Vedanta Society of Northern California
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Old Temple Paintings

Jesus Christ in Yoga Posture

Jesus Christ in Yoga Posture“A painting of Jesus Christ sitting in yoga posture in the wilderness, with a rabbit, two doves, a tiger, and a snake at their ease around him… was made by a Mrs. Eugene (Theodosia) Oliver, who, according to her diary, first came to the Vedanta Society in February of 1908. After that date, she made frequent entries in her diary to the effect that she visited the Society, often talked to Swami Trigunatita, and at least once took spiritual instruction from him. She did not, however, give up her own religion, Catholicism…. The first entry in Mrs. Oliver’s diary regarding the painting of Christ occurs on June 26, 1908: ‘Went to see Swami Trigunatita about the picture and showed him the sketch I had made. He approved it, suggesting some slight alterations.’ According to Mrs. French’s reminiscences, it was from the Tibetan photograph of Jesus (the authenticity of which the swami had apparently never questioned) that he conveyed to Mrs. Oliver his ideas for the painting.

“Jesus Christ in His Yoga Posture was completed in September of 1908, and Swami Trigunatita, who was pleased with it, saw to it that Mrs. Oliver had it copyrighted; he then bought the copyright from her for twenty-five dollars, which in those days was a fair sum. (Prints of the painting were sold at the Hindu Temple for prices ranging from one dollar and a half to fifty cents, according to size.) In November 1908, the painting was framed and installed in the Temple,” where it hangs to this day.

—Sister Gargi (Marie Louise Burke)
Swami Trigunatita: His Life and Work

Painting of Sri Ramakrishna

Sri Ramakrishna painting postcardMrs. Albert (Claudina) Wollberg painted the portrait of Sri Ramakrishna, working under the direction of Swami Trigunatita in 1908. The swami would often go to the Wollberg’s home in Pacific Heights (a posh district of San Francisco) to supervise the painting as it progressed. The large oil painting of Sri Ramakrishna [which was formerly canopied], standing with one hand raised, is the same pose as in the photograph taken at the home of Keshab Chandra Sen. The original painting hangs on the east wall, above the altar to the left of the main platform, as it did during Swami Trigunatita’s time.

—Excerpts from Sister Gargi’s Swami Trigunatita: His Life and Work

Special Events

Shanti Ashrama Pilgrimage: Saturday, April 28

April 1, 2018 / Temple / Events

This year the pilgrimage will be held on Saturday, April 28. The subject for discussion will be: “Swami Vivekananda in America.” Several swamis will participate and our special guest speaker will be Swami Nishpapananda of the Vedanta Society of St. Louis. All are welcome.

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Memorial Day Program, May 28, 2018

March 30, 2018 / Temple / Events

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

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Monthly Bulletin

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Download the April Bulletin

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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

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

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