Vedanta Society of Ottawa
ABOUT US
The Vedanta Society of Ottawa (formerly named as Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Vedanta Centre of Ottawa) was founded in 2015 under the leadership and guidance of Rev. Swami Kripamayananda, a monk of the Ramakrishna Order who is the president and head of the Vedanta Society of Toronto. Vedānta provides the foundational truth of oneness underlying all religions and cultures and thus promotes harmony and understanding among them on the surface. The centre is inspired by the vision and message of universal harmony delivered by Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda, and Ma Sarada Devi. The centre has maintained a philosophical link with the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Kolkata, WB, India and Vedanta Society of Toronto, ON, Canada. The Temple was consecrated on May 23rd, 2024; the original structure of which was built in 1863, the same year Swami Vivekananda was born. We welcome all devotees to join us for regular sessions and various events that we organize throughout the year.
Address:
192 Shirreff Street,
Ottawa, ON K0A 1X0
Regular Services:
Saturday Service hours: 11:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
Temple regular hours: Saturday 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
OUR INSPIRATION
ANCIENT WISDOM MEETS MODERN LIFE
"The winds of grace are always blowing, but you have to raise the sail."
- Sri Ramakrishna
___
1 / 8
Belur Math: Spiritual Headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Mission
2 / 8
Belur Math: Spiritual Headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Mission
3 / 8
Belur Math: Spiritual Headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Mission
4 / 8
Belur Math: Spiritual Headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Mission
5 / 8
Belur Math: Spiritual Headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Mission
6 / 8
Belur Math: Spiritual Headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Mission
7 / 8
Dakshineshwar Temple: The Kali Temple at Dakshinewar, right on the opposite side of the Ganges river as Belur Math.
8 / 8
Dakshineshwar Temple: The Kali Temple at Dakshinewar, right on the opposite side of the Ganges river as Belur Math.
Vedanta is one of the world’s most ancient spiritual philosophies and one of its broadest, based on the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of India. It is the philosophical foundation of Hinduism; but while Hinduism includes aspects of Indian culture, Vedanta is universal in its application and is equally relevant to all countries, all cultures, and all religious backgrounds.
Vedanta asserts that the goal of life is to realize and to manifest our own divinity. This divinity is our real nature, and the realization of it is our birthright. We are moving towards this goal as we grow with knowledge and life experiences. It is inevitable that we will eventually, either in this or in future lives, discover that the greatest truth of our existence is our own divine nature.
RAMAKRISHNA MATH AND MISSION
The Ramakrishna Order, with headquarters in Kolkata, is one of the largest and most respected religious orders in India today. The Order was inspired by the great Bengali saint, Sri Ramakrishna. Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission are worldwide, non-political, non-sectarian spiritual organizations which have been engaged in various forms of humanitarian, social service activities for more than a century. Inspired by the ideals of renunciation and service, the monks and lay devotees of the Math and Mission serve millions of men, women and children, without any distinction of caste, religion or race, because they see the living God in them.
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 centres 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.”
The ideology of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission consists of the eternal principles of Vedanta as lived and experienced by Sri Ramakrishna and expounded by Swami Vivekananda. This ideology has three characteristics: it is modern in the sense that the ancient principles of Vedanta have been expressed in the modern idiom; it is universal, that is, it is meant for the whole humanity; it is practical in the sense that its principles can be applied in day-to-day life to solve the problems of life.
BELUR MATH
The heart of Ramakrishna Movement
The emblem of the Ramakrishna Order designed by Swamiji is a unique and unparalleled work of art created by one of the richest minds in contemporary history in an exalted mood of spiritual inspiration. It is a profound symbol of harmony and synthesis for reverential meditation in this present age of conflict and disharmony. This symbol is the epitome of Swamiji’s message of harmony and synthesis, leading to life’s fulfilment. This is indeed the most eloquent expression of what he really preached, what he wanted every man and woman to be, to realize, either in the East or in the West.