Ramakrishna Order of India
The Ramakrishna Order is inspired by the life and teachings of Sri Ramakrishna (1836–1886). The Order was started by Swami Vivekananda, Sri Ramakrishna’s Chief Disciple. The Swami, describing his guru, says, “During this spiritual renaissance, the new avatar of the age, endowed with tremendous divine power, will gather together the divided and scattered religious ideals, practice and realize them in his own life, and rediscover the knowledge that was lost.” Although the first Vedanta Society was started in New York City in 1894, the official headquarters of the worldwide organization was eventually established in India at Belur, near Kolkata.
The Ramakrishna Order has 282 Centers and sub-Centers all over the world. Besides these branch centers, there are numerous unaffiliated centers (popularly called ‘private centers’ under Bhava-prachar Parishad) started by the devotees and followers of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda.
Following this two-fold ideal set forth by Swami Vivekananda, the Ramakrishna Order has not only established many temples and monasteries, but also runs numerous hospitals, charitable clinics, schools, and colleges. Vast relief operations of various kinds are also conducted, mainly in India and Bangladesh. The Order also administers rural development programs in India in the areas of agriculture, small-scale cottage industry, general education, health facilities, etc. The schools, colleges, and hospitals administered by the Ramakrishna Order are among the best in India. Outside India, Vedanta Societies primarily focus on spreading the philosophy and teachings of Vedanta.
The Ramakrishna Order places utmost importance on personal spiritual unfoldment, selfless service, and encourages a harmony of religions. Sri Ramakrishna preached: “as many faiths, so many paths.” In other words, all sincere spiritual aspirants will reach God, regardless of their particular path. Vedanta teaches us how to enhance our personal relationship with spirituality whether that be through God or a non-personified desire to know Truth.
Visit the website of our headquarters, Belur Math: https://belurmath.org/
