Japa-Yajna Shibir (5 days Residential Shibir):
Sri Ramakrishna Dev often used to say, three things are necessary for God realization: – company of holy men (sadhu sang), repeating the name of God and solitude. Due to our commitments and responsibilities in our day to day busy life, we do not get sufficient opportunities to perform intense spiritual practices. Keeping this in the view, Vadodara Ashrama organizes a 5 days ‘Japa-Yajna Shibir’ in winter season at Nikora, Dist. Bharuch. It comprises of japa, vedic – chanting, bhajans, reading from holy books, discourses by monks, dhuni, etc. As Sri Maa Sarada Devi used to say ‘Japat Siddhi, Japat Siddhi, Japat Siddhi’, a special emphasis is given on performing Japa.
Spiritual Retreat:
Every year Spiritual Retreats are arranged in the Ashrama where senior monks of the order give guidance to spiritual seekers. The retreat starts with Vedic chanting and meditation. Discourses, reading from lives of holy trio and bhajans are sung. At the end devotees are served with Prasad (lunch).
Shravan Mas Satsang:
Shravan mas is considered to be very auspicious which falls in the month of August. Every year various programmes are organised in this month. Srimad Bhagvat Katha is one of the main event during the month. Talks on Upanishad, scriptures, etc. are also organised.
Shiva Naam Sankirtanam is recited on all the Mondays of Shravan mas. Sri Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated where complete Bhagwad Gita is chanted in the morning and Pooja and Bhajans are arranged in the evening.
Spiritual Discourses:
On various occasions discourses are arranged on different subjects like Upanishads, Ramacharit Manas, Patanjal Yoga Sutra, Narad Bhakti Sutra, spirituality in day to day life, etc. by senior monks.
Special Seminar / Workshop:
Renowned speakers are invited to conduct workshop on subjects like Happiness-wellness, Forgiveness – Long term basis for Health & Happiness, Celebration of 125 years of Chicago address etc.
Cultural Events:
It is said that Vadodara is known as the cultural capital of Gujarat.
Keeping art, culture and spirituality in centre various programmes are conducted by the Ashrama.
Glimpses of such programmes:
- Glory of prophets, saints of India through ancient musical traditional art – a playing on Maan (Metallic pot)
- Inspiring life and message of Swami Vivekananda through musical play with graceful dance and narration
- Mono-act play showing the life and message of great saints of India
- Bhajan Sandhya, classical music (Vocal and instrumental)
Foundation day and Annual Celebrations:
Dilaram Bungalow, sanctified by the stay of Swami Vivekananda has been handed over by the Government of Gujarat to Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Vadodara on 18th April, 2005, Ramanavami Day. Since then every year on this day we celebrate foundation day.
Annual Celebration is organised in the month of April. Senior monks and eminent speakers are invited to give a talk on Sri Ramakrishna Dev, Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda. Various cultural programmes, bhajan sandhya, musical discourses, etc. are organised.
National Youth Day:
12th January, birthday of Swami Vivekananda is celebrated as a National Youth Day throughout India. As the place is sanctified by the stay of Swami Vivekananda, students from schools and colleges, people from all walks of life, dignitaries of the city and other admirers visit the Ashrama and pay respect by offering flowers at the feet of the statue of Swami Vivekananda.
A rally is organised by the Ashrama with floats, banners and sound system. Talks, seminars and book exhibitions on life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda are organised at different places on this occasion.
Inter-Faith Meet:
Sri Ramakrishna used to say ‘God can be realised through all paths. All religions are true. The important thing is to reach the roof. You can reach it by stone stairs, or by wooden stairs or by bamboo stairs or by rope. You can also climb up by a bamboo pole. This is Sri Ramakrishna’s well – known doctrine of ‘Joto Mat Tato Path’. ‘As many faiths, so many paths.’
Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Memorial, Vadodara arranges Interfaith meet based on these unique experience of Sri Ramakrishna Deva, representatives from different religions, faith and paths are invited to speak on the necessity of harmony of religions.
The programme starts with ‘Sarva Dharma Prarthna’ where short prayers are recited by the representatives of respective religions.
The program ends with a message of peace, harmony and brotherhood amongst all the religions.
