Vedanta is philosophical base of Hinduism

By Mary Kaye Ritz
Advertiser Staff Writer

• Name of religious organization: Vedanta Society

Swami Bhaskarananda, a guiding Vedanta leader who is based in Seattle, typically spends a month each summer in Honolulu. Advertiser library photo • July 3, 1997

• Where we are: Meets at the Richards Street YWCA on the last Sunday of every month.

• Our numbers: About 12-15 members of the society meet regularly.

• Our spiritual leader: C. Goplalakrishnan

• What we believe: "We are all on a pilgrimage returning to God, on various paths," said Merrill Conner, society spokesman. "Some are striving more than others to make progress. That goal may not be reached in this life, but reincarnation gives us plenty of time."

Progress on that pilgrimage comes through use of the four different yogas, or disciplines, he said, defining them as:

• Bhakta: love and devotion
• Karma: selfless works
• Raja: mastery over the mind
• Jnana: philosophy and speculation

According to its Web site (vedanta.org), Vedanta is a broad religious philosophy: "Based on the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of India, Vedanta affirms the oneness of existence, the divinity of the soul, and the harmony of religions.

"Vedanta is the philosophical foundation of Hinduism; but while Hinduism includes aspects of Indian culture, Vedanta is universal in its application and is equally relevant to all countries, all cultures, and all religious backgrounds."

The Web site also states: "Vedanta affirms that all religions teach the same basic truths about God, the world, and our relationship to one another. Thousands of years ago the Rig Veda declared: 'Truth is one, sages call it by various names.' The world's religions offer varying approaches to God, each one true and valid, each religion offering the world a unique and irreplaceable path to God-realization."

• Our history: Vedanta was founded by Ramakrishna, who was born in 1835. It was introduced in the United States in 1896 by Swami Vivekananda, a religious leader from India.

The Hawai'i branch started in 1953 by Eli Marozzi, the late art teacher and sculptor from Seattle.

Swami Bhaskarananda, the guiding swami from Seattle, comes here annually — usually in July, and usually for a month-long visit.

• What we're excited about: Memorial days commemorate the birth of different swamis. This month, they'll celebrate the birthday of Vivekananda.

• What's special about us: While many Eastern religions believe in reincarnation and karma, the Vedanta Society differs from other Hindu sects in that it has only one God, while others may have hundreds of gods and goddesses.

• Contact: Vedanta Society, 531-4389; or on the Web: vedanta.org

If you would like to recommend a faith organization for a Where We Worship profile, e-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com, call 525-8035 or write: Where We Worship, Faith Page, The Honolulu Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802.