Our Publications
The Publishing Division of the Centre Védantique Ramakrishna (CVR Éditions) is entirely dedicated to spiritual publishing. It brings together the works of the ashram as well as contributions from contemporary authors in the Vedānta tradition. Among its key publications are the journal Védānta, as well as essential books such as God Lived With Themand The Life of Sri Ramakrishna, published under the direction of Swami Atmarupananda.
In parallel, Éditions Gandharva Gana, although independent, is closely connected to the Centre. Initially focused on the dissemination of devotional music (chants, talks, conferences), this publishing house also offers written spiritual content, such as Swami’s Thought for the Day, and supports the distribution of teachings aligned with the mission of the CVR.
Lastly, the Vande Mataram collection was originally initiated by Swami Siddheswarananda between 1942 and 1955 under Jean Maisonneuve publishers. Though no longer active today, it remains a symbolic testament to the link between spirituality and cultural commitment in France. This collection represents a precious legacy of the Centre's early editorial activity.
Together, these three entities offer a comprehensive spectrum: from classical and philosophical Vedānta texts to spiritual poetry, devotional music, life stories, and contemporary reflections. Combining tradition and modernity, they enable the Centre Védantique Ramakrishna to present a strong and diverse editorial expression, faithful to its spiritual and cultural mission.
Monastic Routine
To some extent, the spiritual path of each person will be different and is developed in consultation with the spiritual director. The four yogas – karma yoga, bhakti yoga, jñāna yoga, and rāja yoga, that is, the yogas of action, devotion, knowledge, and meditation – are combined according to each person’s temperament. In general, we learn to work with full attention but with detachment, to worship and pray to God with devotion, to study, discuss, and meditate on the scriptures, to affirm our true nature as the Self, the light of pure consciousness in which all experiences arise and settle, and to spend time each day in meditation, striving to directly realize the spiritual truths we have studied.
Our daily monastic life mainly consists of working for the community, meditating, and studying (individual study and participation in classes at the Centre). Our work is varied and includes household tasks such as cooking and cleaning, maintenance, gardening, temple rituals, and caring for visitors and guests. We also carry out office and computer work. After spending sufficient time here and becoming familiar with the philosophy, it is possible to get involved in writing, editing, and public communication. We serve the public by sharing the teachings of Vedānta and by serving God in the form of the many visitors who come here.
Our daily monastic life mainly consists of working for the community, meditating, and studying (individual study and participation in classes at the Centre). Our work is varied and includes household tasks such as cooking and cleaning, maintenance, gardening, temple rituals, and caring for visitors and guests. We also carry out office and computer work. After spending sufficient time here and becoming familiar with the philosophy, it is possible to get involved in writing, editing, and public communication. We serve the public by sharing the teachings of Vedānta and by serving God in the form of the many visitors who come here.
Conditions for Becoming a Monk
Candidates must be between 18 and 35 years old. The reason for this age limit is that the rigors of community life require someone younger, better able to adapt physically and psychologically. At present, the Vedantic Centre in Gretz accepts only men for full monastic training, but women who wish to embrace the monastic life are also welcome. The spiritual director will guide them on the path they have chosen. The training for women at Vedantic centres that can accommodate them is the same as that given to men, with the same capacities and responsibilities.
Candidates must have at least a high school diploma, be in good health, and undergo a medical examination. Six months of celibacy and abstinence from alcohol and drugs are required before entering the monastery, and candidates must have no debts. The decision to enter monastic life should not be taken lightly. It is not an easy lifestyle. The qualities needed to succeed in spiritual life are similar to those needed in any other field: determination, perseverance, and patience with oneself and others. The experience of community life has been compared to stones tumbling together in a drum. Eventually, a beautiful polished surface is achieved! Four elements are essential in monastic life:
- devotion to higher ideals
- renunciation of a pleasure-oriented life
- moderation, self-control, and patience
- spirit of service
Candidates must have at least a high school diploma, be in good health, and undergo a medical examination. Six months of celibacy and abstinence from alcohol and drugs are required before entering the monastery, and candidates must have no debts. The decision to enter monastic life should not be taken lightly. It is not an easy lifestyle. The qualities needed to succeed in spiritual life are similar to those needed in any other field: determination, perseverance, and patience with oneself and others. The experience of community life has been compared to stones tumbling together in a drum. Eventually, a beautiful polished surface is achieved! Four elements are essential in monastic life:
- devotion to higher ideals
- renunciation of a pleasure-oriented life
- moderation, self-control, and patience
- spirit of service
Stages of Monastic Life
Monastic life includes several stages. The first year is the pre-probationary period. During this time, the Vedantic Centre provides room and board in exchange for the candidate’s service; however, personal, clothing, and medical expenses are not covered by the Centre.
The next stage is the probationary period, which lasts a minimum of four years. From this point on, the Vedantic Centre covers living and necessary medical expenses. At the end of this period, if the head of the Centre considers the candidate ready, one may take the first vows, called brahmacharya vows (provisional vows of a dedicated student). Training must then continue for at least four more years before the candidate can be considered eligible for final sannyas vows (complete renunciation), making a total of nine years from the initial pre-probation. The period is sometimes longer.
We recommend that those interested in monastic life visit the Vedantic Centre regularly to learn more about Vedānta and to get to know the people who live there. This also allows the spiritual director and other community members to get to know them. Then, if monastic life still seems attractive, they can discuss it with the head of the Centre.
The First Motivation for Choosing Monastic Life
For some, the decision to lead a monastic life comes slowly and with much reflection. For others, it may come quickly, as a clear and compelling decision. The way it comes and how quickly it comes do not matter. What drives the decision is the desire for spiritual transformation. When that desire is stronger than the desire for professional success, family life, human relationships, or possessions, then one may have the necessary motivation for monastic life.
This desire generally arises when one finds ordinary life insufficient and is drawn toward spiritual development. One must then test oneself to see whether the desire is lasting. A temporary disappointment in life is not enough, because with time, one adapts to circumstances and the former lifestyle may become attractive again.
If one feels the need to leave behind other pursuits and focus on spiritual growth, one may try monastic life if it seems appealing. Often, it is only by trying it that one knows for sure whether or not it is the right path. This is why we have a nine-year training period before final vows: it gives enough time to see whether the motivation is enduring.
We conclude with this call from Swami Vivekananda to Miss Margaret Noble of Ireland, who eventually became his monastic disciple and dedicated her life to his work in India. But this is really a call to all who are inspired by the monastic ideal of Vedānta — an ideal not rooted in sorrow or defeat, but a heroic one:
“Who will give the light to the world? Sacrifice has been the law of the past, and it will be, alas, the law of the future. The most courageous and the best of the earth will have to sacrifice themselves for the good of many, for the welfare of all. Hundreds of Buddhas are needed, full of eternal love and compassion. The religions of the world have become lifeless mockeries. What the world needs is character. The world needs those whose lives are a burning, selfless love. That love will make every word sound like thunder... Bold words and even bolder deeds, that is what we need. Arise, arise, great ones! The world is burning in misery. Can you sleep? Let us call again and again until the sleeping gods awake, until the God within us responds to the call. What else is there in life? ... Arise, awake!”
Serious inquiries about monastic life can be sent to: contact@centre-vedantique.fr
This desire generally arises when one finds ordinary life insufficient and is drawn toward spiritual development. One must then test oneself to see whether the desire is lasting. A temporary disappointment in life is not enough, because with time, one adapts to circumstances and the former lifestyle may become attractive again.
If one feels the need to leave behind other pursuits and focus on spiritual growth, one may try monastic life if it seems appealing. Often, it is only by trying it that one knows for sure whether or not it is the right path. This is why we have a nine-year training period before final vows: it gives enough time to see whether the motivation is enduring.
We conclude with this call from Swami Vivekananda to Miss Margaret Noble of Ireland, who eventually became his monastic disciple and dedicated her life to his work in India. But this is really a call to all who are inspired by the monastic ideal of Vedānta — an ideal not rooted in sorrow or defeat, but a heroic one:
“Who will give the light to the world? Sacrifice has been the law of the past, and it will be, alas, the law of the future. The most courageous and the best of the earth will have to sacrifice themselves for the good of many, for the welfare of all. Hundreds of Buddhas are needed, full of eternal love and compassion. The religions of the world have become lifeless mockeries. What the world needs is character. The world needs those whose lives are a burning, selfless love. That love will make every word sound like thunder... Bold words and even bolder deeds, that is what we need. Arise, arise, great ones! The world is burning in misery. Can you sleep? Let us call again and again until the sleeping gods awake, until the God within us responds to the call. What else is there in life? ... Arise, awake!”
Serious inquiries about monastic life can be sent to: contact@centre-vedantique.fr
A FREE AND LIVING SPIRITUAL RETREAT
The Centre védantique Ramakrishna in Gretz is a place of silence, peace, and inner transformation, rooted in the tradition of Vedānta and guided by the compassionate presence of the Swamis of the Ramakrishna Mission. Throughout the year, outside of themed retreats, the ashram welcomes those who wish to take a break, recharge, deepen their practice, or simply spend a few days in an authentic spiritual setting.
Living in rhythm with the inner life
Freely participate in daily activities: meditations, Vedantic chants, rituals, inspiring readings… or simply walk in the park, rest, or read in silence.
Tasting simplicity and the essential
In a peaceful natural setting, the silence and sobriety of the place support inner centering and deep listening. This is not about consuming a retreat, but about opening to a different quality of presence, far from the agitation of the world.
Sharing a living community space
The stay includes vegetarian meals, moments of simple service (such as helping with dishes or gardening), and quiet exchanges with the residents of the ashram. It is a shared experience of life in the spirit of karma yoga, where every gesture becomes an offering.
Welcoming what arises, within and around
No imposed program, no expected performance. Simply an invitation to be present, with kindness and openness, in a place that supports inner transformation and personal journey.
HOW THE CENTRE OPERATES
For many years, people of all ages and from all geographic, cultural, and religious backgrounds—free from family obligations—have sought to share the community life of a spiritual centre to focus on their ideal. This is the case with our residents, all of whom are volunteers. The Centre védantique Ramakrishna runs thanks to the voluntary work of its members, accommodation contributions, and donations.
RULES OF LIFE IN THE ASHRAM
"Ashram" comes from Sanskrit, and is composed of “A” – to come, and “Shram” – to work or to strive. An ashram is therefore a place dedicated to spiritual development, meditation, yoga practice and study, personal discipline, and service (seva). In order to preserve this space, it is essential to maintain an environment conducive to inner growth. The ashram encourages mutual respect among all its members, regardless of their status or role. Interactions should take place in a spirit of kindness and consideration for others. The following rules help maintain this atmosphere.
Simplicity
Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited inside the ashram, including in rooms, practice halls, bathrooms, or hallways. Likewise, the consumption of alcohol and drugs is strictly forbidden throughout the stay.
Respectful and chaste behavior
Expressions of affection should be shown with reserve and discretion, and any form of seduction should be avoided. Sexual relations within the ashram are inappropriate.
Appropriate dress
Residents and visitors are requested to wear modest clothing, avoiding items such as mini-shorts, low-cut tops, or transparent garments, out of respect for the community and for the sacredness of the place, including the chapel.
Personal responsibility
Each individual is responsible for their own actions and their impact on others. Everyone is expected to behave in a respectful and responsible manner.
BOOKING
Cost of stay: €70 per person per day, full board included
Send your request by email: contact@centre-vedantique.fr
Become a Volunteer at the Centre Védantique Râmakrishna
The daily life and programs of our Centre are supported by the selfless service of dedicated volunteers. Offering your time and energy in a spirit of devotion and generosity is an essential part of spiritual life.
Would you like to contribute to the Centre’s activities? Two options are available:
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Residential volunteering (minimum stay of one month)
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Daytime volunteering, according to your availability.
Opportunities for service include, but are not limited to:
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Cooking (vegetarian meals)
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Gardening
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Video recording, editing, and uploading
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Data entry
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Administrative support
Every effort is appreciated. Your presence and participation make a real difference.
📧 To offer your time and skills, contact us at: contact@centre-vedantique.fr
Thank you for your dedication and your service to the spiritual community.