One hour northwest of New York, nestled in the Catskill mountain foothills, is the Ananda Ashram. This gorgeous retreat center is dedicated to teaching the universal principles of yoga and Vedanta, and to the exchange of culture between east and west. Open all year, it welcomes visitors of all faiths, origins, and cultures.

Ananda Ashram was founded in 1964 by Shri Bhramananda Saraswati, who was then known as Ramamurti S. Mishra, MD. At the time it was to be the country center for the Yoga Society of New York, Inc, which Dr. Mishra had started six years earlier. The Ananda Ashram has since become the permanent headquarters for the Yoga Society. Their practice is based in silent meditation and study of non-dualist philosophy. To aid in this they also practice Hatha yoga and engage in study of the Sanskrit language, as well as devotional activities such as the fire ceremony.

The Grounds

The ashram is centered around the guest. Day guests are always welcome, but Ananda also makes accommodations available for overnight and long-term guests. Between April and September guests can also camp. In addition to housing facilities for guests and residents, the center has abundant facilities…just right to fill the needs of the vacationing spiritualist. They include the main temple, classs, meditation rooms, and a somewhat unexpected performance hall. There is also a natural healing center and even a seasonal swimming pool! And don’t worry about what to eat. There is a vegetarian kitchen as well.

This ashram is surrounded by quiet and meditative natural environment. On the grounds are woods and meadows, along with a lake, which includes an island. When you have a moment between the whirlwind of activities during your visit to the Ananda Ashram you are invited to find a nice mellow spot somewhere on the grounds to sit in meditation or otherwise quietly relax.

Daily Activities

Ananda offers many different programs every day. Each program has an individual cost, or you can purchase a day pass which grants you entry into all the day programs — like an unlimited ride pass at an amusement park. Admission to the regular programs is also included in the cost for overnight stays.

The daily schedule includes a morning program which starts with a meditation and a fire ceremony. After the fire ceremony are some Vedantic or other non-dualist scripture studies. When he’s available, this study will include commentary by the founder, Shri Bhramananda Saraswati. In the evening is another meditation and fire ceremony. This is also followed by chanting and readings from Shri Bhramananda’s writings or other sources.

At various times each day are regular hatha yoga classes. The center’s hatha instruction is on a weekly schedule. Each week there are beginning, intermediate, and advanced classes. There are also special-focus classes such as Gentle Yoga and Restorative Yoga.

Most mornings you will be able to attend an ongoing lesson in the Sanskrit language and its original texts, like the Rig Veda, which is widely accepted as the oldest of human written records. Every Tuesday, guests have the opportunity to learn traditional Kathak dance in an ongoing class. Kathak is the dynamic classic dance style of northern India.

Events, Workshops, Special Programs

In addition to the daily programs, several extra programs happen every weekend. Among the additions is a guided meditation, which includes a question and answer period. Friday and Saturday evenings have extra lectures or readings and on Sunday mornings, the staff teaches selected mantras and offers commentary on them.

Not to be restricted by their regular calendar, on weekends they also offer frequent special programs. These can range from spiritual instruction to cultural entertainment. One such program recently offered was “Yoga, Forgiveness & Enlightenment with Prem Prakash.” Another featured a kirtan (group singing of mantras) lead by popular new age recording star Krishna Das. Special programs are often presented by a guest teacher or performer, although many are presented by the ashram teachers. Please note: The cost of the special programs is not included in either the day pass or the overnight accommodation price.

A special feature of the ashram is the Ayervedic healing center. It offers a wide variety of massage and other therapies from a wide range of traditions, including aromatherapy, Shiatsu, relaxation training, and much more!

Reservations & Location

Simple to find near Monroe, New York, the Ananda Ashram is easily accessible by car, bus, or train, with taxi service for the last couple of miles. If you are wanting to stay overnight, or even longer, you are requested to call ahead for reservations. The phone number is 845-782-5575.

Yoga Society of New York, Inc.
Ananda Ashram
13 Sapphire Road
Monroe NY 10950

Phone: 845-782-5575
Fax: 845.774.7368