Ancient Teachings

**Life** Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz was born in 1646 in Leipzig. He had access to a substantial library early in life and is said to have taught himself Latin to read the Church Fathers and Latin Classics. He attended universities in Leipzig and Altdorf, earned a doctorate in law in 1667, turned down a faculty position, and went to work for the Elector of Mainz. In 1672 he had the opportunity to visit Paris to discuss his Egypt Plan, in which France would invade Egypt and leave Germany and the Netherlands alone. There he met several leading French thinkers, including [Nicolas Malebranche](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nicolas-Malebranche) and [Antoine Arnauld](https://iep.utm.edu/antoine-arnauld/), and studied mathematics under [Christian Huygens](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Christiaan-Huygens) (discovering integral and differential calculus after about three years). He created a calculating machine and, based on this work, was made in 1673 a member of the Royal Society. In 1676 he began working in the court of the Duke of Hanover. He spent much of his life promoting science, libraries and learning and was the first president of the [Royal Prussian Academy of Sciences](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prussian_Academy_of_Sciences). Leibniz made contributions to not only mathematics but physics, theology, and philosophy. He sought to reconcile Catholicism and Lutheranism and, in his own way, modern science and philosophy to certain Aristotelian ideas, such as the substantial form and final cause. He died in Hanover in 1716. **Themes** Leibniz is regarded, along with Descartes and Spinoza, as one of the most important rationalist philosophers of his age. He wrote a work in response to John Locke arguing that some principles or ideas are in some sense innate. In metaphysics, he asserted the principle of sufficient reason, which says that things happen when there is more reason for them to happen than not, and claimed that, strictly speaking, all true statements are analytic (e.g., it can be truly predicated of Ceasar *a priori* that he crossed the Rubicon). Unhappy with atomistic and other accounts of substance, he argued that monads (dimensionless, soul-like entities) are fundamental, reflect everything that has ever happened or will happen, and are in sync with each other through a pre-established order chosen by God. From the conclusion that God has chosen this world, and that God can only choose the best, Leibniz famously claimed that this is the best of all possible worlds. The system Leibniz set up would seem to leave little room for human freedom, but he tried to argue that people were nonetheless free in some sense. Right or wrong, his views are complex and interesting. **Works and This Month's Reading** Leibniz wrote so much that the critical edition of his collected works, underway for several decades, remains unfinished. Much of this output consists of short works—letters, journal articles—rather than a magnum opus. His only book-length statement of his philosophy published in his lifetime is *Theodicy*. His other major works include *Discourse on Metaphysics*, *Monadology*, and *New Essays on Human Understanding*. Except for *Monadology*, our readings this month are not from his most famous works; however, the selections in the *Shorter Leibniz Texts* are helpfully arranged, cover many of Leibniz's main claims, and, because the selections are short, can be read in coherent, manageable chunks. **Readings** · [The Shorter Leibniz Texts (Strickland)](https://www.amazon.com/Shorter-Leibniz-Texts-Collection-Translations/dp/0826489516/) · [Monadology (Google Books, pp. 215-271)](https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Monadology_and_Other_Philosophical_W/0IARAAAAYAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1) – The Strickland version listed below is a good alternative. Both have more footnotes and explanatory text than text from Leibniz. **Optional** · [Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, IEP](https://iep.utm.edu/leib-ove/) – Summarizes Leibniz’s thought based on *Discourse on Metaphysics*, *Monadology*, *Theodicy*, and *New Essays on Human Understanding*. · [Leibniz's Monadology: A New Translation and Guide (Strickland)](https://www.amazon.com/Leibnizs-Monadology-New-Translation-Guide/dp/074869322X/) – An alternative to the version on Google (above), this version also has relevant selections from *Theodicy*. · [Leibniz: Philosophical Essays](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0872200620/?) – Contains Discourse on *Metaphysics*, *Monadology*, the Preface to *New Essays on Human Understanding*, and several other short works and letters. · [The Philosophy of Spinoza & Leibniz (YouTube) - Magee & Quinton, 1987](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7n7wfQOGaI) · [The Essence of Calculus (YouTube) - 3Blue1Brown](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUvTyaaNkzM) \- Quick intro\. · [Mathematical Treasure: Leibniz's Papers on Calculus (MAA)](https://old.maa.org/press/periodicals/convergence/mathematical-treasure-leibnizs-papers-on-calculus) – If you’re curious what Leibniz’s calculus looked like. · [Mathematics - 19th Century, Algebra, Calculus | Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/science/mathematics/Mathematics-in-the-19th-century) – History of math, with some math.

Standard rally scoring to 15. Skill level should BB and up. See you out there! Only 1 court 135 Crescent Rd greenbelt Md Use St. Hughes Churches parking lot Bring a ball if you have one and water to stay hydrated.

**Sahaja Yoga teaches a unique method of meditation, rooted in ancient spiritual knowledge.** We follow a format of continuous integration of topics in our classes so that no two classes are same and so we are able to accommodate new meditators along with experienced ones. **Through Sahaja Yoga, you can achieve a state of meditation known as thoughtless awareness. In this state, you experience and enjoy the present moment without any distractions from the past or future. Your consciousness works in flow with your inner energy ([Kundalini](https://us.sahajayoga.org/the-kundalini/)).** Some of the things we go over with in our programs are how to awaken your dormant Mother energy called Kundalini. Meditation with Mantras using power of very basic mantra to bring peace within! Meditation with music, what are Chakras, how to take affirmations, what is Thoughtless Awareness and how to find the state of your Chakras. *Meditation sessions led by an experienced fellow meditator.* **Please join us to awaken the dormant energy within you and re-balance your emotional, physical and mental state of being!** **Sahaja Yoga was founded in 1970 by Shri Mataji**. She envisioned a world where people would be transformed, and lead more balanced lives. She has worked tirelessly to help people meditate and achieve greater spiritual heights through this meditation. **Cost**: Free **Parking**: Paid parking in garages and on street. Garage-40 Cordell-St.Elmo Garage, Saint Elmo Avenue, Bethesda, MD is 2 mins walking distance from meditation center. **How to reach us?** We are at **Sahaja Yoga Meditation Center** on **4901 Saint Elmo Avenue** **Bethesda, MD 20814**, *walking distance from Bethesda Metro Center* **You can learn more about this meditation** from [us.sahajayoga.org](https://us.sahajayoga.org)

**Brunch starts at 11 a.m.** at Freddie's Beach Bar & Restaurant, 555 23rd St. S, Arlington, Virginia 22202. Reserve a spot for free on **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1682440477759?aff=oddtdtcreator)** so we have an accurate guest count. Enjoy a delicious brunch and meet LGBTQ+ folk. Make meaningful new connections. The event is free to attend; you simply pay for whatever you order on your own on separate credit card; there's no group tab to worry about. Name tags will be provided. About 10 LGBTQ+ folk are expected. The menu is at [https://www.freddiesbeachbar.com/menu](https://www.freddiesbeachbar.com/menu) OR better yet, order the all-you-can-eat buffet that includes a mimosa or coffee/tea or soft drink, and dessert for only $14.99. Casual attire is fine. Feel free to invite all your friends to join you there. Please be sure to tag any event photos on social with #gogaydc **Metro Directions:** Be eco-friendly. Metro rides are now capped at only $2.50 on weekends, regardless of distance traveled. Crystal City Metro station on the Yellow/Blue lines is the closest Metro stop. When you arrive, go out the station, walk towards your left to 18th Street and then veer right and walk under the Route 1 overpass to Eads St. Turn left and walk to 23rd Street. Turn right. Freddie's is up 23rd Street just a block. Just look for the rainbow flags on the right-hand side of the street! The venue phone number is (703) 685-0555 in case you get lost. Parking is usually available nearby on the residential side streets. Freddie's was voted the Best Virginia Bar by *Washington Blade* readers. Don't like a smoky bar? You are covered: Freddie's is a smoke-free establishment. (Ashtrays are provided outside the back of the building if smoking is 'your thing'). Freddie's is an LGBTQ+, straight-friendly restaurant and bar. It offers Happy Hour daily from 4-7 pm. [https://www.freddiesbeachbar.com](https://www.freddiesbeachbar.com/) This event is hosted by **[Go Gay DC](https://www.gogaydc.com)**[,](https://www.gogaydc.com) Metro Washington DC's inclusive LGBTQ+ community focused on friendship, leadership, and service. It reaches over 10K fabulous people and is growing fast. Visit [https://www.gogaydc.com](https://www.gogaydc.com) Arrive at any time that's convenient for you. Go Gay DC Leader **[TJ Flavell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjflavell/)** will be there to greet you. There's no need to print out and show your Eventbrite ticket. This event is a safe, inclusive space for everyone under the rainbow. This event is for all ages. Remember to bring your ID, as everyone who wishes to drink alcohol is carded of course. Go Gay DC is on social media: Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC) Like the Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC](https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Bluesky [https://gogaydc.bsky.social/](https://gogaydc.bsky.social/) Follow on X [https://www.x.com/GoGayDC](https://www.x.com/GoGayDC) Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC](https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC) Search tags: LGBT LGBTQ LGBTQI LQBTQIA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex Straight Allies brunch nonbinary

Join us for all or part of our weekly program to practice and study the dharma together - In-Person or Online. All experience levels welcome. Schedule was: 10:00 am - 10:30 am Chenrezig practice\* 10:30 am - 10:45 am Break 10:45 am - 11:30 am Silent Meditation *Two 20min sessions with a 5min break* 11:30 am - 12:90 am Study & Discussion \*Chenrezig practice is led via video by HH the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa. The practice is recited in Tibetan with English subtitles. For text and information go to: [https://www.kibi-edu.org/news/chenrezig-sadhana-now-available-for-download/](https://www.kibi-edu.org/news/chenrezig-sadhana-now-available-for-download/) **In-Person** Fellowship Hall at the [Unitarian Universalist Congregation](https://www.uucr.org/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExa0ZQVFBCdmJ3MzNOWEJoRwEeSoPXSHNPf_pRRTPn-UbSRXubgBfGor06l14v9_Z1cMfvxShmdngQDTcV-ao_aem_4x2F8VhluNx_5QC2unwCkw) of Rockville (UUCR), 100 Welsh Park Drive, Rockville, MD 20850 ([[https://www.uucr.org/](https://www.uucr.org/) **Online via Zoom** (for Zoom information, click on the relevant tile for that Sunday’s meeting): [https://bodhipath.org/centers/dc/#events](https://bodhipath.org/centers/dc/#events) BodhiPath Washington DC is supported by donation.

Come learn how money really works. We’ll cover how to grow it, protect it, get out of debt, and use smart retirement and infinite banking strategies to build long-term security.

We had a wonderful session in September so let’s do it again! A Reiki Circle this is a gathering of Reiki practitioners who work in a group to provide Reiki treatments on each other. The main purpose of the Reiki share is to give and receive Reiki in a casual atmosphere of friendship, encouragement, and positive energy. We will share our wisdom and skills, socialize and make new friends in this Reiki community. Space is limited to 10 people. We will see if we need to grow or shrink from there. Let us know if you have and questions! See you there! Shaman Phil

**Weekly Sunday Meditation Classes with Sanema Naomi Hardrick** * Each class begins with **guided breathing meditation**, to help settle the mind, let go of distractions and cultivate inner peace. The meditation is followed by a brief, traditional Buddhist prayer, called *Liberating Prayer.* * The Teacher will then give a **practical teaching** based on the topic of the class series and explain how we can integrate Buddha’s timeless wisdom into our busy daily lives. * The teaching is then followed by a **guided meditation** to help us mix our mind with the teaching and take it to heart. * Time permitting, at the end of the meditation class we spend a few minutes in **group discussion** and the teacher will take any **questions** that the class might have about the topic. **COST:** Standard: $12 \| Financial Hardship: $6 \| [Register](https://meditation-dc.org/sunday-mornings/) \*\*[Member Pricing: ](https://meditation-dc.org/membership/)\*\*FREE & Available as an online class. **LOCATION** Kadampa Meditation Center DC 1200 Canal St\. SW \| Washington\, DC 20024 **Metro Stop:** Waterfront or Navy Yard

The power of unity can easily be seen in how we come together in times of crisis. But what about after the immediate crisis has passed? Can spirituality help us harness the power of unity, regardless of circumstance, and despite our many differences? With each passing day, it seems like we are realizing more and more how interconnected we all are, how much we depend on one another. Old patterns of existence based on division aren’t working for us. Particularly in times of crisis, we see that we do better when we come together, when we’re able to support one another and draw strength from each other. But what if this power wasn’t limited to times of crisis? What if unity wasn’t just a lofty idea worth aspiring to but a strategy to be used in affecting positive change? Is there specific guidance we can follow, methods we can enact to help us create a more materially and spiritually advanced society? Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the power of unity in helping us enact a social & spiritual transformation. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore the role of spirituality in helping us work with each other on the path towards the betterment of us all. “So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole world.” – Bahá’í Teachings \*\*\*This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.

An Eckankar Soul Adventure Podcast * Hear the story of the love bond between a woman in crisis and a rescue kitten * Get a powerful dream exercise that can help you find answers to your most burning questions! Join us for this exciting and uplifting podcast. You will have the opportunity to share your thoughts and insights with other like-hearted individuals. People of all faiths are warmly welcome; feel free to invite friends and family. The program will be presented at our Ruscombe Mansion location in Baltimore and streamed on Zoom. Sunday, December 21, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Three easy ways to participate! 1. Attend in person at: The Ruscombe Mansion Main Mansion dining room, 4801 Yellowwood Ave., Baltimore, MD 21209 2. Join others for a virtual participation at: The Maryland Eckankar Center, 1738 Elton Rd., Suite 104, Silver Spring, MD 20903 3. Attend online at: Zoom Meeting ID: 895 7212 3209 Passcode: 559017 Dial-In: 301-715-8592 For more information: Call or text: (301) 439-2120 [BEC@eckankarmaryland.org](mailto:BEC@eckankarmaryland.org)

An alternative Valentines Day event! Spend the morning developing authentic love, the foundation of all harmonious and successful relationships. During this retreat, Kadam Michelle will explain and guide us in the meditation known as developing cherishing love. In ordinary life, we often confuse love with desirous attachment, and as a result we often experience pain and disappointment within our so-called ‘loving’ relationships. But authentic love can never cause pain. It only ever produces happiness. Why? Because true love actually arises from a profound understanding of our interdependence and interconnection with everyone. This understanding liberates us from our painful self-centered grasping attachments, and opens us to an expansive and ever more inclusive empathy and love that brings joy, harmony and purpose into our lives. Through talks and guided meditations, Kadam Michelle will take us into the heart of this practice. There will be the opportunity for Q&A throughout the day. If you wish to enjoy a gadget free retreat, you can turn your phone in at the registration desk. * **Cost**: General: $30 Financial Hardship: $15 Online: $30 Online Plus/Friend/Supporter: $15 Benefactors & Benefactor Plus: Free Optional Lunch: $7 * **Event Schedule** Session 1: 10 to 10:45am Break: 10:45 to 11:15am Session 2: 11:15 to 11:45am Break: 11:45am to 12:15pm Session 3: 12:15 to 1pm with Q&A

**NOW ONLINE** The weekly Sunday morning (10:30 am to 12 noon) class begins with a welcome, short reflection on an aspect of the teachings, and includes an arriving meditation (15 minutes) that will often incorporate poems and may end with a reflection or question. The opening meditation is followed by an invitation to each person to share their name and a few words (for example, what is alive for them right now or what their intention is for the class or the day). The sharing has been a powerful support to help welcome new people, get to know each other, and build community/sangha. Following a brief period of mindful stretching/movement, we finish with a longer meditation (25-30 minutes) and final reflections on the teachings, sharing, Q&A, and announcements. Class participants are welcome to stay and engage with other members of the community or adjourn to a neighboring restaurant or coffee shop. This space is inclusive, everyone is welcome, and we invite you to bring with you all aspects of yourself. Learn more here: https://imcw.org/Calendar/Event-Calendar/EventId/3686/e/drop-in-class-livestreamed-19-apr-2020

Be one in a million. Join millions around the world in a virtual meditation session—one rhythm, one heart, one collective breath. Your presence makes a difference.  21st December \|  930 AM ET Register for free: [hfn.link/meditation](http://hfn.link/meditation?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExOEI5WG5DQjhsWXB1RFhhbHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6X3GeOF0FqisOUSqht_MXsLkuAOJ62Jtx2XaKlZJuPWfO5wiqNRS6zELlmAA_aem_gmF5WSgluoeTtQM0DVp50w) More information:

You are invited to participate in one of Unity’s most meaningful and empowering traditions—the **White Stone Ceremony**. As we enter a new year, this sacred ritual gives you the opportunity to listen within, connect with Spirit, and claim a new name or intention for your life. In ancient times, receiving a white stone symbolized freedom, new identity, and fresh possibility. Today, we continue that tradition by holding a smooth white stone, entering a quiet meditation, and allowing Spirit to reveal a word, name, or message that reflects who you are becoming.

**💥 Join us THIS Saturday and EVERY Saturday!** **💥 At Columbus’ Hottest New Salsa Venue!** **.** Lincoln Street Salsa THIS Saturday and EVERY Saturday! 8 pm – 1 am **.** **💥 Gorgeously Renovated Studio!** **💥 Free Parking!** **💥 BYOB!** **💥 Easy Access from Highway!** **.** Lincoln Street Salsa 1717 Brice Rd Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43215 **.** **ENTRANCE IS ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE BUILDING** **Behind Anthony’s Pharmacy!** **.** **PLEASE SHARE and help get the word out!** **.** **🟣 Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue Dancing!** **.** **🟣** 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm **𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻** **.** **🟣** 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm **𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 Class!** **.** **🟣** 9:30 pm – 1 am **𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆!** **.** **✅ Questions?** **Visit [LincolnStreetSalsa.com](https://columbussalsadancing.com/)** Or Text Todd: 614-774-8146 **.** **✅ No Experience Necessary!** **✅ No Partner Required!** **✅ Plenty of People to Dance With!** **.** **✅ $15 Cash / $16 Card** **✅ College Students $5 Off with Valid ID!** **✅ BYOB** **✅ Age 18+** **.** **✅ Lincoln Street Salsa is the perfect place for…** **.** **👉 Learning to Dance** **👉** Social Dancing **👉 Birthday Celebration** **👉** Bachelorette Parties **👉 Girl’s Night Out** **👉 Date Night** **👉** Getting Fit / Burning Calories **👉 Meeting New People** **👉** Having Fun, Fun, Fun! **.** ✅ **Questions?** Visit [LincolnStreetSalsa.com](https://columbussalsadancing.com/) Or Text Todd: 614-774-8146

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.

Salsamante Dance Academy will be at Swerve to share the Rhythm & Energy of Bachata & Salsa. These are Beginner Level lessons to get you comfortable and understand the two dances. Spread the Good News to all. Swerve Dance & Fitness Complex 640 Lakeview Plaza Blvd A, Worthington, OH 43085 Bachata 7pm-8pm Salsa 8pm-9pm $15 - One Lesson $20 - Both Lessons

As we prepare to enter a new year, the Burning Bowl Ceremony offers a powerful and heartfelt opportunity to let go of what no longer serves us and make space for new beginnings. You are warmly invited to join us for this sacred and reflective ritual. The Burning Bowl Ceremony is a beloved Unity tradition—an empowering moment where we release old patterns, worries, or limiting beliefs by writing them down and symbolically releasing them into the flame. This act of letting go opens the door to clarity, peace, and transformation.