Ashram mission statement written by Gurani Anjali and given to all pillars on the second dedication ceremony October 19, 1974. A copy of this document was framed and displayed in Ashram.
Dear Disciples, Fellow Workers, and Seekers after Truth:
I want you to know this day and let it be known to all whom it may concern and remembered hereafter, that I Srimathi Anjali Joseph from Calcutta, India now a citizen of the United States, burning with the desires and visions of the Rishis and Sages, felt the fire of compassion stir within my heart, and being moved by the force which is within all, without which nothing would be, seeing the ignorance in man, which is the cause of misunderstanding and confusion; knowing that nothing is impossible to the individual who cares about life and living, seeing the need for knowledge, wisdom and understanding in the eyes and hearing it through the voices of many, saw fit to teach Yoga, which is a way of life, a science, a philosophy, and to some a religion, brought into existence Yoga Anand Ashram, Self-Realization Center.
With the cooperation of my husband and children, who were my first helpers, then followed by the cooperation of those that have followed and studied under my guidance, who took vows and dedicated their lives to help humanity; all people, no matter what level of consciousness, regardless of position or their disposition, age or character, illiterate or educated.
I am grateful to the state for issuing the non-profit papers. It will serve as a protection against ignorance and help in this great undertaking.
The heart of this Ashram are the pillars; those taken oaths and rightly dedicated. I appreciate each one of you, you came to me seeking the answers to your own individual lives. We were strangers before then, we were unknown to each other. I am glad that you have come to the realization that we belong to the family of man, and as long as there is one individual who is in pain, we cannot be comfortable. As you have gained knowledge, and as you grow daily in life feeling the full essence of reality, may you continue to set a strong example to all those you meet and to all those who will come to you for guidance. You have chosen of your own free will to serve and be of service, to uphold the dignity of man through the teaching of Patanjali’s Yoga as taught by me in this Ashram.
There can never be a reward or a prize given to you for your service and devotion. Your service is priceless and beyond time. As your Gurani, I will stand by you as long as time permits. Through the wisdom of Yoga and the compassion that is within me, I expect each of you to do likewise. It is your right to uphold and protect your Ashram and it is your duty to serve. Thus bringing about the true meaning of Yoga.
Om shanti,
Gurani Anjali Joseph
October 19, 1974