Engaged Buddhism

Sunday Evening Meditation 5.30 to 6.30pm 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. Find out about our activities. Incense and other dharma books and items for sale 803 Nicholson Street, Carlton North. Website: https://melbourne.rigpa.org.au/

✨ **Do you want to...** * 🫶🏽 Connect with like-minded people in your local community? * 🏋🏽‍♂️ Meet others who are passionate about growing, uplifting themselves, and supporting others? * 🌈 Share insights from your personal journey (or simply listen and learn)? * 🧘🏼‍♂️ Experience a simple yet powerful meditation practice to find calm and clarity? Or maybe you just want to... ☮️💟☯️ **Spend your Sunday evening in a peaceful, zen space and meet some amazing new people?** *** ### **Join us on Sundays!** Let’s come together, share positive energy, and build a warm, supportive local community. **Bring a friend (or two!) and let’s connect.** *** ### **What’s on the evening’s flow?** * **Open meet & greet** – connect and settle in * **Sharing circle** (totally optional!) – share your thoughts or simply listen * **20-30 min guided meditation** – for relaxation and deeper connection *** ### **Everyone is welcome!** All ages (with guardians for under 18), backgrounds, genders, and experiences – no meditation experience needed. The event runs for about **2.5 hours**, but you’re free to come and go as you need. *** ### **What to bring?** * **Donation:** A contribution of **$10 or more is recommended**. Your donations directly help us cover venue costs, provide resources, and keep this meditation community alive and growing. * **Warm jumper/jacket** (just in case!) * **Water** * **Any books/resources/inspiration you’d love to share** *** ### **Where?** 📍 **250 George St, Fitzroy VIC 3065** Enter through the church gates. You’ll see a small garden on the left and stairs on the right leading up to the **Dance of Life Yoga Studio (first door on your right upstairs).** *** ### **Important Notes:** * Spaces are **limited**, so if you can’t make it, please update your RSVP to “Not going” or send us a quick message. * **No-show policy:** To keep it fair for everyone, repeat no-shows without notice may not be able to RSVP in the future. * Attendees under 18 must have a guardian present.

**Kitten Playtime Anyone??!!** MAC is supporting STRONG HEARTS CAT RESCUE and will be attending their 4pm Kitten Cuddle session! This is a cat cafe alternative!!!! The wellbeing and safety of the cats are important. Cuddles and pats must be consensual and not be forced onto the cats. Your tickets will include treats to help facilitate the bonding time between you and the cats available!! ≽(•⩊ •マ≼ **To join us, please purchase your ticket directly from them here:** [https://events.humanitix.com/kitten-cuddle-day-g57fm2pw/tickets?dateId=697951434ee3863d5842211c](https://events.humanitix.com/kitten-cuddle-day-g57fm2pw/tickets?dateId=697951434ee3863d5842211c) **🎠\*\*COST :\*\***$25.00 + $1.13 fee (all proceeds go straight to the Cat Rescue!) **SELECT: 4:00pm \| 50mins General Admission \(Adult\) \+ Treat Pack** \*\*🎠\*\*How to RSVP:\*\*\*\*Once your purchase above is confirmed you can RSVP here! You agree to connect with us on our Discord server as it is the fastest way to connect and have questions answered! ^_^v see you soon!!!! **Note on optional dinner after:** IN the event there are too many people wanting to join us for dinner after, we may have to consider getting takeaway and having a picnic in the nearby reserve. This is of course weather permitting!! Many restaurants in the closest walking distance are limited in size. Please prepare to come just for CATS and any dinner after is a bonus ^_^v \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Come join us in supporting Strong Hearts Cat Rescue! We know there are many anime lovers who also love cats. **On RSVP, you must join us on Discord for easier connection since there is a lag on meetup messaging!** [https://discord.gg/C3Ug63F](https://discord.gg/C3Ug63F) **🎠 \*\*Category:\*\*** MAC CASUAL **🎠 \*\*For who:\*\*** Anyone who enjoys being around kitten 🎠 **\*\*What:\*\*** Play with cats! **🎠 \*\*DATE/DAY:\*\*** 22 FEBRUARY 26, SUNDAY **🎠 \*\*TIME:\*\*** 3:50pm for a 4pm start! **🎠 \*\*Where:\*\*** Strong Hearts Cattery \| 120 Regent Street\, Preston **🎠 \*\*MAX Capacity:\*\*** 15 or until their tickets sell out **🎠\*\*WHAT TO BRING:\*\*** After our play session at the rescue we will walk to a restaurant for something yummy to eat. Please wear comfortable shoes and bring moneys if you would like to join us afterwards for this post hang out. Please also consider other things you might need (medication or personal items) **🎠\*\*Link:\*\*** [https://discord.gg/C3Ug63F](https://discord.gg/C3Ug63F) **🎠\*\*Hosted by:\*\*** Bec & Jo **NOTE:** All proceeds go directly to supporting the Cat Rescue organisation! **::MELBOURNE ANIME CLUB ONLINE [MAC DISCORD]::** Please join our online MAC Discord Server via the following link to discuss this event and have any of your questions answered. JOIN MAC DISCORD: [https://discord.gg/C3Ug63F](https://discord.gg/C3Ug63F) Please follow the prompts and introduce yourself with your first name and preferred name in our #introduce-yourself channel! **IMPORTANT TO KNOW** ❤Everyone is welcomed to MAC events. We ask that all attendees be polite, respectful, and kind to one another. We pride on genuine SAFE SPACE for any one and every one. Our club does not tolerate bad behaviour and we are committed to stamping out bullying! If you see bad behaviour disguised as "jokes" please call it out or contact Rebecca so we can address this and keep the club a safe space. For more information please see our CLUB POLICY -- updated terms found in our Official Discord Servers ❤By RSVPing to our events, you automatically agree to our club policy and your pictures taken at our events for promotional purposes. If this does not suit you, please let us know during sign in. https://melbourneanimeclub.wixsite.com/mysite/club-policy ❤Our events have a strict 'Respectful Attendance' policy. This means our cub will not tolerate drop ins or creation of concurrent events with MAC members during a live MAC event. This is in line with our creating-community values. ❤MAC is committed to being an inclusive space. Where a carer is required, a carer must attend and have a purchased ticket. This is to ensure that all individual needs of a participant can be met during an event. None of the organisers of the event are trained to provide special assistance. ❤\*Release and Indemnity. Please read carefully. This section contains a surrender of certain legal rights. Upon RSVPing to all MAC events, you hereby acknowledge and assume all of the risks in participating in the event and agree to release, waive indemnity, and not to sue Melbourne Anime Club along with any applicable organisers, hosts, and related personnel/venue spaces, and volunteers. This is respect to any and all claims, liabilities, suits or expenses including attorney's fees and costs for any injury, damage, death, lost, stolen, or disposed property or any loss connected to participation of the activity that you may have suffered. Help us improve our club by providing negative or positive feedback!

**PLEASE NOTE RECENT LOCATION CHANGE & ATTENDANCE FEE!** Please join us this Sunday as we discuss the mysteries of consciousness. **We will meet at the Queensberry Hotel, 593 Swanston Street, Carlton (100m north of previous location) at 2pm for a 2:15pm start sharp.** **We kindly ask attendees to pay $5 to attend to help with MeetUp costs & venue costs. This is not mandatory, but if you are a regular member it would be appreciated. Any extra moneys will go towards buying food and drinks for the table. The venue also expects us to spend money as a group, so grateful if everyone could buy a drink from the venue.** There is no pre-requisite preparation necessary, nor a philosophical background, all that is required is a curious mind. These discussions are both a Socrates Cafe style discussion and lively metaphysical dojo, in the spirit of learning and friendly debate, so please feel free to challenge assumptions and be prepared to have your own assumptions challenged. Find below some questions to consider (these will be updated), however these are free-ranging events and the below serve as a springboard for the discussion. \- Is consciousness something the brain does\, or something the brain has? \- Does consciousness come in degrees\, or is it an all\-or\-nothing property? \- Could a sufficiently advanced AI be conscious? \- Is the mystery of consciousness an objective feature of reality\, or a limitation of human cognition? \- what empirical discovery would most threaten your current view? \- Do our answers on what consciousness is fundamentally depend on our worldview?

## 🌱 **Understanding Social Connection** [Ticketed Event](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/feb-22-understanding-social-connection-ages-2035-tickets-1981398694834?aff=oddtdtcreator) ### **For Young Adults (Ages 20–35)** 📅 **Date:** Sunday, 22 February 🕓 **Time:** 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM 📍 **Location:** **RYVE**, 38 Shafton Street, Huntingdale VIC 🤝 **In collaboration with Social Threads x Kismetrix** This is a **guided session to develop skills and tools for social connection**, designed especially for young adults who want to feel more comfortable expressing themselves and understanding others. The session supports people in their **20s and early 30s** who want to: * feel more at ease in social situations * express themselves more clearly and confidently * better understand others in conversation * build practical skills for stronger, more natural connection You don’t need to be outgoing, confident, or experienced. You also don’t need to be looking for dating or networking. This is a space to **learn, practise, and grow** — at your own pace. ### ✨ What this session is This is a **facilitated, experience-based session** focused on understanding how social connection works in real life. You’ll be supported to: * 💬 practise starting and continuing conversations * 🧠 develop practical tools that help conversations flow naturally * 🤍 build awareness around listening, expression, and understanding others * 🌱 strengthen social confidence through guided practice There’s no spotlight, no forced sharing, and no pressure to perform. ### 🔧 Skills & tools you’ll develop * starting conversations comfortably * expressing thoughts and feelings with clarity * listening and responding with presence * noticing what builds (and blocks) connection * applying these tools in everyday social situations ### 🏡 What to expect * a calm, **indoor environment** designed for comfort and focus * gentle facilitation with clear structure * small-group conversations centred on practice and learning * practical insights you can use straight away You’re always in control of how much you participate. ### 🎯 Who this is for This session is ideal if you: * are a young adult wanting to improve social connection * feel shy, thoughtful, or socially reserved * want to better understand yourself and others * are curious about connection and ready to practise **Age guidance:** Open to adults **18+**, with the core audience being **young adults aged 20–35**. To keep the space relatable and comfortable, participants outside this range may be redirected to sessions better suited to them. ### 🎟️ Pricing * **Early Bird:** $19 * **Standard:** $29 [EventBrite](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/feb-22-understanding-social-connection-ages-2035-tickets-1981398694834?aff=oddtdtcreator) Or [Official Webstie](https://www.kismetrix.com.au/all-events/?event=26223) Places are limited to maintain a comfortable and supportive environment. ### 📌 Please note * ❌ Not speed dating * ❌ Not networking * ❌ Not therapy * ✅ A guided session focused on developing skills and tools for social connection Come as you are. Curiosity is enough. ## **🔗 Stay Connected with Kismetrix \| True Connection** **Love this event? We run a variety of experiences to help people meet and connect in meaningful ways.** **📧 s[ocial@kismetrix.com.au](mailto:ocial@kismetrix.com.au)** **🌐 [www.kismetrix.com.au](http://www.kismetrix.com.au)** **📱 Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/kismetrix_/), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559826808523) & [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/kismetrix-singles-events-84848288353)** **🤝 Collaborations: [collabs@kismetrix.com.au](mailto:collabs@kismetrix.com.au)** **📄 Important Notice:** By registering for this event\, you confirm that you have read and agree to Kismetrix \| True Connection’s[ Terms & Conditions](https://www.kismetrix.com.au/terms-and-conditions-2/),[ Privacy Policy](https://www.kismetrix.com.au/privacy-policy/),[ Disclaimer](https://www.kismetrix.com.au/disclaimer/) and [Code of Conduct](https://www.kismetrix.com.au/code-of-conduct/). **Some events may be non-refundable as stated in their individual descriptions.**

**🎟️ SPECIAL MEETUP DISCOUNT** **[www.eventbrite.com/e/1980844853279/?discount=MeetUp](www.eventbrite.com/e/1980844853279/?discount=MeetUp)** **ALIVE** is a series of wellness events combining **empowerment practices, free-form movement, and guided breathwork.** This journey blends **EMPOWERMENT • MOVEMENT • BREATH** into a powerful container that awakens the body, sharpens the mind, and nourishes the heart. Its purpose is to help individuals reconnect with their inner vitality and feel more present, energised, and *alive*. Each edition includes: • Complimentary cacao • Mindfulness & gentle meditation • Ecstatic dance & free-form movement • Breathwork & guided integration • Community sharing circle Through movement, breath, and conscious connection, participants are invited to return to the present moment, reconnect with their voice, and embody their personal truth with clarity and confidence. **ALIVE** has been created to offer practical tools for emotional wellbeing, self-expression, nervous system regulation, and personal empowerment — in an accessible, community-focused format. 💫 **Come as you are. Leave feeling renewed.** 💫 Early booking recommended, limited spots. 🎟️ **[www.eventbrite.com/e/1980844853279/?discount=MeetUp](www.eventbrite.com/e/1980844853279/?discount=MeetUp)**

**🌅 Refresh & Connect: 1-Hour Morning Walk around The Tan – Every Weekday!** Start your day the refreshing way with a gentle, energising group walk in the heart of Melbourne! **🕖 Schedule** * **Meet**: Aim for 6:50 AM at the steps/entrance area of **Federation Square** (look for the group near the main steps or a small sign – easy to spot in the early light). * **Depart**: 7:05 AM sharp – we leave on time to keep things smooth! * **Route**: A relaxed loop around **The Tan** (the iconic 3.8 km gravel track circling the Royal Botanic Gardens and Kings Domain). * **Pace**: Easy and conversational – perfect for walking, not racing. We're there to enjoy the fresh air, not set records. * **Vibe**: Friendly banter welcome! Chat, laugh, share stories, or just enjoy the peaceful surroundings in companionable silence. We're mindful of the beautiful parklands – leave no trace, respect other path users, and soak up the calm of nature right in the city. * **Finish**: Back at Federation Square around 8:00 AM (about 55 minutes of walking + buffer for a relaxed pace). * **Optional extra**: Grab a well-earned coffee or breakfast at **Clocks** (or nearby spots) to keep the conversation going if you like. This is a no-pressure, inclusive group for anyone who wants to: * Kickstart their weekday with movement and fresh air * Meet friendly locals in a low-key setting * Enjoy Melbourne's stunning parklands in the beautiful morning light All fitness levels welcome – walkers of every speed are encouraged (just be ready to move at 7:05 AM!). Bring water, comfortable shoes, and a positive attitude. Dress for the weather – mornings can be crisp! See you on the steps – let's make mornings brighter together! 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️🌳 **Recurring**: Every Monday–Friday **Duration**: \~1 hour **Location**: Federation Square, Melbourne CBD

Hello and Welcome to our first Soulful Conversation for 2026 which will be an introduction to the Baha'i Faith, the world's youngest (182 years old) and second most widespread faith after Christianity. I will give a short presentation and then we will read some famous quotes from the Baha'i scriptures followed by discussion and questions/answers. It should be a fun and informative morning. Venue: Kissaten Cafe, Heidelberg Rd Alphington. Parking at rear. Please RSVP if you are coming by Saturday February 21. Looking forward to seeing you, Vahid

Turn Anxiety into Happiness! Become your natural self again. Discover the drug-free way to a healthy mind. This educational talk is based on the book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health by New York Times bestseller author L. Ron Hubbard. Dianetics is an exact science of the mind. In this educational talk you will learn about the hidden source of all irrational thoughts and behavior as well as unwanted emotions (anxiety, fear, suppression, and apathy) and how to handle them forever. Free entry and free parking. Please send messages to host if you have any question.

**Sunday Walk** **Middle Brighton Beach – Bayside foreshore** This next Sunday Walk will head back to the bayside foreshore. This walk takes us to the ever-popular Middle Brighton Beach, with its famous bathing boxes. We'll finish with coffee at the **Royal Brighton Yacht Club** \- on the deck overlooking the marina and the bay\. Come and join us. It'll be a great way to spend your Sunday morning. **Start:** Bay St, Brighton. Assemble at the beach end of Bay St. **Parking:** Park along Bay Street or in St Ninnians Road, off Bay St, just back from the beach. Parking is FREE. **The Walk**: The walk is along the Bayside Trail past the Brighton Baths and onto the picturesque bathing boxes, and then return the same way. **Total distance**: 5.0 km. **Time:** Allow 2.5 hours, including coffee. **Difficulty:** Easy, although we are walking on beach sand for a short distance. **Toilets:** At several places along the way. **Coffee:** At the cafe in **Royal Brighton Yacht Club**. We can have brunch there too if we wish.

Ready to ride the vibe? Join us for **Vibe Hack** – a free workshop where you'll learn to build real, practical apps using AI-powered vibe coding tools. **No experience needed**, just curiosity and good energy. Whether you're a small business owner, creative professional, or lifelong learner, this **hands-on session** will help you turn your ideas into digital solutions. Come discover that "I can do this!" feeling in a welcoming, energetic space where everyone belongs. Bring your laptop, build something awesome, and connect with the Vibe Club community.

せっかくオーストラリアにいるんだから英会話したい！ どうせなら、ローカルの友達も増やしたい！ メルボルンならではのライフスタイルをもっと知りたい！ サンデーカンバゼーションはそんなあなたのための英会話クラスです！ ●毎月第２・４週目の日曜日ひる１時半から開講中!! ●場所：277 Little Lonsdale Street (洋服屋PADUの2階にて) メルボルン・セントラル駅から歩いて15秒！ 英語を喋りたいならとにかく英語を喋る回数を増やすこと、さらに！安心して間違える安全な雰囲気が絶対必要。そんな温かい雰囲気の中、毎回来るのが楽しくなるそんな英会話クラスですよ〜 質問があれば日本語もできるグレッグまでお気軽にどうぞ！ japanese@crossculture.net.au ウェブサイト：https://linktr.ee/crossculture.jp

Meeting Room 2b, Main Library 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. We desire to cultivate a space where all questions are welcome and each person is treated with compassion and respect.

Join Neurospicy Columbus at the Stauff's for coffee and then a stroll through the Book Loft nearby! This will be a friendly chat for like minded individuals with Autism and/or ADHD (or somewhere on the Neurodiverse Spectra).

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Join us at **Unity of Columbus** for *Spa for Your Soul*, a restorative and inspiring workshop designed to nourish your spirit, awaken your inner wisdom, and reconnect you with the sacred rhythm of life. Drawing from the rich spiritual insights of **Matthew Fox** and the timeless theological wisdom of **Thomas Aquinas**, this workshop invites participants into a deeper experience of spirituality rooted in compassion, creativity, and divine presence. Together, we will explore spirituality not as something distant or abstract, but as a lived, embodied experience—one that honors joy, justice, beauty, and the inherent goodness of creation. Through guided reflection, gentle spiritual practices, discussion, and contemplative moments, *Spa for Your Soul* offers a sacred space to release stress, renew clarity, and remember the divine spark within. This is an opportunity to pause, breathe, and tend lovingly to your soul—much like a spa experience, but for your inner life. Whether you are seeking spiritual refreshment, deeper understanding, or simply a peaceful space to be present, this workshop welcomes you exactly as you are. **Come, rest, reflect, and renew—your soul deserves it.**

Join us for The Fisherman by John Langan. In upstate New York, in the woods around Woodstock, Dutchman's Creek flows out of the Ashokan Reservoir. Steep-banked, fast-moving, it offers the promise of fine fishing, and of something more, a possibility too fantastic to be true. When Abe and Dan, two widowers who have found solace in each other's company and a shared passion for fishing, hear rumors of the Creek, and what might be found there, the remedy to both their losses, they dismiss it as just another fish story. Soon, though, the men find themselves drawn into a tale as deep and old as the Reservoir. It's a tale of dark pacts, of long-buried secrets, and of a mysterious figure known as Der Fisher: the Fisherman. It will bring Abe and Dan face to face with all that they have lost, and with the price they must pay to regain it.