Vedanta Society of NSW

Self-Knowledge: Monthly Lecture Series
2024-11-10 11:00 - 12:30 UTC | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
It is only because of ignorance that the Self appears to be finite. When ignorance is destroyed, The Self … truly reveals Itself by Itself, like the sun when the cloud is removed.
V.4 Atmabodha
New monthly lecture series
Presented by Pravrajika Sridharaprana
11 am to 12.30 pm – Including Talk and Q & A session.

Topics to be announced
Atmabodha:
SRI SHANKARACHARYA, a child prodigy and religious reformer, was the greatest propagator of Advaita Vedanta (non-dual philosophy). A prolific writer, his voluminous works are categorized into three groups: commentaries (Bhasyas), Treatises (Prakaranas), and Hymns (Stotras).
Atmabodha, belonging to the treatises group and consisting of just 68 verses, provides a simple and beautiful exposition of Shankaracharya’s lofty philosophy.
The Upanishads stipulate that to attain spiritual illumination, an aspirant needs to cultivate three qualities:

To listen with full and devoted attention to their spiritual teacher (sravana)
To reason and to tease out the pros and cons of the spiritual teachings (manana)
To reach the heights of meditation (nididhyasana)

The study of such works plays a vital role in our spiritual life.

Spiritual Evening - Christmas Edition - The Beatitudes Part 1
2024-12-13 19:00 - 20:45 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
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.

Special Event: From Race Discrimination to Social Harmony
2025-05-18 14:00 - 16:00 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Speech by Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner:
Giridharan Sivaraman
Join us in person at Vedanta Hall or via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88634914266?pwd=[REDACTED]
Other Speakers:
Prof. Desmond Cahill
Emeritus Professor at RMIT University, President: Religions for Peace Australia, Moderator: Asian Conference of Religions for Peace
Jason Yat-Sen Li M.P
State Member for Strathfield, Lawyer, Community Advocate
Cr. Sukirti Bhatta
Burwood Councillor, Social Worker, NSW Education Project Officer
Pravrajika Gayatriprana
President, Ramakrishna Sarada Vedanta Society of NSW, Member—Women’s Interfaith Network
Question/ Answer Session after speeches

WE’RE honoured to have several distinguished guest speakers at Vedanta Hall for a special event on Sunday, 16 March, 2025.
As world events stretch the boundaries of community harmony, we’ll explore the ongoing challenges that racial discrimination poses to our multicultural society, challenges that Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner, Giridharan Sivaraman, is well aware of since his appointment to this key role with the Human Rights Commission in March 2024. “It’s no secret that I start in a time of great challenge, but I’m honoured to take on the role and hope I can make a difference,” Giridharan observed in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald.
“We sometimes coat over the racial inequities that exist with a veneer of purported harmony. That is: we don’t want to admit that there are problems and issues, and that we don’t necessarily all have a fair go, which is the Australian ethos,” he says. “Strength comes from having honest conversations about how we can do better… Let’s say: if we recognise racism, we can recognise how to be better. Let’s learn, let’s be curious, let’s find out more about those who might look or seem different, and we can be a stronger, richer fabric.”
We also look forward to hearing from our other guest speakers, Prof Desmond Cahill, Jason Yat-Sen Li M.P., and Cr. Sukirti Bhatta.

Special Event: Spiritual Travellers' Tales
2025-07-20 10:30 - 12:30 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
With Walter Mason & Robert Grant
At Vedanta Hall (open from 10.30 am for Meditation)
or join via Zoom for talk at 11am:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88434388900
In this Talk:
We’re looking forward to having our good friend, Walter Mason, with us again in Vedanta Hall, sharing stories from his travels, delving into places and people that highlight the colour and depth of spirituality in Asia. He’ll be joined in discussion by Robert Grant, a seasoned traveller to India.
Walter’s the popular author of ‘Destination Saigon’ and ‘Destination Cambodia’. He’s delivered lectures throughout Australia, and run courses and workshops in creative writing and mindfulness.

Sri Krishna Birthday Celebration
2025-08-17 11:00 - 12:30 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Join the event from 11 am via ZOOM (Link)
Also recorded and uploaded later to Vedanta Society of NSW YouTube Channel

Program:

Group Chanting of Chapter 7 of the Bhagavad Gita
TALK: ‘A series of Epiphanies: Bhagwan Sri Krishna and I” by Sudhish Nayyar
TALK: ‘Sri Krishna: The Embodiment of Wisdom and Detachment,’ by Pravrajika Gayatriprana
Distribution of Offered sweets & savouries

Durga Puja Celebration
2025-09-28 10:30 - 12:30 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
At Vedanta Hall (open from 10.30 am for Meditation) or via Zoom from 11 am: Zoom Link
Recorded and uploaded later to Vedanta Society of NSW YouTube Channel
Durga is the Great Mother who helps us remove the limitations and emotional and mental obscurations that prevent us from shining the Divine Light we all carry within our hearts. She teaches us that the divine light of truth and wisdom will always prevail over disorder and pain.
Laura Amazzone
PROGRAM:

Talk by SUMAN MUKHERJI: Ma Durga through the Lens of the Ramakrishna Movement.
Live music by SHYAM & DEBARATI BANNERJEE & MADHU SEN
Talk by PRAVRAJIKA GAYATRIPRANA: Mother Durga – The Divine Feminine
Flower offering ceremony to Mother Durga
Sharing of offered sweets and savouries (Bring some to share)

Learn more this Sunday

Etched in Gold - Book Talk by Author - Dr Uma Srinivasan
2025-10-12 12:30 - 13:30 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Etched in Gold
Two Journeys. Four Centuries – One Song of Freedom
Book Talk by Author: Dr Uma Srinivasan
Sunday, 12 October, 2025, from 12.30 pm
Just after Bhakti Yoga Pt.2 Talk
Join us in person at Vedanta Hall or via Zoom:
Zoom Link
Etched in Gold, is Uma’s debut historical novel.
The book brings alive a forgotten chapter of South Indian history through the intertwining lives of two courageous women—one from 1610, the other from 2010—each seeking liberation through music, memory, and voice.
Set in Tanjore, 1610, the novel follows Amba, a gifted composer and temple musician, yearning to break free from the constraints of her role. Her life takes a dramatic turn when a Danish ship docks in Tanjore and she catches the eye of King Raghu Nayaka. Drawn into a world of politics, power, and peril, Amba documents the king’s reign—an extraordinary act for a woman of her time—on palm leaves, leaving behind a rare Sanskrit biography of a South Indian ruler.
Four centuries later, Maya, a contemporary musician from Chennai, finds herself creatively stifled in Sydney. On a soul-searching trip through Tanjore, Maya discovers Amba’s forgotten manuscript. The resilience and artistry of this historical figure emboldens Maya to reclaim her own voice and present a bold fusion of South Indian ragas and Western classical music at a Sydney festival.
With echoes of lost trade alliances between Tanjore and Denmark, a Danish fort standing sentinel on India’s Coromandel Coast, and the rediscovery of female authorship buried in history, Etched in Gold is a novel about cultural memory, artistic defiance, and the enduring legacy of women’s voices.
The book was shortlisted for the 2023 Write It Fellowship by Penguin Random House, Australia.
Hear more about the book in this special session with Uma Srinivasan at Vedanta Hall on Sunday, 12 October, after the talk on Bhakti Yoga.

Kali Puja Celebration
2025-10-19 11:00 - 12:30 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Oh, Goddess, with what can your valour be compared? Where is there a form likeyours, striking fear into enemies with its extreme beauty? A compassionate heart and severity in battleare seen only in you throughout all the three worlds.
Excerpt from Devi Mahatmyam
Vedanta Hall open from 10.30 am. Function commences from 11 am, also live via: Zoom Link
Program:

Silent Meditation
Talk by MITHU DUTTA
Kali – The Meeting Point of Contradictions, Talk by PRAVRAJIKA GAYATRIPRANA
Live music – Sarod Recital by TANIM HAYAT KHAN
Candlelight offering ceremony to Kali
Sharing of offered sweets and savouries (Bring some to share)

Four Yogas Lecture Series
2025-11-23 10:30 - 12:30 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Four Yogas
Lecture Series – Final Talk
Jnana Yoga Pt.2
& Question/ Answer
By Pravrajika Sridharaprana
At Vedanta Hall (open from 10.30 am for Meditation)
or join via Zoom for talk at 11am:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88434388900

The Four Yogas
“Each Soul is potentially divine. The goal is to manifest this Divinity within by controlling nature, external and internal. Do this either by work, or worship, or psychic control, or philosophy – by one or more, or all of these – and be free. This is the whole of religion. Doctrines, or dogmas, or rituals, or books, or temples, or forms, are but secondary details.”
Swami Vivekananda
“The Jiva [individual soul] in its true nature is Sat-Chit-Ananda [Existence, Knowledge, Bliss]; Siva Himself, because of the ego it suffers. When the ego dies all troubles end.”
Sri Ramakrishna
IN the spiritual life, ‘I’ and ‘mine’ are the only obstacles for the attainment of knowledge and freedom. However, nature has endowed us humans with extraordinary capacities, making diligent use of which, we can overcome these hurdles. Sadhanas, or spiritual practices, or yoga, all ultimately lead to the pinnacle of human evolution – spiritual illumination.
Spiritual paths are innumerable, but they can be reduced to just four based on the faculties we possess:

Through self-control and meditation: Raja Yoga
Through self-sacrifice and service: Karma Yoga
Through self-surrender and love: Bhakti Yoga
Through self-analysis and reason: Jnana Yoga

Holy Mother's Birthday Public Celebration
2025-12-14 10:30 - 13:00 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Vedanta Hall (open from 10.30 am for Meditation)or via Zoom from 11 am: Zoom Link

Silent Meditation,
Vedic Chanting by Sarada Math Nuns
Talk: by Mala Naidoo – ‘Mother’s Divine Feminism: Now and Beyond’
Talk: by Pravrajika GayatripranaConcludes with Lunch

ALSO: On the actual birthday – Thursday, 11 December, 2025:
At Sarada Tapovan Nunnery (Contact us for address: 0408 029 336)
6.30—9 pm

Arati – Devotional Songs, Silent Meditation, Reading by Pravrajika Gayatriprana.
Sharing of offered Sweets & Savouries

Christmas Eve Celebration
2025-12-24 18:30 - 21:00 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Join via Zoom from 7.30 pm
Zoom Link
Program:

Silent Meditation,
Arati (Devotional Songs)
Carols by Candlelight
Reading by ROBERT GRANT: ‘Christian Mysticism’
Talk by PRAVRAJIKA GAYATRIPRANA: ‘The Lord’s Prayer in the Light of Vedanta.’

Sharing of offered sweets and savouries. Bring some to share.

Kalpatharu Day
2026-01-01 18:30 - 20:30 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Join via Zoom from 7.30pm
Zoom Link
Program:

Devotional Songs & Silent Meditation (6.30 – 7.30pm)
Reading by Pravrajika Gayatriprana – for Kalpatharu Day. The day Sri Ramakrishna blessed his householder disciples with spiritual experiences.

Distribution of offered sweets & savouries. Bring some to share.

Swami Vivekananda Birthday Public Celebration
2026-01-18 11:00 - 13:00 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Vedanta Hall (open from 10.30 am for Meditation)or via Zoom from 11 am: Zoom Link
Program:

Silent Meditation,
Vedic Chanting
Recitation of Swamiji’s Chicago Address by RHEA MUKHERJEE
Special Guest Speaker Via Zoom from the U.S – PHILIP GOLDBERG Philip’s a public speaker and workshop leader; a spiritual counsellor, meditation teacher and ordained Interfaith Minister. We look forward to hearing from Philip about his book, American Veda, featuring a chapter on Swami Vivekananda and other themes related to Meditation and Yoga and their impact on the West.
Talk: by PRAVRAJIKA GAYATRIPRANA

Conclude with lunch. Help with cooking welcome. Call us on 0408 029 336 if you can contribute.
ALSO:
You’re welcome to join us on Swami Vivekananda’s Birthday
At Sarada Tapovan – Saturday, 10 January, 2026
6.30—9 pm

Arati (Devotional Songs), Silent Meditation, Reading by Pravrajika Gayatriprana.
Sharing of offered Sweets & Savouries (Bring some to share)

Contact us for address: 0408 029 336

Shivaratri Celebration
2026-02-15 11:00 - 12:30 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
At Vedanta Hall – Open from 10.30 am for Meditation
or from 11 am via Zoom: ZOOM (Link)
Program:

Group Chanting of Om Namah Shivaya – 108 times – an offering to Shiva
Talk by Ruthrun Selvarajan
Talk by Pravrajika Gayatriprana

Sharing of offered sweets & savouries (Bring some to share)
‘THE traditional portrayal of Shiva is not meant to present us with only a pleasing appearance, any more than life is always kind, or nature conforms to our desires. Our encounter with Shiva is meant to shake us up, to stir our inner transformative energies – to get us to question ourselves and all that we may hold to be truth or reality.’ Vamadeva Shastri

Sri Ramakrishna Birthday Celebration
2026-02-22 11:00 - 14:00 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Saturday 19 February – 6.30 to 8.45 pm at Sarada Tapovan
Program:

Devotional Songs
Silent Meditation
Reading by Pravrajika Gayatriprana
Sharing of offered Sweets & Savouries.

Contact us for address: 0408 029 336
Sunday 22 February – 10.30 am to 2 pm
At Vedanta Hall – Open from 10.30 am for Meditation
or from 11 am via Zoom: ZOOM (Link)
Program:

Silent Meditation,
Vedic Chanting by Sri Sarada Math Nuns
TALK: by Aadesh Thakkar
Live Music by Shyamtanu & Debarati Bannerjee
TALK: By Pravrajika Gayatriprana.

Concludes with lunch Silent Meditation,

Sri Rama Birthday Celebration
2026-03-29 10:30 - 12:30 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
PROGRAM:

Silent Meditation
Talk by Saptarshi Ray and a special video presentation Talk on Sri Rama given by Rev.Pravrajika Ajayaprana Mataji in 2010
Distribution of offered sweets & savouries. Bring some to share.

Join us at Vedanta Hall or via Zoom: ZOOM (Link)
IN THE WORLD of Rama and Krishna, every action has a reaction. One learns that negative events in our lives are the outcome of our past actions. If we respond to these events, we sow fresh seeds, which lead to positive or negative outcomes. The seed and the fruit follow each other unless we step back and witness life, as sages and gods do. Devdutt Pattanaik

Retreat/ Working Bee at Darama
2026-04-04 17:00 - 2026-04-06 16:00 | Darama, 234 Wallaby Hill Road, Robertson, Darama, 234 Wallaby Hill Road, Robertson, New South Wales, 2577, Australia
YOU’RE INVITED to join Pravrajika Gayatriprana and others for a Retreat/ Working Bee at Darama from Saturday evening, 4 April to Monday afternoon, 6 April.
Gardening, gutter cleaning, raking, wood-chopping, and helping with cooking are all included in the program, along with meditation, bush walks, devotional songs and chants, star-gazing, reading/ discussion sessions with Pravrajika Gayatriprana.
No set fee for stay, but suggested donations welcome: Overnight stay: $100, Day visit: $80 Includes meals, morning & afternoon tea
To enrol contact us on: 0408 029 336 or via email: admin.saradavedanta@bigpond.com
Payments by cash at Retreat or to our account. Account Details:
ACCOUNT NAME: Ramakrishna Sarada Vedanta Society of NSW BSB: 032-279 ACCOUNT NO: 760387
The retreat Program includes:

Silent and guided meditations
Meditation at the escarpment (weather permitting)
Group chanting of beautiful verses from the scriptures
Talks and Q & A with Pravrajika Gayatriprana

What to Bring:
If Staying Overnight: Toiletries, Towel and other personal items Sheets, Pillowcase
(Note: Mattresses, Pillows, Quilts & Blankets will be provided).
All Retreatants:
Warm clothing (Darama’s in a mountain climate. Can be cool even in Summer).Shawl, blanket (if desired for meditation inside and at the escarpment)Walking ShoesSlip-on shoes/ sandals
Darama:
Situated two hours drive south of Sydney, Darama is beautifully located 700 metres above sea level in a secluded part of Robertson. The property extends over one hundred acres – ¾ virgin bush – with an escarpment forming the back boundary with wonderful views of the upper Kangaroo Valley.
Facilities include a meditation/ prayer/ classroom, two lounge rooms, a large dining room and separate facilities for men and women spread over two buildings linked by a covered walkway.
Kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats make their shy appearances early morning or late afternoon. Cockatoos, Rosellas, and Australian Minor birds are regular visitors;

Sri Sankaracharya Birthday Celebration
2026-04-26 10:45 - 12:30 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
At Vedanta Hall (open from 10.30 am for Meditation)
or via Zoom from 11 am: ZOOM (Link)
Program:

Chanting by Sri Sarada Math Nuns
Talk by Sankaran Loganathasundaram
Talk by Pravrajika Sridharaprana

Distribution of Offered Sweets & Savouries – Bring Some to Share
Shankaracharya (Born around 688 CE) was a youthful, brilliant philosopher who revived the ailing state of spirituality in India. His commentaries on the scriptures and debates with leading philosophers of the time helped heal rifts.
He emphasized a scientific spirit towards religion and spirituality helping to discard superstitions and irrational ideas from the populace. His commentaries still stand out today, immensely authoritative and respected by all.
Learn more in the talk this Sunday.

Buddha's Birthday Celebration
2026-05-03 10:30 - 12:30 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
At Vedanta Hall (open from 10.30 am for Meditation) or via ZOOM (Link) from 11 am:
Program:

Chanting by Sri Sarada Math Nuns

Talks:

Talk by: Bandana Hore
Special Feature Video talk on Buddha given in 2010 by Rev Pravrajika Ajayaprana Mataji

Distribution of offered sweets & savouries – Bring some to share.

Special Event: From Inner Peace to World Peace
2026-05-17 14:00 - 16:00 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Save the Date! We hope you can join us in person or join us via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88434388900

Meditation Day
2026-05-31 09:30 - 16:30 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
In real meditation you forget the body.
You feel such pleasure in it. You become so light.
This perfect rest we will get in meditation.
SWAMI VIVEKANANDA

Relaxation & Yoga Exercises—Led by Hiroko Yanamoto-Symonds
Guided Meditation—Led by Robert Grant
Overview of Meditation & It’s Methods – Talk by Pravrajika Gayatriprana
Group Discussion and Q & A
Walking the Labyrinth—Walking Meditation

Lunch, Morning & Afternoon Tea provided – Help with catering for lunch, welcome.
Donation for Retreat: $25
Enrolments: admin.saradavedanta@bigpond.com
Enq: 0408 029 336 www.saradavedanta.org
Enrol soon – Numbers limited to 20
JOIN US for a mini-meditation retreat in the peaceful, open indoor space of Vedanta Hall.
The opening Yoga/ Relaxation session with Hiroko will create a relaxed and focused mood, leading into Pravrajika Gayatriprana’s talk on meditation.
Robert will lead a guided meditation, taking us on a journey beyond all that we identify with, beyond all that we think we are, and beyond all that is impermanent.
After lunch, we will ‘walk the labyrinth’ one by one, an ancient walking meditation practice that helps us focus, contemplate, and spiritually centre ourselves.

Vedanta Book Club - Monthly - Friday
2026-07-17 19:00 - 20:45 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Join us in person at Vedanta Hall or via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88434388900
Discussion/ Q & A led by Pravrajika Sridharaprana
Book Club Theme: Refining the Ego
‘Once refined, it can be a powerful tool in our hands. That is the underlying belief behind this attempt at refining the ego.’
From the book Vedanta in Practice – Spiritual Unfoldment, lectures of Pravrajika Ajayaprana.
Discussion Themes:

FOUR METHODS: A step toward overcoming egotism is admitting to ourselves that we have it. ‘I am alright’, we might say ‘it is they who are arrogant.’ Like it or not, we have to admit that we are arrogant now and then. Overcoming that requires nothing more complicated than humility.
WHAT REMAINS: : Spiritual teachings assert we’re ‘immortal, effulgent, of magnificent beauty’, but how often our muddled, muddied mind spreads a smear of angst and sadness over the treasures within. What remains beyond intellect, mind and ego is the Atman (Soul).
THE LIGHT OF LIFE: ‘Before you go into meditation … try to visualize a bright, beautiful, silvery light or golden orange light in the innermost core of your heart. That is your real nature.’
AWARE OF ONENESS: ‘In that person who is aware of the oneness of the whole universe, there is no ‘I’. A drop in the ocean has two identities. When it identifies itself as a drop, it remains limited; when it identifies with the vast ocean – what happiness, expanse, and freedom it gets!‘

We look forward to exploring articles by our founding president, Rev Pravrajika Ajayaprana Mataji, and articles by other notable figures in the Vedanta movement.
Join our Vedanta Society members in exploring the deeper side of life.
The format includes a PowerPoint Presentation with slide-by-slide segments of the article and a discussion led by Pravrajika Sridharaprana

Vedanta Book Club & Guided Meditation - Sunday Program
2026-07-26 11:00 - 12:30 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Join us in person at Vedanta Hall or via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88434388900
Discussion/ Q & A led by Pravrajika Gayatriprana
Book Club Theme: Refining the Ego
‘Once refined, it can be a powerful tool in our hands. That is the underlying belief behind this attempt at refining the ego.’
From the book Vedanta in Practice – Spiritual Unfoldment, lectures of Pravrajika Ajayaprana.
The format includes a PowerPoint Presentation with slide-by-slide segments of the article and a discussion led by Pravrajika Gayatriprana and concludes with a Guided Meditation by Robert Grant
Discussion Themes:

FOUR METHODS: A step toward overcoming egotism is admitting to ourselves that we have it. ‘I am alright’, we might say ‘it is they who are arrogant.’ Like it or not, we have to admit that we are arrogant now and then. Overcoming that requires nothing more complicated than humility.
WHAT REMAINS: : Spiritual teachings assert we’re ‘immortal, effulgent, of magnificent beauty’, but how often our muddled, muddied mind spreads a smear of angst and sadness over the treasures within. What remains beyond intellect, mind and ego is the Atman (Soul).
THE LIGHT OF LIFE: ‘Before you go into meditation … try to visualize a bright, beautiful, silvery light or golden orange light in the innermost core of your heart. That is your real nature.’
AWARE OF ONENESS: ‘In that person who is aware of the oneness of the whole universe, there is no ‘I’. A drop in the ocean has two identities. When it identifies itself as a drop, it remains limited; when it identifies with the vast ocean – what happiness, expanse, and freedom it gets!‘

Guided Meditation: Neti, Neti ‘Not This, Not This’
Welcome to this meditation that invites us to realize a simple fact of our experience: that whatever we perceive is not who we are.
In this guided meditation, we will follow an ancient Vedic practice of discernment, the process of ‘Neti Neti’, Not This, Not This. We’re going on a journey, taking you beyond all that you identify with, beyond all that you think you are, beyond all that is impermanent.

We look forward to exploring articles by our founding president, Rev Pravrajika Ajayaprana Mataji, and articles by other notable figures in the Vedanta movement.
Join our Vedanta Society members in exploring the deeper side of life.

Guru Purnima Celebration
2026-08-02 11:00 - 13:30 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Honouring our Teachers: Spiritual and Secular
Vedanta Hall open from 10.30 am. Event commences at 11 am.
Also available via Zoom from 11 am: ZOOM (Link)
Also recorded and uploaded later to: Vedanta Society of NSW YouTube Channel
Program:
Program:

PowerPoint Presentation – Images from Vedanta Archives: 2001 – 2011
Talk by Pravrajika Gayatriprana
Open Forum for Members & Friends

Concludes with Lunch

Yoga Class
2026-08-06 10:00 - 11:15 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
All are welcome to attend the weekly Yoga Class conducted in Vedanta Hall by Mrs Hiroko Yanamoto-Symonds.
Since 1991 Hiroko has been studying and practising Yoga. Having completed Yoga Teacher training courses in Sydney and later in India, she has been teaching Yoga since 2000.
The class is open to men and women of all ages and abilities. Class includes relaxation, breathing and meditation exercises. NOTE: This is an established class with at least 5 people attending.
ATTEND FIRST CLASS FREE Class fees (Cash Only):
5 class pass – $80 ($16 per class)10 Class pass – $150 ($15 per class)Casual Class – $20. (Casual Class Special price for Vedanta Society and Vedanta Centre Members – $15)
(Note: No classes during School Holidays)

Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna - Monthly Talk
2026-08-09 10:30 - 12:30 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Talk from 11 am (10.30 am: Vedanta Hall open for Meditation)
Talk by Pravrajika Sridharaprana
Introduction by Pravrajika Nityatmaprana
& Guided Meditation by Pravrajika Ajayaprana
NOTE: No Zoom Session Available for this Talk
In this Talk:
Chapter 44
The Master on Himself and His Experiences
September 2, 1885

Master’s renunciation
“Well, what do you think of this? When I touch a coin my hand gets twisted; my breathing stops. Further, if tie a knot in the comer of my cloth, I cannot breathe. My breathing stops until the knot is untied.”
The Master asked a devotee to bring a rupee. When Sri Ramakrishna held it in his hand, the hand began to writhe with pain. The Master’s breathing also stopped. After the coin had been taken away, he breathed deeply three times and his hand relaxed. The doctor became speechless with wonder to see this strange phenomenon.
The doctor said to M., “Action on the nerves.”
MASTER (to the doctor): “I get into another state of mind. It is impossible for me to lay up anything. One day I visited Sambhu Mallick’s garden house. At that time I had been suffering badly from stomach trouble. Sambhu said to me: Take a grain of opium now and then. It will help you.’ He tied a little opium in a corner of my cloth. As I was returning to the Kāli temple, I began to Vander about near the gate as if unable to find the way. Then I threw the opium away and at once regained my normal state. I returned to the temple garden.
“One day at Kamarpukur I picked some mangoes. I was carrying them home. But I could not walk; I had to stay standing in one place. Then I left the mangoes in a hollow. Only after that could I return home. Well, how do you explain that?”
DOCTOR: “There is a force behind it. Will-force.”
M: “He [meaning the Master] says that it is God-force. You say that it is will-force.”
MASTER (to the doctor): “Again, I get into such a state of mind that if someone says I am better, I at once feel much better. The other day the brahmani said: ‘You are fifty per cent better.’ At once I began to dance.”
Sri Ramakrishna was much pleased with the physician. He said to him: “You have a very fine nature. There are two characteristics of knowledge: a peaceful nature and absence of pride.”
M:. “The doctor has lost his wife.”
MASTER (to the doctor): “I say that God can be realized if one feels drawn to Him by the intensity of these three attractions: the child’s attraction for the mother, the husband’s attraction for the chaste wife, and the attraction of worldly possessions for the worldly man. “Please cure me of my illness.”
The doctor was going to examine the Master’s throat Sri Ramakrishna was seated in a chair on the semicircular porch. Referring to Dr. Sarkar, the Master said: “He is a villain. He pressed my tongue as if I were a cow.”
DOCTOR: “He didn’t hurt you purposely.”
MASTER: “No, he pressed the tongue to make a thorough examination.”
From Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna

The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna:
The conversations between Sri Ramakrishna, the 19th-century mystic and promoter of interfaith understanding, and the brilliant, questioning minds of Calcutta. In Sri Ramakrishna, they came face-to-face with a type of Spirituality and mystical states they had only read about. Translated from Bengali by Swami Nikhilananda with the literary help of Margaret Woodrow Wilson, daughter of President Woodrow Wilson and Joseph Campbell, foreword by Aldous Huxley.

Yoga Class
2026-08-13 10:00 - 11:15, 2026-08-20 10:00 - 11:15 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
All are welcome to attend the weekly Yoga Class conducted in Vedanta Hall by Mrs Hiroko Yanamoto-Symonds. Since 1991 Hiroko has been studying and practising Yoga. Having completed Yoga Teacher training courses in Sydney and later in India, she has been teaching Yoga since 2000. The class is open to men and women of all ages and abilities. Class includes relaxation, breathing and meditation exercises. NOTE: This is an established class with at least 5 people attending. ATTEND FIRST CLASS FREE Class fees (Cash Only):

5 class pass – $80 ($16 per class)
10 Class pass – $150 ($15 per class)
Casual Class – $20. (Casual Class Special price for Vedanta Society and Vedanta Centre Members – $15)

(Note: No classes during School Holidays)

Sunday Talk: Understanding Truth
2026-08-16 10:30 - 12:30 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Talk from 11 am (10.30 am: Vedanta Hall open for Meditation)
Talk by Pravrajika Gayatriprana
& Guided Meditation
NO ZOOM SESSION AVAILABLE FOR THIS TALK

In this Talk:
TRUTH is defined as ‘that which is unaffected by time, place, and causation.’ In this definition, truth stands for God, the Absolute, or the ultimate Reality behind the universe.
The Vedas describe Absolute Reality, or Brahman, as Truth, Knowledge, Infinitude, Auspiciousness, and Beauty. We can extend this definition of Truth and say that anything that helps one’s progress towards God is Truth.
In his book, ‘The Perennial Philosophy’, Aldous Huxley says that in religious literature we use the word ‘Truth’ in at least three different ways. As ‘fact’ when we say ‘God is Truth’, when we say ‘Worship God in spirit and in truth’, and when we say ‘He or she spoke the truth.’
Learn more in the talk this Sunday.

Bhagavad Gita Class/ Discussion
2026-08-28 19:00 - 20:45 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
From 7 pm at Vedanta Hall for Meditation
OR From 7.30 pm join via ZOOM (Link)

Group discussion led by Pravrajika Sridharaprana, a senior nun of Sri Sarada Math of the Ramakrishna Order.
Study of Chapter 16: The Classsification of the Divine & Non-Divine Attributes:Verses 23 – 24
Discussion Themes:

THERE IS a science to everything, even to tying your shoelaces, and in the ‘higher dimensions of life, a spiritual science is to be followed.’ The scriptures provide the guide and methods to smoothly proceed on the path to perfection.

SCRIPTURES are of two types. The higher type are based on eternal, divine truths revealed to the saints and mystics. The lower scriptures are ‘human-composed’ ones, relating more to societal rules and standards, but are – and should – be subject to change, to adapt to an ever-changing world.

CAN THERE BE such a thing as ‘Spiritual Democracy’? If a society is stable, governed well, politically, socially and economically healthy, then people have the opportunity to pursue higher ideals, to expand their outlook, to foster ‘mutuality and interdependence’, and to grow spiritually. A utopic view, no doubt, but humanity at its best can reach it.

Learn more in the Discussion
Bhagavad Gita:
We’re exploring a spiritual classic that’s enriched cultures throughout Asia over the centuries and inspired leading figures in modern times from Mohandas Gandhi, Albert Einstein, Carl Jung, and Aldous Huxley to astronaut Sunita Williams who took a copy of the Bhagavad Gita to the international space station.
We’re dipping into Swami Ranganathananda’s 3 volume commentary: Universal Message of the Bhagavad Gita. The late President of the Ramakrishna Order, the Swami was a world thinker and cultural ambassador for India, sponsored by the Government to travel to over 50 countries around the world giving lectures.
