Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chicago
State Illinois
Website: https://chicagovedanta.org
The Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chicago is a branch of the Ramakrishna Order, a monastic order founded by Swami Vivekananda, a disciple of the Hindu saint Ramakrishna
. Vivekananda introduced Vedanta to the West when he represented Hinduism at the 1893 Parliament of Religions in Chicago, where he gave his celebrated greeting to the audience, “Sisters and Brothers of America!”. He later established the first Vedanta Society in the West, located in New York City.
Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chicago was established in 1930 and offers many wonderful programs to enrich spiritual lives. This ashram has Home of Harmony which offers a platform where anyone can practice and participate in interfaith and intra-faith dialogue. You can also learn about the world’s religions and their original languages and also interact with the savants and practitioners of other faiths on a regular basis.
The Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chicago serves as a place of worship and a religious organization focused on the study, practice, and propagation of Vedanta, a philosophical tradition based on the teachings of the Vedas. It is known for its peaceful ambiance and provides a space for meditation, chanting, and the study of Vedanta. The Society also features a collection of books on Vedanta and related topics.
The Vedanta Societies in the West, including the Chicago branch, are under the spiritual guidance of the Ramakrishna Order. Their primary focus is on spiritual and pastoral activities, with some branches also engaging in social service. The societies are dedicated to spreading the message of Swami Vivekananda, which emphasizes humanity, harmony, and consciousness.
The Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chicago is open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM.
Its mission includes helping people understand and apply Vedantic teachings to everyday life, promoting love and peace, and realizing their inherent divinity. The Society’s current Swami in charge is Swami Ishatmananda.
In summary, the Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chicago is a spiritual center that:
- Is part of the Ramakrishna Order founded by Swami Vivekananda.
- Promotes the study and practice of Vedanta.
- Offers a peaceful environment for meditation, chanting, and spiritual growth.
- Carries forward Swami Vivekananda’s message of universal tolerance, unity of religions, and self-realization.
- Aims to help individuals incorporate Vedantic teachings into their daily lives.