overview of Events
Labor Day Retreat
September 5–7, 2026
Vedanta Retreat
Olema, Marin County
FROM BONDAGE TO BLESSEDNESS:
The Spiritual Journey in The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna
Conducted by Swami Tattwamayananda
Retreat Overview
The Labor Day Retreat explored one of Sri Ramakrishna’s profound teachings of great spiritual significance: the ideal of self-surrender, known in the devotional tradition as prapatti or śaraṇāgati.
This teaching was discussed in the light of Sri Ramanuja’s philosophy of Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta,
in which śaraṇāgati—complete surrender to God—occupies a central and vital place in spiritual life.
Sri Ramakrishna repeatedly emphasized the importance of surrender to the Divine, particularly in the path of bhakti, or devotion. His teachings beautifully illustrate how self-surrender can become a powerful means
of overcoming ego, deepening faith, and establishing an intimate relationship with God.
The subject was presented through five separate lectures, each examining a different dimension of self-surrender and its significance in devotional and spiritual life. The lectures were followed by question-and-answer sessions, offering further clarification and reflection on the teachings discussed.
Watch the Complete Five-Part Series
The complete Labor Day Retreat recordings are available on the VSNC YouTube playlist.
Retreat Photo Gallery
View photos from the three-day Labor Day Retreat at the Vedanta Retreat in Olema.
Thank You
We thank all the devotees and volunteers whose participation, service, and support
helped make the Labor Day Retreat possible.
Summer Recess Notice
Monday, June 29 – Saturday, September 12, 2026
There will be no lectures or classes during the summer recess.
However, we will continue to have vespers (arati) on Wednesday evenings.
Services will resume on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
Latest Quotes
Reflect on these inspiring spiritual thoughts and share them with family and friends.
From The Lectures Of Swami Tattwamayananda, Minister-in-Charge
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Bookshop
at the Vedanta Society of Northern California
We carry a selection of the best in all the major religious traditions and contemporary spirituality; translations of Sanskrit religious classics; and many children’s books that are both attractive and meaningful.
A partial listing is given here for online ordering and many more are available in the bookshop itself. Inquiries are welcome.
Explore the Monastic Life
“For One’s own enlightenment and for the good of the world.”
– atmanamokshartham jagad hitaya ca
The Motto of the Ramakrishna Order (a traditional monastic order founded by Sri Ramakrishna in 1896; Organized by Swami Vivekananda in 1897).
In pursuit of this ideal, monastic life includes a variety of spiritual practices, such as meditation, worshipa, and scriptural study, as well as routine tasks of maintenance and service. For those interested and qualified, the monastic path may be meaningful and fulfilling. A monastery and convent are maintained by the Society, giving an opportunity to qualified young men and women to devote themselves exclusively to spiritual life.
My child, you have been extremely fortunate in getting this human birth. Have intense devotion to God. One must work hard. How can one achieve anything without effort?
- Holy Mother
Rely on Him, be like the dry leaf at the mercy of the wind.
- Sri Ramakrishna
