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 25-27
## Discussion Themes:
- FOUR YOGA PATHS: 'The Bhagavad Gita advocates four Yoga paths to perfection: Karma Yoga – efficiency in action, Raja Yoga – stamina and focus of the mind, Bhakti Yoga – a unifying, sweetening, devotional approach, and Jnana Yoga – a sharpened, rational and luminous intellect.
- MATTER & CONSCIOUSNESS: 'Are we just a collection of genes, a little chemistry and physics and a clever brain combining to a degree of sufficient complexity to create intelligence and awareness? That's a materialist view prevailing among many neuroscientists. Meanwhile, other scientists ponder and grapple with the enigmatic phenomena of consciousness. Eastern philosophy proposes that there is 'a principle of intelligence behind matter', that we are a combination of 'matter as well as spirit or consciousness'.
- DEMOCRATIC & SPIRITUAL EQUALITY: Democracy, at its best, seeks to uphold 'the integral value of every being', to seek tolerance, and to 'pursue a just and equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive'. Vedanta also upholds this attitude of equality, that 'the same Atman [soul] in its fullness is present in all', that we all have the same inherent potential to evolve.
- BEYOND 'HERD MENTALITY': From an early age, we're encouraged to follow an easy path in this world: a path of conformity. To resist or challenge the unethical, to speak out in the face of inequality or injustice, and other evils takes courage and integrity; it requires 'revolutionary thinking', and originality - to think outside the 'herd mentality'. Such qualities in an individual can be a great force for good.
- 'We're dipping into Swami Ranganathananda’s 3 volume commentary: Universal Message of the Bhagavad Gita. The late President of the Ramakrishna Order, the Swami, was a world thinker and cultural ambassador for India, sponsored by the Government to travel to over 50 countries around the world, giving lectures.
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...
