About the UK Centre
Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre Blind Lane
Bourne End
Buckinghamshire SL8 5LF
Phone: (01628) 526 464
E-Mail: vedantauk@talk21.com
Centre Leader: Swami Dayatmananda
The Ramakrishna-Vedanta Centre of UK, is the only centre in Great Britain affiliated
to the Ramakrishna order. The Centre was started in London by Swami Ghanananda in
November 1948. Until 1969 he guided it's affairs, established its monastery; edited
the publications and also spoke in many parts of the country. Swami Ghanananda passed
away in 1969. After Swami Ghanananda, Swami Bhavyananda became head of the Centre.
The Centre moved in 1977 to Bourne End, Buckinghamshire. Bourne end is 25 miles
from London. Swami Bhavyananda guided the Centre till his passing away in 1993 when
Swami Dayatmananda took charge. Like his predecessors the Swami delivers public
lectures on Vedanta, Yoga, Indian Philosophy and Psychology, Comparative Religion,
and allied subjects on Sunday afternoons at Bourne End and at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
in London. After a brief period of meditation the Swami begins by chanting a few
Sanskrit verses, followed by renderings in English; then the discourse begins. The
Swami also occasionally addresses meetings in the provinces and Europe on invitation.
Giving interviews for spiritual guidance, study classes and answering letters from
spiritual seekers are some of the Swami's other duties at the centre. The birthdays
of Sri Ramakrishna and other great teachers are celebrated at the Centre. There
is a shrine with a meditation room which devotees may use and where morning and
evening services are held. Monastic and lay members assist in the daily routine
activities. The Centre has an elected Board of Management and Board of Trustees.
It is registered with the charities Commission as a charitiable institution, and
is therefore able to recover income tax on donations made under Deeds of Covenant.
The Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre is entirely free from politics.
The Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre is the only Vedanta Centre in the
U.K. which is affiliated to the Ramakrishna Order of India. It is entirely free
from politics.
BOOKS: The Centre, besides publishing books, runs a bookstall which
is open until 5.30 pm. A book list may be had on request.
MEDITATION ROOM: Is open to all from 8.00 am to 12.30 pm and 3.00
pm to 7.30 pm.
VESPER SERVICE is at 6.00 pm.
SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE: Swami Dayatmananda is available for personal
interviews and discussions by appointment.
MAGAZINE: The annual subscription to Vedanta is £9.00 post free.
Single copies £1.50
Directions to the Centre
One hour by car from London
Take the M40 to Exit and join the A4094 southbound to Bourne End exit Junction 3
One Hour from Oxford
Take the M4 Motorway to Exit 7 and continue toward Maidenhead A4 to join A4094 northbound
to Bourne End
Recommended Public Transport Routes.
Monday – Saturday : Rail from Paddington to Bourne End
Sundays : Rail from Paddington to Maidenhead then a Chiltern Link bus 20/20A to
Bourne End B.Rail from Marylebone to High Wycombe then a Chiltern Link bus 20/20A
to Bourne End C.Green Line (GL)290 or 790 coach to Loudwater Turn then a Chiltern
Link bus 20/20 to Bourne End