FAQs

The key purpose of the Samiti is twofold: 1) to provide educational programs in the United States which are based on the ancient spiritual wisdom of India; and 2) to offer financial support for the education of girls and young women in need in India.

You can participate more fully by becoming a member. Membership is for women only and includes women from all over the United States. If you are interested in becoming a member, send a note via the form on the Contact Us page.

Many people, both members and non members, financially donate to enhance the work of the Samiti. Donations from non-members are welcome to help further our mission.

If you are interested, donate here.

The Samiti focuses on nurturing the spiritual lives of members through the study of universal values and teachings. We meet quarterly in person through Samiti Satsang. We also meet for spiritual study and discussion in person as well as via Zoom. Each member receives the biannual journal of Sri Sarada Math titled, Samvit: Knowledge that Leads to Enlightenment.

Satsang is a Sanskrit phrase which translates to “an assembly for truth-seeking” and “a gathering for spiritual association.” We are a group of spiritual seekers who come together to benefit from the shared wisdom, support, and inspiration of holy company. Through discussions, meditation, study, worship, chanting, and collective reflection, participants deepen their understanding and practice of spiritual ideals while uplifting one another on their journeys. We meet quarterly in person and sometimes on Zoom for spiritual study and discussion. Learn more.

No experience is required. Our members are spiritual seekers, including Vedantins, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, and other women with no denominational preference.

The Samiti sponsors a variety of retreats. Some are for members only and others are open to women and men. If you are interested in being included on our mailing list for future retreats, send a note via the form on the contact us page.

Sri Sarada Math is an Eastern spiritual monastic institution for women near Dakshineswar, in Kolkata, India. Founded in 1954 as the women's counterpart to the Ramakrishna Order, it was established with the blessings of the Ramakrishna Mission and named after the Holy Mother, Sri Sarada Devi, the spiritual consort of Sri Ramakrishna. Dedicated to spiritual growth and women's education, the Math follows the ideals of renunciation, service, and devotion. The term "Math" refers to a spiritual monastic center.

The Math offers a space for women to pursue monastic life through spiritual practice, scriptural study, and social service. Its nuns take vows similar to those of monks in the Ramakrishna Order and engage in educational, healthcare, and charitable initiatives, preserving the teachings of their spiritual tradition.

Learn more about the Sri Sarada Math here or visit the Sri Sarada Math website here.

The Sri Sarada Mahila Samiti of Northern California is a nonprofit religious organization inspired by the Pravrajikas (nuns) of Sri Sarada Math, especially Most Revered Amalaprana Mataji. While the Samiti is legally independent and holds no formal affiliation with Sri Sarada Math or the Ramakrishna Sarada Mission, it operates in spiritual alignment with their mission, supporting education and spiritual development for women and girls.

Incorporated in California on November 27, 2001, the Samiti is dedicated to nurturing the spiritual lives of its members and promoting the universal values found in Vedanta, a key philosophy within Eastern spiritual traditions. Drawing from the lives and teachings of great spiritual figures like Sri Sarada Devi, whose embodiment of the "Motherhood of God” exemplified purity, truth, and service, the Samiti offers educational and spiritual programs to share the ancient wisdom of India in a modern, accessible way.