Ramakrishna Order

Belur Math, headquarters of the global Ramakrishna Math and Mission near Calcutta, India

Named after the nineteenth century saint of India, Sri Ramakrishna (1836–1886), who is most well-known as the prophet of the harmony of all faiths, the Ramakrishna Order was started in 1886 near Calcutta by his foremost disciple, Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902). The Order now is composed of two sister organizations, the Ramakrishna Math (Monastery) and the Ramakrishna Mission, both of which have a common headquarters at Belur, about 4 miles from Calcutta. Currently there are approximately 2,000 centers throughout the world affiliated with the Ramakrishna Order. About 150 are run by resident swamis (monks) of the Ramakrishna Order, while the others are run by lay devotees. Following the two fold ideal set forth by Swami Vivekananda—viz. to strive for one's own spiritual enlightenment and to serve mankind looking upon each person irrespective of color, creed, or nationality as the veritable manifestation of God—the Ramakrishna Order not only has many temples, but also runs numerous hospitals, charitable clinics, schools and colleges. Vast relief operations of various kinds are also conducted, mainly in India and Bangladesh. The Order also administers rural development programs in India in the areas of agriculture, small-scale cottage industry, general education, health facilities, etc. The schools, colleges and hospitals administered by the Ramakrishna Mission are among the best in India.

Swami Vivekananda, the founder of the Order, was the first to preach the profound message of Hinduism to the Western World. As a delegate to the Parliament of Religions, held in Chicago in 1893, the Swami went to America and created a sensation by his wonderful oratory and magnetic spiritual personality. He traveled throughout America and Europe preaching the ancient message of Hinduism, which, however he would prefer to call Vedanta because the essence of Hinduism is contained in the ancient holy books of the Indo-Aryans called the Upanishads or Vedanta. The centers of the Ramakrishna Order in the West are therefore called Vedanta Centers or Vedanta Societies.

The Ramakrishna Order does not believe in conversion, nor does it indulge in the occult or the sensational. The Order places utmost importance on personal spiritual unfoldment and selfless service. Inspired by the idea of the harmony of all faiths, its centers encourage adherents of different faiths to meet in a spirit of friendship and mutual appreciation, and to learn from one another without having to give up one's own faith. In the words of Sri Ramakrishna: "God has made different religions to suit different aspirants, lives and countries ... all doctrines are only so many paths; but a path is by no means God Himself. Indeed one can reach God if one follows any of the paths with whole-hearted devotion."

EMBLEM: The emblem of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission, was designed by Swami Vivekananda. The wavy waters, the blossomed lotus, and the rising sun symbolize respectively, Karma (work), Bhakti (devotion), and Jnana (knowledge); the encircling serpent represents Yoga (the path of meditation) and the awakening of the Kundalini (the spiritual power latent in every individual); the swan represents the Paramatman (Supreme Self). The emblem thus signifies that there are various paths to the realization of God, and spiritual seekers may follow any one or more of these paths according to their temperament and inclination for their spiritual realization.

"In 1897, Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Math and Mission and framed its rules and regulations. He delineated the aims and ideals of the Ramakrishna Order, which are purely spiritual and humanitarian in nature. Property was purchased at Belur, across the river from Calcutta, which became the headquarters of the Order. There Vivekananda installed the relics of Sri Ramakrishna. 'The Master once told me,' said Vivekananda, ' "I will go and live wherever you take me, carrying me on your shoulder, be it under a tree or in the humblest cottage."' Two days before his passing away Vivekananda made this prophetic statement: 'The spiritual impact that has come here to Belur will last fifteen hundred years - and this will be a great university. Do not think I imagine it - I see it.' "