Ananda Marga Iowa City

Ananda Marga Yoga is an international spiritual and social service organization. We teach meditation and yoga, promote vegetarianism, encourage the creation of 'conscious' art and music, and support development projects in many countries of the world - clinics, schools, organic agriculture and clean water projects. Founded in 1955 by the Bengali mystic and philosopher Shrii Shrii Anandamurti, who revitalized and systematized India's tradition of Tantric meditation techniques, Ananda Marga now has members in every country of the world. They are inspired by the motto, "Self-realization and Service to Society," and by Anandamurti's philosophy of "Neohumanism" which encourages the practice of expanding one's sphere of love and compassion to everyone, including plants and animals. Ananda Marga's emphasis on the dignity of each human being is also exemplified in a new socio-economic theory, Progressive Utilization, which encourages economic democracy and the wise use of the world's resources.

Here in Iowa City, we teach yoga and hold group meditation sessions, have organized the popular "Veggie Feast" events, and have a large number of books on spiritual philosophy available for purchase. Speakers are available on a variety of topics: yoga philosophy, yoga therapy, the link between social justice and spirituality, music as a spiritual practice. Performance and teaching of devotional music and kiirtan is also available. On a regional level, regular meditation retreats are held throughout the Midwest.