About the Vedanta Society
The present Swami in charge of The Vedanta Society of Western Washington is Swami Bhaskarananda who was sent by the Order to assist an aging Swami Vividishananda in 1974. Under Swami Bhaskarananda’s leadership the Society has enjoyed considerable growth, including the purchase and development of a retreat property called Tapovan, and the purchase of Vivekananda House--which serves as the monastic residence--situated across the street from the present Temple in Seattle.
There are about sixteen Vedanta Societies in the United States and Canada, each guided by one or more Swamis of the Ramakrishna Order. Each Center is an autonomous non-profit corporation, financially self supporting but spiritually affiliated with the Ramakrishna Order of India. The word 'Swami' means a monk, one who has renounced family and possessions to devote his whole life to the realization of God and the service of humanity. It has always been a tradition in India that religion is most effectively taught by monks and nuns, who are devoting all their time and energy to practicing what they preach.
AIMS OF THE VEDANTA SOCIETY OF WESTERN WASHINGTON
I. To disseminate the ethics, psychology and the universal spiritual philosophy of Vedanta through the practice and culture of reason, love, meditation and work.
II. To promote fellowship, harmony and peace among mankind by inculcating the fundamental unity of the origin and goal of man.
ACTIVITIES OF THE VEDANTA SOCIETY OF WESTERN WASHINGTON
(For current activities see NEWS)
LECTURES AND CLASSES
Every Sunday morning at 11:00 AM, a lecture is given at the Society's chapel on different aspects of the Vedanta philosophy and religion and related subjects. A second class is conducted by Swami Bhaskarananda on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 P.M. On alternating Tuesdays the subject is either The Bhagavad Gita or The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Throughout the year there are several functions held by the Society including: the worships of the Divine Mother Durga, Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi, Swami Vivekananda, and Shiva Ratri; the adoration of Jesus Christ; and a musical evening with performers from both the eastern and western musical traditions.
DEVOTIONAL SINGING (BHAJANS)
Every Sunday evening at 7:00 P.M., we have a singing of "Ram-Nam" in Sanskrit and devotional songs in English, Hindi, and Bengali. All are welcome.
RETREAT
The Society owns a beautiful 21 acre property called Tapovan in Snohomish County, 45 miles from Seattle. Every month, for members only, a day long retreat program consisting of holy readings, devotional songs, and a potluck luncheon is held there.
BOOK SHOP
The Society's bookshop is open before and after regularly scheduled classes and at other times by appointment.
VIVEKA PRESS
Viveka Press is the publishing arm of the Society. Among the publications offered by the press are Global Vedanta, a quarterly journal serving the worldwide Vedanta community with articles, book reviews, interviews, and humor on various aspects of Vedanta and the Vedanta movement. Viveka Press also publishes The Essentials of Hinduism by Swami Bhaskarananda, an introduction to Hinduism that has been well received in America and in India.
LIBRARY
The Society has a lending library for members. It contains a large and highly unique selection of books on various philosophies and religions, including Vedanta. The library is open before and after all lectures; for other times, please call the Society.
Suggested Reading
Essentials of Hinduism by Swami Bhaskarananda
Yoga For Beginners by Swami Jnaneswarananda
The Bhagavad Gita translated by Swami Nikhilananda
The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna translated by Swami Nikhilananda
The Mind and Its Control by Swami Budananda
Jnana Yoga by Swami Vivekananda
Karma Yoga by Swami Vivekananda
Bhakti Yoga by Swami Vivekananda
Raja Yoga by Swami Vivekananda
These books may be obtained at the Vedanta Society Bookshop.
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2716 Broadway East, Seattle, WA 98102-3909 USA Last updated: |