About The Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa - Johannesburg

Our two primary activities are:

i. Dissemination of Vedanta Philosophy and
ii. Outreach work under the dictum ‘service to man is worship of God’.

The Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa was founded in 1942 by Swami Nischalananda. The Johannesburg Sub-Centre was started in 1954.
The Centre is a registered Public Benefit Organisation and Non-Profit Organisation.

Our Moto Atmano Mokshartam Jagat Hitaya Cha

For one's own salvation and for the welfare of the world

Our Logo

The emblem of the Ramakrishna Mission is a profound symbol of harmony. Swami Vivekananda, the creator of this symbol, sums up its significance: “The wavy waters in the picture are symbolic of Karma (selfless actions), the lotus of Bhakti (devotion to God) and the rising sun of Jnana (Knowledge of God). The encircling serpent is indicative of Yoga (meditative practices to realize God) and awakened Kundalini Shakti while the swan in the picture stands for Paramatman (the Supreme Reality). Therefore, the ideal of the picture is that by the union of Karma, Jnana, Bhakti and Yoga the vision of the Paramatman is obtained.”

What is Vedanta

The ideology of the Centre consists of the eternal principles of Vedanta as lived and experienced by Sri Ramakrishna and expounded by Swami Vivekananda. This ideology has three characteristics: ​

  • It is modern in the sense that the ancient principles of Vedanta are expressed in the current context
  • It is universal, that is, it is meant for the whole of humanity
  • It is practical in the sense that its principles can be applied to solve the problems of day-to-day life
​ The two main principles of Vedanta philosophy are: ​
  • God-realisation is the ultimate goal of life
  • Each soul is potentially divine

Our Monks

Atmano Mokshartham Jagat Hitaya Cha
(For one's salvation and for the welfare of the world )

Swami Saradaprabhananda

President of the Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa - Phoenix

Swami Saradaprabhananda is the President of the Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa - Phoenix. Swamiji joined the Centre in 1975 and has been actively involved in the Centre's various spiritual, cultural and outreach work ever since.

Swami Swatmaramananda

Swami-In-Charge - Johannesburg

Swami Swatmaramananda is the Swami-in-Charge of the Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa - Johannesburg. Swamiji joined the Ramakrishna Mission in 1988 and has been actively involved in the Organisation's multifarious activities ever since.