Vedanta Society of Western Washington

About

The Vedanta Society of Western Washington is a fully accredited branch of the Ramakrishna Order of India. The Society offers Sunday talks at 11 am, Sunday Rama kirtan at 7 pm, Tuesday classes at 7:30 pm, worships, retreat, and more. Ph. 206-323-1228

Story

Vedanta, which means the end of the Vedas, speaks of our true nature which is divine and of the essential harmony of all religions. These teachings and the Order to which the Society belongs are inspired by the life and teachings of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (1836-1886) of India.

Mission

To disseminate the ethics, psychology and the universal spiritual philosophy of Vedanta through the practice and culture of reason, love, meditation and selfless work.
To promote fellowship, harmony and peace among humankind by inculcating the fundamental unity of the origin and goal of everyone.

Products

Ashram and Monastery
The society has its main location consisting of an ashram and monastery in Seattle. The ashram is where most of the public activities take place throughout the year.

Retreat
The Society owns a beautiful 21 acre property called Tapovan in Snohomish County, 45 miles from Seattle. Every month, for members only, a daylong retreat program consisting of holy readings, devotional songs, and a potluck luncheon is held there.

Bookshop
The Society’s bookshop is open before and after regularly scheduled classes and at other times by appointment.

Viveka Press
The publishing arm of the Society. Among the publications offered by the press are The Essentials of Hinduism; Meditation, Mind and Patanjali’s Yoga; Life in Indian Monasteries and other titles by Swami Bhaskarananda.

Global Vedanta
A quarterly journal also published by Viveka Press. The journal serves the worldwide Vedanta community with articles, book reviews, interviews, and humor on various aspects of Vedanta and the Vedanta movement.
Library

Lending Library
For use by 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.

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. In addition to the Sunday lecture, a study class is conducted by Swami Bhaskarananda on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 pm. Please see our calendar for current listings.

Devotional Singing
Every Sunday evening at 7:00 pm, we have a singing of Ram-Nam in Sanskrit along with other devotional songs in English, Hindi, and Bengali. All are welcome.
Retreat Program

Annual Pujas (worship festivals)
Throughout the year there are several annual 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.

Spiritual Guidance
Swami Bhaskarananda is glad to confer with those who are sincerely interested in knowing about Vedanta. He is equally glad to help sincere spiritual seekers with necessary practical instructions in regard to personal prayer and mediation. However, those who receive spiritual instruction from the Swami are expected to be members. Appointments may be made after lectures and classes or by calling the Society.

Membership
Anyone wishing to express their appreciation and sustained support for the Vedantic ideals may become a member of the Society, subject to the approval of Swami Bhaskarananda. Annual dues are $60. For further information, please inquire of Swami Bhaskarananda or the Secretary.