
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

(1836 - 1886)

Rather see your own faults. Learn to make the whole world your own.
No one is a stranger, my child; the whole world is your own."
(1853-1920)

(1863 - 1902)

in the West, Built in 1905





Vedanta is the oldest of the major living religions of the world. It affirms that all religions lead to the same Truth — “Truth is one; sages call it by various names” (Rig Veda). Vedanta teaches that the essence of all beings and all things is Spirit, infinite and eternal, unchanging and indivisible. It emphasizes that a person’s true nature is this divine Spirit, identical with the inmost being and reality of the universe and that the goal is to actualize this truth in one’s life.
Our Temple is Open
We have reopened the temple for visitors.
Visitors must be fully vaccinated against COVID, and able to show proof of vaccination. A mask must be worn over the mouth and nose while on the Temple premises, and social distancing is enforced. We sanitize all public spaces carefully to help ensure your safety. We regret that unvaccinated children may not enter the temple.
Vaccination: you will be required to show your vaccination card at the door confirming that you are fully vaccinated and booster shot within 6 months.
- New Temple is open to visitors all weekdays except for Tuesdays from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- We plan to resume these activities in several phases. Effective September 11, 2022, the following in-person services will be resumed under Phase I of the Temple Re-opening Plans:
- Sunday Lectures and Question-Answer (Q&A) Sessions
- Vedanta Scripture Classes
- Bookshop
- Sunday School
- Re-Opening of Child-Care Services
Please contact the Vedanta Society office at 415-922-2323 for additional details concerning all of our services.

Sri Ramakrishna’s Birthday Celebration
SATURDAY · FEBRUARY 25 · 10 A.M. · NEW TEMPLE
On Saturday, February 25, a special worship will be performed in honor of Sri Ramakrishna’s birthday at 10 o’clock in the morning. The program will also include meditation, chanting, devotional singing, readings from the life and teachings of Sri Ramakrishna, flower offerings by devotees, and takeout prasad.
You can also watch the event online:
• YouTube Facebook Livestream
Upcoming Special Programs
SUNDAY· FEBRUARY 19 · 7:30 P.M. · NEW TEMPLE
On Sunday, February 19, we will celebrate Shivaratri, the night dedicated to Lord Shiva, with a worship at 7:30 p.m. at the New Temple. After refreshments there will be chanting, reading, and meditation in the auditorium from 9 till 10:30 p.m.
There will be no morning lecture that Sunday.
REGULAR EVENTS
MONTHLY BULLETIN
OFF-CAMPUS LECTURES
QUOTES

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

Only he who loves, can rule.
Swami Vivekananda
LATEST VIDEOS
Bookshop
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, worship, 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.

Please write to the Minister-in-charge at [email protected] to inquire.