Vedanta Society of NSW

Vedanta Book Club
2021-12-19 15:30 - 18:00 UTC | 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

Sunday Talk: The Path of Knowledge - A Bird's Eye View
2020-11-08 11:00 - 12:00 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Program includes Silent & Guided Meditation.Join us at Vedanta Hall (open from 10.30 am for silent meditation) or view talk on YouTube from 11 am

Durga Puja Celebration
2020-10-25 10:30 - 12:30 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Featuring Special Video Presentation by ‘Temple of Arts’, Pre-Recorded video messages from Pravrajika Atandraprana (Assistant Secretary of Sri Sarada Math) & Pravrajika Vrajaprana (Sarada Convent, California) Talk by Pravrajika SridharapranaFlower Offering Ceremony to DurgaDistribution of offered sweets & savouries.

No Yoga Class
2020-10-01 10:00 - 11:15 | NSW
No Yoga Class – School Holidays

Vedanta Book Club
2020-09-30 07:30 - 20:45 | NSW
Via Zoom: Discussion lead by Pravrajika Gayatriprana

Talk Divine Grace and Self-Effort
2020-09-27 11:00 - 12:00 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Talk by Pravrajika Gayatriprana

Gospel of Shri Ramakrishna
2020-09-20 11:00 - 12:00 | NSW

Talk Spiritual Practice
2020-09-13 11:00 - 12:00 | NSW
Talk by Pravrajika Sidharaprana

Yoga Class
2020-09-10 10:00 - 11:15 | NSW
Class and Discussion led by PRAVRAJIKA GAYATRIPRANA

Spiritual Evening
2020-09-04 19:00 - 20:45 | NSW
Discussion lead by Pravrajika Gayatriprana

Yoga Class
2020-09-03 10:00 - 11:15 | NSW

AGM
2020-08-30 13:00 - 15:00 | Vedanta Hall, 15 LIVERPOOL ROAD, CROYDON, NSW, 2132, Australia
Meeting for Members only.

TALK: DO WE NEED RELIGION?
2020-06-07 11:00 - 12:00 | NSW
