125 years after Swami Vivekananda’s second visit to the US in 1899 coming to LA, the local council motion presented last year was finally passed with the Vedanta Square officially set up in Los Angeles followed by a spiritual ceremony a few days ago by the Vedanta Society of Southern California.
MOTION
At the southeast corner of the intersection of Vedanta Place and Vedanta Terrace in the
Hollywood Dell neighborhood of Council District 4 is the beautiful Vedanta Temple compound,
which includes a bookshop, library, and monastery. The site has grown as an inclusive and
welcoming opportunity for locals and visitors to Los Angeles to enjoy the rich cultural history,
quiet spiritual environment, and unique architecture of the property.
I THEREFORE MOVE, that the intersection at Vedanta Place and Vedanta Terrace in the
Hollywood Dell be named as “Vedanta Square” and that the Department of Transportation be
directed to erect permanent ceremonial signage to this effect at this location.
Over the years, the Vedanta Society has influenced American culture, drawing notable
intellectuals and artists as well as spiritual seekers of all faiths. The organization also publishes
world-renowned books, such as the acclaimed translation of the Bhagavad Gita by Swami
Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood. Author-philosophers Aldous Huxley and Gerald
Heard were frequent guests and noted speakers at the temple.
Well-known personalities like Greta Garbo, Somerset Maughan, Beulah Bondi, and King Vidor were also often in attendance. We recognize the value of diversity and celebrate the communities who make our district so unique.
The Vedanta Society of Southern California’s Hollywood Temple and site is a hidden
gem within Council District Four.
The Vedanta Temple of the Vedanta Society of Southern California has graced the Hollywood
Dell neighborhood of Los Angeles since 1938, offering spiritual sanctuary and inspiration to
Angelenos for nearly 100 years. Created in 1929 by Swami Prabhavananda, the Society’s
spiritual foundations were established earlier by Swami Vivekananda during his visit to Los
Angeles in 1899-1900.
These ideals originate from the universal message of Vedanta, as lived fully by Vivekananda’s teacher, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the great Hindu sage of India.
PRESENTED BY: NITHYA RAMAN : OCT 1 1 2023
Councilmember, 4th District
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