Ananda Kanan means “the Garden of Bliss.” This 66-acre rural community is a project of Ananda Marga, a worldwide spiritual and social service organization. Its purpose is to provide a supportive environment for personal growth while serving as a model of sustainable cooperative living. In its first years of existence, during the 1980s and 90s, its main activity centered around retreats held by both the parent organization and other groups from within the region.

Since the COVID crisis, the focus has shifted to meeting people’s emotional, physical, and spiritual needs.

We are offering classes and workshops in emotional healing, art and spiritual practices in an environment of peace and natural beauty located in the heart of the Ozarks.

Ozarks Plein Air Artists Retreat October 17-19, 2025

Dennis Babbitt painting at Alley Spring

Dennis was a mentor and participant during the weekend event. We had warm sunny weather for our day trip to Alley Spring Park, on the banks of the Jacks Fork River in Southern Missouri. Plans are underway for another Artists Retreat in 2026. To receive updates email .

Facilities at Ananda Kanan

Ananda Kanan offers a wide range of accommodations and indoor and outdoor facilities.

You can choose between private, well-outfitted cabins or dormitories.

The outdoor facilities include walking trails, a lake, and a pickelball court. Rivers and longer trails are nearby.