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{{Short description|Religious organizational movement related to Indian | {{Short description|Religious organizational movement related to Indian spiritual guru Sri Ramakrishna paramhansa}} | ||
{{Other uses|RKM (disambiguation){{!}}RKM}} | |||
{{EngvarB|date=November 2017}} | {{EngvarB|date=November 2017}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}} | ||
{{Infobox organization | {{Infobox organization | ||
| name = Ramakrishna Mission | | name = Ramakrishna Mission | ||
| image = | | image = Emblem-Ramakrishna-Mission-Transparent.png | ||
| caption = [[#Emblem|Emblem]] | | image_size = 200px | ||
| motto =''[[Atmano mokshartham jagat hitaya cha]]'' ('' | | caption = [[#Emblem|Emblem]] | ||
| type = [[Religious organisation]] | | motto = ''[[Atmano mokshartham jagat hitaya cha]]'' ('For one's own salvation and for the welfare of the world') | ||
| status = [[Foundation (nonprofit)|Foundation]] | | type = [[Religious organisation]] | ||
| formation = {{start date and age|1897|05|01|df=yes}} <br> {{nowrap|[[Calcutta]], [[British Rule|British India]]}} | | status = [[Foundation (nonprofit)|Foundation]] | ||
| abbreviation = RKM | | formation = {{start date and age|1897|05|01|df=yes}} <br /> {{nowrap|[[Calcutta]], [[British Rule|British India]]}} | ||
| founder = [[Swami Vivekananda]] | | abbreviation = RKM | ||
| purpose = [[Educational]], [[Philanthropic]], [[Religious Studies]], [[Spirituality]] | | founder = [[Swami Vivekananda]] | ||
| coords = {{coord|22.37|N|88.21|E|display=inline,title}} | | purpose = [[Educational]], [[Philanthropic]], [[Religious Studies]], [[Spirituality]] | ||
| headquarters = [[Belur Math]], [[West Bengal]], [[India]] | | coords = {{coord|22.37|N|88.21|E|display=inline,title}} | ||
| leader_title = President | | headquarters = [[Belur Math]], [[West Bengal]], [[India]] | ||
| leader_name = [[Swami Smaranananda]] | | leader_title = President | ||
| main_organ = | | leader_name = [[Swami Smaranananda]] | ||
| affiliations = [[ | | main_organ = | ||
| membership = | | affiliations = [[Advaita Vedanta]] | ||
| location = [[#Branch Centres|205 Branch Centres]] | | membership = | ||
| area_served = Worldwide | | location = [[#Branch Centres|205 Branch Centres]] | ||
| website = {{URL|belurmath.org/}} | | area_served = Worldwide | ||
| website = {{URL|belurmath.org/}} | |||
}} | }} | ||
{{Advaita}} | {{Advaita}} | ||
{{ | {{Hinduism}} | ||
'''Ramakrishna Mission''' ('''RKM''') is a [[Hinduism|Hindu]] religious and spiritual organisation which forms the core of a worldwide spiritual movement known as the ''Ramakrishna Movement'' or the ''Vedanta Movement''.<ref name="Centre Védantique Ramakrishna 2011">{{cite web | title=The Ramakrishna Movement | website=Centre Védantique Ramakrishna | date=26 November 2011 | url=https://www.centre-vedantique.fr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=82&Itemid=117&lang=en | access-date=14 January 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702041407/http://www.centre-vedantique.fr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=82&Itemid=117&lang=en | archive-date=2 July 2017 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Ramakrishna Vedanta Society of North Carolina 2017">{{cite web | title=Ramakrishna Movement | website=Ramakrishna Vedanta Society of North Carolina | date=15 July 2017 | url=http://vedantanc.org/ramakrishna-movement | access-date=14 January 2018}}</ref> The mission is named after and inspired by the Indian | '''Ramakrishna Mission''' ('''RKM''') is a [[Hinduism|Hindu]] religious and spiritual organisation which forms the core of a worldwide spiritual movement known as the ''Ramakrishna Movement'' or the ''Vedanta Movement''.<ref name="Centre Védantique Ramakrishna 2011">{{cite web | title=The Ramakrishna Movement | website=Centre Védantique Ramakrishna | date=26 November 2011 | url=https://www.centre-vedantique.fr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=82&Itemid=117&lang=en | access-date=14 January 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702041407/http://www.centre-vedantique.fr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=82&Itemid=117&lang=en | archive-date=2 July 2017 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Ramakrishna Vedanta Society of North Carolina 2017">{{cite web | title=Ramakrishna Movement | website=Ramakrishna Vedanta Society of North Carolina | date=15 July 2017 | url=http://vedantanc.org/ramakrishna-movement | access-date=14 January 2018}}</ref> The mission is named after and inspired by the Indian spiritual Guru [[Ramakrishna|Ramakrishna Paramahamsa]]<ref name="Centre Védantique Ramakrishna 2011" /> and founded by Ramakrishna's chief disciple [[Swami Vivekananda]] on 1 May 1897.<ref name="Centre Védantique Ramakrishna 2011" /> The organisation mainly propagates the [[Hindu philosophy]] of [[Vedanta]]–[[Advaita Vedanta]] and four [[Yoga|yogic]] ideals– [[Jnana yoga|Jnana]], [[bhakti yoga|Bhakti]], [[Karma yoga|Karma]], and [[Rāja yoga|Raja yoga]].<ref name="belurmath1">{{Cite web|url=https://belurmath.org/ideology/|title=BELUR MATH : The Headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, India|last=Mission|first=Belur Math, The Headquarters of Ramakrishna Math & Ramakrishna|publisher=belurmath.org|access-date=25 July 2017}}</ref><ref name="Centre Védantique Ramakrishna 2011" /> | ||
Apart from religious and spiritual teaching, the organisation carries out extensive educational and philanthropic work in [[India]] and abroad. This aspect came to be a feature of many other [[Hinduism|Hindu]] movements.<ref>David Smith, "Religions in the Modern World", p.57</ref> The mission bases its work on the principles of [[karma yoga]], the principle of selfless work done with dedication to God.<ref name="Centre Védantique Ramakrishna 2011"/> The Ramakrishna Mission has centres around the world and publishes many important [[Hinduism|Hindu]] texts.<ref>David Smith, "Religions in the Modern World", p.58</ref> It is affiliated with the [[monastic]] organization. Vivekananda was greatly influenced by his guru (teacher) Ramakrishna. | Apart from religious and spiritual teaching, the organisation carries out extensive educational and philanthropic work in [[India]] and abroad. This aspect came to be a feature of many other [[Hinduism|Hindu]] movements.<ref>David Smith, "Religions in the Modern World", p. 57.</ref> The mission bases its work on the principles of [[karma yoga]], the principle of selfless work done with a dedication to God.<ref name="Centre Védantique Ramakrishna 2011"/> The Ramakrishna Mission has centres around the world and publishes many important [[Hinduism|Hindu]] texts.<ref>David Smith, "Religions in the Modern World", p. 58.</ref> It is affiliated with the [[monastic]] organization. [[Swami Vivekananda|Vivekananda]] was greatly influenced by his guru (teacher) [[Ramakrishna]]. | ||
== Overview == | == Overview == | ||
[[File:Universal Temple at Ramakrishna Mission, Chennai.jpg|thumb|Universal Temple at [[Sri Ramakrishna Math Chennai]]]] | [[File:Universal Temple at Ramakrishna Mission, Chennai.jpg|thumb|Universal Temple at [[Sri Ramakrishna Math Chennai]]]] | ||
The Math and the Mission are the two key organisations that direct the work of the socio-spiritual-religious Ramakrishna movement, influenced by 19th-century (1800-1900) saint [[Ramakrishna Paramahamsa]] and founded by his chief disciple [[Vivekananda]].<ref name="jack_xii" /> | The Math and the Mission are the two key organisations that direct the work of the socio-spiritual-religious Ramakrishna movement, influenced by 19th-century (1800-1900) saint [[Ramakrishna Paramahamsa]] and founded by his chief disciple [[Vivekananda]].<ref name="jack_xii" /> | ||
Also referred to as the [[Ramakrishna Order]], the Math is the movement's monastic organisation. Founded by | Also referred to as the [[Ramakrishna Order]], the Math is the movement's monastic organisation. Founded by [[Swami Vivekananda|Vivekananda]] in 1897, the Math primarily focuses on spiritual training and the propagation of the movement's teachings.<ref name="jack_xii" /> | ||
The Mission, founded by [[Swami Vivekananda|Vivekananda]] in 1897,<ref>Jeffery D. Long, ''Historical Dictionary of Hinduism'', p.247</ref> is a [[Humanitarianism|humanitarian]] and [[Spirituality|spiritual]] organisation which carries out medical, relief and educational programs. Both the organisations have headquarters at the [[Belur Math]]. The Mission acquired a [[legal status]] when it was registered in 1909 under Act XXI of 1860. Its management is vested in a Governing Body. Though the Mission with its branches is a distinct [[Legal person|legal entity]], it is closely related to the Math. The elected trustees of the Math also serve as Mission's Governing Body.<ref name="jack_xii">{{cite book |author=Carl T. Jackson |contribution=Preface |title=Vedanta for West |pages=xii–xiii}}</ref> [[Vedanta Society|Vedanta Societies]] comprise the American arm of the Movement and work more in purely spiritual field rather than social welfare.<ref name="jack_xii"/> | The Mission, founded by [[Swami Vivekananda|Vivekananda]] in 1897,<ref>Jeffery D. Long, ''Historical Dictionary of Hinduism'', p.247</ref> is a [[Humanitarianism|humanitarian]] and [[Spirituality|spiritual]] organisation which carries out medical, relief and educational programs. Both the organisations have headquarters at the [[Belur Math]]. The Mission acquired a [[legal status]] when it was registered in 1909 under Act XXI of 1860. Its management is vested in a Governing Body. Though the Mission with its branches is a distinct [[Legal person|legal entity]], it is closely related to the Math. The elected trustees of the Math also serve as Mission's Governing Body.<ref name="jack_xii">{{cite book |author=Carl T. Jackson |contribution=Preface |title=Vedanta for West |pages=xii–xiii}}</ref> [[Vedanta Society|Vedanta Societies]] comprise the American arm of the Movement and work more in purely spiritual field rather than social welfare.<ref name="jack_xii"/> | ||
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[[Ramakrishna|Ramakrishna Paramahamsa]] (1836–1886), regarded as a 19th-century mystic, was the inspirator of the [[Ramakrishna Order]] of monks<ref name="vedanta-west"/> and is regarded as the spiritual founder of the Ramakrishna Movement.<ref>Carl T. Jackson, ''Vedanta for the West'' p.16</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Sharma|first=Arvind|title=Neo-Hindu views of Christianity |publisher=Brill Publishers|year=1988|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=MM4UAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA69 69] |isbn=978-90-04-08791-0}}</ref> Ramakrishna was a priest in the [[Dakshineswar Kali Temple]] and attracted several monastic and householder disciples. [[Swami Vivekananda|Narendranath Dutta]], who later became [[Vivekananda]] was one of the chief monastic disciples. According to Vrajaprana, shortly before his death in 1886 Ramakrishna gave the ochre cloths to his young disciples, who were planning to become renunciates. Ramakrishna entrusted the care of these young boys to [[Swami Vivekananda|Vivekananda]]. After Ramakrishna's death, the young [[disciples of Ramakrishna]] gathered and practised spiritual disciplines. They took informal monastic vows on a night of 24 December 1886.<ref name="vedanta-west">{{cite book |last=Vrajaprana |first=Pravrajika |title=Living wisdom: Vedanta in the West |publisher=Vedanta Press |year=1994 |pages=[https://books.google.com/books?id=aWDuPEVKdCcC&pg=PA34 34]–36 | isbn=978-0-87481-055-4}}</ref> | [[Ramakrishna|Ramakrishna Paramahamsa]] (1836–1886), regarded as a 19th-century mystic, was the inspirator of the [[Ramakrishna Order]] of monks<ref name="vedanta-west"/> and is regarded as the spiritual founder of the Ramakrishna Movement.<ref>Carl T. Jackson, ''Vedanta for the West'' p.16</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Sharma|first=Arvind|title=Neo-Hindu views of Christianity |publisher=Brill Publishers|year=1988|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=MM4UAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA69 69] |isbn=978-90-04-08791-0}}</ref> Ramakrishna was a priest in the [[Dakshineswar Kali Temple]] and attracted several monastic and householder disciples. [[Swami Vivekananda|Narendranath Dutta]], who later became [[Vivekananda]] was one of the chief monastic disciples. According to Vrajaprana, shortly before his death in 1886 Ramakrishna gave the ochre cloths to his young disciples, who were planning to become renunciates. Ramakrishna entrusted the care of these young boys to [[Swami Vivekananda|Vivekananda]]. After Ramakrishna's death, the young [[disciples of Ramakrishna]] gathered and practised spiritual disciplines. They took informal monastic vows on a night of 24 December 1886.<ref name="vedanta-west">{{cite book |last=Vrajaprana |first=Pravrajika |title=Living wisdom: Vedanta in the West |publisher=Vedanta Press |year=1994 |pages=[https://books.google.com/books?id=aWDuPEVKdCcC&pg=PA34 34]–36 | isbn=978-0-87481-055-4}}</ref> | ||
After the death of Ramakrishna in 1886, the monastic disciples formed the first ''Math'' (monastery) at [[Baranagar|Baranagore]]. Later Vivekananda became a wandering monk and in 1893 he was a delegate at the 1893 [[Parliament of the World's Religions]]. His speech there, beginning with "Sisters and brothers of America" became famous and brought him widespread recognition. [[Vivekananda]] went on lecture tours and held private discourses on [[Hinduism]] and spirituality. He also founded the first Vedanta Society in the United States at New York. He returned to [[India]] in 1897 and founded the Ramakrishna Mission on 1 May 1897.<ref name="vedanta-west"/> Though he was a Hindu sadhu and was hailed as the first Hindu missionary in modern times, he exhorted his followers to be true to their faith but respect all religions of the world as his guru Ramakrishna had taught that all religions are pathways to God. One such example is his exhortion that ''one can be born in a church but he or she should not die in a church'' meaning that one should realise the spiritual truths for themselves and not stop at blindly believing in doctrines taught to them. The same year, famine relief was started at Sargachi by [[Swami Akhandananda]], a direct disciple of Ramakrishna. | After the death of Ramakrishna in 1886, the monastic disciples formed the first ''Math'' (monastery) at [[Baranagar|Baranagore]]. Later Vivekananda became a wandering monk and in 1893 he was a delegate at the 1893 [[Parliament of the World's Religions]]. His speech there, beginning with "Sisters and brothers of America" became famous and brought him widespread recognition. [[Vivekananda]] went on lecture tours and held private discourses on [[Hinduism]] and spirituality. He also founded the first Vedanta Society in the United States at New York. He returned to [[India]] in 1897 and founded the Ramakrishna Mission on 1 May 1897.<ref name="vedanta-west"/> Though he was a Hindu sadhu and was hailed as the first Hindu missionary in modern times, he exhorted his followers to be true to their faith but respect all religions of the world as his guru Ramakrishna had taught that all religions are pathways to God. One such example is his exhortion that ''one can be born in a church but he or she should not die in a church'' meaning that one should realise the spiritual truths for themselves and not stop at blindly believing in doctrines taught to them. The same year, famine relief was started at Sargachi by [[Swami Akhandananda]], a direct disciple of Ramakrishna. Swami Brahmananda, a direct disciple of Ramakrishna, was appointed as the first president of the Order. After the death of Vivekananda in 1902, [[Sarada Devi]], the spiritual counterpart of Ramakrishna, played an important role as the advisory head of a nascent monastic organisation. [[Gayatri Spivak]] writes that Sarada Devi "performed her role with tact and wisdom, always remaining in the background."<ref>{{cite book|last=Spivak|first=Gayatri Chakravorty | author-link=Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak|title=Other Asias|page=207|publisher=Wiley-Blackwell|year=2007}}</ref> | ||
== Administration == | == Administration == | ||
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==The motto and the principles== | ==The motto and the principles== | ||
The aims and ideals of the Mission are purely [[spirituality|spiritual]] and humanitarian and has no connection with politics.<ref>''The social role of the Gita: how and why'', p.77, p.80</ref> Vivekananda proclaimed "[[Renunciation]] and service" as the twofold national ideals of modern [[India]] and the work of the mission strives to practice and preach these.... .<ref name="agarwal_83">''The social role of the Gita: how and why'', p.83</ref> The service activities are based on the message of "Jiva is Shiva" from Ramakrishna and Vivekananda's message of "Daridra Narayana" to indicate that service to poor is service to God. The Principles of [[Upanishads]] and [[Yoga]] in [[Bhagavad Gita]] reinterpreted in the light of Ramakrishna's Life and Teachings is the main source of inspiration for the Mission.<ref name="agarwal_8-9">''The social role of the Gita: how and why'', pp.8–9</ref> The service activities are rendered, looking upon all as veritable manifestation of the Divine. The Motto of the organisation is ''Atmano Mokshartham Jagad-hitaya | The aims and ideals of the Mission are purely [[spirituality|spiritual]] and humanitarian and has no connection with politics.<ref>''The social role of the Gita: how and why'', p.77, p.80</ref> Vivekananda proclaimed "[[Renunciation]] and service" as the twofold national ideals of modern [[India]] and the work of the mission strives to practice and preach these.... .<ref name="agarwal_83">''The social role of the Gita: how and why'', p.83</ref> The service activities are based on the message of "Jiva is Shiva" from Ramakrishna and Vivekananda's message of "Daridra Narayana" to indicate that service to poor is service to God. The Principles of [[Upanishads]] and [[Yoga]] in [[Bhagavad Gita]] reinterpreted in the light of Ramakrishna's Life and Teachings is the main source of inspiration for the Mission.<ref name="agarwal_8-9">''The social role of the Gita: how and why'', pp.8–9</ref> The service activities are rendered, looking upon all as veritable manifestation of the Divine. The Motto of the organisation is ''Atmano Mokshartham Jagad-hitaya Chah''. Translated from [[Sanskrit]] आत्मनॊ मोक्षार्थम् जगद्धिताय च: it means ''For one's own salvation, and for the good of the world.''<ref>''The social role of the Gita: how and why?'', p.ix</ref> The ideology of Ramakrishna Math and mission is that universe arises and sustains in infinite pure [[consciousness]] or [[Brahman]]. Personification of Brahman, we get Ishvara or God of Religion (Like [[Vishnu]], [[Shiva]], [[Shakti]], [[Allah]], [[Jesus]]/[[Yahweh]]/[[Jehovah]], [[Waheguru]], etc.). Ramakrishna Mission teaches that God-Realization is the ultimate goal of life. Brahman is immanent in all beings as the [[Ātman (Hinduism)|Atman]] which is man's true self and source of all happiness. But owing to ignorance, he identifies himself with his body and mind and runs after sense pleasures. This is the cause of all evil and suffering. As ignorance is removed, the Atman manifests itself more and more. This manifestation of potential divinity is the essence of true religion. This can be realized by one of the 4 yogas or by all of them. Ramakrishna Mission also believes in Harmony of religions, means all religions lead to the same goal if followed properly.<ref>{{Cite web|last=donationsbm|title=Ideology|url=https://belurmath.org/ideology/|access-date=2021-06-03|website=Belur Math - Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission|language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
==Monastic Order== | ==Monastic Order== | ||
After the death of [[Ramakrishna]] in 1886, his young disciples organised themselves into a new [[monastic]] order. The original [[monastery]] at [[Baranagar]] known as [[Baranagar Math]] was subsequently moved to the nearby Alambazar area in 1892, then to Nilambar Mukherjee's Garden House, south of the present [[Belur Math]] in 1898 before finally being shifted in January 1899 to a newly acquired plot of land at [[Belur, West Bengal|Belur]] in [[Howrah district]] by [[Swami Vivekananda|Vivekananda]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sriramakrishna.org/belur.htm |title=History of Belur Math |publisher=SriRamakrishna.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913044932/http://www.sriramakrishna.org/belur.htm |archive-date=13 September 2008 |df=dmy }}</ref> This [[monastery]], known as the [[Belur Math]], serves as the Mother House for all the monks of the Order who live in the various branch centres of the Math and/or the Mission in different parts of [[India]] and the world. | After the death of [[Ramakrishna]] in 1886, his young disciples organised themselves into a new [[monastic]] order. The original [[monastery]] at [[Baranagar]] known as [[Baranagar Math]] was subsequently moved to the nearby Alambazar area in 1892, then to Nilambar Mukherjee's Garden House, south of the present [[Belur Math]] in 1898 before finally being shifted in January 1899 to a newly acquired plot of land at [[Belur, West Bengal|Belur]] in [[Howrah district]] by [[Swami Vivekananda|Vivekananda]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sriramakrishna.org/belur.htm |title=History of Belur Math |publisher=SriRamakrishna.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913044932/http://www.sriramakrishna.org/belur.htm |archive-date=13 September 2008 |df=dmy }}</ref> This [[monastery]], known as the [[Belur Math]], serves as the Mother House for all the monks of the Order who live in the various branch centres of the Math and/or the Mission in different parts of [[India]] and the world. | ||
All members of the Order undergo training and ordination (''[[Sannyasa]]'') at [[Belur Math]]. | All members of the Order undergo training and ordination (''[[Sannyasa]]'') at [[Belur Math]]. A candidate for monastic life is treated as a pre-probationer during the first year of his stay at any centre, and as a probationer during the next four years. At the end of this period he is ordained into celibacy (''[[Brahmacharya]]'') and is given certain vows (''Pratijna''), the most important of which are celibacy, [[renunciation]] and service. After a further period of four years, if found fit, he is ordained into (''[[Sannyasa]]'') and given the ochre (''[[gerua]]'') clothes to wear. | ||
==Attitude towards Politics== | ==Attitude towards Politics== | ||
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==Emblem== | ==Emblem== | ||
Designed and explained by [[Swami Vivekananda]] in his own words:<ref>{{cite book |last=Vivekananda |first=Swami |title=The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda |publisher=[[Advaita Ashrama]] |volume=7 |chapter=Conversations And Dialogues ~ XVI |chapter-url=http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Complete_Works_of_Swami_Vivekananda/Volume_7/Conversations_And_Dialogues/XVI}}</ref> | Designed and explained by [[Swami Vivekananda]] in his own words:<ref>{{cite book |last=Vivekananda |first=Swami |title=The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda |publisher=[[Advaita Ashrama]] |volume=7 |chapter=Conversations And Dialogues ~ XVI |chapter-url=http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Complete_Works_of_Swami_Vivekananda/Volume_7/Conversations_And_Dialogues/XVI}}</ref> | ||
:''The wavy waters in the picture are symbolic of Karma; the lotus, of Bhakti; and the rising-sun, of Jnana. The encircling serpent is indicative of [Raja] Yoga and the awakened Kundalini Shakti, while the swan in the picture stands for Paramatman (Supreme Self). Therefore, the idea of the picture is that by the union of Karma, Jnana, Bhakti and Yoga, the vision of Paramatman is obtained.'' | :''The wavy waters in the picture are symbolic of Karma; the lotus, of Bhakti; and the rising-sun, of Jnana. The encircling serpent is indicative of [Raja] Yoga and the awakened Kundalini Shakti, while the swan in the picture stands for [[Paramatman]] (Supreme Self). Therefore, the idea of the picture is that by the union of [[Karma]], Jnana, Bhakti and [[Yoga]], the vision of Paramatman is obtained.'' | ||
== Activities == | == Activities == | ||
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* Health care | * Health care | ||
* Cultural activities | * Cultural activities | ||
* Rural | * Rural upliftment | ||
* Tribal welfare | * Tribal welfare | ||
* Youth movement, Spiritual teachings, etc. | * Youth movement, Spiritual teachings, etc. | ||
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The mission has established many renowned educational institutions in [[India]], having its own university, colleges, vocational training centres, high schools and primary schools, teacher-training institutes, as well as schools for the visually handicapped.<ref name="vraja"/> It has also been involved in [[disaster relief]] operations during famine, epidemic, fire, flood, earthquake, cyclone and communal disturbances.<ref name="vraja"/> | The mission has established many renowned educational institutions in [[India]], having its own university, colleges, vocational training centres, high schools and primary schools, teacher-training institutes, as well as schools for the visually handicapped.<ref name="vraja"/> It has also been involved in [[disaster relief]] operations during famine, epidemic, fire, flood, earthquake, cyclone and communal disturbances.<ref name="vraja"/> | ||
The mission played an important role in the installation of [[photovoltaic]] (PV) lighting systems in the [[Sundarbans]] region of [[West Bengal]]. Due to the geographical features of the [[Sundarbans|Sunderbans]], it is very difficult to extend the grid network to supply power to its population. The PV lighting was used to provide electricity to the people who were traditionally depending on kerosene and diesel.<ref>{{cite book|doi= 10.1109/PVSC.2000.916197|last1=Stone |first1=J.L. |last2=Ullal |first2=H.S. |last3=Chaurey |first3=A. | The mission played an important role in the installation of [[photovoltaic]] (PV) lighting systems in the [[Sundarbans]] region of [[West Bengal]]. Due to the geographical features of the [[Sundarbans|Sunderbans]], it is very difficult to extend the grid network to supply power to its population. The PV lighting was used to provide electricity to the people who were traditionally depending on kerosene and diesel.<ref>{{cite book|doi= 10.1109/PVSC.2000.916197|last1=Stone |first1=J.L. |last2=Ullal |first2=H.S. |last3=Chaurey |first3=A. |last4=Bhatia |first4=P. |year=2000 |title=Ramakrishna Mission initiative impact study-a rural electrification project in West Bengal, India |work=Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, 2000. Conference Record of the Twenty-Eighth IEEE |publisher=[[IEEE]] |location=Anchorage, AK, USA |pages=1571–1574 |isbn=978-0-7803-5772-3|s2cid=118203518 }}</ref> | ||
=== Religious activities === | === Religious activities === | ||
The mission is a non-sectarian organisation<ref name="Mouton">{{cite journal |journal=Contributions to Indian Sociology |issn=0069-9659 |publisher=Mouton|year=1982|volume=16|page=127}}</ref><ref name="Klostermaier">{{cite book|last=Klostermaier|first=Klaus K.|author-link=Klaus Klostermaier |title=Hinduism: a short history|url=https://archive.org/details/hinduismshorthis0000klos|url-access=registration|publisher=Oneworld|year=2000|page=[https://archive.org/details/hinduismshorthis0000klos/page/271 271]}}</ref> and ignores caste distinctions.<ref>{{cite book|last=Oxtoby|first=Willard Gurdon |title=World religions: Eastern traditions|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=1996|page=77}}</ref> | The mission is a non-sectarian organisation<ref name="Mouton">{{cite journal |journal=Contributions to Indian Sociology |issn=0069-9659 |publisher=Mouton|year=1982|volume=16|page=127}}</ref><ref name="Klostermaier">{{cite book|last=Klostermaier|first=Klaus K.|author-link=Klaus Klostermaier |title=Hinduism: a short history|url=https://archive.org/details/hinduismshorthis0000klos|url-access=registration|publisher=Oneworld|year=2000|page=[https://archive.org/details/hinduismshorthis0000klos/page/271 271]|isbn=9781851682133 }}</ref> and ignores caste distinctions.<ref>{{cite book|last=Oxtoby|first=Willard Gurdon |title=World religions: Eastern traditions|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=1996|page=77}}</ref> | ||
Ramakrishna ''[[ashram]]a's'' religious activities include ''[[satsang]]'' and ''[[arati]]''. ''[[Satsang]]'' includes communal prayers, songs, rituals, discourses, reading and meditation. [[Aarti|Arati]] involves the ceremonial waving of lights before the images of a deity of holy person and is performed twice in a day.<ref name="Prozesky" /> | Ramakrishna ''[[ashram]]a's'' religious activities include ''[[satsang]]'' and ''[[arati]]''. ''[[Satsang]]'' includes communal prayers, songs, rituals, discourses, reading and meditation. [[Aarti|Arati]] involves the ceremonial waving of lights before the images of a deity of holy person and is performed twice in a day.<ref name="Prozesky" /> | ||
Ramakrishna ''ashramas'' observes major [[List of Hindu festivals|Hindu festivals]], including [[Maha Shivaratri|Maha Shivarathri]], [[Rama Navami]], [[Krishna Janmashtami|Krishna Ashtami]] and [[Durga Puja]]. They also give special place to the birthdays of [[Ramakrishna]], [[Sarada Devi]], [[Swami Vivekananda]] and other monastic disciples of [[Ramakrishna]].<ref name="Prozesky">{{cite book|last=Prozesky|first=Martin |author2=John De Gruchy |title=Living faiths in South Africa |publisher=C. Hurst & Co. Publishers |year=1995 |pages=195–196 |chapter=Hinduism |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b8-glmO65Y0C&pg=PA195 |isbn=978-1-85065-244-1}}</ref> 1 January is celebrated as [[Kalpataru Day]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2001/12/31/stories/2001123100080200.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031028063338/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2001/12/31/stories/2001123100080200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 October 2003 |title=The spiritual significance |last=Balakrishnan |first=S |date= 31 December 2001 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=1 October 2009}}</ref> | Ramakrishna ''ashramas'' observes major [[List of Hindu festivals|Hindu festivals]], including [[Maha Shivaratri|Maha Shivarathri]], [[Rama Navami]], [[Krishna Janmashtami|Krishna Ashtami]] and [[Durga Puja]]. They also give special place to the birthdays of [[Ramakrishna]], [[Sarada Devi]], [[Swami Vivekananda]] and other monastic disciples of [[Ramakrishna]].<ref name="Prozesky">{{cite book|last=Prozesky|first=Martin |author2=John De Gruchy |title=Living faiths in South Africa |publisher=C. Hurst & Co. Publishers |year=1995 |pages=195–196 |chapter=Hinduism |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b8-glmO65Y0C&pg=PA195 |isbn=978-1-85065-244-1}}</ref> 1 January is celebrated as [[Kalpataru Day]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2001/12/31/stories/2001123100080200.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031028063338/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2001/12/31/stories/2001123100080200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 October 2003 |title=The spiritual significance |last=Balakrishnan |first=S |date= 31 December 2001 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=1 October 2009}}</ref> | ||
The math and the mission are known for their religious tolerance and respect for other religions. Among the earliest rules laid down by [[Swami Vivekananda]] for them was, "''Due respect and reverence should be paid to all religions, all preachers, and to the deities worshiped in all religions''."<ref name="moses-jung"/> Acceptance and toleration of all religions is the one of ideals of Ramakrishna Math and Mission. Along with the major [[List of Hindu festivals|Hindu festivals]], Christmas Eve and [[Buddha]]'s Birthday are also devoutly observed.<ref name="Prozesky" /><ref name="moses-jung">{{cite book |last=Jung |first=Moses |author2=Herbert W. Schnieder | The math and the mission are known for their religious tolerance and respect for other religions. Among the earliest rules laid down by [[Swami Vivekananda]] for them was, "''Due respect and reverence should be paid to all religions, all preachers, and to the deities worshiped in all religions''."<ref name="moses-jung"/> Acceptance and toleration of all religions is the one of ideals of Ramakrishna Math and Mission. Along with the major [[List of Hindu festivals|Hindu festivals]], Christmas Eve and [[Gautama Buddha|Buddha]]'s Birthday are also devoutly observed.<ref name="Prozesky" /><ref name="moses-jung">{{cite book |last=Jung |first=Moses |author2=Herbert W. Schnieder |title=Relations among Religions today |publisher=[[Brill Publishers]] |pages=69–70 |chapter=Hinduism |year=1963 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8BAVAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA69}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090402/jsp/calcutta/story_10758025.jsp |title=Service in the name of God in every human|last=Ananda |date=2 April 2009 |work=The Telegraph |access-date=25 August 2009}}</ref> | ||
Cyril Veliath of [[Sophia University]] writes that the Ramakrishna Mission monks are a relatively orthodox set of monks who are "extremely well respected both in India and abroad", and that they "cannot be classified as just another sect or cult, such as the groups led by the gurus". Veliath writes that "of the [[Hindus|Hindu]] groups I have worked with I have found the Ramakrishna Mission to be the most tolerant and amenable to dialogue, and I believe that we Christians couldn't do better, than to cooperate wholeheartedly in their efforts towards inter-religious harmony.<ref name="Veliath ">{{cite journal |year=1984 |volume=5 |last=Veliath |first=Cyril, Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan |title=Hinduism in Japan |journal=Inter-Religio |location=Japan |pages=21–29 |url=http://nirc.nanzan-u.ac.jp/nfile/3457}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Robinson |first=Bob |title=Christians Meeting Hindus: An Analysis and Theological Critique of the Hindu-Christian Encounter in India |publisher=OCMS |year=2004|pages=7–8 |chapter=Ramakrishna and Vivekananda |isbn=978-1-870345-39-2 |oclc=55970669}}</ref> | Cyril Veliath of [[Sophia University]] writes that the Ramakrishna Mission monks are a relatively orthodox set of monks who are "extremely well respected both in India and abroad", and that they "cannot be classified as just another sect or cult, such as the groups led by the gurus". Veliath writes that "of the [[Hindus|Hindu]] groups I have worked with I have found the Ramakrishna Mission to be the most tolerant and amenable to dialogue, and I believe that we Christians couldn't do better, than to cooperate wholeheartedly in their efforts towards inter-religious harmony.<ref name="Veliath ">{{cite journal |year=1984 |volume=5 |last=Veliath |first=Cyril, Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan |title=Hinduism in Japan |journal=Inter-Religio |location=Japan |pages=21–29 |url=http://nirc.nanzan-u.ac.jp/nfile/3457}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Robinson |first=Bob |title=Christians Meeting Hindus: An Analysis and Theological Critique of the Hindu-Christian Encounter in India |publisher=OCMS |year=2004|pages=7–8 |chapter=Ramakrishna and Vivekananda |isbn=978-1-870345-39-2 |oclc=55970669}}</ref> | ||
== Awards and honourable mentions == | == Awards and honourable mentions == | ||
The Ramakrishna Mission has received numerous accolades throughout its lifetime: | '''The Ramakrishna Mission has received numerous accolades throughout its lifetime:''' | ||
* Bhagwan Mahavir Foundation Award (1996).<ref name="rkma">{{cite web|url=http://www.rkmanarainpur.org/webin/web/achievements.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130415165749/http://www.rkmanarainpur.org/webin/web/achievements.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 April 2013|title=Achievements|access-date=24 October 2008}}</ref> | * Bhagwan Mahavir Foundation Award (1996).<ref name="rkma">{{cite web|url=http://www.rkmanarainpur.org/webin/web/achievements.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130415165749/http://www.rkmanarainpur.org/webin/web/achievements.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 April 2013|title=Achievements|access-date=24 October 2008}}</ref> | ||
* Dr. Ambedkar National Award (1996).<ref name="rkma"/> | * Dr. Ambedkar National Award (1996).<ref name="rkma"/> | ||
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* National Communal Harmony Award (2005).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://pib.nic.in/release/rel_print_page1.asp?relid=15149|title=National Communal Harmony Awards 2005 announced |date=26 January 2006|publisher=Press Information Bureau Government of India |access-date=25 October 2008}}</ref> | * National Communal Harmony Award (2005).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://pib.nic.in/release/rel_print_page1.asp?relid=15149|title=National Communal Harmony Awards 2005 announced |date=26 January 2006|publisher=Press Information Bureau Government of India |access-date=25 October 2008}}</ref> | ||
* The Ramakrishna Mission was selected for an honorary mention of the [[UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Prize]] for Promotion of Tolerance and Non violence 2002.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/comsite5/bin/aml_landing_tt.pl?purchase_type=ITM&item_id=0286-26168877&action=print&page=aml_article_print|title=Aung Suu Kyi, India's Ramakrishna Mission receive UNESCO awards|date=7 October 2002|publisher=AsiaPulse News|access-date=25 October 2008}} {{Dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> | * The Ramakrishna Mission was selected for an honorary mention of the [[UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Prize]] for Promotion of Tolerance and Non violence 2002.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/comsite5/bin/aml_landing_tt.pl?purchase_type=ITM&item_id=0286-26168877&action=print&page=aml_article_print|title=Aung Suu Kyi, India's Ramakrishna Mission receive UNESCO awards|date=7 October 2002|publisher=AsiaPulse News|access-date=25 October 2008}} {{Dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> | ||
* The [[Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Narainpur]], Chhattisgarh was jointly selected for the 25th [[Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration]] for the year 2009 with musician [[A.R.Rehman]] for their services in promoting and preserving national integration.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20101010024806/http://www.hindu.com/2010/10/07/stories/2010100760771400.htm Award for Rahman, Ramakrishna Mission Ashram] The Hindu. Thursday, 7 October 2010</ref><ref>[http://www.hindustantimes.com/Indira-Gandhi-award-for-Rahman/Article1-609464.aspx Indira Gandhi award for Rahman] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121193953/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Indira-Gandhi-award-for-Rahman/Article1-609464.aspx |date=21 January 2011 }} Hindustan | * The [[Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Narainpur]], Chhattisgarh was jointly selected for the 25th [[Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration]] for the year 2009 with musician [[A.R.Rehman]] for their services in promoting and preserving national integration.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20101010024806/http://www.hindu.com/2010/10/07/stories/2010100760771400.htm Award for Rahman, Ramakrishna Mission Ashram] The Hindu. Thursday, 7 October 2010</ref><ref>[http://www.hindustantimes.com/Indira-Gandhi-award-for-Rahman/Article1-609464.aspx Indira Gandhi award for Rahman] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121193953/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Indira-Gandhi-award-for-Rahman/Article1-609464.aspx |date=21 January 2011 }} Hindustan Times. 1 November 2010</ref> | ||
In a speech made in 1993, [[Federico Mayor]], Director-General of [[UNESCO]], stated:<ref>{{cite journal|date=June 2003|title=Profiles of famous educators – Swami Vivekananda |journal=Prospects|volume=XXXIII|issue=2|url=http://www.ibe.unesco.org/fileadmin/user_upload/archive/publications/ThinkersPdf/vivekane.pdf}}</ref> | In a speech made in 1993, [[Federico Mayor]], Director-General of [[UNESCO]], stated:<ref>{{cite journal|date=June 2003|title=Profiles of famous educators – Swami Vivekananda |journal=Prospects|volume=XXXIII|issue=2|url=http://www.ibe.unesco.org/fileadmin/user_upload/archive/publications/ThinkersPdf/vivekane.pdf}}</ref> | ||
{{ | {{Blockquote| | ||
I am indeed struck by the similarity of the constitution of the Ramakrishna Mission which [[Vivekananda]] established as early as 1897 with that of UNESCO drawn up in 1945. Both place the human being at the center of their efforts aimed at development. Both place tolerance at the top of the agenda for building peace and democracy. Both recognize the variety of human cultures and societies as an essential aspect of the common heritage.}} | I am indeed struck by the similarity of the constitution of the Ramakrishna Mission which [[Vivekananda]] established as early as 1897 with that of UNESCO drawn up in 1945. Both place the human being at the center of their efforts aimed at development. Both place tolerance at the top of the agenda for building peace and democracy. Both recognize the variety of human cultures and societies as an essential aspect of the common heritage.}} | ||
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[[File:BRKM secondary section entrance.crop.jpg|thumb|[[Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School|Baranagar Ramakrishna Mission]], [[India]]]] | [[File:BRKM secondary section entrance.crop.jpg|thumb|[[Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School|Baranagar Ramakrishna Mission]], [[India]]]] | ||
[[File:RamakrishnaSg.jpg|thumb|Singapore Ramakrishna Mission, 179 [[Bartley Road]], [[Singapore]] 539784]] | [[File:RamakrishnaSg.jpg|thumb|Singapore Ramakrishna Mission, 179 [[Bartley Road]], [[Singapore]] 539784]] | ||
As of 2021, the Math and Mission have 221 centres all over the world: 167 in [[India]], 15 in [[Bangladesh]], 14 in the [[United States]], 2 each in [[Russia]] and [[South Africa]] and one each in [[Argentina]], [[Australia]], [[Brazil | As of 2021, the Math and Mission have 221 centres all over the world: 167 in [[India]], 15 in [[Bangladesh]], 14 in the [[United States]], 2 each in [[Russia]], [[Canada]], and [[South Africa]] and one each in [[Argentina]], [[Australia]], [[Brazil]], [[Fiji]], [[France]], [[Germany]], [[Ireland]], [[Japan]], [[Malaysia]], [[Mauritius]], [[Nepal]], [[Netherlands]], [[Singapore]], [[Sri Lanka]], [[Switzerland]], [[United Kingdom|UK]], and [[Zambia]]. Besides, there are 44 sub-centres (21 within India, 23 outside India) under different centres.<ref>{{Cite web|last=donationsbm|title=Branch Centres|url=https://belurmath.org/branch-centres/|access-date=2021-06-03|website=Belur Math - Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Math 2017">{{cite web | last=Math | first=Belur | title=What They Are : Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission | website=BELUR MATH | date=18 March 2017 | url=http://www.belurmath.org/whattheyare.htm | access-date=14 January 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112160343/http://www.belurmath.org/whattheyare.htm | archive-date=12 January 2018 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>https://belurmath.org/branch-centres/https://belurmath.org/branch-centres/{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> | ||
The Math and Mission run 748 educational institutions (including 12 colleges, 22 higher secondary schools, 41 secondary schools, 135 schools of other grades, 4 polytechnics, 48 vocational training centres, 118 hostels, 7 orphanages, etc.) with a total student population of more than 2,00,000. | The Math and Mission run 748 educational institutions (including 12 colleges, 22 higher secondary schools, 41 secondary schools, 135 schools of other grades, 4 polytechnics, 48 vocational training centres, 118 hostels, 7 orphanages, etc.) with a total student population of more than 2,00,000. | ||
Besides these branch centres, there are about one thousand unaffiliated centres (popularly called 'private centres') all over the world started by the devotees and followers of [[Ramakrishna|Sri Ramakrishna]] and [[Swami Vivekananda]]. | Besides these branch centres, there are about one thousand unaffiliated centres (popularly called 'private centres') all over the world started by the devotees and followers of [[Ramakrishna|Sri Ramakrishna]] and [[Swami Vivekananda]]. | ||
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==Former presidents== | ==Former presidents== | ||
{{Unreferenced section|date=August 2021}} | |||
The following is the list of presidents (spiritual heads) of the [[Ramakrishna Order|Monastic Order]]: | The following is the list of presidents (spiritual heads) of the [[Ramakrishna Order|Monastic Order]]: | ||
* [[Swami Vivekananda]] (1897 –1901) (Founder & General President) | * [[Swami Vivekananda]] (1897 –1901) (Founder & General President) | ||
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From 1901 the term 'General President' was dropped and the term 'President' was adopted. | From 1901 the term 'General President' was dropped and the term 'President' was adopted. | ||
* | *Swami Brahmananda (1901–1922) | ||
*[[Swami Shivananda]] (1922–1934) | *[[Swami Shivananda]] (1922–1934) | ||
*[[Swami Akhandananda]] (1934–1937) | *[[Swami Akhandananda]] (1934–1937) | ||
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! Scholar !! Direct Disciples | ! Scholar !! Direct Disciples | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Ramakrishna Paramahamsa]] || [[Swami Vivekananda]], | | [[Ramakrishna Paramahamsa]] || [[Swami Vivekananda]], Swami Brahmananda, [[Baburam Maharaj (Swami Premananda)]], [[Swami Yogananda]], [[Niranjanananda|Swami Niranjanananda]], [[Swami Saradananda]], [[Ramakrishnananda]], [[Turiyananda]], [[Swami Abhedananda]], [[Adbhutananda]], [[Advaitananda]], [[Nirmalananda]], [[Akhandananda]], [[Trigunatitananda]], [[Subodhananda]], [[Vijnanananda]], [[Sarada Devi]], [[Golap Ma]], [[Gopaler Ma]], [[Gauri Ma]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Swami Vivekananda]] ||[[Swami Ashokananda]], [[Swami Virajananda]], [[Swami Paramananda]], [[Abhayananda]], [[Alasinga Perumal]], [[Sister Nivedita]], [[Swami Sadananda]], [[Kalyanananda]], [[Swarupananda]], [[Vimalananda]], [[Prakashananda]], [[Nischayananda]], [[Achalananda]], Swami Shubhananda, [[Shuddhananda]] and others | | [[Swami Vivekananda]] ||[[Swami Ashokananda]], [[Swami Virajananda]], [[Swami Paramananda]], [[Abhayananda]], [[Alasinga Perumal]], [[Sister Nivedita]], [[Swami Sadananda]], [[Kalyanananda]], [[Swarupananda]], [[Vimalananda]], [[Prakashananda]], [[Nischayananda]], [[Achalananda]], Swami Shubhananda, [[Shuddhananda]] and others | ||
| Line 163: | Line 166: | ||
| [[Sri Sarada Devi]] || [[Yogin Ma]], [[Swami Nikhilananda]] and others | | [[Sri Sarada Devi]] || [[Yogin Ma]], [[Swami Nikhilananda]] and others | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Swami Brahmananda || [[Swami Prabhavananda]], [[Swami Siddheshwarananda]], [[Shankarananda (Ramakrishna monk)|Shankarananda]], [[Swami Madhavananda]], [[Vireshwarananda]], [[ | | Swami Brahmananda || [[Swami Prabhavananda]], [[Swami Siddheshwarananda]], [[Shankarananda (Ramakrishna monk)|Shankarananda]], [[Swami Madhavananda]] (Initiated by Sarada Devi, took [[Sannyasa|Sannyas]] from Swami Brahmananda ), [[Vireshwarananda]] (Initiated by Sarada Devi, took [[Sannyasa]] from Swami Brahmananda), [[Swami Yatiswarananda]], [[Swami Shambhavananda]], Nirvanananda and others | ||
|} | |} | ||
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In 1980, in an act that caused "considerable debate" within the order, the mission petitioned the courts to have their organisation and movement declared a non-Hindu minority religion for the purpose of Article 30 of the Indian constitution.<ref name="DWA">{{cite book | In 1980, in an act that caused "considerable debate" within the order, the mission petitioned the courts to have their organisation and movement declared a non-Hindu minority religion for the purpose of Article 30 of the Indian constitution.<ref name="DWA">{{cite book | ||
|author=Sivaya Subramuniyaswami | |author=Sivaya Subramuniyaswami | ||
|title=Dancing With Siva: Hinduism's Contemporary Catechism | |title=Dancing With Siva: Hinduism's Contemporary Catechism | ||
|publisher=Himalayan Academy Publications | |publisher=Himalayan Academy Publications | ||
|location=Kappa, Hawaii | |location=Kappa, Hawaii | ||
| Line 177: | Line 180: | ||
|oclc=55227048 | |oclc=55227048 | ||
}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">The Oxford Handbook of the Indian Constitution Oxford Handbooks, Sujit Choudhry, Madhav Khosla, Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Oxford University Press, 2016</ref> | }}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">The Oxford Handbook of the Indian Constitution Oxford Handbooks, Sujit Choudhry, Madhav Khosla, Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Oxford University Press, 2016</ref> | ||
Many generations of monks and others have been of the view that the religion propounded and practised by Ramakrishna and his disciples is very much different from that practised by Hindu masses then. They held that the Ramakrishna's "Neo-Vedanta" is a truer version of the ideals of Vedanta. So it was honestly felt that this makes the followers of Ramakrishna eligible for the legal status of "minority". It is possible that the immediate cause for the appeal for minority status was because there was a danger that the local Marxist government would take control of its educational institutions unless it could invoke the extra protection the Indian constitution accords to minority religions. | Many generations of monks and others have been of the view that the religion propounded and practised by [[Ramakrishna]] and his disciples is very much different from that practised by Hindu masses then. They held that the Ramakrishna's "Neo-Vedanta" is a truer version of the ideals of Vedanta. So it was honestly felt that this makes the followers of Ramakrishna eligible for the legal status of "minority". It is possible that the immediate cause for the appeal for minority status was because there was a danger that the local Marxist government would take control of its educational institutions unless it could invoke the extra protection the Indian constitution accords to minority religions. | ||
They argued that the Ramakrishna's "Neo-Vedanta" is a truer version of the ideals of Vedanta, and that this makes the followers of Ramakrishna eligible for the legal status of "minority".<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref>Article 30.(1) gives them greater control over their educational institutions: "All minorities, whether based on religion or language, shall have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice".</ref> While the [[Calcutta High Court]] accepted Ramakrishna Mission's pleas, the [[Supreme Court of India]] ruled against the Mission in 1995, citing evidence that it had all the characteristics of a Hindu organization.<ref>[http://www.indiankanoon.org/doc/967081/ AIR 1995 SC 2089 = (1995) 4 SCC 646]</ref> The Mission found it advisable to let the matter rest. The wisdom of the attempt by the Mission's leadership to characterize the Mission as non-Hindu was widely questioned within the membership of the organization itself, and the leadership today embraces the Mission's status as both a Hindu organization and as an organization that emphasizes the harmony of all faiths.<ref>[http://www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/1999/8/1999-8-08.shtml Hinduism Today | Aug 1999<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Most members – and even monks – of the Ramakrishna Mission consider themselves Hindus, and the Mission's founding figures, such as Swami Vivekananda never disavowed [[Hinduism]].<ref>[http://www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/1995/9/1995-9-06.shtml] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121033408/http://www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/1995/9/1995-9-06.shtml |date=21 November 2008}}; [http://hindu.org/archives/1986/03/1986-03-05.shtml]{{Dead link|date=December 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}; [http://www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/1986/10/1986-10-06.shtml] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208235712/http://www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/1986/10/1986-10-06.shtml |date=8 December 2008}}</ref> | They argued that the Ramakrishna's "Neo-Vedanta" is a truer version of the ideals of Vedanta, and that this makes the followers of Ramakrishna eligible for the legal status of "minority".<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref>Article 30.(1) gives them greater control over their educational institutions: "All minorities, whether based on religion or language, shall have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice".</ref> While the [[Calcutta High Court]] accepted Ramakrishna Mission's pleas, the [[Supreme Court of India]] ruled against the Mission in 1995, citing evidence that it had all the characteristics of a [[Hindus|Hindu]] organization.<ref>[http://www.indiankanoon.org/doc/967081/ AIR 1995 SC 2089 = (1995) 4 SCC 646]</ref> The Mission found it advisable to let the matter rest. The wisdom of the attempt by the Mission's leadership to characterize the Mission as non-Hindu was widely questioned within the membership of the organization itself, and the leadership today embraces the Mission's status as both a Hindu organization and as an organization that emphasizes the harmony of all faiths.<ref>[http://www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/1999/8/1999-8-08.shtml Hinduism Today | Aug 1999<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Most members – and even monks – of the Ramakrishna Mission consider themselves Hindus, and the Mission's founding figures, such as Swami Vivekananda never disavowed [[Hinduism]].<ref>[http://www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/1995/9/1995-9-06.shtml] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121033408/http://www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/1995/9/1995-9-06.shtml |date=21 November 2008}}; [http://hindu.org/archives/1986/03/1986-03-05.shtml]{{Dead link|date=December 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}; [http://www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/1986/10/1986-10-06.shtml] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208235712/http://www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/1986/10/1986-10-06.shtml |date=8 December 2008}}</ref> | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
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* [http://www.vedantany.org/headquarters/ About Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission] | * [http://www.vedantany.org/headquarters/ About Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission] | ||
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[[Category:Hindu new religious movements]] | [[Category:Hindu new religious movements]] | ||
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[[Category:Religious organizations established in 1897]] | [[Category:Religious organizations established in 1897]] | ||
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[[Category:Neo-Vedanta]] | [[Category:Neo-Vedanta]] | ||
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[[Category:Tourist attractions in Howrah]] | [[Category:Tourist attractions in Howrah]] | ||
[[Category:Charities based in India]] | [[Category:Charities based in India]] | ||
[[Category:Recipients of Pravasi Bharatiya Samman]] | [[Category:Recipients of Pravasi Bharatiya Samman]] | ||