About us
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
2
Bhagavad Gita Class & Discussion
·OnlineOnlineDiscussion led by Pravrajika Gayatriprana, a senior nun of Sri Sarada Math
Join our Vedanta Society members and friends from 7:30 pm via ZOOM: Link available for attendees
OR JOIN US IN PERSON FROM 7 PM FOR SILENT MEDITATION AT: Vedanta Hall, 15 Liverpool Road, Croydon NSW and stay on for the discussion.
Continuing Study of Chapter 17, Verses 16- 19:
The Three Types of Faith
Discussion Themes:
- AN ONGOING RESPONSIBILITY: In his commentary on verse 16, Swami Ranganathananda significantly observes: ‘One fact of human society is that whatever we are can either make others happy or unhappy.’
It’s an ongoing responsibility, especially for those of us who consider ourselves spiritually minded. What kind of ‘vibe’ emanates from us?
Reflect on the range of humanity that we interact with. Some are weary of life, some are distracted and restless, some are frustrated, some are anxious, and yes, some are quite settled and at peace with themselves and the world.
Someone calculated that when we sincerely enter the spiritual path, we can positively influence up to 20 people in the orbit of our family, friends and workplace, maybe more. As we grow spiritually, people will gradually notice and feel a wise, settled atmosphere in our company. ‘Let us therefore interact at a better level, at a happy level,’ with the world.
- THREE TYPES OF AUSTERITY: In the world of austere religious practices, the Gita notes three approaches. The Sattvic (Pure) approach seeks no rewards. With the aspirant’s steadfast pursuit of the ideal filled with the utmost shraddha (faith) and positivity, Sankaracharya defines it as ‘a totality of positive attitudes’. The rajasika person’s approach to austerity is ostentatious and seeks honour and praise, with the results being unstable and transitory! The tamasic approach features acts of self-torture, fasting to the point of self-immolation, exposing themselves to the heat of the sun and fire, or numbing their sense organs in freezing water. They are body-centred. Occasionally, when they stumble upon psychic power, they disturb and hurt others.
We're a multicultural group of varying ages, including our Vedanta Society members and friends. We always welcome new faces and new perspectives.
If you're having trouble accessing Zoom Link and for more details about our activities visit: Vedanta Society of NSW Website: Website
2 attendees
Spiritual Evening Discussion - The Science of Happiness
·OnlineOnline#### 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:
So many factors contribute to our happiness and general state of mind but given the fickleness of the external world, inner happiness is our only reliable source for a steady path through life. Learn more in the discussion:
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**Meditation: The Benefits: '**Meditation is not a matter of choice – it is a constitutional necessity. If we are simply carried away by our emotions, if the rational intellect is untrained, then compulsive behaviour can jeopardize life. A stable reliable base for our thoughts and emotions is the first requirement of sane living. Hence, managing oneself is much more essential than managing anything outside of oneself.'
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Hardwired for Joy: Neuroscience has recognized that we can reprogram our brain to increasingly enable us to have a positive, even joyful outlook on life. It's all a matter of cultivating healthy thinking habits.
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Yoga = the Art of having a Great Experience with Minimum External Dependence: 'If we become more conscious from within, we become more alive. The mind and intelligence have acquired a new awareness. These are the elements of our own system. We must program them to work for us rather than against us.'
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Teachings.
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
1 attendee-
Past events
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