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- Bhagavad Gita Class & DiscussionLink visible for attendees
Discussion led by Pravrajika Gayatriprana, a senior nun of Sri Sarada Math
Join our Vedanta Society members and friends from 7:30 pm via ZOOM
OR JOIN US IN PERSON FROM 7 PM FOR SILENT MEDITATION AT: Vedanta Hall, 15 Liverpool Road, Croydon NSW
Study of Chapter 13:
## The Field (Material Body) and the Knower of the Field (Immortal Soul): Verses 28 - 31
## Discussion Themes:
- BREAKING THROUGH SEPARATION: 'Eastern philosophy asserts we are so much more than the body, that within us all shines a divine spark. Physically, we can be limited by our bodies, but intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, and through our imagination and thoughts, we can stretch out even to the ends of the universe; we can link to the deepest part of ourselves, breaking through what separates us from others. 'The Self in the other person is the Self in my being.'
- EXTENDING 'FAMILY FEELING': 'As they say: 'Blood is thicker than water', and with their shared genetic and cultural history, families share a special bond. The challenge for us is to extend that family feeling to the rest of humanity; a noble vision.'.
- SHADOWS ON THE WALL: Like Plato's shadows on the cave wall, our senses reveal a limited/ distorted view of our world. We perceive a world of solidity and separation, beginnings and endings, entrances and exits, rules and roles. Our bodies and minds are confined as we interact and react to the world. But behind it all, deep within us, is the seer of the shadow play, the Self, the soul.
- THE PRIMORDIAL ONE: 'Millions of things are here. Are they all here by themselves? No, they are all centred in the One, the Primordial One. … At the beginning of cosmic evolution, that One was there.'.
- BEYOND SIN: The consequences of sinning have been a haunting prospect hanging over the heads of much of humanity over the centuries. All religions teach there will be consequences when we do wrong. Vedanta teaches that it's our body, our sensory system and our psyche that will suffer, but not the soul. Every action will have a reaction, so we learn and are compelled to move on, to continue our journey to ever more peaceful and wiser states.
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
- 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:
- THE LADDER OF HAPPINESS: Our journey to longer-lasting and higher happiness requires us to manage the various steps on the climb to fulfilment: the sensory, the emotional, the intellectual and the spiritual. Each step has its role and value. 'The higher the rung we climb, the longer-lasting and higher is the nature of our happiness.'
- YOGA - ALTERED STATES OF AWARENESS: Through a meditative focus on our heart centre we can generate an 'awareness that is not body based' ... generating 'high-level happiness'.
- YOGIC INSIGHTS INTO HAPPINESS Too often, life is a rollercoaster ride of happiness and worry. Yoga and Vedanta aim to even out the ride.
- CONNECTION BETWEEN HAPPINESS & AWARENESS: Keeping our mind and intellect uncluttered by restless thoughts and negativity, we give a chance for our underlying awareness to shine, giving rise to serenity, vitality and other positive feelings.
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
