Ramakrishna Mission

Ramakrishna Mission is a Hindu monastic organization founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1886, with the aim of spreading the teachings of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and serving humanity. The mission is headquartered at Belur Math in West Bengal, India, and has branches in various parts of the world, including United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The mission is known for its emphasis on Vedanta philosophy and its commitment to social service, as inspired by the lives of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Sarada Devi. The mission has been influenced by the works of Swami Brahmananda, Swami Shivananda, and other prominent Swamis.

History

The history of the mission dates back to the late 19th century, when Swami Vivekananda returned to India after attending the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago. He was inspired by the teachings of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and decided to establish an organization to spread his message. The mission was formally established in 1886, with the help of Sarada Devi and other disciples of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. The early years of the mission were marked by the establishment of the Baranagar Math in Calcutta, which served as the first monastery of the organization. The mission later moved to Alambazar Math and finally to Belur Math, which has remained its headquarters since then. The mission has been associated with prominent figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, and Jawaharlal Nehru, who have visited and supported the organization.

Philosophy

The philosophy of the mission is based on the teachings of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Vedanta. The mission emphasizes the importance of Self-realization and the attainment of Moksha through the practice of Yoga and Meditation. The mission also stresses the importance of serving humanity, as embodied in the concept of Karma Yoga. The philosophy of the mission has been influenced by the works of Adi Shankara, Ramanuja, and other prominent Hindu philosophers. The mission has also been associated with the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, and other Hindu scriptures. The mission's philosophy has been interpreted and explained by prominent Swamis such as Swami Vivekananda, Swami Brahmananda, and Swami Shivananda, who have written extensively on the subject.

Organization

The organization of the mission is based on a monastic system, with Swamis and Brahmacharins living and working together in Maths and Ashrams. The mission is headed by a President, who is elected by the Governing Body of the organization. The mission has a number of departments and centers, including the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, the Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira, and the Ramakrishna Mission Home of Service. The mission also has a number of publications, including the Prabuddha Bharata and the Vedanta Kesari, which are dedicated to the dissemination of Vedanta philosophy and the activities of the mission. The mission has been associated with prominent institutions such as the University of Calcutta, the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, and the Indian Statistical Institute.

Activities

The activities of the mission are diverse and include education, healthcare, and social service. The mission runs a number of schools and colleges, including the Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira and the Ramakrishna Mission Residential College. The mission also has a number of hospitals and dispensaries, including the Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan and the Ramakrishna Mission Home of Service. The mission is also involved in various social service activities, including disaster relief and rural development. The mission has been associated with prominent organizations such as the Red Cross, the United Nations Children's Fund, and the World Health Organization. The mission has also been involved in various cultural activities, including the promotion of Indian classical music and Indian classical dance.

Influence

The influence of the mission can be seen in various fields, including education, healthcare, and social service. The mission has been instrumental in promoting Vedanta philosophy and Hindu culture, both in India and abroad. The mission has also been associated with prominent figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, and Jawaharlal Nehru, who have been influenced by its teachings. The mission has also been involved in various international activities, including the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations. The mission has been recognized for its contributions to humanitarian work and has received awards such as the Indian Independence Act and the Padma Shri. The mission continues to be an important organization in India and abroad, and its influence can be seen in various fields, including education, healthcare, and social service. The mission has also been associated with prominent events such as the Indian Independence Movement and the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Category:Ramakrishna Mission