God

## **Fact Finding Mission: Kirtan at Kindred** 📍 **Kindred Studios, Yarraville** 📅 **Sat, 18 Apr, 7pm – 9pm AEST** Curious about mantra meditation, kirtan, or Eastern spirituality—but not sure what to expect? A few of us are heading along to **Kirtan at Kindred** for a light-hearted **“fact finding mission”** 🕵️‍♂️🎶 Come join if you'd like to explore, observe, participate, and discuss afterwards. ### **What is Kirtan?** Kirtan is a form of meditative music from the Bhakti Yoga tradition involving: 🎵 Music 🪘 Mantra chanting 🧘 Meditation 🤝 Community No experience needed—whether you're: * Curious * Sceptical * Spiritual * Or just enjoy live music All welcome. ### **Plan** We’ll attend together, enjoy the event, and use it as an opportunity to: * experience kirtan firsthand * reflect on its meaning/practice * discuss impressions afterwards 🎟️ **Event Tickets / Details:** [https://events.humanitix.com/kirtan-at-kindred-april](https://events.humanitix.com/kirtan-at-kindred-april) 📍 **Venue Info:** Kindred Studios – creative arts space in Melbourne’s inner west.

We live busy lives in busy times. Anxiety, depression and discontent are on the increase. There are no quick fixes for our modern woes. We are born and we die but in between can be glorious – this is the way of Zen. Zen is a way of life that is extremely practical and applicable to our contemporary concerns. It is not a religion, nor a dogma. It is a path made by walking on it. Alongside Hellenistic and Western concepts, erudite and entertaining Peter Lim, shall discuss the elements of Chinese philosophy, of Confucianism, Taoism and Zen that contribute to living a happy life as well as explore some of the impediments we often encounter along the way. ‘Flow with whatever may happen and let your mind be free. Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing. This is the ultimate.’ Zhuangzi. Peter Lim, Dr Lim Meng Sing, is the author of many books: The Gentle Art of Tao Leadership, The Art of Purposeful Living: A Taoist Guide for the Modern Age, The Heart has its Reasons: Poems on Love and Life, and his memoir; Growing Up in British Malaya. As scholar, philosopher, poet and singer Peter believes the spiritual faculty is the highest faculty we humans have and as a humble Humanist, he has been deeply devoted to a life of purpose and integrity for over 45 years. The MTS is committed to providing events that align with and further The three objects of The Theosophical Society: * To form a nucleus of the universal brotherhood of humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour. * To encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy and science. * To investigate unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in the human being. However this being stated, the MTS does not endorse any health, spiritual, science-related, philosophical or theological /other assertions or claims made by any facilitator we host.

Come for a delicious Hawker style Vietnamese meal and settle in for a meaningful conversation on "Freedom". Bring your favourite celebratory chocolate to share. We start our exploration using short selections from the Bahá’í teachings and other inspirational sources. The aim is to uplift, inspire and motivate; the conversation will benefit from all participants’ viewpoints. Everyone is invited to positively contribute to elevated conversations, inquiry, consultation and learning. As we learn from one another we hope to build new connections, bridges of unity and respect for all humanity.

**Nirvana Shatakam – Shankara's Six Verses on Freedom** Most spiritual paths tell you to become something. This teaching does the opposite. Through six ancient verses by Adi Shankara, you discover who you are by removing what you're NOT – the body, mind, and roles you play. What remains is your limitless nature that was always here. Over seven months, we'll unpack these verses line by line, transforming how you see yourself and your life. **What You'll Learn** * How you mistake yourself for body, mind, emotions, and roles * Why self-knowledge differs from self-improvement * Why you've never actually been bound – and what keeps that recognition hidden * What it means to recognise yourself as the sought, not the seeker **About the Teacher** Andre Vas teaches Vedanta full-time under the Swami Dayananda (Arsha Vidya) lineage. As a former business owner, he relates deeply to householders juggling work, family, and inner growth. Known for making knowledge stick through lived experience, not just concepts. **Who This Is For** No prior background needed. For anyone noticing that acquiring more, achieving more, or becoming better doesn't stick. For those with burning curiosity and a hunger to know, understand, and live this wisdom. **I'll set up group discussions also to help us make new friends.** **When & Where** 📅 2:00-4:00pm Melbourne time 📍 3 Anjaya Court, Blackburn, Melbourne **More info: [YesVedanta.com/nirvana](https://YesVedanta.com/nirvana)**

Join us every first and third Saturday of the month to learn about Theosophical principles and how we may apply them to our lives. From its inception in 1875, the Theosophical Society encouraged study of the Ageless Wisdom to discover enduring religious Truth and to make Brotherhood a living reality in the world. *“For real Theosophy IS ALTRUISM, and we cannot repeat it too often. It is brotherly love, mutual help, unswerving devotion to Truth.”* HP Blavatsky, Our Cycle and The Next, 1889. *The mission of the Theosophical Society is to serve humanity by cultivating an ever-deepening understanding and realization of the Ageless Wisdom, spiritual Self-transformation and the Unity of all life.* Resolution passed by the General Council of The Theosophical Society in 1924. According to these principles, a theosophic life is not just theoretical, but must also be practical, indeed must be a life of service. Amid the noise and conflict of the modern world, what might be our role, as individuals and as a Theosophical Society? Through a range of books and Theosophical pamphlets, we will look to both exoteric, widespread social principles and to more esoteric, spiritual principles for discussion and guidance.

A casual Bible study for anyone where we go through Revelation 1. Any thought or idea is welcome at the table. We'd love to have you!

By popular demand, D is for Dumplings + Donuts! Now that we're in autumn and the weather is getting cooler, what's better than a plate of steaming hot dumplings to start with? **ITINERARY** 11.30am - Meet at JUICY BAO in Chinatown. That's the time it opens, so it's our best opportunity to find a big table to ourselves before the crowd arrives. I recommend that we order separately: the xiaolongbao (steamed pork dumplings with soup filling) is a popular choice - do watch out for the hot soup squirting if it's your first encounter! Preview the menu here: https://restaurantguru.com/Juicy-Bao-Melbourne/menu After lunch, we'll meander along Lt Bourke and Elizabeth St past St Francis Catholic Church and more restaurants to our second destination, SHORTSTOP COFFEE AND DONUTS. Around the corner from Shortstop is GUILDFORD LANE, a charming laneway some of us explored on a previous outing. It's one of my favourite hidden laneways in the CBD - less touristy than AC/DC but no less loved. You'll see what I mean. 1pm - SHORTSTOP COFFEE AND DONUTS Get your caffeine fix and enjoy choosing from the range of fancy flavours: https://www.short-stop.com.au/product-category/melbourne/ The event ends at 1.30pm. P.S. There is an organizer fee of $10 per person for this event. Feel free to pay in cash on the day or PayID me at 0403 413 056 (Serena Low). **GETTING THERE** The closest train station to Chinatown is Melbourne Central.

**Who We are..... 🤝** Our journey to bring people together began in January of 2022. The group was started with a simple intention to gather and meet some likeminded people - connecting through the powerful act of meditation and sharing our genuine selves while sitting in a circle that represents equality, harmony and wholeness( *we believe everyone in the circle is a teacher and a student at the same time)*. And over the last 4 years of consistently coming together, we have fostered a beautiful, loving, dependable community where members from all walks of life have experienced a sacred space to sit in silence together and meditate, share their authentic selves, give presence to others and forge meaningful and long lasting connections. The Meditations are guided by Sana(co-founder and host), who is a Trained and certified meditation teacher by the Meditation Association of Australia, and has been guiding meditations for 3+ years in corporate and community settings. ✨ **Do you wish to....** * Experience a simple yet powerful meditation and breathing practice to find calm, relaxation and clarity * Connect with like-minded people in your local community and foster meaningful connections * Meet others who are passionate about growing, uplifting themselves, and supporting others * Share insights from your personal journey (or simply listen and learn) Or maybe you just want to... ☮️ **Spend your Sunday evening in a peaceful, zen space and meet new people? Bring a friend (or two!) and let’s connect.** **What’s on the evening’s flow?** * **Open meet & greet** – connect and settle in * **5 min guided meditation** to land into the space and connect within * **Sharing circle** (totally optional!) – share your thoughts or simply listen * **20-30 min guided meditation** – for relaxation and deeper connection **Where?** 📍 **250 George St, Fitzroy VIC 3065** Enter through the church gates. You’ll see a small garden on the left and stairs on the right leading up to the **Dance of Life Yoga Studio (first door on your right upstairs).** **What to bring?** * **Donation:** A contribution of **$10 or more is recommended**. Your donations directly help us cover venue, meetup membership and other costs, provide valuable resources, and keep this meditation community alive and growing. * **Warm jumper/jacket** (just in case!) * **Water** * **Any books/resources/inspiration you’d love to share** **Important Notes:** * Spaces are **limited**, so if you can’t make it, please update your RSVP to “Not going” or send us a quick message. * **No-show policy:** To keep it fair for everyone, repeat no-shows without notice may not be able to RSVP in the future. * Attendees under 18 must have a guardian present. **Everyone is welcome!** All ages (with guardians for under 18), backgrounds, genders, and experiences – no meditation experience needed. The event runs for about **2.5 hours**, but you’re free to come and go as you need.

A favourite comedian and what I have heard to be a terrific show. Let's check it out on the last night of the Festival. You can buy your tickets via Meetup here, or direct online here: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/danielle-walker-bittersweet/ show blurb \-\-\-\-\- They say you can’t put lipstick on a pig. Well call the Guinness Book of Records, 'cause I did it and she’s a sexy little sow. This show is not about that, I just wanted to let you know that it can be done, and the results are absolutely stunning. You may have seen me on *Taskmaster*, *Gold Diggers*, *Thank God You’re Here* or a bunch of other shows if you are partial to free to air TV. I’ve also won some bigtime comedy awards if you care about that stuff. I’ve won Raw Comedy, Best Newcomer at Melbourne International Comedy Festival, The Pinder Prize and been nominated for Most Outstanding Show.

Feeling constantly busy, overwhelmed, or stuck in your own thoughts? **UNBREAKABLE** is a 4-week journey inspired by the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita to help you understand your mind, steady your emotions, and experience real inner calm without giving up your ambition. ### Perhaps You’ve Noticed... * Life looks successful on the outside… but inside you feel restless * You feel stressed, burned out, or pulled in too many directions * The mind jumps between anxiety, overthinking, and mental exhaustion * Meditation apps feel nice...but don’t create real change * You want inner calm without giving up ambition ### UNBREAKABLE Gives You The Tools To * Calm an overactive mind and regain inner stability * Understand why stress and anxiety keep repeating in life * See the deeper purpose behind your struggles * Develop practices that bring clarity and emotional strength ### Week 1 **The Identity Shift:** The Self Beyond Stress Step out of “performance = worth” and discover your true self. ### Week 2 Why You’re Not Always in Control: Forces That Shape Your Mind **Understand the invisible forces driving our mood, focus, and reactions.** ### Week 3 Why Your Mind Keeps Switching Gears: How to Steady It **Learn to move from chaos → clarity → calm, even under pressure.** ### Week 4 Break the Pressure Cycle: Build a Daily Practice That Grounds You **Turn insight into habit — build a practice that makes inner calm permanent.** Through interactive workshops, practical tools, kirtan, and meaningful community, you’ll learn how to move from overthinking and stress to clarity, balance, and grounded confidence in your everyday life. ## **How It Works** 🕓 **Workshop (4:00 PM – 5:30 PM)** 90-minute interactive session each week 🎶 **Kirtan + Dinner (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM) (Optional)** Live mantra music, connection, and a relaxed shared dinner 💰 **Your Investment: $149 (Full 4 Weeks)** Less than $40/week for workshop, kirtan & dinner 📍 **Location:** 108–110 Park St, South Melbourne ## Your Facilitator: Dr. Gopa * PhD in Wireless Technology, University of Melbourne * 10+ years studying and teaching the Bhagavad Gita * Practitioner of the Bhakti Yoga tradition Born in India, he grew up hearing about the Bhagavad Gita, much like growing up in Melbourne with footy all around you. Yet with a strong scientific mindset, he never took the teachings very seriously and instead focused on his career, education, and travel. That journey brought him to the University of Melbourne, where he completed his Master’s and PhD in Wireless Technology. During his time there, the Bhagavad Gita re-entered his life at a time when deeper questions began to arise: What is the purpose of life? What is my role in this world? Reading Bhagavad Gita As It Is, he was surprised to discover how profoundly relevant its wisdom was, not only for personal challenges like stress and confusion, but also for understanding the social, political, and economic complexities of modern life. What he had once thought was a religious text revealed itself as a universal guide to understanding the self and navigating life with clarity. After completing his PhD, Dr Gopa began applying these teachings in his own life. More than ten years later, he credits the Bhagavad Gita with transforming his vision, helping him find inner stability, purpose, and peace. Today, he lives a monk lifestyle within the Bhakti Yoga tradition and dedicates his life to sharing the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita in a way that is practical, accessible, and deeply relevant to modern life.

A gentle space to slow down and connect — Soulful Sundays is about real conversations, shared presence, and meaningful human connection. We meet in person for heart-to-heart conversations in a welcoming, respectful environment. This group is for those who value sincerity, depth, and mutual support. Conversations often explore life, purpose, growth, and the human experience — grounded, open, and real. If you’re looking to build authentic, lasting connections with like-minded people, you’re warmly welcome. Carlton Gardens, **Address:** 1-111 Carlton St, Carlton VIC 3053 **Where we meet: Royal Exhibition Building front steps.**

Please join us this Sunday. It is an open social session where we will discuss any topics attendees are keen to discuss. I will also prepare some philosophical prompts for us. **We will meet at the Captain Melville at 2pm for a 2:15pm start sharp.** **We kindly ask attendees to pay $5 to attend to help with MeetUp costs & venue costs. This is not mandatory, but if you are a regular member it would be appreciated. Any extra moneys will go towards buying food and drinks for the table. The venue also expects us to spend money as a group, so grateful if everyone could buy a drink from the venue.** There is no pre-requisite preparation necessary, nor a philosophical background, all that is required is a curious mind. These discussions are both a Socrates Cafe style discussion and lively metaphysical dojo, in the spirit of learning and friendly debate, so please feel free to challenge assumptions and be prepared to have your own assumptions challenged. This event is also posted in the Philosophy Circle group. Hope to see you there!

Sunday Evening Meditation 5.30 to 6.30pm Join us in our cosy centre in Carlton North. Whether you are new to meditation or an experienced practitioner you are welcome at these relaxed and informal sessions. Simple instructions are provided and you can sit in a chair or on a cushion. Masks optional but not mandated. Bring your own sealed drink bottle. $10 for workers or $5 for concession. Find out about our activities. Incense and other dharma books and items for sale 803 Nicholson Street, Carlton North. Website: https://melbourne.rigpa.org.au/

Join us for a friendly and relaxed English meetup in South Melbourne! This gathering is perfect for anyone who wants to practise English, meet new friends, and feel part of a welcoming community. Whether you’re an international student, new to Melbourne, or simply looking to connect with others, you’ll find a supportive space to learn and grow. Each week, we run **two simple sessions**: **Daily English**, where you learn useful everyday vocabulary, and **Learning English from the Bible**, where we explore short passages in clear, beginner-friendly English. You’ll also meet people from different cultures and enjoy meaningful conversations in a warm, inclusive environment. Come along, make new friends, and enjoy learning English in a place where everyone is welcome. We’d love to meet you!

We are excited to host Guided Meditations on Sundays at 6 pm in our Ashram/Gallery/Home! !! !! Everyone wants to know what kind of God we worship and what kind of meditation we do. We worship the GOD that LOVES US! We understand that god is an energy and it lives in us as us. Our meditations guide others to actually experience that energy! xoxo We don't just talk about peace, love and affection, we experience it :) Also we are a home not a business, so we enjoy building community one friend at a time. We always build in time for people to mingle & develop friendships! xoxo Much Love, Frank Tennyson Namaste, Frank Tennyson http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/f/9/9/600_447824953.jpeg

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!

Join us for Mercy of the Gods by James S. A. Corey. How humanity came to the planet called Anjiin is lost in the fog of history, but that history is about to end. The Carryx - part empire, part hive - have waged wars of conquest for centuries, destroying or enslaving species across the galaxy. Now, they are facing a great and deathless enemy. The key to their survival may rest with the humans of Anjiin. Caught up in academic intrigue and affairs of the heart, Dafyd Alkhor is pleased just to be an assistant to a brilliant scientist and his celebrated research team. Then the Carryx ships descend, decimating the human population and taking the best and brightest of Anjiin society away to serve on the Carryx homeworld, and Dafyd is swept along with them. They are dropped in the middle of a struggle they barely understand, set in a competition against the other captive species with extinction as the price of failure. Only Dafyd and a handful of his companions see past the Darwinian contest to the deeper game that they must play to learning to understand - and manipulate - the Carryx themselves. With a noble but suicidal human rebellion on one hand and strange and murderous enemies on the other, the team pays a terrible price to become the trusted servants of their new rulers. Dafyd Alkhor is a simple man swept up in events that are beyond his control and more vast than his imagination. He will become the champion of humanity and its betrayer, the most hated man in history and the guardian of his people. This is where his story begins.

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.