The Ayachak Ashrama is a spiritual institution helping men and women of all castes and creeds in their onward journey to God. This institution never raises subscriptions, never begs and never asks for contributions from outside. It helps the needy and feeds the poor; it distributes medicines to the sick and renders help to the distressed, but for funds depends fully upon God and God alone. Nobody ever is allowed to know what the Ashrama wants or is in need of. The first Ayachak Ashrama was founded by Sri Sri Swami Swarupananda Paramhansa Dev in the year 1927 at Pupunki, now in Jharkhand and later at different parts of India viz. Kolkata, Guwahati (Assam), Agartala (Tripura), Varanasi, Andal (West Bengal), Rajgir (Bihar) etc.
The Akhanda Mandali
The Akhanda Mandali has its origin in 1915 as the result of LOVE of Sri Sri Babamoni FOR ALL. The mantra in which He initiated His disciples having a significance of unbounded limitlessness is styled by Him as The Akhanda Mantra. His disciples are not bound with the names of any gods and goddesses. Hence they are named Akhandas. The main programme of work of the Akhanda Mandali is the performance of ‘Samabeta Upasana’ or ‘Congregational Prayer’, in which men and women of any cast, creed and nationality may participate irrespective of the fact that the conventional Hindu tradition has for centuries made OMKAR and GAYATRI forbidden fruits to the fairer sex and the Shudras.
Who are The Akhandas?
ये मे पु सुता: स भब ख सं का:।
यादखादादशात् सव ते मम जीिवतम् ।।
-- Sri Sri Swami Swarupananda Paramhansa Dev (Source: Akhanda Samhita, Vol-1)
As per Sri Sri Babamoni, individuals who embody a profound Akhanda philosophy are His disciples and are collectively known as The Akhanda.
The Akhanda Philosophy
Universal reverence: They worship the Pranava, the universal consciousness.
Unwavering inclusivity: They accept and honour individuals from all castes, creeds, and nationalities including Shudras, Chandals and women, regarding them all as the Brahmins.
Global welfare: They believe in working towards the betterment of the world.
Character refinement: They prioritize character building and personal growth.
Celibacy and purity: They uphold the values of celibacy and purity.
Self-reliance: They adopt the principle of ‘Ayachak’ (Non-begging), refraining from asking for anything from anyone and instead rely on themselves. As per Sri Sri Babamoni, “Nayamatma balahinena lavya / Bhikshayam naiba naiba cha [Self-discovery is impossible for the weaks; never rely on begging] ”
Unshakeable faith: They have complete trust in the principles of Sri Sri Babamoni, recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings and belonging to the global community.
Altruism: They are committed to doing well-being to the world, embodying a spirit of service and compassion.
These principles define the essence of The Akhandas; guiding their thoughts, words and actions.
