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Centre Védantique Genève

Frequently Ask Questions (F.A.Q.)

FAQ on Shri Ramakrishna

Who was Shri Ramakrishna?

Shri Ramakrishna (1836–1886) was a mystic and saint of 19th-century India, revered for his profound spiritual realizations and universal approach to religion. His life and teachings inspired the formation of the Ramakrishna Order and continue to guide seekers worldwide.


What is Shri Ramakrishna known for?

He is known for his intense spiritual practices, his realization of God through various religious paths—including Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam—and his message of the harmony of all religions.


What was his core message?

Shri Ramakrishna taught that the ultimate goal of life is to realize God, and that all religions are valid paths leading to the same truth. He emphasized purity, selflessness, devotion, and direct spiritual experience.


Who was his main disciple?

His chief disciple was Swami Vivekananda, who later founded the Ramakrishna Mission to spread his Master's teachings. 


What is the significance of Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi?

Sri Sarada Devi, the spiritual consort of Shri Ramakrishna, is revered as the Holy Mother. She played a vital role in nurturing the early disciples and exemplified divine motherhood and spiritual purity.


How are his teachings relevant today?

Shri Ramakrishna's message of religious harmony, respect for all faiths, and focus on spiritual realization beyond dogma holds deep relevance in our diverse and interconnected world.


Where can one learn more about Shri Ramakrishna?

The Vedanta Centre of Geneva offers books, talks, meditation sessions, and spiritual guidance based on the life and teachings of Shri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda.


When is Shri Ramakrishna's birthday celebrated?

His birthday, known as Shri Ramakrishna Jayanti, is observed according to the Hindu lunar calendar, usually falling in February or March. It is celebrated with devotional singing, worship, readings, and meditation.


How is Shri Ramakrishna connected to the Vedanta Centre of Geneva?

The Centre follows the Vedanta philosophy as taught by Shri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda. It serves as a place of study, contemplation, and spiritual growth for all sincere seekers, regardless of faith or background.

FAQ on Shri Ma Sarada Devi

1. Who was Shri Ma Sarada Devi?

 Shri Ma Sarada Devi (1853–1920), also known as the Holy Mother, was the spiritual consort of Sri Ramakrishna and a revered saint and spiritual teacher in her own right. She is considered the embodiment of purity, motherly love, and divine wisdom.


2. What was her role in the Ramakrishna Movement?

 Sarada Devi played a pivotal role as the guiding spiritual force for the Ramakrishna Order and its early disciples after Sri Ramakrishna's passing. She nurtured and inspired monks, devotees, and householders, offering spiritual guidance to all without discrimination.


3. What are the core teachings of Sarada Devi?

 Her teachings emphasize:

  • Universal motherhood – seeing all beings as her children
  • Unconditional love and acceptance
  • Selfless service and compassion
  • Spiritual practice amidst daily life
  • Purity of mind and heart as the path to God-realization

4. Did Shri Ma Sarada Devi advocate renunciation or family life?

She taught that spiritual progress is possible in both paths. For householders, she advised living a simple, pure, and devoted life while fulfilling family duties with detachment.


5. What are some of her famous sayings?

 A few well-known sayings include: 

  •  “If you want peace, do not find fault with others. Rather see your own faults.”

  • “I am the Mother of the wicked as I am the Mother of the virtuous.”


6. How is she revered in the Vedanta tradition?*

 She is worshipped as the Holy Mother, representing the Divine Feminine and the Shakti (power) behind the Ramakrishna Movement. Her birthday is celebrated annually with devotional services, meditation, and readings from her life and teachings.


7. Why is she called the ‘Holy Mother’?

Her boundless love and compassion transcended personal boundaries. She treated everyone—young or old, sinner or saint—as her own child, earning her the affectionate title of Holy Mother.


8. What is the relevance of Sarada Devi’s message today?

In a fast-paced and often divided world, her message of universal love, acceptance, and inner peace is more relevant than ever. She showed how to live a spiritual life amidst modern responsibilities and challenges.


9. Where can I learn more about her life and teachings?

You can explore her life through:

  • Books: Sri Sarada Devi: The Holy Mother (published by Ramakrishna Math)
  • Discourses & classes at Vedanta centres worldwide
  • Vedanta Centre of Geneva library & programs


10. How does the Vedanta Centre of Geneva honor her legacy?

 The Centre organizes:

  • Regular readings and discussions on her life and teachings
  • Special events on her Jayanti (birthday celebration)
  • Spiritual retreats and devotional singing inspired by her message
FAQ on Swami Vivekananda

1. Who was Swami Vivekananda?

Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902) was a spiritual leader, philosopher, and monk who played a key role in introducing Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world. A chief disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, he emphasized the harmony of religions, the unity of existence, and selfless service to humanity.


2. What is Swami Vivekananda best known for?

He is most renowned for his inspiring speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago in 1893, where he began with “Sisters and Brothers of America,” winning the hearts of all present. His lectures on Vedanta and Yoga inspired a global spiritual awakening.

 

3. What were his core teachings? 

  •  Oneness of all beings
  • Harmony of religions
  • Strength and fearlessness
  • Service to humanity as service to God
  • The divinity inherent in every soul

 

4. How is Swami Vivekananda connected to Vedanta?

He was instrumental in spreading the philosophy of Vedanta, as taught by his guru Sri Ramakrishna, to the modern world. He founded the Ramakrishna Mission and Math to promote Vedantic ideals of knowledge, devotion, and service.

 

5. What is his connection to Switzerland and Geneva?

Swami Vivekananda visited Switzerland in 1896 and spent time in various places including Geneva. His visit inspired many to learn about Vedanta and its universal message. The Vedanta Centre Geneva carries forward this legacy.

 

6. What is Swami Vivekananda’s message for today’s world?

His message of universal tolerance, acceptance, inner strength, and service is as relevant today as ever—encouraging people to live harmoniously and realize their spiritual potential amidst modern challenges.


7. How can I learn more about Swami Vivekananda?

You can explore his works such as Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, visit the Vedanta Centre Geneva for lectures and study circles, and access online resources from the Ramakrishna Mission.

 

8. Is Swami Vivekananda considered a religious figure or a philosopher?

He is regarded as both—a monk deeply rooted in the spiritual traditions of India, and a philosopher who presented timeless truths in a rational, scientific, and universal language.

 

9. Did Swami Vivekananda promote any one religion?

 No. Swami Vivekananda emphasized the harmony of all religions, teaching that different paths lead to the same ultimate reality.

 

10. How does the Vedanta Centre Geneva honor his legacy?

 Through regular classes, spiritual discourses, retreats, and community service, the Centre shares Swami Vivekananda’s vision of Vedanta as a practical philosophy for daily life.

FAQ on Hinduism

1. What is Hinduism?
Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest living spiritual traditions. It is not based on a single founder or a single holy book but is a diverse collection of philosophies, rituals, and cultural practices that evolved over thousands of years in India. It emphasizes the pursuit of truth, self-realization, and harmony with the universe.

2. What are the core beliefs of Hinduism?
Hinduism teaches that the Divine (Brahman) is the ultimate reality, manifesting in countless forms and names.
Central beliefs include:

  • Dharma:* Righteous living and duty.
  • Karma:* The law of cause and effect of actions.
  • Reincarnation (Samsara):* The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
  • Moksha:* Liberation from this cycle through spiritual knowledge and realization.

3. Is Hinduism a polytheistic religion?
Hinduism is often misunderstood as purely polytheistic because of its many deities. However, it is more accurately described as *henotheistic* or *monistic*. Hindus believe in one Supreme Reality (Brahman) that can be worshipped through many forms (gods and goddesses), depending on personal inclination.

4. What are the sacred texts of Hinduism?
The Hindu scriptures are vast and include:
  • Shruti (heard):* Vedas and Upanishads, considered the foundation of Hindu philosophy.
  • Smriti (remembered):* Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas, which explain spiritual truths through stories and teachings.

5. What is Vedanta?
Vedanta is one of the major schools of Hindu philosophy. It focuses on the teachings of the Upanishads and emphasizes the realization of one’s divine nature. The Vedanta Centre in Geneva is dedicated to sharing this universal wisdom.

6. Do Hindus worship idols?
Idols (murtis) are symbolic representations used as focal points for devotion and meditation. They are not seen as the ultimate reality themselves but as sacred forms through which one can connect with the Divine.

7. How does Hinduism view other religions?
Hinduism teaches that “Truth is One, paths are many.” It recognizes the validity of other religions and respects their paths to the Divine.

8. What is the role of meditation and yoga in Hinduism?
Meditation (dhyana) and yoga are essential practices in Hinduism to calm the mind, discipline the body, and realize one’s spiritual essence.

9. How can I learn more or practice Hinduism?
You can explore Hindu philosophy by reading its sacred texts, attending lectures at the Vedanta Centre, practicing meditation and yoga, and living a life of compassion, truthfulness, and self-discipline.
FAQ on Vedanta
1. What does the term Vedanta literally mean?
The word Vedanta combines “Veda” (the sacred Vedic texts) and “anta” (end or conclusion). Literally, it means “the end of the Vedas”—initially referring to the Upanishads, which conclude the Vedas and focus on philosophical knowledge.

2. What texts form the foundation of Vedanta philosophy?
Vedanta is rooted in the *Prasthānatrayī*, or three primary scriptures:
  • Upanishads (śruti),
  • Bhagavad Gītā (smṛti),
  • Brahma Sūtras (logical commentary) 

3. What is the core focus of Vedanta?
Vedanta explores the relationship between the individual soul (*Ātman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman), and seeks to guide practitioners toward **moksha*—liberation from suffering and the cycle of birth and death.

4. What are the main philosophical schools within Vedanta?
Vedanta branches into several schools, each offering a distinct view on the Atman–Brahman relationship:
1. Advaita Vedanta (“non-duality”), by Adi Śaṅkara: Ātman and Brahman are identical—realizing this unity leads to liberation.

2. Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedanta (“qualified non-duality”), by Rāmānuja: The soul and world are real but are dependent attributes of Brahman; there is unity in diversity.

3. Dvaita Vedanta (“dualism”), by Madhvācārya: Ātman and Brahman are eternally distinct; devotion and recognition of dependence on God lead to moksha.

5. Are there other Vedanta perspectives not covered in the main schools?
Yes—other traditions like *Bhedābheda, **Dvaita-Advaita, **Śuddhādvaita, and **Achintya Bhedābheda* offer nuanced views blending unity and difference. These were articulated by thinkers like Nimbārka, Vallabha, and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

6. Is Vedanta exclusive to Hinduism?
While Vedanta is a major school in *āstika* (orthodox) Hindu philosophy—accepting Vedic authority—it transcends sectarian boundaries. It emphasizes universal principles like the divinity within and harmony across traditions, not just rituals or dogma.

 7. What are the key philosophical tenets of Vedanta?
Common themes across Vedanta schools include: 
  •  Brahman as the supreme, ultimate reality.
  •  Ātman, the inner self, is divine and central to liberation.
  •  Moksha, liberation from the cycle of samsāra (birth–death), is the ultimate goal.

 8. How do Vedanta practices help in realization?
Vedanta emphasizes practices such as:
  • Meditation and self-inquiry,
  • Devotional worship leading beyond the ego,
  • Study and contemplation of sacred texts,
  • Selfless service—helping harmonize life with spiritual realization.