Join Swami Sarvapriyananda, Minister-in-Charge of the Vedanta Society of New York, for a profound exploration of “What is Enlightenment? Based on the Kena Upanishad.”
Logistics
- Doors open at 10:00 AM. Please arrive at least 30 minutes early to minimize disruptions from late arrivals. Seating is very limited and tickets will be checked at the door. Those without tickets will be turned away.
- Due to space and time constraints, food will not be served. Please refrain from bringing potluck items or meals for the swamis. Donations are appreciated instead.
- Free parking is available at our retreat center. Limited handicapped parking near the main hall; general parking is in the field. Carpooling is encouraged.
- Plan ample travel time through Everett and Marysville due to lane restrictions and potential traffic delays.
- Tickets are free; donations are appreciated.
- Priority ticketing for Vedanta Society of Western Washington Paid Members: July 20–July 26, 2025. On July 27, remaining tickets open to attendees of Mother’s Luncheon.
- Maximum 2 tickets per family. Additional ticket orders will be cancelled.
- No need to bring tickets – we are working off the latest attendee list – please see one of three check-in tables for your wristband for entry in to the temple.
Swami Sarvapriyananda
Swami Sarvapriyananda joined the Ramakrishna Order in 1994 and received his monastic vows (sannyāsa) in 2004. After serving in educational and monastic roles in India—including as a teacher at Belur Math—he moved to the U.S., becoming Assistant Minister at the Vedanta Society of Southern California in 2015 and taking up leadership of the Vedanta Society of New York in January 2017.
He earned an MBA from Xavier Institute of Management in Bhubaneswar before entering monastic life. In 2019–2020, he was part of the inaugural cohort of Nagral Fellows at Harvard Divinity School. Swami Sarvapriyananda is known for clear insightful talks on Advaita Vedanta and consciousness. He has presented at TEDx, SAND, Google Talk, Harvard University and beyond. He’s participated in dialogues with thinkers like David Chalmers and Sam Harris, and spoken at major interfaith venues including the World Parliament of Religions and the UN Headquarters.
His books include “Conversations on Vedanta in Practice“, “Mahavakya: The Essence of Vedanta“, “Fullness & Emptiness: Vedanta and Buddhism“, “Who Am I?“, “What Is Vedanta?” and “Dissolve into Infinity“.
Itinerary
Opening Song, Prabha Sivaratnam
Opening Prayer & Welcome, Swami Satyamayananda
“What Is Enlightenment? Based on the Kena Upanishad” followed by a Q&A, Swami Sarvapriyananda
Vote of Thanks, Swami Brahmatmananda
Books, including the Kena Upanishad, will be available for sale in the dining room before and after the event.
