overview of Events
Change in Summer Bookshop Hours
The Bookshop will be closed August 2–28, 2026.
Online orders placed during this period will be processed beginning August 29.
From August 29 through September 12, the Bookshop will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00–4:00 p.m.
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.
Labor Day Retreat
Saturday–Monday, 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
Saturday & Sunday:
Morning Session: 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Afternoon Session: 3:00–4:30 p.m.
Monday:
Morning Session: 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Each session will include a talk and Q&A. More details and RSVP information will be shared on the website.
Latest Quotes
Reflect on these inspiring spiritual thoughts and share them with family and friends.
From The Lectures Of Swami Tattwamayananda, Minister-in-Charge
Explore
Latest Media
May 12, 2024
Shankara and His Work
Shankaracharya
May 21, 2017
Shankara and Meister Eckhart
Shankaracharya
February 18, 2024
Swami Vivekananda on the Upanishads
Swami VivekanandaUpanishads
December 12, 2021
Psychology of Prayer
Religion & Spirituality
Bhagavad Gita | The Essence of Vedanta
90 Episodes
Religion & Spirituality
Bhagavad Gita with the Commentary of Shankaracharya
21 Episodes
Religion & Spirituality
Drg Drsya Viveka | The Seer and the Seen
8 Episodes
Religion & Spirituality
Isha Upanishad
9 Episodes
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
