Ananda Marga

Ananda Marga (Path of Bliss) is a spiritual philosophy and set of practices to incorporate into one's life, as one sees fit. Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha (Society for the Propagation of the Path of Bliss) is a society and organization based on it. It was founded in Bihar, India in 1955 by Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar (1921-1990). His spiritual name is Shrii Shrii Anandamurti. The movement defines its mission as service to all and individual self-realization. Each human being can express their spiritual, mental and physical potentialities through development in those spheres, and a disciplined way of life helps in this regard. As a religion Ananda Marga is usually classified within the new religious movements as originating in the Hindu traditions. It's 16 points are practices one can adopt. Tantra and Yoga is a important part.

The 16 Points

• Point 1 - After urination, wash the urinary organ with water
• Point 2 - Males should keep the foreskin clean (Foreskin#Autocircumcision)
• Point 3 - Do not cut the hair of the glandular joints of the body
• Point 4 - Males should always use supporting underwear
• Point 5 - Do Half Bath as prescribed
• Point 6 - Bathe according to the prescribed system
• Point 7 - Take only sentient/lucid food - which is that involving photosynthesis
• Point 8 - Observe fast as prescribed
• Point 9 – Do Meditation regularly
• Point 10 - Observe uncompromising strictness and faith regarding the sanctity of the Ista (spiritual goal)
• Point 11 - Observe uncompromising strictness and faith regarding the sanctity of the Ideology (social wellbeing)
• Point 12 - Observe uncompromising strictness and faith regarding the sanctity of the Supreme Command
• Point 13 - Observe uncompromising strictness and faith regarding the sanctity of the Conduct Rules
• Point 14 - Always remember the contents of your oaths
• Point 15 - Regular participation in the weekly collective meditation at the local centre of spiritual awakening
• Point 16 - Observe Conduct Rules, Seminar, Duty, Kiirtana (C.S.D.K.)