Swami Ashokananda
Swami-in-Charge: 1939 – 1969
Swami Ashokananda was one of the foremost pioneers of Vedanta in the Western world. After receiving Brahmacharya vows from Swami Brahmananda in 1921, he was ordained into Sannyasa by Swami Shivananda in 1923. From 1927 to 1931, he served as editor of Prabuddha Bharata at the Advaita Ashrama in Mayavati. He arrived in the United States in July 1931, as assistant to Swami Vividishananda in San Francisco, and in 1932 became Minister-in-Charge of the Vedanta Society of Northern California.
Arriving in America at a time when Eastern spirituality was little understood, Swami Ashokananda presented Vedanta with intellectual clarity, spiritual depth, and practical force, attracting hundreds of sincere seekers throughout Northern California. Under his leadership, the Vedanta movement expanded greatly with the establishment of the New Temple in San Francisco, Vedanta Society Berkeley, and the Vedanta Society of Sacramento, as well as the acquisition of two retreat centers: (1) a 2,200 acre retreat in Olema, California, which became the largest Vedanta retreat in America and (2) a 200-acre retreat property in Lake Tahoe, CA. He also inspired students such as Marie Louise Burke (Sister Gargi), whose historical writings preserved important aspects of Vedanta’s early history in the West.
Recognizing the growing spiritual interest in the East Bay, Swami Ashokananda began conducting regular classes in rented halls in Oakland and Berkeley during the 1930s. With the dedicated support of Sarah Fox and other devoted followers, he undertook the task of establishing a permanent Vedanta center in Berkeley. The effort demanded tremendous courage, hard work, and perseverance. The Society faced legal challenges, public opposition, permit difficulties, and financial obstacles. Yet through unwavering determination and the tireless efforts of the devotees, these difficulties were gradually overcome.
The property at the corner of Haste and Bowditch Streets was secured, and under Swami Ashokananda’s close supervision the Berkeley temple was constructed and completed in 1939. He personally oversaw every stage of the work, from the design of the shrine and temple grounds to the spiritual consecration of the property itself. The temple was formally dedicated on October 20, 1939 (the Ashtami (eighth) day of Durga Puja).
From 1939 until leaving his mortal body in December 1969, Swami Ashokananda worked assiduously for the spiritual growth of the Berkeley center and the Vedanta movement throughout Northern California. Through lectures, retreats, personal guidance, and spiritual training, he shaped generations of devotees and established a strong foundation for Vedanta in the West.
Many of his recorded lectures and writings continue to inspire seekers long after his passing and were later published in books such as Meditation, Ecstasy and Illumination, Spiritualizing Everyday Life, The Theory and Practice of Monism, and Shafts of Light. Through unwavering dedication to the ideals of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda, Swami Ashokananda became one of the foremost forerunners who disseminated the spirit of Vedanta in the Western world.
Swami Shantaswarupananda
Swami-in-Charge: 1969 – 1970
Swami Shantaswarupananda was initiated (diksha) by Swami Shivananda in 1923 and joined the Ramakrishna Order in 1925. Before coming to the United States, he served in Rangoon, Myanmar, where he gained valuable experience in spiritual and organizational work. In February 1948, he arrived in San Francisco to assist Swami Ashokananda and soon became the first resident minister of the Berkeley temple, establishing a stable monastic presence in the East Bay.
From 1953 to 1969, Swami Shantaswarupananda resided in Berkeley, guiding devotees through worship services, scriptural classes, counseling, and spiritual instruction. Known for his calm
demeanor, balanced outlook, humility, and gentle humor, he deeply influenced the growing Vedanta community through simplicity, patience, and spiritual presence rather than public prominence. He emphasized harmony among religions, selfless service, disciplined spiritual life, and cooperation among devotees.
Following the passing of Swami Ashokananda in December 1969, Swami Shantaswarupananda briefly served as Swami-in-Charge of Vedanta Society Berkeley and helped guide the important transition that led to Berkeley becoming an independent center in 1970. His steady leadership preserved continuity and strengthened the spiritual foundations of the Society during a formative period. After serving until November 1970, he returned to India.
Swami Swahananda
Swami-in-Charge: 1970 – 1976
Swami Swahananda was initiated (diksha) by Swami Vijnanananda in 1937 and was ordained into Sannyasa by Swami Shankarananda in 1956. Before coming to the United States, he served at Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira, Delhi, and at other centers of the Ramakrishna Order in India. From 1956 to 1962, he served as editor of Vedanta Kesari in Madras (Chennai).
He arrived in the United States in August 1968 to assist Swami Ashokananda at the San Francisco center. In December 1970, he became the Swami-in-Charge of the newly independent Vedanta Society of Berkeley.
In keeping with the vision of Swami Vivekananda, during his tenure at Vedanta Society Berkeley, Swami Swahananda expanded Vedanta work by establishing the San Jose Center. Beginning with lectures in devotees’ homes, the movement gradually grew, and in March 1975 a house at 1376 Mariposa Avenue in San Jose was acquired by the Berkeley Society. A shrine
was installed there on April 20, 1975 (Ramnavami day), and the center was formally inaugurated on May 25, 1975, in the presence of swamis, monastics, and devotees.
Swami Swahananda remained in Berkeley for six years before being appointed head of the Vedanta Society of Southern California in December 1976. He was widely admired for his visionary zeal, selfless spirit of service, and warm, compassionate, and joyful nature.
Swami Swananada
Swami-in-Charge: 1977 – 1985
Swami Swananda was initiated (diksha) by Swami Virajanandaji Maharaj in 1947 and received his Sannyasa vows from Swami Shankaranandaji Maharaj in 1957. He was appointed as the Swami-in-Charge of the Vedanta Society Berkeley in April 1977. Before that, he served at Ramakrishna Mission Saradapitha, Patna, Delhi, and other centers of the Ramakrishna Order, India. He assumed the role of Swami-in-Charge of the Berkeley Center for the next eight years until April 1985, when he returned to India. Swami Swananda was known for his ascetic nature and scholarly intellectual pursuits.
Swami Aparananda
Swami-in-Charge: 1985 – 2014
Swami Aparananda was initiated (diksha) by Swami Shankaranandaji Maharaj in 1957 and received his Sannyasa vows from Swami Vireshwaranandaji Maharaj in 1966. He was sent to the United States in spring of 1978 to serve as Assistant Swami at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood. Before coming to the United States, he served at several Centers of the Ramakrishna Order in India, including the Advaita Ashrama, Cherrapunji, New Delhi, and Ramakrishna Mission Mauritius. He was appointed the Swami-in-Charge of the Vedanta Society Berkeley from May 1985 to September 2014. Swami Aparananda is known for his modest humility, loving, cordial, and affable nature.
Swami Prasannatmananda
Swami-in-Charge: 2014 – Present
Swami Prasannatmananda received his initiation (diksha), brahmacharya and Sannyasa vows (1995) from the twelfth President of the Ramakrishna Order, Swami Bhuteshanandaji Maharaj. He came to the United States in February 2011 as Assistant Swami at the Berkeley Center. Before that, he served at Ramakrishna Mission Saradapitha and Vidyamandira College at Belurmath, Ranchi Morabadi center, and at the Institute of Culture, Golpark, Kolkata. He was primarily involved in teaching, educational initiatives and research activities throughout his service tenure as a monk in India. He was appointed the Swami-in-Charge of the Vedanta Society Berkeley in October 2014.
Swami Prasannatmananda is glad to confer with aspirants interested in knowing more about Vedanta or want to discuss their individual spiritual interests. Appointments can be made after weekly lectures or classes, or by calling the Berkeley Center at (510) 848-8862, or by sending email at society@vedantaberkeley.org.