Vedanta Society Newsletter
Valley Interfaith Council Honors the Vedanta Society

THE IMPACT OF THE VEDANTA SOCIETY'S WORK IN INTERFAITH RELATIONS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Vedanta’s work in the Western world began when Swami Vivekananda, a Hindu monk, spoke at the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893 — the first time interfaith representatives had gathered on such a grand scale. Six years later, in December of 1899, Vivekananda came to Southern California and was welcomed by some of the leading citizens of Los Angeles and Pasadena. Within a matter of days they had helped him organize a series of lectures. As he spoke to various audiences about Vedanta teachings, Vivekananda became a pioneer in interfaith relations in the Los Angeles area.

Vivekananda later returned to India to supervise the growth of the Ramakrishna Mission, honoring his commitment to his guru, Sri Ramakrishna. The Mission now assists millions of hungry and needy people and educates over 100,000 students every year in India. Because Ramakrishna practiced and taught the principle that each faith tradition is a different path to reach the One God, the Ramakrishna Mission has always been active in interfaith work.

For nearly 110 years, the wisdom of Vivekananda and the swamis who followed him has resonated throughout Southern California. The Vedanta Society of Southern California was founded in 1930, and now has five Southern California centers. Free classes, lectures, and meditation instruction are offered at each center, and our monks and nuns often give talks at local schools, universities and churches. Two of our swamis are directors of the Hindu Student Council at USC, bringing them into contact with other interfaith groups on campus. One of these swamis is also the current President of the University Religious Conference at UCLA.

Through the Interreligious Council of Southern California, the South Coast Interfaith Council, the San Diego Inter-religious Council, and organizations in Santa Barbara and other locations, the Vedanta Society’s representatives cooperate with many other traditions to bring harmony, love, respect and honor to all religious paths. The Society often assists in planning and producing conferences, celebrations and official public events, such as the 1984 Olympic organizing effort for attendees, and the Bicentennial celebrations for Los Angeles and the United States.

Close friendships with other faith traditions have emerged through these and other contacts. This has led to greater understanding of these traditions, and allowed the Vedanta Society to play a key role in raising their awareness of Hindu/Vedanta teachings. Currently, the Society participates in formal interfaith dialogue with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles and with the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. The Hindu-Catholic group holds a daylong conference each year inviting the public to talks and discussions on a variety of topics. The Hindu-Episcopal group recently cooperated to celebrate an Indian Rite Mass, In Reconciliation and Peace, at St. John’s Cathedral.

A local sister organization, the Vedanta International Cultural Center, recently began a series of gatherings centered on international cultural harmony. Their aim is to make people aware of the richness of different cultures all over the world, and of the need for intercultural appreciation and understanding.

About Us | Online Lectures | Online Vespers | Links | Sitemap | Contact Us

© 2008. Vedanta Society of Southern California. All Rights Reserved.