PROJECT: A NEW CENTER WITH A RESIDENT MONK FOR RIO

A New Centre with a Resident Monk of the Ramakrishna Order in Rio de Janeiro

The wait is finally over after thirty long years

Foto de Miriam Rocha

Be a part of this historic moment

For the happiness and well-being of many

Video presentation on the life of Swami Vivekananda

"THEY ALONE LIVE WHO LIVE FOR OTHERS"

--Swami Vivekananda

The Centro Ramakrishna Vedanta, Rio de Janeiro, is now a full-fledged independent center, affiliated with the Ramakrishna Order in India. It has taken so many years to achieve this accreditation. This is the result of the extraordinary dedication of Swami Nirmalatmananda coupled with the blessings of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Maa Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda..

Swami Atmajnananda has been appointed the head of our center. He is a senior monk with a sweet and amiable nature, rich experience in spiritual matters and a total dedication in serving the Order.

With the presence of the new Swami the Vedanta movement in Brazil as a whole will be invigorated further. In addition to providing spiritual guidance, he will be instrumental in creating and fostering new ties and dialogues with the religious, philosophical and philanthropical communities in this region. Brazil has a rich culture of religious diversity and there is great scope for spreading the universal message of Vedanta in the 'marvelous city' of Rio de Janeiro.

They alone live who live for others.

--Swami Vivekananda

THE RAMAKRISHNA ORDER MAKES OUR CHERISHED DREAM A REALITY

Swami! I have a dream to see something concrete realized for Vedanta in Rio de Janeiro with a resident monk helping the aspirants here with the strength of his constant presence. This will be wonderful and I am ready to donate what I have to make this dream come true!

--- Shanti ,Cordélia de Jesus

Be a part in this historic moment for Vedanta in Rio

Swami Nirmalatmananda has been leading the renovation of our center to welcome the first resident monk Swami Atmajnananda for the Santa Teresa Ashrama.

In order to develop the centre, an adjacent house has been purchased, financed partly by contributions and partly by an interest free loan.

In addition, the existing main building of the Ashrama, which was originally built in 1865 was extensively renovated since May 2021. Your generous contribution and support to meet these expenses are most welcome.

It is a great joy for all of us to be able to participate in this very important phase of the Vedanta movement in the beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro.

Join us in this historic initiative!

Find out more about Vedanta in Rio de Janeiro

SWAMI ATMAJNANANDA ARRIVES IN RIO (in pictures)

THE WONDERFUL CITY

The Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro is popularly known as the ''Marvelous City'' for its heavenly beauty, pristine beaches, crystalline waterfalls and verdant mountains splashed with the multicolored hues of flowering ipe trees. The city is home to the largest urban forest of the world, and has exuberant flora and fauna, extending throughout the Atlantic Forest.

Rio, as we affectionately call it, was the Brazil’s former capital and is considered to be one of the most charming cities in the world due to its unique mixture of nature and culture.

Home to one of the seven wonders of the world - “Christ the Redeemer”, it receives millions of tourists every year. One of the biggest festivities in the world is held here annually- the "Revellion of Copacabana" with around 3 million people attending on a single night. Currently, Rio de Janeiro is the capital of the state of the same name and has a population of about 8 million people.

Called the Mecca of world football tradition, it has all the attractions in its highly concentrated form, capable of delighting anyone on earth and in heaven! Considered a cultural capital with innovative music, art, literature, and culinary delights, this city attracts one and all.

BRIEF HISTORY OF VEDANTA IN RIO DE JANEIRO

The Ramakrishna Vedanta Movement in Rio de Janeiro began in 1957 when Swami Vijayananda, a disciple of Swami Brahmananda, was invited by a group of devotees to give some lectures in Rio.

Swami Vijayananda came to Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1932 and visited Rio for the first time in 1957. He continued to visit and stay for approximately one month, dividing his time between the cities of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.

A Vedanta study group was then started, whose members were the pioneers.

The Ramakrishna Vedanta Movement in Rio de Janeiro began in 1957 when Swami Vijayananda, a disciple of Swami Brahmananda, was invited by a group of devotees to give lectures in Rio.

A Vedanta study group was then started, whose members were the pioneers.

Apart from the studies of Vedanta, conducted and guided by the Swami, the group also engaged in social service activities for the poor & needy families.

This small group built an Ashrama located in a beautiful place in the Jacarépaguá district between 1960 and 1970, which had a temple, meeting hall and residential rooms. Devotees from Rio, Sao Paulo and other places of Brazil took part in this endeavour. The place was also visited by Swami Ritajananda - head of the Paris Ashram.

Upon the demise of Swami Vijayananda in 1973, the Ramakrishna Order appointed Swami Paratparananda as his successor. Mr Delphin, a disciple of Swami Vijayananda, the then in-charge of Ashrama, did not accept the authority of Swami Paratparananda and declared himself as the 'leader' of Vedanta in Rio de Janeiro. As a result, there was a split in the group.

A few ardent devotees who did not accept the ways of Mr Delphin and his activites, separated. They regrouped in the house of a devotee and tried to continue being faithful to the ideals and activites of the Ramakrishna Order by starting a new study group.

Mrs. Cordelia de Jesus offered her own apartment in the Laranjeiras neighborhood so that the group could meet regularly. Swami Paratparananda visited this group annually for a few days.

For years on end this small apartment was visited by great monks and nuns who stayed for a few days and revived the spirit of Vedanta in the city.

THE WORK OF SWAMI NIRMALATMANANDA IN BRAZIL

Swami Nirmalatmananda, arrived in March 1999 as the first resident monk of São Paulo centre and has been leading the Vedanta movement throughout Brazil.

The Swami visted the group of devotees regularly in Rio, where he stayed in a small one-room apartment and gave interviews to

aspirants. He also gave lectures and conducted arati ceremony at the apartment of Mrs. Cordelia de Jesus.

As the number of devotees gradually increased, the need for a bigger place was felt. Subsquently, the one-room apartment and the donation of Mrs Cordelia's own apartment were sold and the present Ashrama premises was purchased.

The Swami has been working tirelessly throughout the Brazilian territory spreading the message of Vedanta to countless people, guiding and motivating them.

THE ASHRAMA

Built in 1865, the building which houses the Ashrama presently, is classified as a Historic Heritage Monument of the City of Rio de Janeiro. It has about 5300 sq.ft of built-up area, with a small garden on both sides, and parking space for 6 cars in the rear. The Ashrama garden has a Bel tree (Aegle marmelos) which is a sapling from the tree planted by Swami Vivekananda himself at Belurmath. The Ashrama has a beautiful shrine, a spacious hall and other basic facilities.

In 2006, this group was officially recognised by the Belurmath as a sub-centre of Ramakrishna Vedanta Ashrama, São Paulo.

A wonderful vibrant music group called 'Group Gadai' can sing the traditional arati hyms and devotional songs in Portuguese. It is encouraging to see more and more new and young people visiting the centre.

LEGAL CONSTITUTION AND ACCOUNTING

We are a not-for-profit religious institution legally registered and affiliated to the Ramakrishna Order in India.

Our by-laws have well-defined rules, Annual general meetings are held and audited accounts etc are presented.

ABOUT OUR ACTIVITIES

When Swami is present, activities like Aarati, devotional songs by Group Gadai, Meditation, Weekend lectures on scriptures etc are held. On Mondays, before arati, Shiva Mahimnam Stotram is sung. During weekdays, at night, satsangas are conducted which attracts a good number of people. Personal interviews are given to earnest seekers. The informal table-talks make the atmosphere of the ashrama very special. Small-scale social work is also carried out. When the Swami is not present, the group meets two days a week. The music group (Group Gadai) makes the Ashrama very vibrant.

Activities at a glance :

Satsanga, lectures & studies

Public lectures on specific themes are held on Saturdays and Sundays, preceded by devotional singing by 'Group Gadai'. Scriptural classes are held once a week after Aarati.

Satsanga and question and answer sessions are held on special occasions.

Aarati & meditation and short readings form part of the programme

All are welcome to attend these programmes.

Spiritual counselling

The Swami gives personal interviews to earnest seekers who seek guidance in spiritual matters. Normally, it is done on prior appointments. It is expected to that a seeker is acquainted with the basic ideas of the Ramakrishna Vivekananda Vedanta literature by paticipating in Ashrama events.

Aarati, Meditation, etc.

Regular Aarati(Evening Vesper servie) followed by devotional singing and meditation is held in the temple. All are welcome to participate.

A small book sales section and a library are maintained for the benefit of devotees.

Devotional music

In 2002, 'Group Gadai' was formed to train and perform devotional singing in the temple & in all public events. Quite a few young devotees are taking interest in this devotional practice. They can chant Vedic hyms and sing a lot in Portuguese and a few in Sanskrit including traditional songs of the Ramakrishna order.

Special events

Vedanta encourages dialogue on inter-faith, Science and Spirituality, Self-devolpment & Psychology topics. Experts in these areas are invited to present their views. These activities are organised occassionally.

Voluntary service

Practice of Karma yoga is encouraged through voluntary service. Devotees are encouraged to offer voluntary service in these areas : Shrine mainatnence, gardening, kitchen service, general cleaning , office support, maintaining audio and video systems and accounting.

Voluntary service helps to reduce the cost of overall maintaneance of the Ashrama. You are most welcome to take part in Karma yoga.

SANTA TERESA NEIGHBORHOOD

The charming neighborhood of Santa Teresa where our Ashrama is located (in pictures):

Help us by contributing liberally

This account can receive foreign donations made to the permanent resident Swami, for the projects of Rio de Janeiro centre. The amounts received will be used for 3 purposes, as needed.

Your credit card data will not be stored or shared. Data privacy will be strictly maintained.

The three areas of the project

The project has three areas of work. Your generous support through donations and contributions is most welcome. Please encourage your friends and family to take part in this noble initiative.

Purchase of a neighbouring house, "Shanti Nivas" — R$ 610,000

Shanti Nivas, a residential property of about 1,460 sq ft, was purchased in July 2021 to house the monastic members. It is at Rua Pintora Djanira 22, Santa Teresa, a one-minute walk from the main Centre at Rua Paula Matos 162.

Donate to Shanti Nivas

Renovation and restoration of the Ashrama — R$ 120,000

The main Ashrama building dates from 1865 and is protected as part of the city's historic heritage. Being an old building, it needs constant repair and restoration. Since May 2021 we have carried out extensive repairs and renovations to solve recurring problems such as roof waterproofing, painting, wall repairs, and renovation of the shrine and rooms, among others.

Donate to the renovation

New audiovisual systems — R$ 25,000

Our multimedia equipment has not been updated in twenty years. We urgently need up-to-date audio and video equipment, such as microphones, speakers, internet routers, projectors, a projection screen, video cameras and computers. This will help us run our events efficiently.

Donate to communication systems

For the overall project

If you prefer, your donation can go to the overall project and be used where it is most needed.

Donate to the overall project

International donations are made by credit card. Your card details are not stored or shared.

From Brazil (Pix or bank transfer)

Pix key (CNPJ): 40.166.761/0001-32
Banco Bradesco (237): branch Flamengo 1414-1, current account 29284-2

We would be honoured to get to know you and hear about your donation. Write to us at [email protected]. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you may skip this step.

FOR THE OVERALL PROJECT

Arise! Awake! Stop not till the goal is reached.

~ Swami Vivekananda~

CONTACT

We will be happy to answer your questions.

LOCATION

Rua Paula Matos 162, Santa Teresa - Rio de Janeiro - RJ - Brasil

CEP: 20.251-550

PHONES

Landline: +55 21 2224-3295

WhatsApp: Send us a message

ON THE WEB

Email : [email protected]
Website : www.vedantarj.org.br

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PROJECT: A NEW CENTER WITH A RESIDENT MONK FOR RIO

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Picture Credit : Swsanna Bamert

A New Centre with a Resident Monk of the Ramakrishna Order in Rio de Janeiro

The wait is finally over after thirty long years

Foto de Miriam Rocha

Be a part of this historic moment

For the happiness and well-being of many

Video presentation on the life of Swami Vivekananda

"THEY ALONE LIVE WHO LIVE FOR OTHERS"

--Swami Vivekananda

They alone live who live for others.​

--Swami Vivekananda

--Swami Vivekananda

THE RAMAKRISHNA ORDER MAKES OUR CHERISHED DREAM A REALITY

Swami! I have a dream to see something concrete realized for Vedanta in Rio de Janeiro with a resident monk helping the aspirants here with the strength of his constant presence. This will be wonderful and I am ready to donate what I have to make this dream come true!​

Swami! I have a dream to see something concrete realized for Vedanta in Rio de Janeiro with a resident monk helping the aspirants here with the strength of his constant presence. This will be wonderful and I am ready to donate what I have to make this dream come true!

--- Shanti ,Cordélia de Jesus

Be a part in this historic moment for Vedanta in Rio

Find out more about Vedanta in Rio de Janeiro

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They alone live who live for others.

Swami! I have a dream to see something concrete realized for Vedanta in Rio de Janeiro with a resident monk helping the aspirants here with the strength of his constant presence. This will be wonderful and I am ready to donate what I have to make this dream come true!