"For one's own salvation and for the welfare of the world"
- MOTTO OF THE RAMAKRISHNA ORDER
Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission are worldwide, non-political, non-sectarian spiritual organizations which have been engaged in various forms of humanitarian, social service activities for more than a century. Inspired by the ideals of renunciation and service, the monks and lay devotees of the Math and Mission serve millions of men, women and children, without any distinction of caste, religion or race, because they see the living God in them.
The organizations were brought into existence by Sri Ramakrishna (1836–1886), the great 19th century saint from Bengal who is regarded as the Prophet of the Modern Age, and Sri Ramakrishna's chief disciple, Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902), one of the foremost thinkers and religious leaders of the present age, regarded as 'one of the main moulders of the modern world.'
Although Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission are legally and financially separate, they are closely inter-related in several ways and are regarded as twin organizations. These twin organizations have set in motion a non-sectarian, universal spiritual movement which has been silently working for more than a hundred years to catalyze the spiritual regeneration of humanity.
The Emblem
The emblem designed by Swami Vivekananda - the wavy waters represent Karma Yoga, the lotus flower represents Bhakti Yoga, the rising sun represents Jnana Yoga, the coiled serpent represents Raja Yoga, and the Swan represents the Supreme Self. By the combined practice of all four Yogas, the Supreme Self is realized.
Core Philosophy
God Realization - The Ultimate Goal
One of the important discoveries made in ancient India was that the universe arises from and is sustained by infinite consciousness called Brahman. It has both impersonal and personal aspects. The personal aspect is known by different names, such as God, Ishvar, Jehovah and so on. Realization of this Ultimate Reality is the true goal of life, for that alone can give us everlasting fulfillment and peace.
Potential Divinity of the Soul
Brahman is immanent in all beings as the 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.
Synthesis of the Yogas
The removal of ignorance and manifestation of inner divinity are achieved through Yoga. There are four main Yogas: Jnana Yoga (Knowledge), Bhakti Yoga (Devotion), Raja Yoga (Meditation), and Karma Yoga (Work). Each is an independent means of realizing God, but a combination of all four is necessary for the development of a balanced, 'fully functioning' personality. It is this synthesis that Swami Vivekananda regarded as the ideal of the Ramakrishna Order.
Morality Based on Strength
According to Swami Vivekananda, weakness is the main cause of immorality, evil and suffering in life. Knowledge of the Atman gives us tremendous strength to overcome our weakness and lead a virtuous life. Everyone is endowed with so many potentialities, but owing to fear and weakness, most remain unactualized. Swamiji called this process 'man-making education'.
Harmony of Religions
Sri Ramakrishna was the first person in history to show through direct experience the transcendental unity of all religions. His message implies two kinds of harmony:
Harmony within Hinduism - He showed that Dualism, Non-dualism and other schools represent different stages of the integral experience of Reality, and that the various Hindu Deities are different aspects of one supreme Godhead.
Harmony among world religions - He recognized the differences among religions but showed that, in spite of these differences, they lead to the same Ultimate Goal. This is the meaning of his famous maxim: "As many faiths, so many paths."
Avatarhood of Sri Ramakrishna
According to the Hindu religious tradition, God incarnates himself as the Avatar in every Age. In the Ramakrishna Movement, Sri Ramakrishna is adored as the Avatar of the Modern Age. The uniqueness of his Avatarhood is that it embodies the spiritual consciousness of earlier Avatars and prophets, including those outside the Hindu fold, and is in harmony with all religious traditions.
Service to Man as Service to God
Swami Vivekananda gave a new philosophy of work for the modern world:
The physical universe is a manifestation of God known as Virat. Hence, as Sister Nivedita stated, there is 'no distinction between the sacred and the secular'. All work is sacred - even menial work is to be done with as much attention and devotion as work in the shrine.
One of the important principles Swami Vivekananda learned from his Master was Shiva Jnane Jiva Seva - to serve Jiva as Shiva. Instead of looking upon a needy person as an object of pity, he is looked upon as an object of worship. Swamiji was the first religious leader in India to speak for the poor and to state boldly:
"He who sees Shiva in the poor, in the weak and the diseased, really worships Shiva; and with him Shiva is more pleased than with the man who sees Him only in temples."
The motto of the Order captures this two-fold aim: Ātmano mokshārtham jagat hitāya cha - "For one's own salvation and for the welfare of the world."
The Ramakrishna Order does not believe in conversion, nor does it indulge in the occult or the sensational. The Order places utmost importance on personal spiritual unfoldment and selfless service. Inspired by the idea of the harmony of all faiths, its centres encourage adherents of different faiths to meet in a spirit of friendship and mutual appreciation.