What we’re about
Situated in the multicultural, heritage suburb of Croydon in Sydney's inner west, our activities link ancient wisdom with contemporary society.
Through spiritual talks and discussion exploring the mystical, practical teachings of many faiths; through silent and guided meditations; yoga classes; retreats; festivals; theatre; and more - we provide an open-minded, reflective and creative space.
All activities are held in our renovated century-old building; comfortable, peaceful and spacious with soaring ceilings.
In keeping with our Indian/ Asian ambience shoes are left at the door. Disabled access provided.
Talks are given by Pravrajika Gayatriprana and Pravrajika Sridharaprana, senior nuns of Sri Sarada Math, the women’s wing of the Ramakrishna Order. Sri Sarada Math’s first centre outside India was established in Sydney in 1982.
The Ramakrishna Order was established in 1897 by Swami Vivekananda, one of the first to bring meditation and yoga philosophy to the West. He represented Hinduism at the first World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893. Since its inception the Ramakrishna Order has served millions through its relief and rehabilitation work and many schools and hospitals.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Spiritual Evening Discussion - The Science of HappinessLink visible for attendees
#### Led by Pravrajika Gayatriprana, senior nun of Sri Sarada Math
FROM 7PM:
Join us in person for Silent Meditation and discussion at Vedanta Hall, 15 Liverpool Road, Croydon, NSW,
OR
FROM 7.30 PM
join via ZOOM for the discussion## Discussion Themes:
- WHAT IS CONSCIOUSNESS?: We are conscious that we are conscious, but how do we reach that consciousness? Not through thought. Consciousness is behind the mind, enlivening the mind, but it is obscured by a scattered mind. Through deep meditation, we joyfully merge with it.
- BEYOND BELIEF: The Yoga path does not subscribe to any belief system. We need to uncover the truth for ourselves following the age-old, tried and tested techniques of the Science of Yoga.
- UNDERSTANDING CONDITIONING: To be conditioned is to be a slave to stimulus and response, our thoughts flowing along furrowed neural pathways, flowing unchallenged leading to compulsion rather than reason.
- DE-CONDITIONING: We can de-condition ourselves when we separate stimulus and response, maintaining our balance. ‘How we condition our mind is going to decide how we are going to experience life. And how we experience life, decides our success.’
Learn more in the Discussion
Drawing on the book: Science of Happiness –According to Yoga Vedanta by Pravrajika Divyanandaprana:
A compilation of her talks given to students at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology in New Delhi in 2018
Pravrajika Divyananandaprana is a nun of Sri Sarada Math of the Ramakrishna Order. Thousands view her talks on YouTube.
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.
We're a multicultural group of varying ages, including our Vedanta Society members and friends. We always welcome new faces and hear new perspectives.
For more details about us and our activities visit: Vedanta Society of NSW Website: Website
- From Racial Discrimination to Social HarmonyVedanta Hall, Croydon
Featuring Keynote Speech by Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner, Giridharan Sivaraman
As local and 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 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 also look forward to hearing from our other guest speakers:
• Prof Desmond Cahill: Emeritus Professor at RMIT University and Moderator, Asian Conference of Religions for Peace
• Jason Yat-Sen Li M.P: State Member for Strathfield, Lawyer and Community Advocate
• Cr. Sukirti Bhatta: Burwood Councillor, Social Worker, NSW Education Project OfficerAnd a speech by our President, Senior nun of the Ramakrishna Order: Pravrajika Gayatriprana.
Speeches followed by Q&A and tea and snacks.
ALL ARE WELCOME BUT WE DO NEED YOUR RSVP TO HELP WITH PLANNING AS WE EXPECT AN OVERFLOW CROWD.
You're also welcome to join via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88634914266...
