About Us
Ramakrishna Vedanta Association of Thailand (RVAT)is an inclusive spiritual community dedicated to bringing humanity the eternal message of Vedanta without discriminating based on caste, culture, gender, language, nationality, or religion.
We are based in Bangkok and guided by monks of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission worldwide. Through personal interviews, talks, lectures, seminars, interfaith meetings, spiritual retreats, and religious celebrations, we aim to translate into action Swami Vivekananda's lofty philosophy—to make people aware of their inner divinity and help them manifest it in every moment of life.
Though not officially affiliated with the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, the Ramakrishna Vedanta Association of Thailand (RVAT) has been a registered not-for-profit Association with the Ministry of Interior Royal Thai government since November 2013.
RVAT drew inspiration from Swami Damodarananda, a senior monk of the Ramakrishna Order when he stayed in Bangkok for a prolonged period in 2004. The Association is currently overseen by Swami Samachittananda, the spiritual head of the Ramakrishna Math in Singapore.
Our Mentors
Swami Damodaranandaji (Shrinivas Maharaj)
Swami Damodaranandaji (Shrinivas Maharaj), was initiated into the Order of RK Mission in 1940. Meticulous in his monastic routine, he endeared himself to all by his cheerful and sweet nature. He was preaching Vedanta in Australia, New Zealand, and Thailand between 2004-2011. As a senior monk of the Ramakrishna Order, he stayed in Bangko for a prolonged period in 2004 and guided RVAT.
Swami Samachittanandaji Maharaj
Swami Samachittanandaji Maharaj is the esteemed President of the Ramakrishna Mission in Singapore. Renowned for his profound spiritual insights, he delivers enlightening discourses on sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita. His teachings emphasize the practical application of spirituality in daily life, fostering inner peace and self-realization.
Surendra Nath Mitra (1850-1890)
Ram [Chandra Datta] had been visiting the Master at Dakshineswar for some time, and, wanting to help Surendra, he asked him many times to accompany him. ... After much persuasion Surendra finally said: “Allright, I shall go. But if that holy man of yours is a fake, I shall twist his ears.” Such was the attitude with which Surendra approached Sri Ramakrishna.
It was probably in the middle of 1880 when Surendra first went to Dakshineswar with Ram and Manomohan. That day the Master’s room was full of devotees. Surendra was determined to preserve his critical attitude, so he sat down without showing any sign of respect to Sri Ramakrishna. The Master was saying: “Why does a man behave like a young monkey and not like a kitten? The monkey has to cling to its mother by its own efforts as she moves around. But the kitten just goes on mewing until its mother comes and picks it up by the scruff of its neck. The young monkey sometimes loses its hold on its mother; then it falls and is badly hurt. But the kitten is in no such danger, because the mother herself carries it from place to place. That’s the difference between trying to do things for yourself and giving yourself up to the will of God.”
The Master’s words made a deep impression on Surendra, and this meeting became a turning point in his life. “I behave like the young monkey,” he thought, “and that’s the cause of all my troubles. From now on I’ll be satisfied with any condition the Divine Mother puts me in.” He then felt great relief and inner strength. When he was about to leave, the Master said to him, “Be sure to come again.” Surendra had by this time been humbled, and he willingly bowed down to the Master. On the way home he said to his companions: “Ah, how he turned the tables on me! It was he who twisted my ears! How could I have dreamed that there could be such a man? He read my innermost thoughts. Now at last I feel that my life has some meaning.”
They Lived with God, Life Stories of Some Devotees of Sri Ramakrishna, by Swami Chetanananda
Chapter 8 Surendra Nath Mitra, p 127
MONKS WHO HAVE ENLIGHTENED OUR MEMBERS WITH THEIR TEACHINGS
Swami Bodhasarananda
Swami Samachittananda
Swami Baneshananda
Swami Shantatmananda
Swami Atmapriyananda
Swami Medhananda
Swami Vimokshananda
Swami Atmarupananda
Our Services & Activities
RVAT is involved in many services and charitable activities in alignment with the teachings of Swami Vivekananda like the devotees of the Ramakrishna Vedanta Association volunteer for children's education & welfare, health services through organizing camps, flood relief initiatives, distribution of food and other items to the homeless and organizing discourses for the propagation of Vedantic knowledge for enriching life. If you would like to participate in this activity or many other service activities, kindly contact us.
Service rendered at Nakhon Chaisi Mother’s Home
On the occasion of Sarada Maa’s Birthday in December, Every year RVAT organizes a trip to visit the mother's home in Nakhornchaisi.
When the community was in distress due to Covid RVAT reached out to provide Hygiene hampers and ration bags to those in need.
Boonchoo Home for Children Sattahip
An afternoon with children at this caring facility.
What people say
"The Ramakrishna Vedanta Association of Thailand beautifully embodies the spirit of Swami Vivekananda’s message. It is heartening to see how the community here seeks to bring the eternal wisdom of Vedanta to all, embracing diversity with compassion and love."
Swami Samachittananda