Guidelines for visitors

Welcome to the Ramakrishna Vedanta Society of Boston! We are glad you are planning to visit us. Please review the guidelines below to make the most of your visit, to respect fellow visitors, and to maintain the sanctity of the premises.

Planning for your visit

Visiting Hours: The Vedanta Society is open for programs at the times listed on the website. All other visits are only by prior appointment with Swami Tyagananda. You can request an appointment at this link.

COVID Protocol: In order to visit you must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and wearing a mask. (Please bring your own mask!) If you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, please postpone your visit until you have recovered. All the programs at the Vedanta Society are streamed live and can also be watched later from the archives.

Children’s Program: The Children’s Program on Sundays is temporarily suspended. Fully vaccinated children are welcome to attend the Satsang and must remain with their parents at all times. Children who are able to sit composedly for the full Sunday Satsang may sit in the Chapel, while wigglier young ones are welcome to view the program in the overflow room with a parent.

Appropriate Attire: Wear modest and respectful clothing, as you would to attend a spiritual service at a temple, mosque, or church. Legs and shoulders must be fully covered. Shorts and short skirts are not permitted except for children ages 9 and under. Hats must be removed prior to entering the Chapel.

Parking: If you are arriving by car, there is street parking in the vicinity, and limited parking is also available in the lot behind the building. In the rear lot, cars are parked in tandem, so your car might be blocked by those behind you. If you need to leave early, street parking is advisable.

Belongings: After entering, please remove your shoes and place them on the shoe racks in the lobby. You may also hang your jacket and leave large bags on the racks provided in the lobby. Larger handbags/backpacks, food, and drinks must be left in the lobby and are not permitted in the Chapel.

Devices: Please switch off your devices completely and, if possible, leave them with your belongings in the lobby.

Offerings: You are welcome to bring fruits or flowers for puja offering (no cooked food, please). You may place these offerings in the designated spot in the lobby, or hand them to one of the volunteers at the entrance. Monetary offerings can be placed in the offering boxes in the Book Room or the Chapel, or made at the bookstore, or done online.

Best practices for being in the Chapel

The Chapel is a sacred quiet space. Please follow the guidelines below to maintain the space’s tranquility for the benefit of all.

  1. Turn off all devices completely prior to entering the Chapel.

  2. Please maintain silence while in the Chapel.

  3. No photography or filming is permitted in the Chapel.

  4. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early so you can find a seat and settle down before the program begins.