Vedanta Society of NSW

Musical on Mother Kali
2023-11-11 16:30 - 17:30 UTC | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia

Kena Upanishad Lecture Series
2023-11-05 11:00 - 12:30 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
A Lectures Series
Monthly Talks from August to November 2023
By Pravrajika Sridharaprana
Including PowerPoint Presentations and Q & A/ Discussion sessions
Join us in Vedanta Hall from 10.30 am for meditation, or join live via Zoom from 11 am: ZOOM (Link)
Talks recorded and uploaded later to the Vedanta Society of NSW YouTube Channel
Concluding Talk in the Series:
Program:

Talk and PowerPoint Presentation on the Fourth Chapter of the Kena Upanishad: Instructions about Brahman
Questions/ Answers/ Discussion

‘THE struggle to overcome the animal impulses, the effort to release the mind from its thraldom to the senses, the endeavour to forge a pure will possessed of the capacity to turn the energies of body and mind in the direction of the divine Self within, this is what makes spiritual life a heroic endeavour. The heroes of the Spirit are the greatest heroes of history. In them, the long travail of human evolution achieves its consummation. Man the brute, becomes man the God.
From Swami Ranganathananda’s commentary on the fourth chapter of Kena Upanishad – Message of the Upanishads, pages 261 – 262.
THE KENA UPANISHAD
By whose mere presence does that desire arise, which moves the universe?
THROUGH a series of profound questions and answers the Upanishad leads us from the gross to the subtle, from effect to cause, seeking out the source of our being from self-consciousness to God-Consciousness.
The Upanishads:
Through introspection and meditation over thousands of years in India, countless renunciants – both men and women – discovered a Transcendent Reality within, more real and vibrant than the external world of the senses. Their wisdom was recorded in the Upanishads, the philosophical and religious texts of Hinduism.
“In the whole world, there is no study so beneficial and elevating as that of the Upanishads. It has been the solace of my life, it will be solace of my death.” Erwin Schrodinger, Nobel Prize Winner of Physics.
If all the Upanishads and all the other scriptures happened all of a sudden to be reduced to ashes, and if only the first verse in the Ishopanishad were left in the memory of the Hindus, Hinduism would live forever.
Mahatma Gandhi

Pilgrimage to India
2023-10-29 11:00 - 12:30 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Talk & Powerpoint Presentation
by Pravrajika Sridharaprana
Join us in person at Vedanta Hall or join via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88634914266?pwd=[REDACTED]
JOIN us as Pravrajika Sridharaprana shares her journey to sacred spots in India during her visit earlier this year.

Exploring Meditation: Discussion at Vedanta Hall
2023-09-17 11:00 - 12:30 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
This event is replacing Meditation Day
Join us in person in Vedanta Hall (open from 10.30 am)
or join via Zoom from 11 am:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88634914266?pwd=[REDACTED]
Themes to be explored In a discussion/question-answer session led by Pravrajika Sridharaprana:

Aim of Meditation & Yoga: Transcending the limitations of the mind and body.
Obstacles to Meditation: From lack of interest and lethargy to struggles with concentrating the mind, we explore the nine obstacles to meditation mentioned by Patanjali.
From Concentration to Meditation: We talk about our daily ‘meditation practice’ but actual meditation is rarely reached.

Event concludes with a Guided Meditation led by Robert Grant::
Grounded as a Mountain – Guided Meditation
Mountains represent so many wonderful qualities: stability, strength, and loftiness. Throughout humanity’s history, mountains have been sacred homes for mystics and yogis, and awe-inspiring havens for the world-weary. Through this guided meditation, we will seek to be as still as a mountain, to feel the steadiness, peace and power that mountains embody.

Spiritual Morning at Vedanta Hall
2023-01-29 11:00 - 12:00 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
WHILE Sunday talks are over for this year and we enter our Summer Recess you’re still welcome to join us in person at Vedanta Hall each Sunday for half an hour of inspirational readings from Vedanta and allied literature, followed by half an of silent meditation with the Sri Sarada Math nuns.
Readings for this Sunday:
Daily Thoughts and Prayers, and life and teachings of Swami Brahmananda.

Memorial Service - Urmila Mehta
2022-11-27 11:00 - 12:30 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Memorial Service
Urmila Mehta – 24/1/1953 to 7/11/2022
At Vedanta Hall (open from 10.30 am for Meditation)
or via Zoom from 11 am:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88634914266?pwd=[REDACTED]
Following the passing of our dear friend, long-time devotee and member, Urmila Mehta, on 7 November 2022, the memorial service will be an opportunity for members and friends to celebrate her life, and share memories and anecdotes and photos.
All are welcome to join us for this special event.
Program:

Vedic Chanting by Sri Sarada Math Nuns
Reminiscences and Anecdotes by:
Pravrajika Gayatriprana – President of Ramakrishna Sarada Vedanta Society of NSW & SA
Pravrajika Sridharaprana
Kishor & Jyotsna Pala –
Brother-in-Law and Sister
Members and Friends
Powerpoint Presentation – Life and Times of Urmilaben Mehta
Reading from Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna by Pravrajika Gayatriprana
Guided Meditation

Concludes with Lunch

What Happens to Our Kids When We Fail to Grow Up?
2022-11-06 11:00 - 12:30 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
A Special Event with Maggie Hamilton & Walter Mason
Join us in Vedanta Hall, open from 10:30 am for soothing music and meditation, for an 11 am start OR join us via Zoom from 11 am: ZOOM (Link)
WHAT Happens to Our Kids When We Fail to Grow Up? This is the title of the latest book by bestselling author Maggie Hamilton. In a special event at Vedanta Hall, she’ll be interviewed by Author, Blogger, and popular speaker, Walter Mason. Together they will explore a troubling trend arising in many Societies in recent decades.
In the post-war boom, countless millions are blessed with unprecedented opportunities, comforts and labour-saving devices. With this rising affluence and convenience, there are also rising expectations, demands, and neediness giving rise to the ‘Kidult’ – adults failing to grow into mature adulthood.
What happens when society is run and children are raised, by immature adults? We see the results of this every day. Maggie and Walter will examine this phenomenon, how to recognize any ‘Kidultness’ in us, and how to deal with it.
At the same time, we shouldn’t lose the carefree sense of wonder, curiosity and optimism of our younger years. As a wise person observed, to gain a youthful and wise outlook on life, we should spend a bit of time each day with those younger and older than us, not just our peer group.
Program includes a Q & A session, concluding with a pre-recorded guided meditation by Rev Pravrajika Ajayaprana.
Copies of the book will be available at the Event.

Sunday Talk: The Yoga of Meditation - Chapter 6 of Bhagavad Gita
2022-10-30 11:00 - 12:30 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
PLEASE NOTE: Due to various reasons, we’re unable to hold the Bhagavad Gita Retreat on Sunday 30 October.
A Sunday Talk will be given instead. See details below:
The Yoga of Meditation – Chapter 6 of Bhagavad Gita
by Pravrajika Gayatriprana
11 am to 12.30 pm followed by Q & A
Vedanta Hall open from 10.30 am. Talk and Zoom Session commences at 11 am ZOOM (Link)

Bhagavad Gita Class via Microsoft Teams
2022-10-09 20:00 - 21:00 | New South Wales
Next Bhagavad Gita Class via Microsoft Teams
Sunday 9 October – 8 to 9 pm
Continuing study with Pravrajika Gayatriprana – Chapter Seven: THE WAY OF KNOWLEDGE WITH REALIZATION
Microsoft Teams

Sri Sarada Math: Anecdotes & Activities
2022-09-11 11:00 - 12:30 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
A Special Presentation by Pravrajikas Alokaprana and Sridharaprana
At Vedanta Hall (open from 10.30 am for Meditation) or via Zoom from 11 am:
ZOOM (Link)
BEING a deeply spiritual organisation, the members of Sri Sarada Math strive to tame their egos to curb any assertive, self-promoting tendencies. Still, due to organisational circumstances, some are compelled to be in the forefront and to be the ‘public faces’ of the Order. But behind these shining lights are many others of great spiritual stature, also touching the lives of many through their service and wisdom.
Pravrajikas Alokaprana and Sridharaprana will share with us intimate glimpses into the sweet world of these precious lives – a special opportunity to learn about the unfolding history of this Order embodying the sincerity, strength and purity of Sri Sarada Devi, the Holy Mother, the saintly wife of Sri Ramakrishna.
The presentation will conclude with anecdotes about the storied life of the current President of Sri Sarada Math, the Most Revered Pravrajika Bhaktiprana Mataji, who is, notably, the last living disciple of a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, having taken initiation from Swami Vijnananandaji Maharaj.

Raja Yoga Talk & Discussion
2022-09-04 11:00 - 12:30 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Join our Vedanta Society members and friends in Vedanta Hall, open from 10.30 am for meditation or from 11 am via ZOOM (Link)
Talk/ PowerPoint presentation by Pravrajika Gayatriprana, a senior nun of Sri Sarada Math of the Ramakrishna Order, followed by Question/ Answer session.
In this Talk: of Chapter 4 – Independence – Sutras 28 to 33
‘He who gives up the fruits, unto him comes … the Samadhi called the cloud of virtue.’ (From Swami Vivekananda’s translation of verse Sutra 28). In other words, breaking through selfishness in all its forms helps clear the way to the highest realisations.Swami Sarvagatananda, in his commentary on the Yoga Sutras describes the five types of selfishness:

Absolute selfishness, narrow-mindedness. They are those who are attached to themselves, they don’t even care for the family.
Those who are attached to their families, who have no room for society; me and my family, my children. They don’t even care for the neighbours.
Those who serve the national and social needs, they extend beyond the family.
Those who care for the international field, it’s a costly field, they are very generous; not only our country, the world itself; … we have to share with our neighbouring countries.
Those who renounce everything and are proud of their renunciation. … “See how great a renunciation we have made,” all boast of their renunciation, and the ego swells with this concept of renunciation. This is the worst selfishness.

Real selflessness is just natural; what you have is not the question, you may have everything but you are absolutely selfless.
Learn more in the talk this Sunday.
Raja Yoga: The Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali is a major work on the practice of yoga and meditation formulated over 2,000 years ago. They teach us how to control our mind and achieve inner peace and freedom.
PLEASE NOTE:Out of consideration – particularly for our older members and friends – we request you only attend Vedanta Hall events if fully vaccinated and prepared to wear a mask. Spare masks provided.

Twilight Years Symposium
2022-06-05 10:00 - 15:00 | New South Wales
CARE IN TWILIGHT YEARS
For People of Vedic Culture
Special Event via Zoom
Registration Required by 31st May
Email your name and number to ammaitra@gmail.com
Featuring leading representatives from medical, natural health and allied fields.
The Symposium will promote understanding and awareness of different types of care we may all need – sooner or later – and how to access them to negotiate difficult phases in life.
We look forward to hearing from a stellar line-up of speakers. In their addresses and through question/ answer sessions, experts will cover many aspects of ageing, including:

Dealing with impermanence in life
Health care support for the elderly
Government aged care support
Individually tailored support
Priesthood and Spiritual Support
Community Support

Although the event aims to help the elderly, it’s also relevant to anyone who cares for loved ones and can inspire others to choose a profession in health care or spiritual support areas for the elderly.
The Topics & Speakers
How to deal with Impermanence in Life—Aging Wisely – Pravrajika Gayatriprana
PRESIDENT, Ramakrishna Sarada Vedanta Society of NSW—a branch Centre of Sri Sarada
Math of the Ramakrishna Order. A Graduate in physics and MA in Social Science, Rev. Mataji has been a Nun of Sri Sarada Math for almost 50 years. Forty years ago, Gayatriprana Mataji arrived in Australia as an assistant Nun to Late Rev. Pravrajika Ajayaprana Mataji. Together, they established the first Sarada Math Centre outside India and the first monastic presence for the Ramakrishna Order in Australia.
Cares Needed In Twilight Years—Medical Perspectives – Dr Ghauri Aggarwal MBBS
A GRADUATE of Medicine & Surgery from Adelaide University, and a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Dr Ghauri Aggarwal has been the Head of the Palliative Care Department at Concord Hospital for over 25 years. An Associate Professor of Sydney University, Dr Aggarwal, researches: “Interface between oncology and palliative medicine; Education in palliative care; Communication skills and ethics; and End of life decision making”. Currently, she is involved in the teaching and development of Palliative Care in the Asia-Pacific region.
Yoga for Physical & Mental Health for the Elderly – Dr Shankar Dev Saraswati MBBS
A LEADING YOGA– and Psychotherapy practitioner for over 40 years, author of
several books on physiology, and editor of journals dedicated to health & well-being, Dr Swami Shankardev Saraswati is in a class of his own. Graduated in Medicine and Surgery from Sydney University, Dr Shankardev focussed on the Indian system of health & philosophy for over a decade, working with his guru—the legendary yogi—Swami Satyananda Saraswati and was ordained a Yoga Acharya from the Bihar School of Yoga. Thus, Dr Saraswati represents the yogic lineage of his guru.
Dr Shankardev’s subsequent research on the common thread between ancient Yoga and modern Physiology earned him a Master of Science degree from the UNSW, gaining later more credentials in Psychiatry, Medical Hypnosis, and many esoteric Eastern systems. This accumulated wealth of experience is reflected in the quality of his medical practice and all the courses he offers online on diverse topics.
Ayurvedic Rejuvenation: Delay Ageing, Prevent Illness, Maintain Health in Old Age – Dr Indu Narayan
DR INDU NARAYAN is a fully qualified Ayurvedic Physician from Bangalore University.
During her 40 years of Ayurvedic Medicine practice, she has successfully treated
various health conditions and illnesses, including chronic diseases, digestive disorders, fatigue, depression, and insomnia. She practices Ayurvedic medicine at the Phoenix Holistic Centre and at North Epping and North Ryde. She is a lecturer at Nature Care College and a casual lecturer of Ayurveda for the post-graduate herbal medicine students in the Dept. of Pharmacy at Sydney University. Her popularity among patients is due to her insight into the intricacies of Ayurvedic science, her mild temperament, and her motherly care.
Government Aged Care Options for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities – Mrs Durga Owen
BORN IN a Tamil family in northern Sri Lanka, the law lecturer at Western Sydney University, Mrs Durga Owen grew up in Western Sydney with a passion of activism for the community she lived in—a passion for their education, dignity, their equity. Before opting to go back to her university as a law lecturer, Durga practiced as a solicitor, but her passion drew her more and more into the state and federal politics. Government support mechanism for common people is naturally a subject close to her heart.
Provisions of Support for the Elderly at Parramatta Council – Clr Sameer Pandey
CLR SAMEER PANDEY is the Deputy Lord Mayor of the Parramatta Council. An IT professional, Clr Pandey runs his own business in the education & communication area and has been very active in community work.
Provisions of Support for the Elderly at Cumberland Council – Clr Suman Saha
A GRADUATE in accounting, Sri Suman Saha is a Councillor of the Cumberland Council since 2017. Clr Saha is an active community figure with a genuine commitment towards building a safe, supportive, inclusive, vibrant, and caring community.
Sri Om Foundation—Provider of Cares Tailored to Suit Individual Needs – Sri Jay Raman OAM
SRI GURUSWAMY JAY RAMAN is Vice President of Sri Om Care that provides Home and Disability services to seniors of ethnic background. During his last 35 years in Australia, Sri Jay Raman has been actively involved in various community projects with diverse community organisations. In recognition of his lifelong service to the community, Sri Jay Raman has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal.
Priesthood, Spiritual and Ritualistic Support in Twilight Years – Sri Rama Ramanuja Acharya
ORDAINED AS SRI RAMA RAMANUJA ACHARYA into the South Indian Iyengar Vaishnava lineage, Acharya Ram Sivan was authorised to initiate others, tutor other Hindu priests, teach Scriptures, and conduct all the Hindu ceremonial and sacramental rites. He’s provided these services in Australia for the last 40 years.
Ram Sivan-ji’s philosophical maturity and deep understanding of the Vedic scriptures’ true meaning reflect his colourfully and varied real-life experience. Born in South Africa to a Jewish mother and Christian father and raised by Hindu nannies, Acharya Ram Sivan was, in sequence, baptised as a Christian, ceremonially welcomed as a full-fledged member of the Jewish community, and formally converted to Hinduism. At 17, after emigrating to Israel, he worked as a registered nurse while studying Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. He then studied Sanskrit, Naya, Yoga-Vedanta philosophy, Hermeneutics, and Astrology in the respected spiritual and scriptural centres of Rishikesh, Varanasi, Tirupati and Chennai.
The authenticity and sincerity that Rami Sivan brings to his Hindu Priestly role have led to high demand for his services. Whatever rites he performs, he unravels and succinctly communicates, in plain English, the pearls of wisdom hidden in all these Hindu rites.

Vedanta Book Club
2021-12-19 15:30 - 18:00 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
You’re invited to participate in a mini-retreat at our Vedanta Book Club held on the third or last Sunday afternoon of each month. We tap into books – articles and short stories – providing varied spiritual themes for a discussion led by Pravrajika Gayatriprana; senior nun of the Ramakrishna Order. Program:

3.30-4 pm: Silent Meditation
4-5.30 pm: Discussion
Afternoon Tea. Bring some healthy snacks to share.

IN THIS MEETING: We continue study and discussion of Christopher Isherwood’s essay on: The Gita and War.
Written in 1944 against the devastating backdrop of World War 2, Isherwood explores ethical dilemmas posed by the Gita.

Is there such a thing as a righteous war?
How to seek clarity in the moral complexities that life presents?
In the face of dilemmas, to what extent can or should we take refuge in the fact that, philosophically and scientifically, this world is only relatively real?

Join the Discussion.

Bhagavad Gita - Half-Day Retreat
2021-12-05 09:30 - 12:30 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Bhagavad Gita Half-Day Retreat
Led by Pravrajikas Gayatriprana & Sridharaprana
Join us in person from 9.30 am or live via Zoom from 9.45 am: ZOOM (Link)
Please RSVP If joining us in person
Program:

9.30 am Registration
9.45 – 10.05 History and Overview of the Gita – Talk by Pravrajika Gayatriprana
10.05 – 10.35 Realization of the Self and Its Means – Talk by Pravrajika Sridharaprana
10.35 – 11.00 Question/ Answer Session
11.00 – 11.20 Tea Break
11.20 – 12.00 Key Message of the Gita – Talk by Pravrajika Gayatriprana
12.00 to 12.20 Question/ Answer Session
12.20 to 12.30 Silent Meditation

Dialogue with Death - Lecture Series on Katha Upanishad
2021-11-14 11:00 - 12:30 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
A monthly lecture series from April to November 2021 Event available live via ZOOM (Link) and recorded and uploaded later to the Vedanta Society of NSW YouTube Channel
Program:

Talk/ PowerPoint Presentation by Pravrajika Sridharaprana, a senior nun of the Ramakrishna Order
Q & A/ Discussion

THEME: Tree of the World – Part 2. Chapter 6 of the Katha Upanishad
Indian mythology presents the striking image of an upside-down peepal tree. The taproots, depicted as stretching to the sky, are above the world of time, nourished in Brahman’s unified, eternal world.
The branches below dig their way into the everyday world of diversity, their growth prompted by the consequences of human action. The ‘Brahman’ root is also called ‘prana’ – which sustains creation. The tree also represents the degrees of realisation in our spiritual evolution.
Learn more in the talk this Sunday.
Katha Upanishad
THROUGH the story of a confrontation between the fearless child, Nachiketa, and the all-powerful Yama, God of Death, this favourite Upanishad raises compelling issues.
Who am I? What dies? What is left? Are we here merely to be torn away from everyone and everything? What are we to do – while alive – about the inevitability of death?

Spiritual Discussion: Celebrating Diwali and Honouring Goddess Kali
2021-11-05 19:00 - 20:45 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
From 7 pm: Silent Meditation at Vedanta Hall
OR From 7.30 pm join via ZOOM (Link)
Group discussion led by Pravrajika Gayatriprana, a senior nun of Sri Sarada Math of the Ramakrishna Order.
THEME: Celebrating Diwali and Honouring Kali – The Universal Goddess.
Kali symbolizes Time, the all-destroyer, and she is Pure Energy and Mother Nature in her pristine form, where creation and destruction occur incessantly. She is the destroyer of all the basest instincts that afflict us. Kali has many sisters in other parts of the world, fierce primordial embodiments of the darkness and fierceness of the winter months. Her name has even inspired the name of the fabled U.S State: California. Join our exploration and discussion of this fascinating Goddess.

Talk: Is Vedanta Otherworldly?
2021-06-20 10:50 - 12:00 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Join our Vedanta Society members and friends in Vedanta Hall from 10.45 am.
Program:

10:50 am Silent Meditation
11:00 am Talk on Is Vedanta Otherworldly? by Pravrajika Gayatriprana, a senior nun of Sri Sarada Math of the Ramakrishna Order
11:45 am Guided Meditation by Pravrajika Ajayaprana.

In this Talk:
A common misconception holds that Vedanta philosophy is life-negating: a pessimistic killjoy advocating we renounce material wellbeing for the sake of spiritual freedom. Some have blamed Vedanta and religion in general for causing poverty and division in India. While there is some truth in that, we may ask how many have correctly understood and practised Vedanta teachings?
Vedanta, properly understood, helps to round off and soften the sharp edges of our lives and bring a flow and calm to our activities and works. Vedanta promises to help us unveil the divinity in ourselves and its presence in all beings and the whole of creation. Separateness will fade as a greater sense of unity pervades our life.
Learn more in the talk this Sunday.

Buddha's Birthday Celebration
2021-05-23 10:45 - 12:30 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Program:

Silent Meditation
Talk and PowerPoint Presentation by Walter Mason on Loving Kindness: The Buddhist philosophy of Metta and its application in everyday life
Talk by Pravrajika Gayatriprana
Sharing of offered sweets and savouries.

Event also available live from 11 am via ZOOM (Link) and uploaded later to Vedanta Society of NSW YouTube Channel
Walter Mason’s a well-known blogger, creative writing teacher, speaker, Vice-President of the Charles Dickens Society and author of two popular books: Destination Saigon and Destination Cambodia.

Sri Ramakrishna Birthday Celebration
2021-03-21 10:45 - 13:00 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Program:
Silent Meditation, Vedic Chanting by Sri Sarada Math Nuns, Gospel Sri Ramakrishna reading by Aarin Majithia and Arhaan Trivedi, Powerpoint Presentation by Dr.Rick Spencer: ‘Meditations on Sri Ramakrishna’, Veena Recital by Amutha Ramesh, Talk by Pravrajika Gayatriprana on Relevance of Sri Ramakrishna in Modern Times.
Concludes with lunch
Can’t attend at Vedanta Hall? Watch live via Zoom from 11 am
OR View upload later at: Vedanta Society of N SW YouTube Channel.
Does the life and personality of Sri Ramakrishna have anything to offer us today? At first glance, it seems unlikely.
Born 185 years ago in a remote village in India, with limited formal education, working later, in the orthodox world of a hindu temple priest, how can such a person connect to the modern, scientific, deeply rational, technology saturated mind?
Actually, it was similar minds – the 19th century version comprised of the intelligentsia of Calcutta – that came to Sri Ramakrishna’s room. Full of doubts, even cynicism, they witnessed in awe, Sri Ramakrishna’s superconscious states, the results of years of spiritual practices/ ‘experiments’.
Learn more from the talk by Pravrajika Gayatriprana

Shivaratri Celebration
2021-03-14 10:45 - 12:30 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Program: Silent Meditation, Group Chanting of Om Namah Shivaya 108 times, Talks by Sankaran Loganathasundaram and Pravrajika Gayatriprana on: The Cosmic Dance – Dance of Shiva.Prepacked offered sweets and savouries will be distributed. Bring some to share. Note: Due to current Covid-19 restrictions, the audience is limited to 50.

Event also broadcast live on YouTube https://youtu.be/TP7Z4_GN-rU

Modern physics speak of the rhythmic movements of subatomic particles, those minute portions of matter that interact with each other to form the fundamental constituents of everyday objects. These subatomic particles collide then disappear releasing boundless energy, ultimately creating new particles.The Hindu mystics portrayed this rhythmic movement, this eternal cycle of creation and destruction, as the cosmic dance of Shiva, dubbed ‘The King of Dancers – The Nataraja.’

Talk Raja Yoga
2021-03-07 10:45 - 12:30 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Raja Yoga – The Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali, is a major work on the practice of yoga and meditation formulated over 2,000 years ago. They teach us how to control our mind and achieve inner peace and freedom.Talk is given by Pravrajika Gayatriprana, senior nun of Sri Sarada Math of the Ramakrishna Order, followed by Q & A session facilitated by Dr Dilip Dutta.

We continue study of chapter 2. In verse 54 & 55, we’re introduced to step no 5 of 8 in the Raja Yoga path: Pratyahara – the withdrawing of the sense organs from objects, a necessary prelude to concentration which in turn can take us to the golden light of meditation. Patanjali warns us, this can only be achieved through steady and prolonged practice and the utmost willpower.

Sunday 10.40 am to 12 noon Talk on YouTube from 11 amIncludes Silent Meditation

Swami Vivekananda Birthday Celebration
2021-02-07 10:30 - 13:00 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
The Message of Vivekananda for Unprecedented Times will be the theme for a panel session with panellists: Abhijit Hore & Toni Whipper and Robert Grant facilitating. Pravrajika Sridharaprana’s will also speak on the theme.We’ll reflect on how turbulent times can propel us along the path of reflection and spiritual growth.The program also includes beautiful Vedic chanting by the Sri Sarada Math Nuns, Live Music and Devotional Songs and distribution of offered sweets and savouries.NOTE: Due to current Covid-19 restrictions audience is limited to 25. If any easing, numbers can increase to 50. Please RSVP to avoid disappointment.

Join us at Vedanta Hall or watch live at the Vedanta Society of NSW’s YouTube channel. See link below:

https://youtu.be/J0VWR5Tl9XQ

Spiritual Morning @ Vedanta Hall
2021-01-31 11:00 - 12:00 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Join the Sarada Math nuns for Inspirational Readings & Silent Meditation most Sundays during our Summer Recess.11 am to 12 noon

Readings from the life of Swami Turiyananda, direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna & from Ajahn Brahm’s book: Don’t Worry be Grumpy.

Spiritual Morning @ Vedanta Hall
2021-01-24 11:00 - 12:00 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Join the Sarada Math nuns for Inspirational Readings & Silent Meditation most Sundays during our Summer Recess.11 am to 12 noon

READINGS: from the life and teachings of Swami Saradananda, direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna & from Ajahn Brahm’s book: Don’t Worry be Happy.

Spiritual Morning at Vedanta Hall
2021-01-17 11:00 - 12:00 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Join the Sarada Math nuns for Inspirational Readings & Silent Meditation most Sundays during our Summer Recess.11 am to 12 noon

Readings from life and teachings of Swami Shivananda, direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, also a story from Ajahn Brahm’s book: Don’t Worry be Grumpy.

Holy Mother's Birthday Public Celebration
2021-01-10 10:30 - 13:00 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
PROGRAM: Vedic Chanting, Live Devotional Music & Songs, Talks by Dr Uma Srinivasan & Pravrajika Gayatriprana.Due to COVID 19 restrictions numbers limited to 25Actual Birthday on Tuesday 5 January, celebrated at Sarada Tapovan from 6.30 pm with Arati, Silent Meditation and reading by Pravrajika Gayatriprana.Bring some sweets or savouries to share.

WHEN Sri Sarada Devi first came to Sri Ramakrishna at Dakshineswar at the age of 18, he asked her a pertinent question: “Have you come to drag me into the worldly life?” Without a moment’s hesitation came her reply: “Why should I drag you into the world? I am here to help you realize your spiritual ideal.”Later, towards the end of his life, Sri Ramakrishna one day told Holy Mother: “Look at the people of Calcutta; they are squirming in darkness. You must bring light to them. This is not my burden alone. You too shall have to share it.”Sarada Devi was an equal partner in Sri Ramakrishna’s Mission and a guiding power behind the early days of the Ramakrishna Movement. Learn more from Pravrajika Gayatripranaji’s talk on Sunday 10 January.

Spiritual Morning at Vedanta Hall
2021-01-03 11:00 - 12:00 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Join the Sarada Math nuns for Inspirational Readings & Silent Meditation most Sundays during our Summer Recess.11 am to 12 noon

Readings from the Book: Sri Sarada the Great Wonder.

Kalpataru Day Celebrations
2021-01-01 18:30 - 21:00 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Celebrating the day Sri Ramakrishna blessed his householder disciples.Arati (Devotional Songs) Silent Meditation, Reading by Pravrajika Gayatriprana.

Due to COVID 19 restrictions numbers limited to 50Bring some sweets or savouries to offer

Renounce & Enjoy
2020-11-22 08:00 - 17:00 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Don’t be cornered by your desires, train them to be your servants – not your masters.

Talk byPRAVRAJIKA GAYATRIPRANA

Sunday 10.40 am to 12 noon Talk on YouTube from 11 amIncludes Silent Meditation

Kali Puja Celebration
2020-11-15 10:30 - 13:00 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
“Shrink not from defeat, embrace despair. Pain is not different from pleasure if I will both. Rejoice, therefore, when thou comest to the place of tears and see Me smile. At such spot do I keep My tryst with [humanity], and fold them deep into My heart.”Sister Nivedita on Kali: the destroyer of weakness and obstacles – the giver of courage

Spiritual Music, Silent MeditationSarod Recital by Tanim Hayat KhanTalks by Dr.Shanker Karunanithi & Pravrajika Gayatriprana.Candlelight Offering to Kali and distribution of sweets & savouries
