The goal is to manifest this divinity within by controlling nature, external and internal. Do this either by work or worship or psychic control or philosophy, by one or more or all of these – and be free. This is the whole of religion. Doctrines or dogmas, rituals or books, temples or forms, are but secondary details."
- Swami Vivekananda
History
Ramakrishna Vedanta Ashrama, Pittsburgh (RVAP) wa
s inaugurated on September 20, 2009 and by Revered Swami Swahananda, the minister-in-charge of the Vedanta Center of Southern California and a senior monk of the Ramakrishna Order. Mission
Ramakrishna Vedanta Ashrama Pittsburgh’s mission is to promote and disseminate the philosophy of Vedanta in both theoretical and practical aspects as taught in modern times by Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda. The ashrama helps people progress in their individual spiritual journeys. It also fosters unity among all human beings and service to god in human form. Summary
Apart from regular classes and discussion groups on philosophical topics and meditation, the ashrama also arranges for talks, classes, spiritual retreats, and general spiritual guidance by learned monks of the Ramakrishna Order. Some of the Swamis who have visited the ashrama include – Swami Swahananda (Southern California), Swami Bhaskarananda (Seattle), Swami Brahmarupananda (Washington DC), Swami Atmajnanananda (Washington DC) and Swami Baneshananda (Germany). Yearly formal celebrations include the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda and the anniversary of the inauguration of the ashrama. Facilities
The shrine and the adjacent room provide opportunity for meditation, with an additional reading room / classroom downstairs. The library and book-store carry a collection of most of the common texts on Vedanta and lives and teachings of the Holy Trio and the monks of the RK Order and audio CDs of lectures given at the ashrama by the monks. REGULAR EVENTS AT THE ASHRAMA:
Reading and Discussion of Gita: Tuesdays, 7:00 - 9:45 pm
Vedanta Discussion Group (in English) - First and Third Saturdays, 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Vedanta Discussion Group for Children (in English) - First and Third Sundays, 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Vedanta Discussion Group (in Bangla) - Second Sundays, 3:30-5:00 pm
ASHRAMA HOURS:
Tuesdays - 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Saturdays - 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Sundays - 5:00 - 6:30 pm
