Vedanta Society of Northern California
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Retreat

In a place helpful to the mind and pleasing to the eyes, in a hidden retreat, let the aspirant cultivate spirituality.
Svetasvatara Upanishad

Entrance Avenue, Vedanta Retreat, Olema, California

The Society maintains a retreat in west Marin County, about an hour’s drive from San Francisco in the town of Olema, where spiritual seekers may meditate and study away from the disturbances of urban life. The purpose of the retreat is to provide spiritually-minded people, of any faith or spiritual path, a supportive environment for spiritual practice.

Availability

In view of the international coronavirus situation and out of an abundance of caution, we are closing the Olema Retreat until further notice.

The use of the retreat grounds, including for walks, hiking, and the use of the meditation room are not permitted at this time.

Individual retreats and the Saturday class are cancelled as we assess how to respond to this concerning situation.

Please continue to monitor the website sfvedanta.org for further developments.

Location

The retreat occupies over 2000 acres on the Point Reyes Peninsula—a sparsely settled, still largely pristine area on the coast of northern California.

History

The Vedanta Society purchased the property, previously a ranch, in 1946. It became the site of a small monastic community shortly thereafter. Throughout the years many dedicated Vedantins, both lay and monastic, have been actively involved in establishing the retreat on a firm footing, upholding in practice the ideal of service to God in all. Since 1973, when retreat accommodations became available, the retreat has been welcoming people of all faiths.

Saturday Programs

On most Saturdays there is a “Spiritual Discussion with a Swami” program at the Men’s Retreat House from 10–11:30 a.m. which is open to all. Spiritual readings, a question-and-answer session on spiritual topics, and meditation comprise the program. Please call 415-663-1258 or e-mail [email protected] to confirm that a meeting will be held and for further information. All are cordially welcome.

Annual Special Program

On Memorial Day, an all-day spiritual program is held at the retreat, open to all without charge. Each year a speaker from a different spiritual tradition and a swami of the Ramakrishna Order speak on a spiritual theme, and their talks are followed by questions from the audience. Complimentary meals are served after the morning and afternoon programs.

There is also a bookshop tent with a large selection of publications on the world’s religions.

Over the years, spending Memorial Day at the Olema retreat has become a tradition with many people from all over the Bay Area and beyond. In a story on this annual program, one of the local newspapers wrote: “The ambiance was wonderful ― expansive, accepting, lightly humored, nonjudgmental, and hopeful.”

For photos of recent retreats, please see the Photo Galleries.

Location


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Vedanta Society Retreat‎
9799 California 1
Olema, CA 94950
415-663-1258


Gallery

Entrance Avenue, Vedanta Retreat, Olema, California
Men's Retreat House, Vedanta Retreat, Olema, California
Men's Retreat House, Vedanta Retreat, Olema, California
Women's Retreat House, Vedanta Retreat, Olema, California

Back of Women's Retreat House, Vedanta Retreat, Olema, California
Women's Retreat House, Vedanta Retreat, Olema, California
Forest path, Vedanta Retreat, Olema, California
Temple site, Vedanta Retreat, Olema, California

Bay trees, Vedanta Retreat, Olema, California
Spring flowers, Vedanta Retreat, Olema, California
Mt. Wittenberg in the distance, Vedanta Retreat, Olema, California
Black Mountain view, Vedanta Retreat, Olema, California

The bog road, Vedanta Retreat, Olema, California
Deer, Vedanta Retreat, Olema, California

Monthly Bulletin

To receive our monthly bulletin by e-mail click here.

Download the March Bulletin

If you’d like to receive the monthly bulletin by regular mail, please inform us at: [email protected].

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 […]

Read more →

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.