Ramakrishna Vedanta Society of North Texas
119-125 W. Scotland Drive, Irving, TX 75062 Phone: 972-252-4673 (HOPE)

Inauguration

The 2014-2015 building project's objective was to establish a beautiful Vedanta Center Complex, approved and recognized by the City of Irving. (For details and photos of the building project timeline, please click here). It was successfully completed, and the Vivekananda Congregation Hall was inaugurated on April 18-19, 2016 with a grand celebration. Three guest swamis, eight interfaith representatives, and the Mayor of Irving participated in the program, which was inspirational and enjoyed by all.

Unveiling of the Shrine Photos and Worship in Vivekananda Hall

The Vedanta Center Complex provides a sanctuary and sufficient meeting space for spiritual talks, classes, retreats, workshops, special worships and cultural programs, as well as adequate parking for attendees.

Front Entrance of the Vedanta Complex and Garden Sanctuary

Description

The Vedanta Center structure at 125 W. Scotland Drive is a one-story 3030 SF building, including a 500 SF covered veranda and 19 parking spaces. The new building is in a residential area, and faces the 119 W. Scotland Drive monastery and garden to form the Vedanta Center Complex and sanctuary.

Funding

Funding for the building construction was provided by generous donations from devotees and friends. Now in 2016 additional funds are required for the continued operation of the Vedanta Society and Center to complete the necessary projects listed below.

Please use the Donation Form to contribute to Ramakrsihna Vedanta Society of North Texas

Foundation

The Ramakrishna Vedanta Society of North Texas was founded in 2006, inspired and supported by Revered Swami Swahananda, who was the Minister-in-charge of the Vedanta Society of Southern California (VSSC). The Center operates under the aegis of the VSSC, which is a part of the Ramakrishna Mission of India. Our current Chairman is Revered Swami Sarvadevananda of the VSSC, and our spiritual advisor is Swami Ishtananda of the Vedanta Center of St. Petersburg, Florida. Since 2008 the Resident Minister is Pravrajika Brahmaprana from the Convent at the VSSC.

The roots of Vedanta in America go back to the late 19th century when Swami Vivekananda visited the US as the Hindu delegate to the first World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago. The Swami created such a stir at the Parliament that he was invited to lecture on Vedanta throughout America, met some of the great American minds of his time, and began to establish Vedanta Centers. Today the Smithsonian Institution recognizes Vivekananda as one of America's 29 most eminent foreign visitors, for having "left an indelible mark on America's spiritual development."

Vedanta is one of the world's oldest religious philosophies and is the foundation of the Sanatana Dharma but is universal in its application, being equally relevant to all countries, cultures, and religious backgrounds. Vedanta affirms the oneness of existence, the divinity of the Soul, and the harmony of religions. Swami Vivekananda emphasized the practical nature of Vedanta and that it should address individual spiritual progress accompanied by a broader social advancement. He also emphasized the universality of these principles and their applicability to humanity in general. Currently, there are many Vedanta centers in the United States, including those in Boston, Providence, New York City, Washington DC, Chicago, Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, Saint Louis, Sacramento, Berkeley, and San Francisco.

Contact

Ranjana Chopra, President of the Ramakrishna Vedanta Society of North Texas - ranjanachopra66@gmail.com (m) 310-463-0105