We are inspired by the life and teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Holy Mother Sarada. Swami Vivekananda, the most well-known disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, traveled all over the USA and Europe communicating his Guru’s message of Universal Love and Harmony among diverse Faiths
Our activities in Thailand have the blessings of Ramakrishna Math at Belur and Ramakrishna Math and Mission Singapore . 123
Our Inspiration-Belur Math
Belur Ashrama is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, founded in January 1897 by Swami Vivekananda, the chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. It is located in Belur, West Bengal, India on the west bank of the Hooghly River. The temple is the heart of the Ramakrishna movement. It is notable for its architecture, which fuses Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist, and Christian art and motifs as a symbol of unity for all religions.
The Belur Math conducts medical service, education, work for women, rural uplift and work among the laboring and backward classes, relief, spiritual and cultural activities. The center also celebrates the annual birthdays of Ramakrishna, Vivekananda, Sarada Devi, and other monastic disciples of Ramakrishna. The annual celebrations of Kumari Puja and Durga Puja are among the main attractions. The tradition of Kumari puja was started by Vivekananda in 1901.
The Ramakrishna Order
The Emblem
The emblem of the Ramakrishna Order (Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission), designed by Swami Vivekananda, is a remarkable work of art, created by one of the greatest minds in contemporary history. It serves as a profound symbol of harmony and synthesis, meant for reverential meditation in this age of conflict and disharmony. Swami Vivekananda explained the meaning of the emblem in his own words:
“The wavy waters in the picture symbolize Karma, the lotus represents Bhakti, and the rising sun signifies Jnana. The encircling serpent denotes Yoga and the awakened Kundalini Shakti, while the swan stands for Paramatman. Thus, the ideal conveyed by the emblem is that through the union of Karma, Jnana, Bhakti, and Yoga, one attains the vision of Paramatman.”
The Emblem
Sri Ramakrishna
Sri Ramakrishna (1836–1886) is a figure from recent history who proved beyond doubt the reality of God and validated the timeless teachings of all prophets and saviors. He restored the crumbling edifice of religion on a firm foundation, breathing new life into ancient spiritual doctrines. Even the universal truths of Vedanta might not have achieved global relevance without Sri Ramakrishna. His greatest contribution to the modern world is his message of the harmony of religions. To him, all religions are revelations of God, each reflecting a different aspect of the divine to meet the varied needs of human minds. His teachings held no concept of "Our God is the only true God, all other gods are false." He believed that if one religious approach to God is true, all such approaches are true; if one is false, all are false.
Mahatma Gandhi once said:
“The story of Ramakrishna Paramahansa’s life is the story of religion in practice. His life enables us to see God face to face. No one can read his life story without being convinced that God alone is real, and all else is an illusion. Ramakrishna was a living embodiment of godliness. In this age of skepticism, Ramakrishna presents an example of a bright and living faith, which brings solace to thousands of men and women who would otherwise have remained without spiritual light.”
Sri Ramakrishna
Sarada Devi
Wedded to Sri Ramakrishna in the strict spiritual sense, Sarada Devi was the epitome of spirituality in practice. Though she lived a household life, she led a life that transcended worldly concerns. She was instrumental in the creation of an independent organization for nuns, free from male domination, which bears her name: Sri Sarada Math. She was also the first woman to play a key role in founding the Ramakrishna Order for monks. Her life, while seemingly ordinary, demonstrated how an ordinary existence can be transformed into something extraordinary and sublime. After Sri Ramakrishna's passing, she inspired countless spiritual seekers, guiding them to overcome the sufferings of life. Today, millions revere her as the incarnation of Divine Power (Shakti).
Sarada Devi once said:“I am the mother of the righteous, and I am the mother of the wicked as well. Never fear. Whenever you are in distress, just say to yourself, ‘I have a mother.’”
Sarada Devi
Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda, born in Kolkata on January 12, 1863, was the chief disciple of Sri Ramakrishna. Eager to discover whether God was real, he sought guidance from Sri Ramakrishna, asking him directly, “Sir, have you seen God?” Sri Ramakrishna’s reply was both challenging and inspiring: “Yes, I have seen God as I see you, only more intensely.” He further added, “If you try, you too can see Him.”
Swami Vivekananda believed that religion is a verified and verifiable science if one dares to test it. After exploring this truth, he famously stated, “He is an atheist who does not believe in himself.” He is well known for his inspiring speeches at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893 and his teachings in both the East and West. He later formally established the Ramakrishna Order of Monks.
Swami Vivekananda
Message from Swami Baneshannda, the Minister in charge of Vedantagesselchaft Berlin
Swami Vivekananda – Our Guiding Light
Swami Vivekananda’s landmark speech at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893 brought the teachings of Vedanta to the West, making a lasting impact on spiritual thought in both the USA and Europe. In 1897, he founded the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission, dedicated to the upliftment of humanity. The Math trains monastics who renounce worldly life and serve humanity, while the Mission serves society through education, healthcare, disaster relief, and spiritual guidance.
The motto of these organizations, “Atmano Mokshartham Jagat Hitaya Cha”, translates to “For one’s liberation and the good of the world.” This reflects the integration of personal spiritual growth with the service of others, echoing Swami Vivekananda’s belief in “Shiva Jnane Jiva Seva”—serving humanity as a manifestation of God.
Swami Vivekananda also championed the upliftment of women, viewing them as embodiments of Shakti, the Divine Mother. He believed that the empowerment and education of women were crucial to India’s progress. His legacy continues to inspire, and in 1954, eight nuns founded a women’s monastic order dedicated to this vision, following his call for “Serving God in Man.”