The Pluralism Project at Harvard UniversityCenter Profile
Ramakrishna Vedanta Society (2009)
Vedanta (Hinduism)
58 Deerfield Street
Boston MA 02215
Phone: 617-536-5320
Websites:
About
The work of the Vedanta Societies in the West has primarily been devoted to spiritual and pastoral activities, though many of them do some form of social service.Description
Activities and Schedule
For a complete list of events, including weekly satsang, arati, meditation, children's groups, and study groups, visit the society's online calendar of events.History
The Ramakrishna Vedanta Society has been in Boston since 1909, although the present organization has only been in existence since 1941. This religious movement began in India around 1887, and was brought to the United States in 1893 by Swami Vivekananda, who believed that Truth is one and that it can be found in all religions.Description
During the academic year, Sunday and Thursday worship services are held at the Society's large brick house off of Kenmore Square. Friday discourses on Karma-Yoga and the Bhagavad Gita are held at the M.I.T. Chapel. The Society offers classes and discourses which are open to the public but visitors should call the swamis (who are also members of the United Ministry at Harvard) in advance. An active summer program is held at Sri Sarada Ashrama in Marshfield, Massachusetts where there is a weekly retreat on the Bhagavad Gita. There is also a summer program for children, and the birthday of Sri Krishna is observed with guest speakers. The society also offers free lectures online through iTunes, which can be accessed on their website.Date Center Founded
1941
Lay Leader and Title
Daru Krishna Das, Temple President
Membership
Approximately 400 participants
Ethnic Composition
Primarily European and South Asian American