About the Society

Swami Satprakashananda

Founder: Swami Satprakashananda

The Vedanta Society of Kansas City was founded in 1947 by Swami Satprakashananda. This Society is a branch center of the Vedanta Society of St Louis and is affiliated with the Ramakrishna Order of India. In 1938 the swami had also founded the Vedanta Society of St Louis and served as its Minister-in-Charge until his passing in 1979.  

Swami Satprakashananda was a disciple of Swami Brahmananda, a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna (1836-1886). 

Swami Chetanananda

Minister: Swami Chetanananda

Swami Chetanananda is spiritual director of the Vedanta Societies of St Louis and Kansas City. He is headquartered in St  Louis and comes to Kansas City regularly to conduct spiritual retreats and give talks on spiritual life.  He also gives spiritual instruction to those sincerely interested in spiritual practice.   Interviews with the swami are by appointment.

Swami Paritushtananda

Assistant Minister: Swami Paritushtananda

Swami Paritushtananda joined the Ramakrishna Order of monks in 1981 at Allahabad, India. He came to the headquarters at Belur Math, West Bengal, India in 1985 for training in spiritual life–the study of scriptures, spiritual practices, and other holy traditions followed in the Holy Order. After the training, in 1987 he was posted to the administrative office of the twin organizations–Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission at Belur Math– and worked as an assistant to the General Secretary, administrative head of the worldwide organizations. During his long 21years service at the headquarters office, he worked under five General Secretaries.

In 2008 Swami Paritushtananda was appointed as an Assistant Minister of the Vedanta Society of the New York (originally founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1894). He has served as Resident Swami at the Vedanta Society of Kansas City since March 24, 2017.

The swami accepts invitations to give talks on Vedanta and the message of Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda. Interviews with the swami are by appointment.

Swami Paritushtananda received spiritual initiation (Mantra Diksha) from Swami Vireshwaranandaji Maharaj, a disciple of Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi and the tenth President of the Ramakrishna Order.