The Vedanta Society of Portland, Oregon ​is an affiliated branch of the Ramakrishna Math, Belur Math, Howrah, India. The Center was established in the year 1925 by Swami Prabhavananda. It gradually developed into its present stature through the efforts of illustrious monks such as Swamis Vividishananda, Devatmananda, Aseshananda, Shantarupananda, and many dedicated devotees.

 

The city of Portland is at the confluence of two perennial rivers – the Willamette and the Columbia, making it equivalent to a Prayag. It is surrounded by snow-clad Mt. Hood, Mt Adams, Mt St. Helens, other mountains of the Cascade range, and the Pacific Ocean. It is the largest city in the state of Oregon, the seat of Multnomah County in the Pacific Northwest, situated at about 45.52 latitude and – 122.68 longitude. It has the following facilities-

 

a) A Vedanta Temple at 1157 SE 55th Ave, Portland

The Temple offers encouragement and guidance to spiritual seekers through lectures, readings, discussions, publications, retreats, rituals, and personal guidance based on Universal teachings of various scriptures and teachers by cultivating Self-knowledge and building character. Karma Yoga, the selfless offering of services, is encouraged through a few programs such as “Serve God in Man”, “Friends of the Vedanta Retreat” etc. Hatha Yoga is promoted for physical well-being and other cultural activities are promoted for intellectual expansion such as the study of Sanskrit and other languages.

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b) A room for a devotee retreatant who is associated with us for meditation, contemplation, reading, and volunteering with prior permission.

 

c) A 289-acre beautiful forest sanctuary at 23000 NW Gilkison Road, Scappoose for promoting the Harmony of Religions in the lap of Nature by maintaining shrines of various religions and by organizing interfaith meetings inviting religious leaders from various streams. This beautiful, pristine forest was developed by dedicated volunteers on a parcel of clear-cut land of 120 acres and the adjacent 169 acres of land property has been added to the Vedanta Retreat on March 17, 2020. It is open to the general public to enjoy the peace and beauty of this hallowed place. 

 

It takes a lot of resources to maintain the above facilities, buildings, shrines, trails, etc. Support from generous public and benevolent institutions will be appreciated and acknowledged.