Vedanta Society of Northern California
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  • You Are Sure to Attain God

You Are Sure to Attain God

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 explain everything to you and tell you about the other paths as well. It is enough for you to develop love of God. You have no need of many opinions and discussions. You have come to the orchard to eat mangoes. Enjoy them to your heart’s content. You do not need to count the branches and leaves on the trees. It is wise to follow the attitude of Hanuman: ‘I do not know the day of the week, the phase of the moon, or the position of the stars; I only contemplate Rama.’ ”

M: “I now desire that my activities may be much reduced and that I may devote myself greatly to God.”

Master: “Ah! Certainly your desire will be fulfilled. But a jnani [a non-dualist] can live unattached in the world.”

M: “True, sir. But one needs special power to lead an unattached life.”

Master: “That is also true. But perhaps you wanted the worldly life. . . . Now you should pray to God that your worldly duties may be reduced. And you will achieve the goal if you renounce mentally. . . .”

Master: “Tell me, what is the meaning of renunciation?”

M: “Renunciation does not mean simply dispassion for the world. It means dispassion for the world and also longing for God.”

Master: “You are right. You no doubt need money for your worldly life; but don’t worry too much about it. The wise course is to accept what comes of its own accord. Don’t take too much trouble to save money. Those who surrender their hearts and souls to God, those who are devoted to Him and have taken refuge in Him, do not worry much about money. As they earn, so they spend. The money comes in one way and goes out the other. This is what the Gita describes as ‘accepting what comes of its own accord.’ ”

– The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna

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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 […]

Read more →

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

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  • 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.