Ganges Monastery

Sri Ramakrishna used to say, "Whenever you have leisure, go into solitude for a day or two. At that time, don't hold any conversation on worldly affairs. Live either in solitude or in the company of the holy."

The Vivekananda Monastery and Retreat at Ganges, Michigan, provides a place for spiritual seekers to engage in prayer, meditation and study away from the distractions and cares of daily life. The Ganges retreat provides an atmosphere conducive to solitude and meditation in a non-sectarian context of reverence for all faiths, embodying the all-encompassing outlook of Sri Ramakrishna.

Daily activities include morning prayer at 5:15 a.m. and evening vesper service at 6:00 p.m. The shrine is open for meditation throughout out the day until 9:00 p.m. On Sundays, a service is held at 11:30 a.m., and meditation and scripture study classes are held Tuesday evenings.

Special classes and individual instructions can be arranged with the resident monastic members. An extensive library and a museum of religious artifacts from India are on the premises.

Retreat facilities are available, by prior arrangement, to individuals, families, and groups.

A Children's Camp is held during the first week of August year year, and from time to time there are conferences and festivals at Ganges.

In keeping with the monastic tradition, separate accommodations and facilities exist for men and women retreatants. Children, accompanied by their parents, are also welcome.

For more information about our Ganges retreat center, you can telephone (269)-543-4545, or email us at Ganges@VedantaSociety-Chicago.org.

For an interactive map and driving directions to the Vivekananda Monastery and Retreat in Ganges, Michigan, click here.