Guru

From his early childhood in Bihar, India, where he was born in 1921, P.R. Sarkar has been attracting others by his deep love for humanity and guiding them along the path of self-realization. Adjusting the ancient science of Tantra Yoga to meet the needs of this age, he developed a scientific and rational philosophy and a system of practical disciplines for physical, mental and spiritual development. Recognizing him as a spiritually realized Master, his followers called him “Shrii Shrii Anandamurti” (which means “He who attracts others as the embodiment of bliss”) or simply “Baba” (father).

Those who followed his teachings found their lives transformed as they overcame the weakness and negative tendencies of the mind and experienced a deep peace and bliss within. Inspired by his selfless example, they turned their energies to serving the society and elevating the oppressed.

In 1955, while still leading a normal family life as a railway official, P.R. Sarkar formed the organization Ananda Marga (“The Path of Bliss”), and began training missionaries to spread his teachings of “self-realization and service to humanity” all over India and later throughout the world. Reflecting the broadness of his universal vision, Ananda Marga has become a multi-faceted organization with different branches dedicated to the upliftment of humanity through education, relief, welfare, the arts, ecology, intellectual renaissance, women’s emancipation, and humanistic economy.

In the field of ecology and environmental awareness, Sarkar propounded the philosophy of Neo-Humanism, extending the spirit of humanism to include love for animals, plants and the inanimate. He started a global plant exchange program to save and propagate thousands of plants species around the world. In conjunction with this he also started sanctuaries for animals in the various locations around the world.

In the realm of philology and linguistics, P.R. Sarkar wrote volumes on the Bengali and Sanskrit languages which still require years of deep scholarly study to be understood. These volumes trace the evolution of words, phrases and cultural traditions that comprise today’s tapestry of Indian languages as well as new and important insights to Indo-European and other languages of the world.

In the field of science, Sarkar introduced the theory of Microvita in 1986 which subsequently has interested scientists around the world. In a series of discourses Sarkar has struck at the heart of conventional physics and biology, as he points out that the basic buildings blocks of life are microvita — emanations of pure consciousness. The microvita theory provides a link between the worlds of perception and conception and implies that the distinct disciplines of physics, biology, and mathematics will merge into one science of understanding the real nature of the universe.

In the field of music, literature and art, Sarkar urged artists to do art for service and blessedness and not merely “Art for art’s sake”. He wrote guidelines also for accomplishing this goal. Sarkar not only wrote long philosophical treatises, he has enriched us as well with children’s stories, fiction, comedy and drama. His most dramatic contribution is the 5018 songs known as Prabhat Samgiit (Songs of the New Dawn) which he started giving in 1982 until his departure in October 1990. These beautiful songs express the universality of the human spiritual heart. Most of the songs were written in Sarkar’s mother tongue, Bengali. Bengali bscholars have given the highest praise to these songs, in terms of their poetic and symbolic expression.

For the collective welfare of the entire society he propounded the theory of PROUT (Progressive Utilization Theory), which stands for the maximum utilization and rational distribution of all the resources and potentialities of the world — physical, mental, and spiritual — and the creation of a new, humanistic social order of harmony and justice for all. His uncomprmising moral stand against corruption and exploitation and his demand for social justice brought about the opposition of certain vested interests and the Communist Party of India, and resulted in the persecution of Ananda Marga and his own arrest in 1971 under false charges. During his seven year incarceration, he survived a poisoning attempt by jail officials and fasted on a liquid diet for 5-1/2 years in protest. Ultimately acquitted of all charges by the High Court, he was released in 1978 and from then until his departure in 1990 he guided the rapid expansion of his mission all over the world.

Most importantly, he taught his disciples the time tested science of Tantra and Yoga, and adapted these practices to the needs of modern day humans. These spiritual practices along with the vast and deep spiritual philosophy provide the inspiration and driving energy for Ananda Marga.