Getting started with Ananda Marga is like stepping through an open door into a warm, global community. First thing to do is locate the nearest Ananda Marga center—details live on anandamarga.org, where an interactive map points out local branches from New York to Nairobi. Many centers now offer hybrid formats, mixing in-person gatherings with Zoom events, a trend that took off during recent global shifts in how people connect.

Once the neighborhood center is spotted, drop in for a beginners’ yoga or meditation session. These introductory classes are designed for every fitness level and often run on a donation basis. Sitting with fellow newcomers during a guided pranayama or chanting session gives a real taste of Ananda Marga’s signature blend of spiritual practice and social service.

After a few taster sessions, signing up as a regular student—or “sadhak”—means attending a short foundational course. This typically includes the theory of Yoga, basic asana sequences, Surya Namaskar, pranayama techniques and Mantra Meditation. Journals handed out during these courses help track personal growth, offering a clear snapshot of progress as the weeks roll by.

Alongside the physical and theoretical classes, Sardhasanga (weekend group practice) is where friendships deepen. It’s a chance to share experiences, volunteer for social service projects—like community kitchens or environmental clean-ups—and soak up inspiration from seasoned practitioners.

For those keen on a deeper commitment, the Probationary Study Course (PSC) provides an in-depth dive into the philosophy of Tantra, social service ethics and advanced sadhana routines. Many centers open PSC up twice a year, echoing the rhythms of spring and autumn, which often coincide with special global observances within Ananda Marga.

New students are encouraged to subscribe to the quarterly magazine, “Banani,” for local event listings, recent social service initiatives, and reflections from practitioners worldwide. Before long, what began as dipping a toe in the water turns into a steady, joyful swim through a practice that’s as much about inner transformation as it is about community uplift.