Global Presence
The Vedanta Societies are organizations dedicated to the study and dissemination of Vedanta philosophy, rooted in the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and his disciple, Swami Vivekananda. The first Vedanta Society was established by Swami Vivekananda in New York in November 1894. These societies have since expanded globally, particularly across the United States, serving as centers for spiritual seekers to engage in prayer, meditation, study, and discussion.
In India, the Ramakrishna Order, founded by Swami Vivekananda, oversees the numerous centers that align with the principles of the Vedanta Societies. These centers continue to promote the universal teachings of Vedanta, emphasizing the divinity inherent in every individual and the unity of all religions.
The Vedanta Societies are branches of the Ramakrishna Order established worldwide to promote the teachings of Vedanta. Below is a list of notable centers outside India:
United States
- Vedanta Society of Southern California: Established in 1930, this society has multiple centers, including those in Hollywood, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Trabuco Canyon. It offers lectures, classes, and spiritual guidance.
- Vedanta Society of Northern California: Founded in 1900 in San Francisco, it provides spiritual instruction, worship services, and retreats.
- Vedanta Society of New York: The first Vedanta Society, established by Swami Vivekananda in 1894, offering lectures and classes on Vedanta philosophy.
- Vedanta Society of Providence: Located in Rhode Island, this center conducts regular spiritual programs and classes.
- Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chicago: Serving the Chicago area, it offers lectures, classes, and spiritual counseling.
- Vedanta Society of St. Louis: Provides spiritual teachings, worship services, and educational programs.
- Vedanta Society of Portland: Offers classes, retreats, and spiritual guidance in Oregon.
- Vedanta Society of Seattle: Conducts regular lectures, classes, and meditation sessions in Washington.
Canada
- Vedanta Society of Toronto: Established in 1968, it offers spiritual instruction, worship services, and cultural programs.
- Vivekananda Vedanta Society of British Columbia: Located in Vancouver, it provides lectures, classes, and spiritual guidance.
- Vedanta Society of Calgary: Offers regular spiritual programs and classes in Alberta.
United Kingdom
- Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre, UK: Based in Bourne End, it offers spiritual teachings, retreats, and publications.
France
- Centre Védantique Ramakrishna: Located in Gretz, near Paris, this center provides spiritual instruction, retreats, and cultural programs.
Germany
- Vedanta Gesellschaft: Based in Mühlheim, it offers lectures, classes, and spiritual guidance.
Netherlands
- Ramakrishna Vedanta Vereniging Nederland: Located in Amstelveen, it provides spiritual teachings and cultural programs.
Japan
- Vedanta Society of Japan: Established in 1958 in Zushi, it offers lectures, meditation sessions, and cultural events.
Australia
- Vedanta Centre of Sydney: Provides spiritual instruction, worship services, and educational programs.
Brazil
- Ramakrishna Vedanta Ashrama, São Paulo: Offers lectures, classes, and spiritual guidance in Brazil.
Argentina
- Ramakrishna Ashrama, Buenos Aires: Provides spiritual teachings and cultural programs.
South Africa
- Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa: Located in Durban, it offers spiritual instruction, worship services, and educational programs.
Fiji
- Ramakrishna Mission, Nadi: Provides spiritual teachings, educational services, and community programs.
Mauritius
- Ramakrishna Mission, Vacoas: Offers spiritual instruction, educational programs, and cultural events.
Malaysia
- Ramakrishna Mission, Kuala Lumpur: Provides lectures, classes, and community services.
These centers serve as hubs for individuals interested in studying and practicing Vedanta, offering resources such as libraries, bookstores, and spaces for meditation and worship.