What is a Master Unit?
The Samskrta name of Master Unit is “Cakranemii” which means “the nucleus of the cakra” (wheel). It’s a spiritual agricultural service center, demonstrating the social, spiritual and sustainable economic practices of Ananda Marga. They are typically located in a rural area with the aim to give service to all that is around.
What is Kiirtan?
Kiirtan is the singing of a mantra aloud while ideating on infinite Supreme Consciousness. It inculcates the feeling of bliss and prepares the mind for meditation, because in performing it all the motor and sensory organs are engaged and directed towards the Supreme. It can be done anywhere, any time, but the best time is just before meditation.
What is a Mantra?
Mantra is a sound, word, or phrase in Samskrta repeated to aid concentration in meditation.
Man means “mind” and tra means “to liberate”: Mantra is that which when repeated again and again shows the way to liberation.
Baba Nam Kevalam is the mantra we use at Ananda Dhiira.
What is the meaning of Baba Nam Kevalam?
Bábá means “my most beloved One,” Nám means “name of” or “vibration”, and Kevalam means “only”. So the meaning of the mantra is “Only the most Beloved One.” The ideation is: “Everywhere I look, in everything I hear, feel, see, taste and smell, I perceive that one Supreme Consciousness which pervades all things.”
What type of Yoga do you practice at Ananda Dhiira?
The type of Yoga practiced at the Ashram is called RajadhiRaja Yoga (“the yoga of the king of kings”). It is an extensive and comprehensive form of Ashtanga Yoga. First named as such by Ashtavakra, a great saint who wrote the Ashtavakra Samhita over 2000 years ago, the present-day form uses Patanjali’s eight-limbed structure as its basis, but includes techniques of the original system which were lost.
What is an Ashram?
An Ashram is a spiritual hermitage or monastery. An ashram would traditionally, but not necessarily, be located far from human habitation, in forest or mountainous regions, amidst refreshing natural surroundings conducive to spiritual instruction and meditation. It is also a spiritual learning center, where people go to study, practice spiritual discipline and live in a devotional community.
What is Sadhana?
Sadhana means “effort”. It is the Samskrta word for meditation. The continuous effort to keep the mind focused on a Mantra, is called Sadhana.
What’s the meaning of Acarya?
Acarya means one who teaches by conduct (by example).
Why do acaryas dress in orange?
The orange robes that nuns and monks wear are meant to symbolize simplicity and detachment of materialistic lifestyle. The saffron color represents also the symbol of sacrifice and renunciation.
What’s a Didi?
Didi means “elder sister”. It’s a respectful way to address our female missionary workers (Sannyasi). Our missionary workers are spiritual teachers who have taken vows of renunciation according to the Tantric yogic tradition.
Does my cell-phone works at Ananda Dhiira?
Cell phones do not work reliably at the Ashram, though there are a few places where you may get limited service. The ashram offers free WiFi, so guests with WiFi-calling, Skype and WhatsApp on their cell phones will be able to make calls through these services.
What is the diet like?
Our food is sentient vegetarian: we don’t eat garlic, onion, mushrooms and eggs. Volunteers have access to a kitchen and food and they can cook their own meal. Guests are served 3 meals per day.
Are there any other social rules?
We maintain a healthy life style, including a sentient vegetarian healthy diet, no smoking, no alcohol, no drugs. Only vegetarian food is served on our premises and it is a requirement that the guests and volunteers, while they are in our compound, refrain from smoking and using any alcohol or drugs. We are open for anyone interested to work in a spiritual environment, but expect that you will respect our spiritual norms and values during your stay.