The Vedanta Society of New York (VSNY) is affiliated with the Ramakrishna Order of India. In fact, it is the Order's first Center started by Swami Vivekananda, in 1894. This was an historic event, for the seed of the world-wide Ramakrishna Movement was first sown here in New York over a century ago.

The Vedanta Society of New York bases its teachings on the system of Vedanta, especially as explained by Sri Ramakrishna (1836-1886) and his chief disciple Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) and as demonstrated in their lives.

Swami Vivekananda was the first teacher of Vedanta to come to the West, drawing wide acclaim by his electrifying addresses at the World's Parliament of Religions held in Chicago in 1893. After the conclusion of the Parliament, Swami Vivekananda toured the USA and lectured extensively in the Northeast.  Slowly, a group of eager students, keen to learn more about Vedanta gathered about the Swami, and the first Vedanta Center in the West was established in New York City.

From its humble beginnings in two rented rooms at 54 West 33rd Street in Manhattan, VSNY moved to several locations before the current premises on West 71st Street were acquired in 1921.  The previous locations of VSNY are represented here.

The Society is one of a number of Vedanta Centers in the U.S. and is guided by Swamis (monks) of the Order, who serve as Ministers.  A brief history of the past Swamis of the VSNY gives an idea of how the Center has developed and grown over the years.