Vedanta Society of Northern California
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About Vedanta

A Synopsis

Swan
Vedanta is based on the philosophical books known as the Upanishads, which form the concluding portions of the ancient Indo-Aryan scriptures, the Vedas. The word “Vedanta” is, in fact, another word for the Upanishads. It means, literally, the end (anta) of the Vedas; it also means the culmination of spiritual knowledge (veda).

The Supreme Reality, Brahman, cannot be described; the most one can say of it is that it is Sat-Chit-Ananda—Absolute Existence, Consciousness, Bliss. Vedanta recognizes, however, that the absolute Brahman becomes manifest in various aspects and forms and is known by various names. In other words, Brahman, or God, is both formless and with form, impersonal and personal, transcendent and immanent.

Vedanta declares that one can realize the Truth in whatever aspect one wishes, and, further, that one can realize it directly and vividly in this life, in this world. Such realization constitutes spiritual freedom and contains in infinite measure the fulfillment of humankind’s ideals and aspirations; it is indeed the true purpose of human life. There is, in short, but one reality, one being, and, in the words of the Upanishads, “Thou art That.”

Vedanta teaches that there are various methods by which the individual, in accordance with his or her temperament, can realize God. The four primary methods, or paths, are: jnana yoga, the path of knowledge; bhakti yoga, the path of devotion; karma yoga, the path of selfless action (physical, intellectual, or spiritual service); and raja yoga, the path of concentration. All these paths presuppose a highly moral and self-disciplined life. By following one or more of them under the guidance of a qualified teacher, one can fully and permanently discover the existence of divine Reality as the very essence of oneself and the universe.

Vedanta holds that all religions lead to the same goal. Further, Vedanta reveres all great teachers and prophets, such as Jesus Christ, Buddha, and Sri Krishna, and respects their teachings as the same eternal truth adapted to the needs of different times and peoples.

Vedanta is taught by means of lectures and classes in which the swamis explain its principles and give a general idea of the practices one must undertake so that spiritual ideals may become realities in one’s life.

Monthly Bulletin

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Special Events

Winter Retreat: Spiritual Psychology of Mindfulness

November 21, 2019 / Peter Diao / Events

by Swami Tattwamayananda Location: Vivekananda Hall, New Temple Date: January 4 – 5, 2020 RSVPs are now closed. The retreat will delve deeper into the topic of mindfulness in its relation to spiritual psychology. Saturday, Jan. 4 10 – 11:30 a.m. Discussion 11:30 – 11:45 a.m. Break 11:45 – 12:30 p.m. Meditation in Auditorium 12:30 […]

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Memorial Day Program, May 27, 2019

April 22, 2019 / VedantaMain / Events

“The Interfaith Movement” – join us for a day of talks, music, Q&A, and meditation.

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Winter Retreat, January 5 – 6, 2019

December 5, 2018 / VedantaMain / Events

“The Vedic Way of Living” by Swami Tattwamayananda Location: Vivekananda Hall, New Temple Saturday, Jan. 5 10 – 11:30 a.m. Discussion 11:30 – 11:45 a.m. Break 11:45 – 12:30 p.m. Meditation in Auditorium 12:30 – 2 p.m. Lunch 2 – 3:30 p.m. Discussion Sunday, Jan. 6 10 – 11:30 a.m. Discussion 11:30 – 12 noon […]

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Old Temple Open House, October 13 – 14, 2018

September 17, 2018 / VedantaMain / Events

Saturday, October 13, 2018 2:30 – 5:00 p.m. On Saturday afternoon, October 13, the day of our Mother Durga worship, the Old Temple will be open to all our members, devotees, and friends. Sunday, October 14, 2018 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. On Sunday afternoon, October 14, the Old Temple will be open especially to all […]

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Labor Day Retreat, September 1 – 3, 2018

August 3, 2018 / VedantaMain / Events

“The Soul: The Eternal Witness” (Dṛg Dṛśya Viveka of Sri Shankaracharya) by Swami Tattwamayananda Vivekananda Hall, New Temple Sat., Sept. 1 & Sun., Sept. 2 10 – 11:30 a.m. Discussion 11:30 – 12 noon Break 12 – 1 p.m. Meditation 1:15 – 2:15 p.m. Lunch 3 – 4:30 p.m. Discussion Monday, Sept. 3 10 – […]

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Monthly Reading

Letter: “We Think We Are the Doers”

April 8, 2018 / Temple / Monthly Reading

 Kankhal 10 September 1914   Dear X, . . . I am glad to know that you have learned many new ideas about karma yoga from my previous letter [27 July 1914]. It does not matter whether your actions are with desire or without desire, the main thing is: “Whatever you do, whatever you eat, […]

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Timeless Wisdom from a Hasidic Master

March 1, 2018 / Temple / Monthly Reading

Where there is not truth there is no grace. While praying, listen to the words very carefully. When your heart is attentive, your entire being enters your prayer without your having to force it. Grant me the ability to be alone. May it be my custom to go outdoors each day among the trees and […]

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You Are Sure to Attain God

February 25, 2018 / Temple / Monthly Reading

Master: “The important thing is somehow to cultivate devotion to God and love for Him. What is the use of knowing many things? It is enough to cultivate love for God by following any of the paths. When you have this love, you are sure to attain God. Afterwards, if it is necessary God will […]

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Vedanta Society of Northern California

2323 Vallejo Street
San Francisco, CA 94123

415-922-2323
415-922-1476 (fax)
[email protected]

MAP

About Vedanta

  • A Synopsis
  • Sri Ramakrishna
  • Sri Sarada Devi
  • Swami Vivekananda
  • Ramakrishna Order
  • Suggested Reading

Vedanta Society

  • About the Society
  • History
  • New Temple
  • Old Temple
  • Retreat
  • Bookshop
  • Convent & Monastery

Resources

  • Lecture Audio
  • Class Audio
  • Retreat Audio
  • Special Events Audio
  • Videos
    • Sunday Lectures
    • Special Lectures and Programs
    • Class Videos
  • Photo Galleries
  • USA Centers
  • Links
  • Monthly Reading

Activities

  • Services & Events
  • Signup for Monthly Bulletin
  • Contact Us
  • To Donate
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Our Friday Bhagavad Gita classes, Saturday Upanishad classes, and Sunday lectures are now being offered online. The temple and the Olema retreat are closed until further notice. The bookshop is closed but orders can be placed online.