Our Philosophy
A loving outreach of the Divinity,
Sri Sri Radha-Krishna, … to the world
What Are Vedic Art, Bhakti-yoga, And Gaudiya Vaishnavism?
Sacred Vedic Arts aims to preserve the cultural, spiritual, and artistic wisdom of Vedic tradition. This phrase refers to the teachings and experiences of various lineages of teachers who lived on the Indian subcontinent in ancient times.
Although the Vedic tradition and literature is vast and profound, the Vedic solution to unhappiness is simple: to learn to give, love, and be satisfied with the simple things that truly matter in life. It is a way of life that is based on the ancient wisdom texts of India for the purpose of attaining self-realization.
Springing from Vedic wisdom is the concept of Bhakti-yoga: the yoga of devotion. Bhakti means “attachment, participation, fondness for, homage, faith, love, worship, purity.” It is a movement emphasizing the mutual intense emotional attachment and love of a devotee towards God and of God for the devotee.
As practitioners of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, we follow the teachings of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, also known as Gaurāṇga, whose limbs bear the luster of gaura, molten-gold – hence, Gauḍīya. He came to this world 500 years ago to propagate devotional service on the platform of spontaneous attraction.
“Vaishnav” refers to devotees of Vishnu, or Krishna. We believe Lord Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and the Absolute Truth.
Distributing books and art excites us. Nearly every person who has walked through our doors or met our members on the streets have received one or more books and/or pieces of art. To us, this is not a common marketplace exchange; it is a spiritual happening.
These books and paintings were manifested by bona fide Gurus, who see beyond the mundane world and realize their personal relationship with Krishna within His abode. Their hearts, overflowing with pure Divine love, then manifest in their words and images. When you gaze upon the art or read the books of our teachers, Divinity is directly communicating with you.
The Divine Couple, who are known in the Vedas as Radha-Krishna, is supremely loving and compassionate. Engaging with Them through these bonafide mediums calms the mind and eases the heart.
“Our mission is to give love and affection to all living beings without any consideration of caste and creed. Our main mission is to give love and affection to the highest standard…Convey this message to everyone by distributing books and by congregational chanting.”
— Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Goswami Maharaja
WHAT ARE THE CORE TEACHINGS OF BHAKTI YOGA?
Non-violence
Non-violence (or ahimsa), means not causing any distress for others. We serve only fully vegetarian/vegan meals.
Selfless Service
Service is acting for the highest welfare of all humanity. Our center provides shelter for the meek and inquisitive, and wellness education to relieve the stresses of these troubled times. Through our prison outreach program we bring joy, relief, and meaning to the incarcerated.
Equality
The wisdom of ancient India teaches the student to recognize the soul within to see everyone on the platform of equality. In this light, every person who walks through our door is treated as good as God. No one is denied service due to their body, gender, religion, or status.
Respect
Each person has intrinsic qualities that are valuable to community. Our elders teach us to see beyond the body, so we can respect everyone properly.
Harmony
We believe in compassionate communication with humans and animals and all life.