CHICAGO: Mothers Trust, Lakeshore Interfaith Institute, Ganges Michigan will hold classes on a variety of interesting subjects on spirituality and philosophy beginning April 2007. All these courses are of nine months' duration.

The subjects include, "Interfaith World Religions" about the practices and traditions of various world religions; "Hinduism/ Vedanta - Bhagavad Gita" learning Hinduism, that spans the diverse possibilities of religion and spirituality, through the study of Bhagavad Gita, most known Hindu Scripture; "Interfaith Ministry Practicum Course", a popular choice for people with broad views on universality and religious practice, exploring aspects of spiritual ministry for the serious ministers in the making; Joseph Campbell-Power of Myth, a study of mythology using his classic documentary with Bill Moyers; "Sacred Ancient Pathways-Teachings", learning primal religions and their traditions and beliefs, and "Swami Vivekananda & Universality" teaching Swami Vivekananda's ideas and concepts on universality for the West. Vedanta was introduced and made popular in the West, especially in the US by Swami Vivekananda, who came to Chicago to attend the World Parliament of Religions in 1893. He captured the attention of the audience with his splendid lectures and discourses on Vedanta Philosophy, Yoga and Culture, especially about Vedanta.

Vivekananda was one of the most well-known and influential spiritual teachers of Vedanta Philosophy and Yoga. He is a major figure in the history of Hinduism and India. He was the disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and the founder of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, which are dedicated to the ideals of realizing God within and serving God through man.

These institutions have become the leading humanitarian missionary organizations serving humanity whenever catastrophes strike them through flood, famine or any natural or manmade ravages of destruction. They have over 135 centers throughout the world, of which 12 are in the United States.