The Way of Ananda Sanghis

Until nearly a year ago, there did not exist a written summary of the universal precepts, nonsectarian practices, and all-embracing way of life that is “Ananda.” Nor was participation and service in Ananda’s work defined in a way that embraced all forms of such service.

In India, just weeks after the establishment of Ananda’s first center near New Delhi, all this changed forever! In response to the simple question by newly-found Indian friends, “How do I join?” Swami Kriyananda was inspired to write “The Way of Ananda Sanghis.”

Seeking the Bliss of our Soul

It begins with an invocation: “May the Divine Light awaken and purify my heart, and bring enlightenment to all Beings.” It then delineates seven precepts, and practices which affirm those precepts, based on Satchidanandam. Satchidanandam is the “single, blissful, eternal consciousness … which pervades the entire universe, unifying it and all creatures in a bond of mutual service. This blissful consciousness is the underlying reality of all existence; it precedes the very manifestation of the universe.” The precepts go on to state that we believe it is our highest duty to realize ourselves as an expression of Satchidanandam.

Meditation, Service, and Cooperation

Among the precepts and practices described are daily meditation (including Kriya Yoga for those who have received it), service to our fellow beings, respect for all and respect for all religions, seeking freedom from ego-attachment, living creatively, and service in cooperation with others who share a commitment to these precepts and practices.

Color of the Sun

In token of our dedication to these principles, we have adopted wearing, at formal functions, the color of a warm hue of yellow (“reminiscent of the sun and symbolic of the joy of our own being”). This can be a handkerchief, a tie, scarf, etc. “The purpose of this is not to set ourselves apart from others but to express our aspirations.” You may have noticed that the ministers are now wearing yellow outer robes on Sundays.

Because the teachings and practices of Self-realization have come through a particular line of Masters, we offer “special respect, honor, and reverence” to them, as well as to the great saints of all religions.

Ananda Sangha Order

The second part of “The Way of Ananda Sanghis” describes the forms of membership in Ananda Sangha. Membership includes anyone who feels a commitment to the principles expressed in “The Way of Ananda Sanghis” and the willingness to share these ideals with others “in spiritual partnership with Ananda.” This can include virtually every level of participation, including students, supporters, disciples, kriyabans, local Lay Order members, and the members of the worldwide Ananda Monastic Order.

Outward Renunciation

The Lay Order has been renamed the Dharmaka Order and the Ananda Monastic Order renamed the Sevaka Order. (The Dharmaka and Sevaka Orders have existed for many years. Though their members make no effort to call attention to their commitment, those smiling faces you see serving “all the time and at every Ananda activity” are very likely in the Dharmaka or Sevaka Orders.) Two new stages in the Sevaka Order have been added: that of formal, outward renunciation called, respectively, Brahmacharya (monk / nun) and Sannyas (Swami).

Membership in Ananda Sangha

“The Way of the Ananda Sanghis” then concludes with a brief history of Ananda and an “Application for Membership.” “Membership,” he writes, “confers no rights, and no obligations; it is simply a declaration of solidarity with the spiritual ideals propounded by Paramhansa Yogananda, and of your own desire to reinforce the efforts of others toward these ends by your active good will, prayers, and loving support.” No one need resign from any other organization, he adds.

For the spiritual work of Ananda, East meets West with the opening of the Delhi Center! At this historic moment what better time could there be for an inspired and expansive invitation to truth seekers everywhere. Contact us to receive a copy of “The Way of Ananda Sanghis.” With it comes a simple membership “application” if you would like to affirm or renew your own participation in Yogananda’s work through Ananda.