowledge out of negligence, 3)disciples that carefully preserves deep in their minds and hearts whatever they have learned from their preceptor by wisely putting those teachings into practice. This is the best category of disciples.
The pratiik is a yantra, and summarizes the ideology of Ananda Marga in one image. The pratiik is composed of two interconnected triangles where one points upwards and the other points downwards. In the center of the triangle there is a rising sun, and in the core of the rising sun a swastika. Interpretation: 1)Triangle pointing downwards: signifies inner development, knowledge,insight or meditation, 2)Triangle pointing upwards: signifies external action or service to all. In one's life the two basic aspects, the inner and outer, need to be continuously balanced. Therefore the inner knowledge without action is meaningless, and the deeds without proper guidance from within are fruitless, 3)The rising sun signifies progress or devotional awakening which arises from the balance of inner development and external service, 4)The swastika represents spiritual victory, the goal of life, which is all-round fulfillment and spiritual emancipation. (Svastika comes from the Sanskrit word sv (good) and asti (to be), literally meaning absolute positivity, goodness, or perfect life.)
The Ananda Marga literary production is very wide and is largely related to the books of P. R. Sarkar and from many of his disciples. Between 1955 and 1990 the founder of AMPS wrote a total of 261 books in English, Bengali and Hindi. He wrote in the name Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar when treating sociology, economics, philology and various other subjects, included children's tales; and in the name Shrii Shrii Ánandamúrti when focusing on spiritual topics. Many of his books he gave as dictations; others were compiled from his discourses, some of them in small inspirational pocket-books.
The first book of Ananda Marga was Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy. It was originally published in Bengali in the year 1955 (the same year the book was translated in Hindi and later on published in English). This book continues to hold its place as an introduction to the entire AMPS philosophy. In the same year Sarkar's Problems of the Day was published. In the book the author explains key concepts of his ideas: "We are all citizens of this universe. The universe is the thought-projection of the Macrocosmic Mind, and it is in the extroversial and introversial phases of the Cosmic imaginative flow that the creation, preservation and destruction of all entities continues." "Parama Purusa (Supreme Consciouness) is our Father, Parama Prakrti (Supreme Operative Principle) is our Mother, and the Universe is our homeland". Another important book in three volumes is Ananda Marga Caryácarya, published for the first time in 1956. This is the social treatise (samája shástra) of Ananda Marga. These three volumes set out both the organization and the cultural basis of the Ananda Marga movement. Part 1 describes AMPS governingboards and committees, and guidelines for social functions. Part 2 gives many guidelines for conduct in a progressive society i.e., a society of individuals moving towards the Supreme. Part 3 contains all the dos and don'ts related to physical health that must be followed for progress in mental and spiritual sádhaná.
The fourth book dictated on 1957 from Sarkar as Anandamurti was A Guide to Human Conduct. Herein the author explains the cardinal principles of morality together with the ancient teachings of self– control and selfless conduct, and at the same time places those principles on a clear scientific basis. On his (later expanded) volume Yogic Treatments and Natural Remedies, 1958, Sarkar gives practical advices on Natural Remedies using yogic exercise, water, diet, herbal medicines, sunlight and air. In his sixth book Idea and Ideology, a collection of speeches delivered to higher Tattvika trainees from 27 May 1959 to 5 June 1959, Sarkar methodically explains, in a careful sequence, spiritual and social practices. Here is described for the first time a socio-economic theory which Sarkar called "Progressive Utilization Theory", known by the acronym Prout. It concludes by using the spiritual vantage that has been gained to focus on the social problems of the earth.
On Ánanda Sútram, 1961, Anandamurti condensed in a few strokes all his spiritual and social Philosophy. Ánanda Sútram means "aphorisms leading to ánanda, divine bliss. In the traditions of sutra literature the sútra form has been valued over the centuries as a powerful tool for communicating a deep philosophy in a condensed way. The eighty–five sútras of this book serve, with breathtaking conciseness, as a framework for the entire Ananda Marga ideology.
A large part of Sarkar's ideas are collected in the series of books called Subháśita Samgraha, which form part of the philosophical scriptures of Ánanda Márga ideology. The Subhásita Samgraha("Collected Discourses") series assembles all the Dharma Mahácakra (DMC) discourses given by the author as Shrii Shrii Ánandamúrti.