The Emblem
The emblem of the Ramakrishna Order (Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission) was designed by Swami Vivekananda as a symbol of harmony and synthesis for reverential meditation in this present age of conflict and disharmony. The meaning behind this emblem, in the language of Swami Vivekananda himself: "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 Yoga and awakened Kundalini Shakti, while the swan in the picture stands for Paramatman. Therefore, the ideal of the picture is that by the union of Karma, Jnana, Bhakti and Yoga, the vision of the Paramatman is obtained." The inscription in Sanskrit at the base of the emblem means: "May that swan awaken us."
Sri Ramakrishna (1836 – 1886)
India, with her wealth of spiritual tradition, has produced many spiritual giants. One of the greatest was Ramakrishna. Born in a rural village in Bengal, Ramakrishna even as a boy naturally gravitated toward leading a spiritual life. He would often go into high spiritual states where he would merge with the Infinite Reality. In his thirst for the divine, Ramakrishna followed different religious paths within Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. He came to the conclusion, based on his direct experience, that all religions lead to the same goal – a verification of the great saying of the ancient Rig Veda: एकं सद्विप्रा बहुधा वदन्ति, "Truth is one; sages call it by many names". Ramakrishna's teachings regarding the highest truths of spiritual life were delivered in the simplest language and were punctuated by parables and homely metaphors as illustrations. Many noted writers and philosophers, including Mahatma Gandhi, Leo Tolstoy, Aldous Huxley, Romain Rolland, Max Müller, Christopher Isherwood, Thomas Merton, Arnold Toynbee and Joseph Campbell, were deeply impressed and influenced by him. "When God is realised, the world never appears empty. He who has attained Him sees that the Lord Himself has become all these – the universe and its creatures." – Sri Ramakrishna
Sri Sarada Devi (1853 – 1920)
Wedded to Sri Ramakrishna in the strict spiritual sense of the term, Sarada Devi was the epitome of spirituality in practice. Affectionately known as Holy Mother, she was at once devoted wife, spiritual companion and object of worship of Sri Ramakrishna. She was instrumental in the creation not only of the Ramakrishna Order for monks, but also of an independent organisation for nuns that bears her name: Sri Sarada Math. After the passing away of Sri Ramakrishna she became the spiritual guide of both organisations and of countless devotees. She is revered by millions today as the incarnation of Divine Power (Shakti), a symbol of universal motherhood, whose wisdom and spiritual grandeur remained hidden beneath her natural veil of modesty. All were her children irrespective of age, nationality, religious affiliation or social position. "I tell you one thing – if you want peace, do not find fault with others. Rather see your own faults. Learn to make the world your own. No one is a stranger, my child; the whole world is your own." – Sri Sarada Devi
Swami Vivekananda (1863 – 1902)
Swami Vivekananda was the foremost disciple of Ramakrishna and a world spokesperson for Vedanta. His lectures, writings, letters, and poems are published together in "The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda" as well in many other books. He laid emphasis on teaching universal principles. Swami Vivekananda represented Hinduism at the first World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893 where he was an instant success. Subsequently he was invited to speak in many places in America and Europe. He was a man with a great spiritual presence and a tremendous intellect. Most of the Vedanta Societies that were founded in America and Europe during the 1930s can trace their origins directly to Vivekananda or the people who heard him speak between 1893 and 1900. After his first visit to the West, Swami Vivekananda returned to India and founded the Ramakrishna Order in 1898. "Be an atheist if you want, but do not believe in anything unquestioningly." – Swami Vivekananda
Service
For the welfare of people of all communities the Ramakrishna Order conducts many service projects: Educational works such as schools, colleges, universities, students' homes, informal schools, agricultural training institutes, technical training institutes, financial support of needy students. Medical works such as hospitals, medical research institutes, nurses' training schools, charitable clinics, mobile medical services, free eye-operation camps, rural health programmes. Relief and rehabilitation projects following natural and man-made calamities, rural development schemes. Spiritual services such as maintaining prayers, and celebrations of the festivals of all religions in temples, publication of books on all religions and cultures.