On Monday, May 26, 2025, the Vedanta Society of Northern California marked its 125th anniversary with a special Annual Spiritual Celebration at the Vedanta Retreat in Olema, Marin County. This event, held under a large tent to accommodate the hundreds of attendees, was part of a year-long series running from April 2025 through April 2026, commemorating the Society’s founding by Swami Vivekananda in San Francisco in 1900. About 800 devotees from different parts of the United States attended the programme, along with 12 monks and 15 nuns from the Vedanta Society and North Texas.
The event brought together a vibrant community for a day of spiritual enrichment, featuring inspiring talks, discussions by devotees on how the teachings of Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi inspired their lives, meditation, chanting, devotional music, and reflections on the enduring legacy of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda, and the Vedanta tradition that Swamiji established in San Francisco.
A special attraction this year was an extensive photo exhibition showcasing the origins of the centre, along with the history and development of the Vedanta Societies of Berkeley and Sacramento—formerly branch centres of the San Francisco Vedanta Society.
Esteemed speakers included Swami Chetanananda, Swami Shantatmananda, Swami Atmarupananda, Pravrajika Brahmaprana, and Swami Tattwamayananda. Attendees enjoyed the serene retreat atmosphere, as well as a delicious lunch and light supper.
Event Overview
The celebration featured a full-day programme rich in spiritual teachings, meditation, and devotional music, reflecting the Society’s commitment to universal spiritual values and the harmony of all religions. The event drew devotees, seekers, and members of the Ramakrishna Order from across the United States and beyond.
Morning Session
- 10:00 AM: The program began with an invocation by Dr. Radha Ivaturi, followed by a period of meditation.
- 10:30 AM – 12:45 PM:
- Swami Prapannananda (Vedanta Society of Sacramento) delivered the welcome address.
- Talks:
- Swami Tattwamayananda (Vedanta Society of Northern California) presented “Swami Vivekananda and Vedanta in the Bay Area: A Retrospective View of 125 Years,” reflecting on Swami Vivekananda’s enduring legacy and the spiritual growth of the community.
- Swami Chetanananda (Vedanta Society of St. Louis) spoke on “How Ramakrishna’s Message Encircled the Globe,” emphasizing the worldwide relevance and appeal of Sri Ramakrishna’s universal message.
- Pravrajika Brahmaprana (Ramakrishna Vedanta Society of North Texas) addressed “Women Pioneers of the Vedanta Movement in Northern California,” honoring early American women’s contributions to the movement.
Afternoon Session
- 12:45 – 1:45 PM: Lunch was served, offering attendees a chance to connect and reflect.
- 2:00 – 4:30 PM:
- Meditation: A guided meditation session fostered inner peace and reflection.
- Devotional Music: The Vedanta Society of Northern California Bhajan Group performed, followed by Vedic chanting.
- Talks:
- Swami Atmarupananda (Centre Vedantique Ramakrishna, Gretz, France) spoke on “Vedanta: A Blueprint for a Meaningful Life,” emphasizing Vedanta’s practical application in daily life.
- Swami Shantatmananda (Ramakrishna Mission, Gurugram, India) discussed “Vedanta and the Harmony of Religions according to Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda,” highlighting the message of interfaith harmony.
- Special Musical Performance: The child prodigy Kailash Brumwell performed devotional music on the Divine Mother, guided by Bobby Coleman. This performance was a highlight of the event and deeply appreciated by the audience.
- Vote of Thanks: Swami Vedananda expressed gratitude to all the participants.
- 4:30 PM: The program concluded with a light supper.
Significance and Impact
This event underscored the Society’s ongoing mission to promote spiritual growth, interfaith harmony, and the universal message of Vedanta. Presentations by six monastic members of the Ramakrishna tradition reflected the depth and immediacy of the teachings brought by Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda, ensuring their vision remains vibrant and relevant.
The 125th Anniversary celebration of the San Francisco Vedanta Society at Olema on Memorial Day was a fitting tribute to 125 years of Vedanta in Northern California, inspiring attendees with timeless wisdom and a renewed sense of purpose for the year ahead.
