International Schools of East–West Unity (Gurukula), Inc.

The East-West School of Dance was founded in 1981 at Ananda Ashram with the blessings of Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati. Under the direction of Pandit Satya Narayana Charka, the School has been a pioneer in North America, especially in presenting classical Indian Kathak Dance and innovative dance dramas. Its objective is to help achieve a deeper understanding and harmony between East and West for cultural and spiritual enrichment, integrating traditional and modern values through education in the universal language of dance. Its syllabus is based on the standards followed by Indian dance institutions such as Kathak Kendra in New Delhi and Natya Institute of Kathak & Choreography in Bangalore, also incorporating the traditional Gurukula educational system.

Pandit S.N. Charka has offered regular Kathak classes at seven teaching centers in the New York/New Jersey area. At Ananda Ashram, classical Indian dance performances and dance dramas are scheduled during the summer months as well as on special occasions.

Throughout the years, the East-West School of Dance has also sponsored guest artists and master teachers for performances and workshops in both Eastern and Western traditions.

The East-West School of Music had its beginnings at Ananda Ashram in 1978 and flourished under the direction of Acharya Roop Verma. Inspired by Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati to fulfill the vision of East-West unity through the arts, the School is dedicated to promoting music as a medium to experience and express the relationship between outer sound vibration and inner being. Through this direct contact, deep states of healing, creativity and spiritual awareness arise, leading to better understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

For many years, the East-West School of Music has been offering ongoing monthly classes in North Indian Vocal Music and Tabla. This has included regular classes in Instrumental Music, with particular focus on Sitar, in the master-pupil oral tradition at its best.

Special workshops and courses with Ashram and guest teachers are scheduled seasonally, providing instruction in both Eastern and Western music.In addition, there are regular concerts featuring classical Indian music as well as music from other traditions.

For more information contact: eastwestmusic108@gmail.com

Grounded in traditional teachings, the School of Hatha Yoga offers systematic instruction in asana, pranayama, and yogic philosophy. The approach integrates physical discipline with contemplative awareness and ethical foundations.

In the 1970s and 80s, Ashram Founder Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati taught many informal classes in Ayurvedic philosophy. His vision for the Ashram always included the ancient holistic health science of Ayurveda. In more recent years, distinguished scholar and translator Prof. Ram Karan Sharma lectured on Ayurvedic Principles from time to time.

Ananda Ashram is extremely honored to have had Dr. Vasant Lad, BAM&S, MASc, as a returning guest teacher for many years. Founder of the Ayurvedic Institute in New Mexico, he is a highly respected author and authority in the field.