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Éire Vedanta Society

OUR HISTORY

Éire Vedanta Society

Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre

Éire Vedanta Society (Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre) Dublin, Ireland is a branch of the Ramakrishna Order of India, a worldwide non-political, non-sectarian , spiritual organisation which have been engaged in various forms of humanitarian, social service activities for more than a centuryThe Centre bases its teachings on the System of Vedanta, which combines both religion and philosophy, especially as propounded and practised by Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (1836-1886), his spiritual consort Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi (1853-1920) and his chief disciple Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902).

Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre, Dublin


BEGINNING

A small group of enthusiastic Irish people who were interested in the principles and practices of Vedanta and Yoga came together in Dublin, Ireland earlier in 2005. In 2006, revered Swami Purnananda by uniting this group of like minded enthusiasts officially founded the “ The Institute of United Cultures” . Under the spiritual guidance of Swami Purnananda, this group met weekly in private houses. 

Subsequently, a resolution was passed that, in the land of the birth of Sister Nivedita, if the Ramakrishna Math, a world-wide Institution that spearheads Vedanta Philosophy for humanity irrespective of race, religion, caste, culture, and language etc. accepts to affiliate this institute, we are grateful to do so.

Affiliation as branch of Ramakrishna Math

As the Divine would have it, post its affiliation in 2018, this institute evolved and blossomed into Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre. In June 2018, the Centre became an affiliated branch of the Ramakrishna Math, due to Divine grace on the one side and responses from devotees on the other. This not only tied us lovingly to Ireland but also introduced the previously unknown term Vedanta to the Irish Society.

Post its affiliation, Revered Swami Vimokshananda served as the first Minister-in-Charge of the society from June 2018 until November 2021. Swami Shantivratananda is presently the Minister in charge of the Centre.

The Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre at the "Nivedita House", maintains a Shrine, a Monastery, a Library, a Book Sale and conducts regular Classes & Lectures, spiritual counselling, Retreats and Music and Yoga courses.

Today, the centre is well received within the Irish society and deeply engaged in contributing to the development of Vedanta, interfaith activities, communal harmony, socio cultural and spiritual development of the Irish community in general. 

Swami Purnananda

Founder

Swami Purnananda blog link

Swami Vimokshananda

First Minister In-charge (2018-2021)

Swami Vimokshananda blog link

Swami Shantivratananda

Present Minister In-charge (2021 onwards)

Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre blog link

Our Objectives

Vedanta is the philosophy taught by the Vedas, the most ancient scriptures of India. Its basic teaching is that “every being is potentially divine”. The philosophy is based on the Upanishads, the ‘knowledge’ portion of the Vedas, that teaches that man’s real nature is divine and that the true object of human life is to unfold and manifest this divinity.


Meditation and Yoga are also integral part of every being's pursuit to realize the inner Self. Together, they help to channelize the human mind to a state of higher consciousness.

Vedanta, Meditation and Yoga are at the core of all the principles, practices and teachings of Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre in Ireland.

Under the adept guidance of the Ramakrishna Order, we meticulously conduct various activities aimed at spiritual upliftment and social welfare. The wisdom and inspiration drawn from Sri Ramakrishna and Vedanta form the cornerstone of our center's initiatives.

To spread the idea of the potential divinity of every being and how to manifest it through every action and thought.

To spread the idea of harmony of religions based on Sri Ramakrishna's experience that all religions lead to the realization of the same Reality known by different names in different religions.

To treat all work as worship and service to man as service to God. 

To develop a harmonious personality through the combined practice of Bhakti, Jnana, Karma and Raja Yoga.

Dissemination, education and enactment of the eternal message of Vedanta principles to humanity without discrimination of race, culture, gender, language, nationality, or religion.

The Society strives to create national awareness of Irish born Sister Nivedita (Margaret Elizabeth Noble) and to promote Her life and teachings in line with the above Vedantic principles.

The Centre bases its teachings on the System of Vedanta, which combines both religion and philosophy, especially as propounded and practised by Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (1836-1886), his spiritual consort Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi (1853-1920) and his chief disciple Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902).

Scope of Services

​​Study consists of reading or hearing, reflecting on and meditating on Vedanta texts; this is facilitated through study groups, workshops, retreats and consultations with competent teachers.

Practice consists of employing individual approaches and methodologies and recognising and serving the Divinity in others. Selfless service to others is facilitated through charitable works and monetary donations to selected educational and charitable organisations.

The service model attends to the practical needs of people in Ireland for mental and spiritual counselling & guidance, upliftment, as well as solutions to varying personal problems. 

Teaching & propagation consists of providing literature, talks and lectures, organising seminars, workshops and courses and engaging in constructive intercultural dialogue and inter-faith activities, spiritual retreats and religious celebrations.

When possible, the Éire Vedanta Society offers financial support to those locals in need and carries out a lot of social charitable work, in accordance with the Society's own financial ability.