“They alone live, who live for others” - - - Swami Vivekananda
"Our duty to others means helping others; doing good to the world. Why should we do good to the world? Apparently to help the world, but really to help ourselves." [Source]
The only way of getting our divine nature manifested is by helping others to do the same. [Source]
When we see a man doing good work, helping others, it means that he cannot be confined within the limited circle of "me and mine".[Source]
Please Support this Noble Cause
The Vedanta Society of Portland established in 1925 for the dissemination of educational, religious, and spiritual truths. Through its facilities, Vedanta Society has endeavored to serve society for the last 98 years by sharing these ideas and teachings and also the harmony in all aspects of life as depicted in the lives and teachings of Sri Ramakrishna. Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda.
The Vedanta Retreat was conceived for "presenting to the seekers the fullest opportunity possible to cultivate their spiritual life" "in the natural setting of quiet and solitude, away from the bustles and hurry of city life, they will be able to cultivate introspection and discipline, to bring out the Divine Perfection within, to its fullest manifestation.”
These facilities are conceived for the betterment of society. This institution is unique and special in the world which is to be saved. For its betterment we need the following:
1. More space is required to accommodate the devotees during important events.
2. Due to their age buildings require repairs and maintenance for their upkeep.
3. Facilities are to be improved/added to keep up with the requirements.
Therefore, we are approaching the generous members of society for raising the required resources.
1st Project: Service to Society Fundraising
for the Vedanta Retreat, Scappoose
To be done: Repair and renovation of the Temple
Through its various services the Vedanta Retreat, Scappoose shared the teachings of religious harmony as mentioned above and has served the seekers of peace and harmony through their personal retreats, self-reflection, interfaith shrines, trails, etc. We run this center mainly for our Interfaith activities. The Temple building was constructed in 1953. It is now about 70 years old and requires major repair and maintenance.
Save the Temple of Harmony in the Lap of Nature
Key Milestones
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Estimated requirement $ 95 K
Bramananda Hall $ 80 K
Ceiling $ 15 K
Chapel and others $ 15 K
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Available Fund: $ 45 K
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Required Fund: $ 50 K
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Work starts in August-September 2022.
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Fully funded Phase 1 completes by the end of 2023
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Roofing is done
2nd Project: Save the Abode of Mother
for the Vedanta Temple, at 1157 SE 55th Ave, Portland
Refurbishment and extension of the Temple
For the last 52 years, the hub of these activities has been at the above Temple. It is time for expansion as we find a dearth of space.
Key Milestones:
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Estimated $ 675 k
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Available Fund: $ 75 K
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Required Fund: $ 600 K
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Work starts in August-September 2023.
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Fully funded Phase 2 completes by the end of 2024
Our salutations with gratitude to the monastic and lay members of the Society for creating this wonderful divine place for us with their dedicated loving services. It was their loving hard work that we are enjoying today. Therefore, it will be befitting to offer something for our next generation during the forthcoming Centenary Celebration of Vedanta Society of Portland in 2025.
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The Vedanta Temple Building is about 100 years old. The western wall of the building near the Holy Mother’s Kitchen and the western entrance to the Chapel are sinking. Similarly, the ground near the south and southwest side of the shrine is sinking. There is urgent need to repair this problem.
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To repair the above, we will require a proper architectural planning, permission from the Bureau of Development Services and about $ 50,000 including digging of the site for this repair. It will be logical to take this opportunity to extend the building for the needed space listed below -
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New Bookstore: The sale of books helps the institution to disseminate spiritual, religious, moral, and educational ideas and thoughts. It also supports the institute financially.
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Extension of the Shrine: About nine major functions, many smaller events and retreats etc. are organized every year. During these festivals the Chapel is converted into a Shrine because the shrine can accommodate only about 25 devotees whereas the chapel can accommodate 75 devotees. The current space of our chapel is not enough during bigger events. And again, the sitting area is converted as a dining hall during prasad distribution. So, these activities spoil the wonderful ambience created during the puja. With the extension of the shrine such a spiritual atmosphere can be retained, and devotees would be able to enjoy it.
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A multipurpose hall with a kitchenette and toilets: A multipurpose hall can be built for events, functions, library, exhibition, prasad distribution, Yogasana classes etc. Retreats and programs for youth and teenagers can be organized without any disturbances.
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Two/three additional rooms for monastics: For the elderly monks en-suite rooms are required. Expansion should be made keeping the future needs in mind.
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Improvements of the present building- attic, basement, and an elevator: To use these spaces in a better and suitable way.
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Expansion of the Mother’s Kitchen to facilitate additional space for cooking and dining.
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Self-sustaining smart features: Tank for rain harvesting storage and solar energy harvesting etc.
The graphical representations showing part of the above features are given at the opposite side.
3rd Project: A refuge to Cultivate Inner Harmony growing for the Vedanta Retreat, Scappoose
Development of retreat facilities and other shrines -
We have a vision of constructing two houses for retreatants, one for ladies and another for gents.
Key Milestones
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Estimated cost for 10+10 dwelling units $ 900 K
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Details will be given after Phase 1 and 2
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Work starts in August-September 2024.
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Fully funded Phase 3 completes by the end of 2025
How to Donate
You are welcome to donate in following ways-
1. Through agencies like
Fidelity Brokerage Service, Benevity, or your employer like Apple, Intel, etc., for matching the donation.
2. Through Personal Bank Check
Please send by mail to the Vedanta Society of Portland, 1157 SE 55th Ave, Portland, OR 97215
3. Through Venmo Our Venmo ID is
@Vedanta-SocietyofPortland
There is no need to have a Venmo account
4. Through PayPal Giving Fund
Please click the link below or Donate button or QR code given below and please send us your e-copy of the receipt(s) and also mention the purpose of your donation.
The PayPal transfers the total amount donated (100%) at the end of the month but we don't get any other information as to who donated and for what purpose the donation was made. There is no need to have a PayPal account.
5. Procedure To Receive a Matching donation
Through Benevity (like Intel employees)
6. Many of us shop online from Amazon.com.
Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases to the Vedanta Society of Portland when you shop at Smile.Amazon.com. There is no extra cost to you. Prices are the same, but it will help the Vedanta Society of Portland because Amazon will donate a portion of its profits to the Vedanta Society.
So, Visit our MakeMeSmile page to learn more:
https://www.couponchief.com/makemesmile#93-6022240
Or
To select the Vedanta Society of Portland as your charity, follow the steps below.
A. Sign in to your Amazon Prime account
B. Type into the search bar: Vedanta Portland
It will ask you whether you want to select the Vedanta Society of Portland as your charity, hover over "Vedanta Society of Portland" and click on it to select it.
C. Now, whenever you shop using
https://smile.amazon.com/ a portion of your spending will be donated to the Vedanta Society of Portland.
We will be completing a century of services in 2025. As we approach this auspicious occasion, we invite your help to protect the physical spaces that foster spiritual development and goodwill for the benefit of all people and all beings.
We plan to celebrate the centenary year with befitting celebration. Your help is solicited.
Why Donate in these projects?
The Vedanta Society of Portland is a non-profit organization supported by generous members, friends, admirers, and the appreciative public.
We welcome your active participation in support of its activities and sustained care by volunteering for its maintenance and upkeep.
We also welcome your kind and generous donations for its maintenance.
Your support and donations for the services of the society will be deemed as services to God. They will be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law and will be humbly acknowledged.
Please be a part of the worldwide Vedanta Movement and thereby come under the guiding care of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda.
Your donations and active support would help the Society to maintain its beautiful Temples, shrines, and grounds located at SE 55th Avenue, Portland, OR, USA, and in the Vedanta Retreat at 23000 Northwest Gilkison Road, Scappoose, OR, USA.
They also will help ensure the dissemination of the wonderful universal and life-giving teachings of Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi, Swami Vivekananda, and other world teachers in the larger community.
You are welcome to contact us at 971 302 6918 for details or if you have any questions.