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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Check out buddhism events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.

Discover all the buddhism events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.

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Buddhism Events Today

Join in-person Buddhism events happening right now

Lotus Mornings: Saturday Dharma Study Group
Lotus Mornings: Saturday Dharma Study Group
Dharma Study Group Discover Pure Dharma Share peace and joy. Saturdays: 3/14, 3/1, 3/28, 4/11, 4/18, 5/30, 6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27 10 am - 12 noon Please click the link below to register: [https://form.jotform.com/260146556390256](https://form.jotform.com/260146556390256)
PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY IN HIGH PARK 🇨🇦🌳
PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY IN HIGH PARK 🇨🇦🌳
**🚨 SPECIAL EVENT - PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY IN HIGH PARK! 🚨** **🏛️ WHAT'S PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY ABOUT?** Practical Philosophy is a weekly meet-up that brings critical thinkers together for an opportunity to dive deep on a topic, practice communicating, and building a community. All with no ‘official’ philosophy knowledge required! 😎 Practical Philosophy is based on the idea that philosophy should be accessible to all, and not something reserved only for academics. Each week we choose a topic, and the goal is to use the conversation to develop our critical thinking and communication as we explore that topic. The goal is to help develop our Critical Thinking, Communication, and Community 🙌 **📓 HOW DOES IT WORK?** Each week, we pick one topic and discuss it. The topic for the week is shared, generally in the [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B7LyJIeBlaH5VtXkMJTTph?mode=gi_t), along with jump-off points to get the conversation going. When groups get bigger than 7-8 people, it’s important that we break into smaller groups. This way we are able to maintain a conversational flow as opposed to having our meetups feel like a discourse or lecture. **🧧PRICING?** Practical Philosophy is operated entirely on voluntary donations! If we are meeting in a café, buy a beverage! Donations are 100% voluntary, but they help us to bring the gift of deep conversation to people around the world. If you'd like to support, you can [donate here](https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/donate-to-practical-philosophy)! (Practical Philosophy is a registered Canadian charity) **💛 WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY** **🗣** “I feel like Philosophy Club helps someone build their own belief system through a series of perspectives while not promoting what’s right and wrong” - Ekam 🗣 “I got hooked from day 1 and felt it was the right place for me. I feel it is a place where people can go to learn and discuss new perspectives and increase critical thinking and community by interacting with people who might challenge your point of views but at the same time encourage you to have openness and mind flexibility.” - Daniel **🤓 FAQ** * **​What will we talk about? What's the topic?** ​The topic for the week is shared every Sunday in the Whatsapp group. We try to add the topic to the comment section on this event page as well but if you don’t see it, the topic and the jump-off points will be in our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B7LyJIeBlaH5VtXkMJTTph?mode=gi_t). * **Do I need to study or read anything to attend?** No preparation is necessary. This isn’t a study of other thinkers. We want to know what you think about the topic, not what an old philosopher thought. If you have a perspective from a religion or a school of thought to share, throw it on the table and we’ll discuss it. * **Is there a specific philosophy that Practical Philosophy is focused on?** The goal of our meet-ups is to not have dogmatic discussions, and flex our critical thinking muscles. Because of this, we want to hear from every realm of thought, and don't study a particular school. * **Is it mostly men that attend?** Surprisingly, no! Although often, philosophy is seen as a Candelabra affair in a dark room with a bunch of guys, our Practical Philosophy meetups are generally 50/50 between genders, and we don’t meet in any dark rooms. * **Can I come alone?** Of course you can, we encourage it :) * **Can I be late?** Please don't be! We do have a 15 minute grace period where we allow people to funnel in while we hang out, but after that if you arrive too late, it disrupts the flow of the conversation. * **Where do you meet?** The location is posted in Meetup and our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B7LyJIeBlaH5VtXkMJTTph?mode=gi_t) group for this location. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you join the Whatsapp group! If you want to know what other cities have a Practical Philosophy Club, you can see our chapters on our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/practical-philosophy-locations/). 🤝**POLICY** To respect our members privacy, we ask that no one privately message a member without first getting explicit consent. (This looks like speaking in person and being asked to message privately.) Contacting or texting other participants without prior consent is not permitted and may result in removal from the group. Practical Philosophy reserves the right to enforce this policy at its discretion to maintain a safe and respectful environment. **PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY CLUB - Philosophy, everywhere. ✨** We started in Practical Philosophy back in 2021 and there are now 50+ chapters in over 25 countries, including Canada, Spain, Japan, Mexico and many more! 🗺️ **\*\*\*** **Join our Toronto [Whatsapp Group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B7LyJIeBlaH5VtXkMJTTph?mode=gi_t) 👈** **Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/practicalphilosophyclub/) 👈** **Our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/) 👈**
Mindfulness wild Meditation in the nature ~ Sacred space 💚
Mindfulness wild Meditation in the nature ~ Sacred space 💚
You must come by bike or get one in the tangerine share bike app, there is one in the meeting point - fruits and snacks provided in the most natural and elegant way possible 😌 you will transform your day I promise ❤️
Landmarks! (NEW for 2026)
Landmarks! (NEW for 2026)
**The Toronto History Walks Yearly Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **for more information or for signing up!** \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** Toronto is a city that hides its history in plain sight. Beneath the glass towers are layers of stories — grand hotels that vanished overnight, political scandals whispered through stone corridors, theatres that once glittered under gaslight, and laneways where the city first learned how to become a metropolis. This new Toronto History Walks tour invites the walker to slow down, and see the city differently. Over the course of 30 carefully chosen stops, this walking tour traces the landmarks that helped shape the history of Toronto. Beginning at the site of the legendary Holland House — once one of the city’s finest mansions, and a gathering place for politicians, and businessmen, the route winds through the old heart of downtown, uncovering stories both famous and forgotten. Some locations are grand and imposing. Others are easy to walk past without a second glance. Every stop reveals a piece of Toronto’s personality. At Osgoode Hall, visitors will stand before one of the city’s most elegant historic buildings. Nearby, the old banks and newspaper buildings of the financial district recall an era when Toronto proudly called itself “Toronto the Good,” even as corruption and backroom dealings simmered beneath the surface. The tour also explores the vanished city — the Toronto that survives only in photographs, and memory. Walkers will discover where magnificent Victorian structures once stood before demolition crews erased entire blocks in the name of progress. Former theatres, hotels, markets, and department stores emerge again through storytelling, helping modern explorers imagine the bustle, smoke, and noise of earlier generations. Stories of fire, disaster, celebration, and reinvention. Participants will hear how the Great Fire of 1904 transformed downtown streets, how immigrant communities reshaped neighbourhoods block by block, and how Toronto repeatedly reinvented itself through booms, depressions, wars, and waves of newcomers. But this tour is not simply about dates and buildings. It is about people. The politicians who argued over Confederation. The hotel clerks who witnessed scandals. The newspaper editors who shaped public opinion. The shopkeepers, labourers, entertainers, and ordinary Torontonians whose lives unfolded along these same streets. Toronto has always had hidden corners and strange tales: tunnels beneath streets, forgotten cemeteries beneath office towers, unsolved crimes, and buildings said to carry echoes of the past. Even longtime residents may find themselves surprised by what has been quietly standing before them all along. Come along and experience a very different city. A deep dive into our history. This walking tour begins at the southwest **corner** of Bay Street and Wellington Street adjacent to the Royal Bank Plaza building. It ends at Campbell House at Queen and University Avenue. This walking tour is for all walking levels. Please dress for the season, and hope to see you there. This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person. \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**
Community Wim Hof practice
Community Wim Hof practice
It's better when we're together. Come and experience the power of the WHM with a wonderful group of people. We breathe, we go into the cold and we teach our bodies to heat up properly. We develop resilience and the mindset to use these powerful healing tools over and over again, all year round. This gathering is fully guided by Wim Hof instructor Steve Beattie. If you are new to this, come on down, enjoy the support and practice in a safe way with us. If you already have a WHM practice this meetup is a great way to take it to the next level, and make lots of new friends. There will be a fire, snacks and drinks shared by other attendees. We have been doing this 6 for years! **What to bring?** * Yoga mat * Weather-appropriate clothing (better to dress too warm!) * Bathing suite, towel * Water shoes (optional) In extreme weather being prepared is very important. Especially if it's your first time, please read up on how to come prepared [here.](https://www.breathinginnature.com/wim-hof-method-meetup/) Learn more about our Wim Hof meetups, workshops, breath classes, wilderness trips, medicine work and special events at **[Breathing in Nature](https://breathinginnature.com/)**. Join the "**[Wim Hof Toronto](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1714218015474146/)**" group on Facebook to see all of our local events. This is a free event made possible by our Gift Economy. You can learn more about the Gift Economy [here](https://breathinginnature.com/gift-economy/).
Ghosts of Toronto! Summer Solstice Special Event hosted by Jack the Ripper!
Ghosts of Toronto! Summer Solstice Special Event hosted by Jack the Ripper!
\*\***The Toronto History Walks Explorer Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **for more information or for signing up!\*\*** \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **This tour is hosted by the most evil creature that ever walked the earth, Jack the Ripper. This is his event so tread lightly if you know what is good for you. One day only, one event! Need I say more!** Haunted Toronto. Indeed. Scary stories of old York. Bloody York. Murder and mayhem. And at this time of year, when the sun is at the highest point the devils come a knocking. At night when the chill cools the blood, and the summer days seem endless stories of the truly brutal emerge. And this walk is like no other. Tales of hauntings from the U of T, Hospital Row, and the Financial District make this a spooky event for all. Come and enjoy the walk, if you survive that is! This walking tour is for all fitness levels and skills. Please dress for the weather. This walking tour begins at the Queen's Park SUBWAY Station at the southwest corner of University Avenue and College Street in front of the **Tim Horton's Cafe.** **There are only 30 spaces for this tour!** This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person. Get your tickets now while you still have the chance. \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**
Free Pranic Healing clinic
Free Pranic Healing clinic
**Free Pranic Healing Clinic** Saturday, June 20th 2026 We will start with the Meditation on Twin Hearts and then proceed with the Pranic healing clinic, First come First served basis for the clinic We are open from 1pm to 4pm, The Pranic Healing sessions are free, **Location** Mei Ling Center for Pranic Healing and Spirituality 257 Eglinton Avenue West Suite 208 Toronto

Buddhism Events This Week

Discover what is happening in the next few days

International Yoga Day in Mississauga
International Yoga Day in Mississauga
🌟 *International Day of Yoga 2026 – Mississauga Valley Park* 🌟 Namaste everyone! You’re warmly invited to our free public event on International Day of Yoga. 📅 *Date* : Sunday, June 21 ⏰ *Time* : 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM 📍 *Venue* : Mississauga Valley Park (Picnic Area E) 1275 Mississauga Valley Blvd, Mississauga *Highlights* : Yoga session Heartfulness meditation & relaxation *Special Guest* : Consul General of India in Toronto Free breakfast & gifts for attendees *What to bring* : Yoga mat, water bottle & positive energy 😊 *Register here* 👇 https://heartfulness.ca/event/idy2026-mississauga/ All are welcome! Please share with family and friends.
Stoa of Ontario Monthly Meeting
Stoa of Ontario Monthly Meeting
​**Toronto Stoics: Monthly Meetup** ​*Modern Wisdom. Practical Living. Local Community*. ​We are a monthly gathering dedicated to exploring Stoic philosophy and its real-world application. Whether you are a long-time practitioner or just curious about how ancient wisdom can help navigate modern life, you are welcome here. ​*What to Expect* ​Our meetups are casual, conversational, and focused on utility. Each month, we gather at a member's home in Toronto to deconstruct a specific Stoic quote or concept. We move past the theory to discuss how these ideas actually work when the pressure is on—helping us build resilience, focus on what we can control, and refine our character. ​*Why Stoicism?* ​Simply put, Stoicism was designed to help people live their best possible lives. It is a framework for: - ​Maximizing Clarity: Focusing energy on what is within our power. - ​Reducing Friction: Managing negative emotions like anxiety and anger. - ​Honing Virtue: Cultivating the strength of character to handle any situation. ​Stoicism doesn’t require hours of meditation or a degree in philosophy. It is a "boots-on-the-ground" toolkit for finding tranquility and staying effective at any stage of life. ​**Join us monthly to find a little more perspective and a lot more practical wisdom.**
"Cotact the God Current" Ontario Eck Light and Sound Service
"Cotact the God Current" Ontario Eck Light and Sound Service
* **Discover how to listen to the voice of God** * **Learn** **to attune to your true self and ignite your creativity to solve problems** (ONTARIO PROVINCIAL ECK Light & Sound Service - Hybrid event) [Eckankar Ontario Spiritual Events](https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario-spiritual-events.html) [Eckankar Free Books](https://www.eckankar.org/freebook/wisdom/) “The inner spiritual force, the ECK, is the God Force. It tries to direct us into better avenues of living, if we will allow It to. It will also show Itself through the humblest of Its creatures - if only we will be the humblest of Its creatures.” —Harold Klemp, *Eckopedia* p. 62 You are warmly invited to the Provincial ECK Light and Sound Service which you can attend **online** or **in person**. Date and time: **Sunday, June 21, 2026** **10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m** Please note: All the ECK Light and Sound Services in 2026 will be hybrid (In-person and on Zoom) with the in-person portion held at: **York University Glendon Campus, Centre of Excellence, York Hall A, Room YH A002, 2275 Bayview Ave, North York, ON M4N 3M6.** Please stay for light refreshments afterward. To attend online by Zoom and see the upcoming events: [https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario](https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario/zoom/) It will take you directly to the Ontario ECKANKAR page where you will find the Zoom link and call-in numbers. The Zoom link allows for up to 300 attendees and will be active at 10:15 a.m. **ECK Light and Sound Services** are a wonderful way for anyone to experience: * **the Sound and Light of God** * **the [HU](https://www.eckankar.org/experience/hu-the-sound-of-soul/) (a love song to God)** * **the inner guide known as the Mahanta** Come and hear about others' adventures of walking the spiritual path, on the road home to God, as well as original creative arts. You will have the opportunity to experience a simple spiritual exercise that can open your heart to live to your fullest potential. You are welcome to invite seekers, family and friends to attend. *If the region or country you live in forbids you from attending this spiritual event, please follow the laws of your home country.* These are free events; however, your donations are most gratefully received! You can leave your donation in the donation bowl on the table OR send your e-transfer donations, using online banking to: [provincialdonations8093@gmail.com](mailto:eckontdonations@gmail.com). Please stay for light refreshments afterwards. To learn more about spirituality, here are a few resources: · [Spiritual Adventure](https://www.eckankar.org/eck-soul-adventure-magazine) Magazine · *[ECK Soul Adventure](https://www.eckankar.org/ebooklets) eBooklets* · [HU ](https://www.eckankar.org/experience/hu-the-sound-of-soul/#huapp)App · [Eckankar Soul Adventure Podcast](https://www.eckankar.org/podcasts/) · [Discover Eckankar and Advanced Spiritual Living](https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001wdetsToXHUuR0qMb4Q6Jbn9NsVsjeGGv9-pv3zeN5OJIPvDhF1JBeIKusW1USqWw1Zp1ZaTnQ2RhVdFiFR40cVWLJP69hwDJ6gkdu5rdjrHK5ObZ_tis6cbANWZbNVk8wg0JtH1bJjx9dHaeOUj0-Q==&c=waEPfx7zdz0PenP4PzCIxF7D6_bctEUp7HtZ4PABLxdcfU32QqrKhA==&ch=9rbFp1H_WsWh30zsiD-UiviJOyeYlHNExu3S_FmLkW30Rt5s5OD87Q==) Video *Graphics courtesy of* [Eckankar](https://www.eckankar.org/)*, The Path of Spiritual Freedom* Sponsored by Eckankar Canada in Ontario
Yoga & Tea: Summer Solstice Gathering
Yoga & Tea: Summer Solstice Gathering
**🌿 Registration Required 🌿** *Please note: Registration is completed through the link below. RSVP on Meetup does not reserve your spot.* **What it is:** A Summer Solstice gathering of yoga, meditation, and tea. We move through an intentional yoga practice exploring movement, breath, and energy, followed by a short meditation. The practice then settles into journaling, reflection, and a shared tea circle. The tea is selected to complement the energetic quality of the practice, inspired by ancient traditions such as Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. *“Plants carry the nourishment of light.” — David Frawley* **What to expect:** * An intentional yoga practice to explore movement, breath, and energy. * Savasana and meditation * Journaling and reflection * A closing tea circle, where an herbal blend supports integration, with space for quiet reflection or optional conversation **Register Here:** **[https://square.link/u/0UTjlh08](https://square.link/u/0UTjlh08)**[ ](https://square.link/u/0UTjlh08) (Registration is only confirmed through this link.) **Practical Details:** Please bring: * Yoga Mat * Optional - journal (supplies provided if needed) * Optional - a towel or small blanket for seated comfort Location: * Trinity Bellwoods Park: Located on the west side of the park, just south of the John Gibson House and north of the playground. Weather: * This is an outdoor gathering; updates will be sent in case of rain or weather changes. Tea: * Herbal tea will be provided as part of practice If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. Follow along for preparation, tea selections, and future gatherings: [@hannahnrosa](https://www.instagram.com/hannahnrosa/)
Archetypal Coaching — Activate Your Goals with Ancient Wisdom
Archetypal Coaching — Activate Your Goals with Ancient Wisdom
Archetypal Coaching — Activate Your Goals with Ancient Wisdom Ready to energize your goals and gain clear direction? In this weekly meetup, we work with powerful archetypes from ancient traditions to align your intention, sharpen your strategy, and ignite real momentum. 4 Sessions Per Month Tap into the power of 4 ancient traditions: • Egyptian — Strategic clarity & long-range vision • Scandinavian — Decisiveness & breakthrough energy • Greek — Harmony, inspiration & personal charisma • Sephirotic (Kabbalistic) — Deep integration & energetic anchoring. Each 90-Min Session Includes: • Group energy alignment (20 min) • Personal goal setting in the energy of the week’s tradition (20 min) • Group activation & anchoring (20 min) • Personal alanyses, archetypal insights & support circle (30 min). What You’ll Gain: ✓ Mental clarity & motivation ✓ Energetic support for your path ✓ Clear, inspired next steps ✓ A deeper connection to purpose. When: Every Sunday afternoon 4-6pm Fee: $50 CAD per session (Limited spots available) Facilitator: Andrey Litvinov — Business Coach, Psychotherapist, Grand Master of Reiki Yggdrasil To Reserve Your Spot: Pre-registration required via WhatsApp or Telegram Message: t.me/AndyTherapist WhatsApp: +1 437 606 6502
Root & Rise
Root & Rise
ROOT & RISE™ Summer Solstice Observance ☀️ Witness the Light ☀️ The Summer Solstice marks the longest day of the year and the height of the sun’s journey across the sky. For thirteen weeks, we have been rooting, growing, unfolding, and remembering. Now we arrive at a threshold. This week, rather than gathering in our usual circle, I invite you to spend some time in quiet relationship with yourself and the season. If you are able, greet the sunrise. Step outside. Stand at a window. Sit in your garden. Light a candle. Offer a prayer. Take a mindful walk. Or simply pause for a few moments and notice the light. The invitation is not to do more. The invitation is to witness. To witness what has grown. To witness what has softened. To witness the woman you have become. Nature teaches us that growth is not constant movement. Nature also pauses. Seeds germinate beneath the soil. Fruit ripens slowly. Integration matters. As we cross into the season of summer, may we honour both the light around us and the light within us. There will be no live circle this week. Instead, allow this day to be your circle. Allow the sun, the earth, the trees, the wind, and your own heart to be your companions. A reflection image with journal prompts is shared below for those who wish to continue the conversation with themselves. ✨ The following week will be a week of rest and integration. We will gather again on July 5th as we begin our next thirteen-week seasonal journey from the Summer Solstice to the Autumn Equinox. With gratitude for this season and for each woman who has walked beside us. ☀️🌿🌺 Root & Rise™ A Seasonal Journey of Remembering
CANCELLED DUE TO COVID19 Group meditation + free meditation instruction
CANCELLED DUE TO COVID19 Group meditation + free meditation instruction
We are a warm, welcoming community of meditators that offer meditation instruction and opportunities to practice meditation twice every week, every Sunday morning and Wednesday evening. No need to register, just show up! FREE MEDITATION INSTRUCTION Perhaps you’ve heard about Mindfulness, or read about current research showing the many benefits that it brings. Maybe you've decided you want to learn to meditate, or you’ve tried it on your own but have difficulties or questions. We offer free meditation instruction in an environment with other new people. Our trained meditation guides will provide you with all the information and structure you need to begin your meditation practice. Wear comfortable clothing. Meditation cushions or chairs are provided. No experience necessary, no need to register ahead of time. GROUP MEDITATION SITTING - open to the public Every Sunday at 10:00am - 11:00am we have silent shamatha/vipassana (mindful/awareness) group meditation + an informal teacher-led discussion about meditation related topics Every Wednesday at 7:00pm - 8:00pm we have silent shamtha/vipassana (mindful/awareness) group meditation. DONATIONS (of any amount) are gratefully accepted. We are a non-profit, all-volunteer organization that relies on your donations to support all that we offer. SUNDAY TALKS - every week after Sunday meditation After meditation we offer tea and a 45 min. informal group discussion lead by an experienced teacher. Topics are wide-ranging, but in each one we have the opportunity to learn how Mindful/Awareness meditation skills can bring more resources, resilience and calm to our everyday experiences. For more information about our meditation community and the Courses and Retreats we offer, please visit https://mississauga.shambhala.org/programs/

Buddhism Events Near You

Connect with your local Buddhism community

Libera Animae - Freeing the Soul
Libera Animae - Freeing the Soul
Main Library, Meeting Room 2B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.
Monday Night Meditation Practice
Monday Night Meditation Practice
Join us on Monday nights at 7pm for two 25 minute quiet meditations, with one short walking meditation in between. There will be a brief and informal conversation afterward. Stay for as long as you like and feel free to bring or share whatever is on your mind. All Zen Center events are also available via Zoom at bit.ly/IndyZen.
Sunday Brunch
Sunday Brunch
Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!
Wednesday Night Meditation Practice
Wednesday Night Meditation Practice
Join us on Wednesday nights at 7pm for two 25 minute quiet meditations, with one short walking meditation in between. There will be a brief and informal conversation afterward. Stay for as long as you like and feel free to bring or share whatever is on your mind. All Zen Center events are also available via Zoom at bit.ly/IndyZen.
Drunken Philosophy: Where Is Everybody? The Fermi Paradox and the Great Filter
Drunken Philosophy: Where Is Everybody? The Fermi Paradox and the Great Filter
Welcome to Drunken Philosophy, a casual, curious, social discussion club. Come grab a drink and a seat at The Oracle. **Optional topic for this meetup: Where is everybody?** In 1950 the physicist Enrico Fermi was talking about aliens over lunch and asked a question that still has not gone away: if the universe is so vast and so old, and even a fraction of those billions of stars have planets, where is everyone? By the numbers the galaxy should be crowded with civilizations. Instead we look up and hear silence. That gap between "they should be everywhere" and "we see no one" is the Fermi Paradox. One of the most unsettling answers is the idea of a **Great Filter**: somewhere on the road from dead chemistry to a galaxy-spanning civilization, there is at least one step that is almost impossible to get past. Maybe the filter is behind us. Maybe life starting at all, or simple cells becoming complex, or intelligence ever evolving, is the freak accident, and we already cleared the hard part. Or maybe the filter is ahead of us, and advanced civilizations reliably wipe themselves out before they spread. Here is the part that messes with people. If we ever found life somewhere else, even pond scum on Mars, most people would call it the greatest discovery in history. But it might be the worst possible news. It would mean life is common, the early steps are easy, and the hard step is still in front of us. So the eerie silence overhead might actually be the best sign we could ask for. **Questions to wrestle with:** * Is it better to be alone? Would you rather we find alien life and learn we are not special, or find nothing and quietly improve our odds of surviving? * Where do you bet the filter sits, behind us or ahead of us, and why? * If it is ahead of us, what is it? Nuclear war, climate collapse, AI, something we cannot even picture yet? And can we do anything about a filter we cannot see coming? * Two principles pull opposite ways here. The principle of mediocrity (the Copernican principle, Sagan's "no privileged place in the universe") says we are ordinary, so what happened on Earth probably happened everywhere, which makes the silence scream louder. The anthropic principle says of course we find ourselves somewhere life was possible, since we could not observe anything else, so our being here may say almost nothing about how common life is. Which lens do you trust, and does the silence still demand an answer once you account for observer selection? * And if we did confirm life out there and had to accept we are not special, what would that do to belief in a higher power, and would shedding (or keeping) that belief help or hurt our odds of pulling together as one species? * Does any of this change how you live, or how humanity should be spending its time and money right now? As always the prompt is optional. Come for the conversation, stay for the drinks, and bring your own questions.
COLUMBUS SPIRITUALITY MEETUP
COLUMBUS SPIRITUALITY MEETUP
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