About Us

Sarada-Ramakrishna-Vivekananda

The Sarada Ramakrishna Vivekananda Association emerged from the spiritual lineage of Sri Ramakrishna (1836-1886), whose direct mystical experiences across Hindu, Sufi, and Christian traditions revealed that Divine Wisdom expresses itself through countless authentic paths.

His spiritual partner, Sri Sarada Devi, known as the Holy Mother, embodied the Divine Feminine principle of unconditional refuge—offering healing and transformation to all seekers regardless of tradition or background.

Their disciple, Swami Vivekananda, brought this universal vision to America in 1893, teaching that genuine spirituality honors all paths to truth.

SRV Retreat Center

Founded in 1978 by Ramakrishna devotees on land sacred for millennia, the retreat center occupies territory long recognized by Mohawk, Haudenosaunee, Mahican, and Lenape peoples where Basic Creek flows through the Catskill foothills.

Built upon two 1867 structures—the stately "House on the Hill" and a former barn transformed into a Temple—the center has hosted diverse spiritual groups, indigenous ceremonies, meditation retreats, weddings, and the local AA group, fostering inclusivity and unity in Greenville and the Hudson Valley. The SRV Association acquired the property in 1987, with Swami Bruce Hilliger serving as President from 1988 to 2023.

Śaranam Today

We embrace a new name: Śaraṇam—Sanskrit for "unto refuge"—honoring our Vedantic roots and the universal practice of seeking shelter in Divine Wisdom found across all traditions.

For over four decades, this land has offered genuine sanctuary where healing and transformation unfold. Our new name reflects our deepening commitment to welcome all seeking spiritual growth and wholeness through programs honoring diverse wisdom traditions, community wellness, and creative expression—embodying Sri Ramakrishna's realization that all sincere paths lead to truth.

Our Mission

Community

Creating sanctuary where people from all backgrounds find practices that support physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing through weekly offerings, seasonal programs, and private retreats that serve both our local Hudson Valley community and seekers from across the country.

Honoring All Paths

Supporting teachers, healers, and wisdom keepers from every authentic tradition—whether rooted in Eastern philosophy, Western mysticism, Indigenous earth wisdom, or contemporary therapeutic practice—in sharing their gifts with communities seeking transformation.

Sacred Stewardship

Tending this land as living spiritual practice, recognizing that care for the land and care for the soul are inseparable, through the seasons that guides us, gardens that teach us, forests that listen to us, and waters that remind us of our connection to all life.

Meet the Śaranam team

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Chai

President
Edward "Chai" Keenan has walked a spiritual path for over 30 years while building an accomplished career in marketing, technology, and wellness. From global product launches to digital health platforms, his experience bridges ancient wisdom with modern innovation. He previously led the Bhakti Center in NYC and helped establish Sanar Wellness Institute, creating communities and spaces where spiritual healing and transformation meet contemporary life. Fluent in Russian, Chai holds a deep commitment to making wisdom and healing traditions accessible to all who seek them.

Robert

Board Member
Robert Miller is a long-time resident of the Greenville area and friend and supporter of SRV for decades. Now retired, Bob is a former business owner and manager of a large local golf and vacation resort. Bob is a sincere follower and practitioner of Buddhist Dharma and has travelled widely in India and Nepal.

Geoff

Secretary
Geoff Scott coaches tech startup CEOs, helping them to understand their vision, find the right path to realize it, lead their teams, and survive the journey.

As an entrepreneur, executive, software engineer, and leader with over 30 years of experience, he built several companies, launched dozens of products and businesses for other companies, and played leadership roles in some of the largest and fastest growing companies in the world.

Geoff feels a deep connection to the land and to Śaraṇam's purpose as a place for healing and transformation for all.

Bruce

Board Member
Swami Emeritus Bruce Hilliger is known throughout the area for his decades of service to SRV and the local community. Bruce brought yoga to Greenville and co-founded the local AA, and hosted spiritual teachers and groups from around the world. He was also a local bus driver, substitute teacher, tutor, guitar teacher, and lecturer on Vedanta, among many, many other amazing achievements. Bruce ran the organization from about 1980 until 2023, when he retired from active management. He currently resides at Śaranam.