Biography of Ānandamurti, 1923-1990, founder of Ananda Marga (Organization).

This book outlines the theory of Neo-Humanism as propounded by the great 20th century think P.R. Sarkar. Neo-humanism is described as humanism expanded to include the entire creation: all varieties of human cultural expressions, and the animal and plant world, even until the inanimate world. This 'new-humanism', rather than being an aetheistic concept, recognizes the value of a human beings internal world, and thus bases the inspiration of neo-humanism upon a universal spirituality which is an essential part of the human psyche, although at times unconscious. This inner connection provides the mental epansion, empathy and perception so that will allow human society to live 'neo-humanism' not only intheory mut as a real expereicen intergrated into the individual and collective self. The author also clearly and concisely describes the modes by which vested economic and media interests manipulate and distort human thinking, and how this can be combatted through rationality and proper education. This he links in a unique way spirituality, rationality and human emotion. This book offers a unique perspective for anyone interested in sociology, multi-culturalism, anti-speciesism, globalization, anthropology, alternative economics, etc.

After graduating from college, Marsha Low left home to spend eighteen years as an Ananda Marga yogic nun, living in countries throughout the Middle and Far East, Australasia, and Eastern Europe. After undergoing training with the organization, she taught meditation and yoga, opened schools, and performed social work and relief projects. Often skirting the law to further her organizations mission and raise money for it, she came face to face withamong other thingsgun-toting border guards in Cyprus, the Russian KGB, and misunderstanding and rejection as a female spiritual teacher in the Middle East. In India, she faced harassment from government officials intent upon hunting down foreign members of her blacklisted organization. In The Orange Robe: My Eighteen Years as a Yogic Nun, the author also relates incidents from her family life growing up, her dreams, and the issues that she had to deal with upon returning to ordinary life. From her first encounter with the group to her eventual disillusionment with it and the reconciliation with her family, The Orange Robe chronicles the dangers, triumphs, misadventures, and heartaches she experienced on her journey. It also provides a unique window into the behavior and psychology of Ananda Marga and its founder, Shrii Shrii Anandamurti.

This books is a fascinating discussion of spiritual and tantric philosophy, Indian history and social structures explained through the life and teachings of Shiva, as a historical and philosophical figure.

The book forms the basis of Ananda Marga Philosophy, upon which all other works of the author can be properly unerstood: but not only of Ananda Marga, of the essential fundaments of yoga philosophy and practices in general. In a clear, logical order, it gives an account of the essence of human life and the relation of a human being in the universe, with the world and with the cosmos. Essential reading for anyone with a sincere interest in spiritual philosophy and meditation practices.

Psychology, for the author, is a developing science which is considered to be a part of philosophy. Traditionally philosophy has included the branches of ontology, metaphysics, ethics and epistemology, but Shrii Shrii Anandamurtijii has expanded the scope of philosophy to include psychology and spiritual practices. In fact, this is one of the features which makes Ananda Marga spiritual philosophy unique.Regarding the scope of philosophy and psychology, in "Our Philosophical Treatise" (Tattva Kaomudii Part 2, 1969), the author writes: In Western philosophy there is no mention of spiritual practice, because Western philosophers had no opportunity to learn such a practice. The main reason is that, in the theology prevalent in the West, there is no concrete spiritual practice.According to general belief, psychology is a part of general science, and should therefore not be included as a part of philosophy. Thus psychology has been accepted as a branch of science in the West. But in Ananda Marga, psychology has been included as a part of philosophy. Moreover, according to Ananda Marga, the scope of psychology is wider than what is usually accepted by psychologists.Yoga psychology, though a part of philosophy, is also a science, but is not restricted to the materialistic paradigm which characterizes Western philosophy and psychology. It is the science by which spiritual aspirants can acquire knowledge and mastery of themselves in their quest for Self-realization. Knowledge of yoga psychology is essential for spiritual practices; without this knowledge, aspirants will not achieve success in their spiritual endeavours.