Spiritual Evening – Christmas Edition – The Beatitudes Part 1

‘Like Krishna and Buddha, Christ did not preach a mere ethical or social gospel but an uncompromisingly spiritual one. He declared that God can be seen, that divine perfection can be achieved.’
Swami Prabhavananda

Join our Vedanta Society members and friends from 7 .30 pm via ZOOM

OR COME IN PERSON AND JOIN US FOR SILENT MEDITATION

FROM 7 PM AT: Vedanta Hall, 15 Liverpool Road, Croydon NSW

Group discussion led by Pravrajika Sridharaprana, a senior nun of Sri Sarada Math of the Ramakrishna Order.

IN THIS special Christmas edition of the Spiritual Evening, we’re dipping into a classic series of talks – Sermon on the Mount According to Vedanta – given by Swami Prabhavananda. In these talks the Swami explored and dissected Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount to highlight its profound meaning and close connection with eastern philosophy.

From 1930 to his passing in 1976, Swami Prabhavananda was in charge of the Vedanta Society of Southern California’s main Centre in Hollywood. His talks and personality attracted those sincerely seeking a spiritual path, including writers, actors and other creatives.

Discussion Themes:

• MULTITUDES & DISCIPLES – ‘Religion is something which can actually be transmitted. A truly illumined teacher can transmit to us the power which unfolds the divine consciousness latent within us. But the field must be fertile and the soil ready before the seed can be sown.’
• BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT – To be receptive to the higher teachings we must be poor in spirit; in other words, we must be humble.
• BLESSED MOURNING – Many mourn the loss of wealth and pleasure, but a rare few mourn a greater loss: their unfulfilled desire to realize ‘the truth of God.’
• BLESSED ARE THE MEEK – ‘What … is meekness? It is to live in self-surrender to God, free from the sense of “me” and “mine.” This does not mean that we should get rid of wealth, family, and friends; but we should get rid of the idea that they belong to us. They belong to God.’
• THIRST FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS – If we analyze ourselves, we shall find that our interest in God is not nearly as strong as our interest in all kinds of worldly objects. But even a slight desire to know the divine Reality is a beginning that can lead us higher. We must start with self-effort
• GOD-LIKE MERCY – To be merciful is one of the conditions necessary before we can receive the truth of God. Envy, jealousy, hatred—these are some of the universal weaknesses inborn in man. They are linked with our ego-sense which stems from ignorance. How are we to overcome them? By raising an opposite wave of thought.’

Learn more in the Discussion

Our discussions tap into the wisdom of major world faiths and thinkers relating them to our daily life. You’re welcome to share your insights, experiences, and doubts with the group.