Vedic

Beloved Friends , You are warmly invited to join **Osho Dynamic Meditation** — a powerful space to release stress, let go of built-up tension, and breathe freely again. Through movement, breath, and silence, allow the mind to unwind and the body to relax. No experience is needed — just come as you are and reconnect with your true nature, with awareness, aliveness, and inner peace. We would love to share this meditative journey with you. http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/e/0/600_453663808.jpeg When : Every Saturday , 7:30am to 8:30am Where : Elwood Angling Club, Foreshore, Elwood Contribution : $15 "Just to be is such a great celebration if you know how to take the conditioning off. This 'taking off' you will learn through Dynamic Meditation. it will not be caused; it will come to you uncaused. Meditation will create a situation in which you will come to the unknown; by and by you will be pushed from your habitual , mechanical, robot-like personality. be courageous: practise Dynamic Meditation vigorously and all else will follow. it will not be you doing, it will be a happening" OSHO - Meditation the art of ecstasy With Love and Hugs, Bodhiprem * If you are coming along for the first time, please arrive 10 minutes early for instructions, Please see below a link for the Dynamic Meditation Instructions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjxr9MySioc&feature=youtu.be

Join Stephen Fiyalko, President of the Melbourne Theosophical Society for meditation, self attunement, study and discussion on the Laws of the Universe. We welcome all to join at 5:30pm for a 30 min Meditation and will begin the discussion group at 6:00pm. For those who prefer to just attend the discussion group you're welcome to arrive at 6pm. An understanding of and action within the Laws through our choices give practical tools for facing, managing and surmounting with confidence the many challenges we face in our daily lives, in society and the world itself. Ignorance of the Laws can leave us adrift to be buffeted and feel overwhelmed by stormy seas. Each week will look at one of the twelve Laws which are principles, not rules, seeking a deeper understanding of that Law, our and their inter-relationship with the other Laws. Discussion will involve sharing stories from our lives which contribute to a growing understanding and confidence in our lives. Each session is free, but donations are welcome.

Hey, this is a good line-up show as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. I'll be watching for the fun. You're welcome along. Tickets via Meetup or go direct here: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/comedy-at-the-coopers-inn-the-early-show/ Show blurb: \-\-\-\-\-\- Want a sample of the best comedians in the Fest? Then *Comedy at the Coopers Inn: The Early Show* is for you! A diverse, affordable lineup of some of the best acts from Australia and abroad, from household names to the most exciting new talent. Five different comedians every night! Be sure to book ahead as these shows will sell out. Our lineup shows include some of the best acts from our massive Festival program that includes Lewis Garnham, Brett Blake, Sonia Di Iorio, John Cruckshank and dozens more, plus superstars from throughout the entire Comedy Festival Past acts over the years include Luke Kidgell, Celia Pacquola, Geraldine Hickey, Aaron Chen, Lloyd Langford, Dilruk Jayansinha, Anne Edmonds and literally hundreds more!

**ORGASMIC MINDFULNESS MEDITATION (OMM)** Orgasmic Mindfulness Meditation (OMM) is sweeping the world as more people awaken to the truth that there is more available when it comes to intimacy, connection, and aliveness in our relationships and lives. The philosophy behind OMM offers a powerful map for how we relate, not only in intimate connection, but in communication, creativity, leadership, and everyday life. OMM teaches us how to bring attention to sensation, listen to desire, and cultivate flow rather than effort or force. Over time, this creates deeper levels of intimacy, clarity, and embodied presence across all areas of life. **People choose OMM because they desire to:** ⚑ Feel more connected to themselves and others ⚑ Experience greater confidence and vitality ⚑ Spend more time in the Orgasmic State ⚑ Feel more comfortable in their body and self-expression ⚑ Cultivate focus and sustained attention ⚑ Have more pleasure, presence, and aliveness in their lives The OMM practice is simple, specific, and repeatable. Each OMM is set up in the same way, creating a consistent container that allows participants to stop analysing and instead follow sensation, listen to the body, and remain present. The practice focuses on the clitoris, often described as one of the female centers of power and pleasure, additionally is where the most concentration of nerve endings exist in either human body, male or female and thus is a super highway for both people when they place their attention there, to flow states and higher states of consciousness. OMM Practitioner Training teaches both the practice and the philosophy of Orgasmic Mindfulness Meditation, offering tools you can apply anywhere connection is present. Upon completion, participants gain access to a worldwide network of practitioners, allowing them to continue their OMM journey wherever they travel and to team up with anyone who has been trained, by simply asking "Would you like to OM?" OMM training is open to both singles and couples. ⸻ **WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE TRAINING** OMM Practitioner Training introduces Orgasmic Mindfulness Meditation as both a meditation practice and a way of relating. **For Men** Men often come to OMM training seeking a deeper, more grounded experience of intimacy and connection. The training supports a shift away from performance-based relating and toward presence, sensitivity, and embodied confidence. **Men can expect to:** • Understand the difference between effort-based arousal and the Orgasmic State • Develop greater nervous system regulation and emotional awareness • Cultivate sustained attention through sensation-based mindfulness • Learn to respond to desire without urgency or pressure • Experience a more relaxed, embodied sense of masculinity • Deepen attunement, trust, and connection in relationship **For Women** Women often experience OMM training as a return to the body as a source of wisdom, clarity, and self-trust. The practice supports pleasure without performance, expectation, or self-abandonment. **Women can expect to:** • Learn what supports the body to enter and sustain the Orgasmic State • Build safety and trust with sensation and desire • Increase sensitivity and embodied awareness • Strengthen boundaries and self-expression • Experience pleasure as nourishing and regulating • Reconnect with confidence, vitality, and self-leadership **All Participants Will Learn** • An introduction to OMM philosophy as a way of living in flow and connection • The difference between climax and orgasm • What supports the nervous system to access the Orgasmic State • How to move attention from the head into the body • Female anatomy and how to locate the clitoral focus point • The structured steps of the OMM practice • Foundational stroking technique • How to ask for what you want from the voice of desire ⸻ **HOW THE TRAINING WORKS** The OMM Practitioner Training is delivered over three structured sessions, combining philosophy, practical learning, and integration support. Training is available in person or online. Sessions 1 and 2 are recommended to be completed in close succession, ideally on the same day, to support continuity of learning, nervous system regulation, and embodied integration. **Session 1: Philosophy & Foundations** **120 minutes** \| In person or online An interactive session exploring the philosophy of Orgasmic Mindfulness Meditation and how its principles apply to your relationships, inner world, and life. **Session 2: The OMM Practice** **120 minutes** \| In person or online A practical session covering the steps, structure, and technique of the OMM practice. If you attend with another person, you may choose to be guided through an OMM within a clear, consent-based container. **Session 3: Integration & Coaching** 60 minutes \| In person or online A follow-up coaching session, for your trainer to offer you coaching on how your practice has been going for you since your last session, and to answer any questions that have arisen through your lived experience. ⸻ **INVESTMENT & TRAINING OPTIONS** Hourly Rate: $190 per hour Trainings are paid in full when you book your session times with your trainer. **Baseline OMM Practitioner Training** ✔ Session 1 – 2 hours ✔ Session 2 – 2 hours ✔ Session 3 – 1 hour Total: 5 hours Investment: $850 **Extended Integration Option** ✔ Session 3 – 2 hours Total: 6 hours Investment: $1040 Some participants choose to extend Session 3 to allow additional time for integration, refinement of attention and technique, and two guided OMMs within a supportive, consent-based container. This option is particularly valuable for those who learn best through embodied repetition and spacious integration. Higher levels of training are available following completion of this introductory program. ⸻ FOR MORE INFORMATION Text: 0404 832 141 Email: premkalpa@gmail.com Someone from our team will reply shortly. ⸻ AS SEEN IN • The Today Show • The New York Times • ABC’s Luke Warm Sex • Marie Claire • The Four-Hour Body by Tim Ferriss • Stealing Fire by Steven Kotler & Jamie Wheal • Existential Kink by Carolyn Elliott, PhD These references reflect the growing global interest in embodied practices that support presence, intimacy, and expanded states of awareness.

Join us for our last free sound + meditation beach session on Saturday 18 April 2026 9am at Chelsea Beach VIC 3196 before we switch to an indoor venue for the colder months! Every session is unique depending on what the energy of the week inspires. But the constant aims are always to pause, reflect, connect, and learn. Everyone is welcome, no matter your experience or beliefs. Bring a yoga mat/towel/blanket to lie down or sit on if you wish. Optional breakfast/coffee at Jack The Lad cafe afterwards for an extended catchup.

Welcome to Melbourne Volleyball Academy! 🤗 **[[WHAT]]** This session will be broken into 2 halves, 1st half is training and the 2nd half is games. Please arrive on time as we will start exactly at 6:30 PM. Our intention is to have this training be the 'next step' after our beginner-level training at North Melbourne Community Centre. We will be focusing on learning what specific roles on the court entail, improving 'volleyball IQ', breaking bad habits, and building better techniques. **[[WHERE]]** The session will be held as Pascoe Vale Girls College. Please enter via Cornwall Road through the back gates as other entrances onto the campus will be closed **[[WHO]]** The training is intended for social volleyball players at the intermediate level or 'B' level (for more details on volleyball levels, please visit our site here: https://melbournevolleyballacademy.com.au/skill-levels-explained). Players are expected to: * have strong fundamentals * pass freeballs and serve receive consistently * understand 4-2 system (pass middle rotation) * have some knowledge of 5-1 (1 setter all around) or 6-2 (back row setter only) systems * understand 'base defense' * help others and have good sportsmanship If you are a high intermediate (BB) or advanced player (A) you are more than welcome to join but you may find our open play sessions for BB/A level players more suitable. For players that are at the beginner level, we suggest attending our training on Fridays at North Melbourne Community Centre 6-9PM as beginners may find the drills and level of play too difficult. Players will be asked to attend a different session if their play is deemed unsafe or if they are not of the appropriate skill level. **[[HOW MUCH]]** $21 card payment will be collected on the day via square (EFTPOS) payment. **[[WHEN]]** The stadium is booked for 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM. However, feel free to come early and stretch as the stadium is open earlier. **Last-minute dropouts and no-shows will have a zero-tolerance policy going forward.** All players are expected to **update their RSVP at least 24 hours** in advance if they are unable to attend. This applies to players on the going list and the waitlist. **[[THINGS TO BRING]]** We ask that you bring: * Water bottle * Appropriate footwear for indoor court shoes - netball shoes, volleyball shoes, or basketball shoes would be suitable. * Wear contacts or sports glasses if possible. **[[OTHER DETAILS]]** Only those on the “going” list are permitted to play. If you are on the waitlist, or not registered at all, you will not be permitted to play.

**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)**

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.

Sunday evening meditation from 5.30 - 6.30. 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. Browse our shop for books, incense and dharma items. Find out what our Centre is offering 803 Nicholson Street, Carlton North. Website: https://melbourne.rigpa.org.au/

## **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.

Camberwell Meditation Group Find Your Inner Peace within. Take a moment to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with your inner peace. Join our friendly community every Saturday afternoon for a peaceful guided meditation session led by a teaching monk, who will share simple techniques to relax the mind and find clarity — no religious commitment required. 🕑 Every Saturday \| 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM 📍 Camberwell Meditation 41 Cookson Street, Camberwell, Melbourne VIC 3124 (Just a short walk from Camberwell Railway Station) 🌼 About the Session Each 60-minute class offers a calm and welcoming space to rest, recharge, and experience peace of mind. * 🧘‍♂️ Guided Meditation (in English) by a Teaching Monk * 💬 Gentle reflections and Q & A * ☕ Light refreshments served afterward * 💝 Donations welcome * You don’t need any experience — just bring an open mind and a kind heart. Our approach is simple, practical, and suitable for everyone. 🌿 Why Join Us? * Relax and release stress from your busy week. * Recharge your mind and body with calm energy. * Learn meditation techniques that can support mindfulness in everyday life. * Meet kind and like-minded people who value peace and balance. Meditation helps you discover calmness and clarity within yourself — something everyone can benefit from, regardless of background or belief. 🌷

Join us for the Mangala Sutta Lecture Series -a journey into wisdom, blessings, and practical teachings for everyday life. Guided by Shifu Shengchi, this 8-week series explores the timeless teachings of the Mangal Sutta, offering insight into how to cultivate true happiness, harmony and well-being. Starting: April 12,2026 (Every Sunday) Location: 7/663 Malvern Roac Toorak VIC 3142 Weekly Schedule: 10:30 - 11:00 Baduanjin Qigong (Eight Brocades) 11:00-12:00 Nianfo Meditatio 12:00-13:00 Vegetarian Lunch 13:00-14:00 Mangala Sutta Dharma Talk Whether you are new to Buddhist teachings or looking to deepen your practice, allare welcome.

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.

Walk for Children - 2026 Save Soil Walkathon in Columbus 🌍 Over 52% of the world soil is degraded and scientists warn we may have only a few decades of fertile soil left. As Sadhguru shares, soil is a living system—and when it degrades, our food, health, and future are at risk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyT-6qiubd0 🚶‍♂️🌎This Earth Day, Join the Walk for Children-2026 SaveSoil 5K Walkathon here in Columbus and help raise awareness about soil for the future of our children! Every step you take helps: ✔️ 1. Raise awareness in your communities about protecting and restoring soil. ✔️ 2. Supports sustainable food systems. ✔️ 3. Helps secure our children’s future. 📅 Date: April 26, 2026 📍 Location: Scioto Audubon Metro Park Check-in address 400 W Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43215 ⏰ Time: 8:30 a.m. check-in event starts at 9:30 a.m. 👉 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walk-for-children-2026-save-soil-walkathon-in-columbus-registration-1986596534713?aff=oddtdtcreator 👉🏼Free and Open to All. Share this message and bring your neighbours, friends & family along to celebrate our planet! Let’s make it happen!

Our next much-awaited **COLUMBUS** meetup is **Tuesday April 21 from 7-10 pm EST at ACE OF CUPS**. Meet patients, cultivators, processors, dispensary managers/staff, physicians, home growers, educators, activists, nonprofits, artists, attorneys, business owners, writers, students, and supporters to network, share our knowledge, collaborate, support each other and make new ones! Hope you will be there too! Save the date and pass the word. **Please RSVP** so we know who is coming and how many to expect. Find us to say hi and we will introduce you to others. We should be easy to spot. (The happy-looking group wearing cool nametags! See photos from our past events.) Sign in, grab a name tag, start your own bar/food tab, meet old friends and make new ones! Everyone is welcome. SEE YOU THERE!

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you knew Del Close on a personal level, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup** for some fun and games! The idea behind improv is to create entire scenes from scratch based on a suggestion from the audience. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway*, *ComedySportz*, or *Wild 'n Out*; it could also be done to tell stories, like *Middleditch and Schwartz*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and free!) weekly comedy event, brings the games (and occasionally different forms) for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and make friendships that'll last a lifetime! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "Yes, And" that you'll have fun!

MCKS PRANIC HEALING® Level I In PRANIC HEALING® Level 1, you learn the basics of working with your energy aura, including learning to "scan," or feel the energy, to "sweep," or clean away congested energy, and to "energize," or supplement areas in your aura that have a pranic deficiency. PRANIC HEALING® has been taught to doctors, nurses, massage therapists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, shiatsu practitioners, and many others in the healing field. It has allowed them to heal confidently and consistently in the shortest learning time possible. These professionals find PRANIC HEALING® very effective and easy to apply. Other topics covered in PRANIC HEALING® Level 1: Energetic anatomy: You will learn to work with the network of chakras, meridians and auras to accelerate the healing processes of your body. Preventive healing: You will learn to remove the negative energetic patterns of a disease to prevent it from fully manifesting as a physical ailment. Self-Pranic healing: You will learn to apply these healing techniques to accelerate your own healing. Step-by-step techniques for ailments related to your: respiratory system, e.g., asthma,; circulatory system, e.g., heart ailments; gastrointestinal system, e.g., irritable bowel syndrome; musculoskeletal system, e.g., arthritis and back pain; reproductive system, e.g., menstrual problems. You'll also learn how to address common problems as migraines and sinusitis. Additionally, you'll learn to apply distant healing to loved ones who are not present in the room with you. All PRANIC HEALING® courses are "experiential," which means that you learn by actually performing the techniques and exercises in class - on yourself and those around you. During class, all the principles will be explained thoroughly and you will practice the techniques exhaustively so you will be confident in your ability to produce positive results when you finish the course. This is Day 2 of 2 Attendance at day one is required to attend day 2. The Course text book is Choa Kok Sui, "Miracles through Pranic Healing" Please bring this with you to class. PRANIC HEALING® Level 1 is a prerequisite to all other GMCKS courses. For those interested to review the class...Review fee is only $75!! LOOK AT THIS!! Review for FREE when you bring a new student to class with you.

Our Golden Lotus Meditation & Lecture Cancelled! We will resume next Sunday April 26th. Hope to see you then. Until then remember to Meditate and do your Kriyas

This month's prompt concerns the idea of the “warrior philosopher” (seemed appropriate in these times)--that is someone whose understanding of violence, power, and justice is forged through direct experience of war. We are looking at Major General Smedley D. Butler, a highly decorated U.S. Marine raised in a Quaker (pacifist) tradition who later became a prominent critic of American militarism (there is a wonderful biography of Gen. Butler called "Gangsters of Capitalism") Butler's argument in *War Is a Racket* (1935): that many U.S. interventions were driven less by national defense than by corporate and financial interests, with Butler portraying himself as an enforcer for business and Wall Street. We can consider the moral ambiguity of his insider critique—whether complicity strengthens or undermines credibility and also consider some of the concrete reforms he proposed (e.g., “conscript” capital before soldiers, restrict the military to coastal defense, and have only those who fight decide on war). Butler’s life arc clearly changed from pacifist upbringing to warrior to antiwar crusader—and asks whether true understanding of peace requires firsthand knowledge of war, and what that implies about the cost of suffering. So do we need to suffer to understand suffering? Do we have to experience war to appreciate peace? As one more question: in the movie "A Few Good Men" Jack Nicholson's character says that "you have the luxury of not knowing what I know" so do most of us go through life oblivious to real violence and suffering? See you at Drunken Philosophy!