of Bliss in the Upanisads (Madras: Christian Literature
Society for the Christian Institute for the Study of Reli-
gion and Society, 1974).
Ananda Ashram, Monroe, New York
(est. 1964)
Ananda Ashram was founded in 1964 in Monroe,
New York, as the headquarters of the Yoga Society
of New York, Inc., which was founded by Rama-
murti S. Mishra, M.D. (1923–93), also known as
Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, a teacher of Raja
YOGA. The ashram serves as a spiritual retreat
and educational center that integrates principles
of yoga and VEDANTA with a commitment to an
East-West “cultural exchange.” The center offers
instruction in MEDITATION, Vedanta philosophy,
HATHA YOGA, SANSKRIT, dance, and music, as well
as regular workshops and retreats. Guest teachers
and artists from diverse traditions offer courses.
By the 1950s Mishra had gained renown in
the East and West for his expertise in Eastern
and Western medicine, including the system
of AYURVEDA. In 1966 he quit the practice of
Western medicine and left the United States. He
later returned as a doctor of acupuncture and
led a number of his ashrams into holistic health,
including Ayurveda. In 1984 he took the vow of
sannyas (renunciation) from Swami Gangeshva-
rananda and was given the name Brahmananda
Saraswati.
Sri Brahmananda Saraswati also established
the Brahmananda Ashram (the Yoga Society of San
Francisco, Inc.), in 1972, as well as several medi-
tation centers in the United States and around the
world. He was a prolific writer who published
texts on yoga, a commentary on the writing of
the great ADVAITA philosopher Shankaracharya,
and translations of Sanskrit texts, in addition to
many essays and stories. Much of his teaching is
recorded in audio and video formats. Brahman-
anda died in 1993.
Ananda Ashram is open year round and offers
teachings to people of all faiths. Programs offered
are nonsectarian and place an emphasis on self-
awareness and meditation. The Baba Bhagavandas
Publication Trust was established by Brahman-
anda in 1993 to publish important works in phi-
losophy, medicine, and yoga.Further reading: Ramamurti S. Mishra, Fundamentals
of Yoga (Monroe, N.Y.: Baba Bhagavandas Publication
Trust, 1996); ———, Self Analysis and Self Knowledge
(Monroe, N.Y.: Baba Bhagavandas Publication Trust,
1997); ———, The Textbook of Yoga Psychology (Mon-
roe, N.Y.: Baba Bhagavandas Publication Trust, 1997).Ananda Ashrama and Vedanta Centre
(est. 1923)
Ananda Ashrama of La Crescenta, California,
was founded in 1923 by Swami PARAMANANDA
(1884–1940) to facilitate a better understanding
between Eastern and Western spiritualities and
to disseminate VEDANTA philosophy. The 120-acre
retreat features Viswamandir, a temple established
in 1928 and dedicated to the world’s great reli-
gions. The ashram upholds a model of tolerance
and nonsectarianism. By upholding the teachings
of Sri RAMAKRISHNA and Swami Paramananda, the
ashram assists individuals in discovering prin-
ciples for spiritual practice. It teaches the basic
tenets of the Vedanta tradition: God is one, human
nature is divine, all paths lead to the same goal,
and the purpose of life is the realization of God
in one’s soul.
In line with Paramananda’s belief in equality of
the sexes, he ordained women to teach Vedanta,
entrusting them to undertake major responsibili-
ties in his work in India and the United States. In
both countries, he founded schools and orphan-
ages to assist women and children in need. In
fact, he designated a woman, Sri Mata Gayatri
Devi (1906–95), to succeed him as director of the
ashram. As a result, the parent order in India, the
RAMAKRISHNA MAT H AND MISSION, excommunicated
his centers. Nevertheless, for 55 years Gayatri
Devi continued teaching Vedanta in the traditionAnanda Ashrama and Vedanta Centre 29 J