Existentialism

The evening usually consists of a period of meditation, a talk about Buddhism and a Puja after a short tea-break.

Happy New Year everyone and welcome back to a new season of Socrates Cafe. We are going to weave together a triad of topics over these next three months that offer a story of life. For this first month we are going to look at the matter of ‘soul’ and discuss if there is an immaterial aspect of being human. Then in February we will move on from the nature of being human to discuss the presence of evil and what might be wrong with us and with our world. Finally, the third event in March will be a conversation on hope. Is there any way out of this mess in which we find ourselves? Each will be separate enough to discuss alone, but attending the series as a whole will add depth to each one. So to start off we are going to have a conversation about the soul. What makes us, us, as human beings? What makes me, me, as an individual? What are we made of? Are we more than animated matter? Is there an immaterial aspect to our nature that might survive the death of our bodies? When might a soul come into existence if there is one? You are invited to come along for this facilitated conversation this upcoming Tuesday evening at Third Space Smithfield. **NOTE: we ask for a 3 Euro donation** to cover costs payable on the night by coin or Revolut. Socrates Cafe: a space where ideas and dialogue can flourish.

Join us on Tues 13th Jan at 6pm for after work Coffee & Chats. We'll meet in **House on Leeson St** to swap entrepreneurial stories, share ideas, and network with like-minded people who are building their own thing. This is a free event and all are welcome, including aspiring Entrepreneurs. Only 20 places available, so book yours now.

Hello there! Learn to Meditate in 2026 - Free 10 Week Sahaja Yoga Meditation Course starting January 13th 2026 - hosted by Jayant, Seamus and friends every Tuesday - All Welcome - Join any Week - The address: Fringe Lab, Sycamore Building, Sycamore Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, DO2 TD81 - on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 pm until 9:00 pm With Sahaja Yoga Meditation, we usually sit on chairs to achieve yoga effortlessly & spontaneously. So there is no need for mats or special clothing. All across the globe, many are seeking new sources of energy. Meanwhile, the most transformative energy is hiding in plain sight within us, and it's natural, sustainable, and infinitely renewable. It's called inner kundalini energy. And everyone already has it — everyone!. It is often likened to an inner feminine or motherly energy which automatically knows about us and what is needed to help us restore balance and harmony within our subtle being. It works spontaneously, effortlessly, organically, and cannot be paid for. Sahaja Yoga Meditation is a simple, time-honoured technique that lets you tap into that energy and harness its power to become better balanced and better connected to yourself — emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually. If you're having trouble juggling the challenges in your life, Sahaja Yoga Meditation might help you manage stress, master your emotions and find solutions to your problems. You may enjoy better health, better focus, and a deeper understanding of the universe and your place in it. Meditation is not just for mystics and monks. Sahaja Yoga meditation is for everyone. Anyone can do it. It's that easy. But with the Sahaja Yoga experience, you'll quickly realise it isn't your typical Meditation. It's much more than just feeling peaceful and relaxed. Sahaja Yoga Meditation has many layers, varied and deep. Explore at your own pace, in your way. Our volunteer experts are always available to help. Ready to plug into your inner energy? A few minutes of your life may be all it takes to connect to your inner energy and light the path to lifelong transformation. It's all about energy — guaranteed pure and carbon neutral, and you can never have too much of it. All classes are free. No strings, no catch. Everyone is welcome. Bring a friend. ONLINE GUIDED MEDITATION Mondays from 7:00 to 8:00 pm To Join Zoom Meeting, please click the below link (Recurring meeting) http://online.freemeditation.ie/ Sahaj Yoga Ireland 🤗🙏😇 https://www.facebook.com/groups/MeditationOnlineIreland Facebook Group: "Meditation Online Ireland" for about 30 minutes On this group, you can scroll through past guided meditations and watch any one of the hundred or so meditations there, and you can watch them anytime, day or night. Also available: https://wemeditate.com/ Our website: www.freemeditation.ie For classes in London visit: www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk

### **Have you never fully recovered from a Trauma? 💔** Some Traumas cut so deep you never quite bounce back. Suddenly life just feels different. Heavier. Like something inside you broke… and never got put back together. **Why do those experiences stick with us – even after years have passed? 🧠** Why does our drive, our joy, our sense of being *“ourselves”* fade away? And most important: **Is there anything you can do about it? ✨** 👉 **Attend our free lecture in Dublin.** ### **Past Traumas – a new understanding and the way forward** At this **free live talk**, you’ll discover: • An explanation of how your mind works — and why you haven’t healed yet 🧩 • Insight into where your vitality went and how to get it back ⚡ • Concrete tools for moving past a Trauma and finding yourself again 🌱 If you’ve felt your spark drain away after a tough Trauma — and you’re ready to take the next step — **this talk is for you. 💛** ### 🗓 **Tuesday\, January 13\, 2026 \| 7pm**📍 **Location:** Church of Scientology & Community Centre of DublinFirhouse Road, Dublin D24 CX39 🎟 **Reserve your seat today!** Seats are limited, so sign up early! I am looking forward to seeing you there! **Erik Smit** Dianetics & Scientology Life Coach

Centro Cultural Capoeira Água de Beber (CECAB) – Capoeira Água de Beber Cultural Centre – is a non-profit organization, founded officially in January 2002. Its pivot activity is Capoeira (classes, rodas, workshops, public presentations, cultural events, performances), however it aggregates other cultural manifestations as: samba de roda, maculelê, frevo, ciranda, dança do coco, dança afro, puxada de rede, craftworks workshops of making and playing music instruments, video projections, movies, lectures about relevant cultural topics and matters related to enforcement of citizenship. All the activities realized through CECAB are designated to execution of social responsibility projects, further on the sportive, cultural and artistic activities through the realization of the shows, presentations and events related to Capoeira and Brazilian culture.

The classical schools of philosophy consider that the human being is a mystery – in Egypt they call the mysteries related to the human being the small mysteries and to the universe, the great mysteries. What are we, in the deepest part of ourselves? What is in each of us that differentiates us from each other? The classical schools agreed that our essence is perhaps a mystery, and they also agreed that the human being can improve. We are not a finished product and we have not reached the end of our evolution What is our purpose or our direction in life? What are the real intentions that drive us and our actions and choices? Both Eastern and Western philosophies offer reflections and the vision of the human being in the spirit of becoming. Finding the driving force in us that not only connects us with our own spirit of overcoming, but also connects us with others. *There will be a break with tea, coffee and cakes.*

oin us for two talks and a Cafe Style dialogue. **Talk “Others: Independence & Solidarity”** Philosophy suggests to ask ourselves what do we really, truly want? Do we consider the others around us, who form part of our life? Freedom and independence, according to both eastern and western tradition, resides in the heart, which also seeks connection with others and the world. **Talk “The World: The purpose of Life”** Where is Life going, in which direction? Ancient philosophies suggest that there exists a sense of direction, meaning and purpose in each human being. It not only exists in the human being but in everything that exists in the universe. They suggest life moves forward and upward and to move as part of life we need to become more conscious of our actions and steps we take to participate in the movement of life. After the talks, we will have discussions around round tables, based on the talks and conclude with the reflections from each group. *There will be a break with tea, coffee and cakes.*

**Wednesdays in Dublin — Weekly Tango Training** Join us every Wednesday in Dublin for tango classes in both roles, guided by skilled instructors with proven teaching methods. * 6:00 pm – Beginners / Fundamentals * 7:00 pm – Intermediate & Advanced * 8:30–11:00 pm – La Social Tango Práctica Location: Mind the Step – Dublin Refine your technique, deepen your connection, and experience tango in a welcoming space full of positive energy and passion. Come solo or bring a partner — all are welcome! Organized by Lucia & Gerry, Corresponding Academicians of the National Tango Academy of Argentina. Tango Classes Lucia & Gerry — the first and only multidisciplinary tango school in Ireland

[SOLD OUT] Hello! 🙂 Meeting place: at the Goethe Institute. I'll post a more precise comment on the day. Meeting time: 615pm. Please book online as this is a free event and likely to sell out. https://firstfortnight.ie/festival/beckettian-spaces-resilience Note / Disclaimer: Attending this event and every event in this group is entirely in every way at your own risk. Any questions, message me. Please please don't forget to join us! Thanks! Alan Beckettian Spaces of Resilience: Language, Creativity and the Mind. In partnership with the Goethe-Institut, The French Embassy, The Department of Drama at Trinity College Dublin and the Trinity Centre for Beckett Studies. This Franco-German event explores Samuel Beckett’s art of resilience across two contemporary artistic projects: a screening of En Attendant Monsieur Godot (France, dir. Alice Clabaut, subtitled in English) and a visual presentation inspired by the exhibition Samuel Beckett: The German Room currently at the Regensburg University. Through film, photographs, and conversation with artists, the event reflects on Beckett’s exploration of resilience and creativity, as well as on the ways in which Beckett's work keeps inspiring communities to find means of expression and grow solidarity and resilience. The artistic panel will include the director of the film Alice Clabaut and Céline Thobois, Teaching Fellow in Drama at Trinity College.

Addiction isn’t limited to substances. It can show up in the everyday things we crave: technology, exercise, social media, work, and even the constant pursuit of achievement. This session explores the roots of addiction and why quick hits from doom scrolling, overworking, technology, or seeking attention never truly satisfy. Together, we’ll discuss what it means to live as our authentic selves in a culture wired for dopamine hits, instant gratification, and the fear of missing out – and how spiritual practices and community can help us reclaim balance and wholeness.

***Feel free to come earlier to ensure we have enough courts!*** **Remember to bring a can of new or lightly used tennis balls.** By signing up to this Meetup event, you agree * To practice effective social distancing and hold yourself 100% responsible for protecting yourself against exposure to Covid-19 and any other cooties. * To not hold anyone (including Meetup.com) liable should you be exposed to Covid-19 by attending this event. * To decline attending if you suspect you have any of the Covid-19-related symptoms (we can wait until you're better to show your tennis prowess). Please bring a can of NEW tennis balls. As usual, this meetup is cancelled if the weather doesn't permit us to play If you see others waiting to use the courts, please limit your play to one short set (best of 5 games), where the losing team rotates out. Thanks in advance!!

**Seeing Life Through New Eyes with Sister Dr. Jenna** ## **Join renowned speaker, Sister Jenna, at our new Brahma Kumaris location in Chantilly, VA for this powerful event!** ## ***See life differently. Live differently.*** In a time when many feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of how to move forward, this session offers a powerful pause and a fresh perspective. Seeing Life Through New Eyes invites you to gently step back from old narratives, emotional fatigue, and habitual reactions, and rediscover life through a lens of clarity, meaning, and inner strength. Guided by Sister Dr. Jenna, we will explore how your perception shapes your experiences, relationships, and sense of purpose. By awakening empathy, curiosity, and compassion. for yourself and for others, you’ll begin to see situations not as limitations, but as opportunities for growth and understanding. When perception shifts, stress loosens its grip, relationships open, and new possibilities emerge. This is an invitation to see differently, feel differently, and live with greater peace, resilience, and hope starting from within. ***Sister Dr. Jenna*** *is a spiritual mentor, author, radio and TV personality, renowned speaker, and the founder of the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Museum located in Maryland. She hosted the popular America Meditating Radio Show and is a recipient of the President’s Lifetime National Community Service Award. Sister Dr. Jenna is a member of the Evolutionary Leaders Circle, a group of thought leaders from diverse disciplines in service to conscious evolution and was selected by Empower A Billion Women 2020 as one of 100 most influential leaders of 2015.* *She is the author of “[Meditation: Intimate Experiences with the Divine through Contemplative Practices](https://www.amazon.com/Meditation-Experiences-Contemplative-Practices-Sentience/dp/194502691X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3A4J9WRQ16QAJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.va3qPnUsFjEWH641OraGTqBHm8wDhdhrTu3hpjHufKo.7mA_AgIvDXQuQ9_Uu4ucZgQIOKmCfKb6yBHsIqamhPY&dib_tag=se&keywords=Meditation%3A+Intimate+Experiences+with+the+Divine+through+Contemplative+Practices&qid=1753065633&sprefix=meditation+intimate+experiences+with+the+divine+through+contemplative+practices%2Caps%2C232&sr=8-1),” a profound compilation featuring insights from over 30 contributing authors and she contributed to “[Mr. President – Interfaith Perspectives on the Historic Presidency of Barack H. Obama,](https://www.amazon.com/Mr-President-Interfaith-Perspectives-Presidency/dp/1939774306/ref=sr_1_1?crid=38LXE3LGDPJ6C&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lSb0fzkCXPXp-Gf4ReVNoA.5hIb1TKNvtmLu65w2R4-l13WjyXAzF-rRFtQzDsRTcg&dib_tag=se&keywords=Mr.+President+%E2%80%93+Interfaith+Perspectives+on+the+Historic+Presidency+of+Barack+H.+Obama%2C&qid=1753065692&sprefix=mr.+president+interfaith+perspectives+on+the+historic+presidency+of+barack+h.+obama%2C%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-1)” offering her unique spiritual insights on leadership and unity.* Thursday, Jan. 15th, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm. Held at Brahma Kumaris, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl, Suite 200, 2ndFloor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/wkJfe](https://shorturl.at/wkJfe)

Join us for a fun afternoon of board games, card games, etc! Bring your favorites or play a game that someone else brings. You are welcome to bring snacks (for yourself or to share) and non-alcoholic beverages. RSVP will remain open until the start of the event!

Jan. 25 前行课：为什么学习？ 人生需要老师--善知识 踏入《广论》研讨班，对许多人来说是开启生命转变的契机。或许您也会好奇：在繁忙的工作与生活之余，投入时间研读佛典，究竟能为人生带来哪些实质的成长与收获？ 《广论》研讨班秉持着日常老和尚以心灵提升、圆满生命的目标，提供大众身、心、灵健康的学习环境与循序渐进的佛法课程。学员通过听师父的录音带和研讨交流，对佛法建立整体认识，全面的理解，同时学习如何将佛法智慧运用于生活中，打造幸福人生。 **《菩提道次第广论》简介** 佛法大全，给与您心灵滋养，人生方向 次第井然，引领您脚踏实地，步步向上 心智科学，帮助您认识自己，了解他人 幸福教育，教会您正确取舍，离苦得乐 生命教育，陪伴您创造希望，走向美好

*TOPIC:* **Is growing your company organically too slow? Learn how to buy cash flowing companies and understand what it takes to have a successful exit.** **Guest Speaker: [Erika Baez-Grimes CM&AP](mailto:erika@erikathebroker.com)** Stop waiting for organic growth and learn how to scale instantly by acquiring established businesses. Erika Baez Grimes will break down the "Silver Tsunami" market shift and equip you with the exact due diligence and exit planning strategies required to buy, scale, and sell with confidence. Recognized by Fortune 100 organizations for exceptional results, Erika believes every entrepreneur should have the tools, strategy, and confidence to buy, scale, and exit successfully. Learn more about Erika here: [https://thebphgroup.com/](https://thebphgroup.com/) **Entrepreneur Breakfast Club 🥓☕** *Fuel your business. Feed your soul.* Welcome to the **Entrepreneur Breakfast Club** — where small business owners come together over coffee, connection, and contagious energy. We’re not just here for pancakes and pep talks (though we love both). This is a morning meetup built for the dreamers, doers, and difference-makers in our local communities. Whether you're launching your first side hustle or running a seasoned shop, you belong here. Our mission? Connect. Inspire. Grow. We believe big things happen when passionate people sit at the same table. So come grab a seat, swap stories, share wins (and fails), and leave each meetup a little more fired up than when you came in. Join us if you’re looking to: ✅ Meet like-minded small business owners ✅ Get real-world advice & fresh ideas ✅ Build meaningful partnerships ✅ Start your day with purpose and inspiration No suits, no sales pitches — just good people, great conversations, and hot coffee.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Life of Frankenstein,”** on the birth, evolution and impact of a tale of man-made monstrosity, with Bernard Welt, an emeritus professor of arts and humanities at George Washington University who frequently lectures on Frankenstein in literature, cinema, and culture. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-life-of-frankenstein](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-life-of-frankenstein) .] Guillermo del Toro’s lush and lovingly produced film adaptation of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel *Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus* is just the latest of many iterations of the story to capture the public’s imagination. People have watched Victor Frankenstein give life to his monster in numerous films, on television, and on stage, and even perform “Putting on the Ritz” with him thanks to the comic genius of Mel Brooks. Mary Shelley did not just tell a tale. She spawned the modern genre of speculative fiction and gave rise to a myth that would crop up in debates over nature versus nurture and other matters. Even today it stokes anxieties over the potential impacts of robotics, artificial intelligence, and genetic engineering, by evoking the image of a monster turning on its progenitor. Come gain a new appreciation of Mary Shelley’s creation with the help of Dr. Bernard Welt, who has studied the relationship between nightmares and the horror genre and is the author of *Mythomania: Fantasies, Fables, and Sheer Lies in Contemporary American Popular Art.* Dr. Welt will start by telling a literary origin story almost as famous as Frankenstein itself, of how an 18-year-old Shelley started writing *Frankenstein* in 1816 while staying in a villa on Lake Geneva with two of her era’s leading poets, Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley, her lover. Housebound by foul weather, the three read Gothic tales of ghosts and monsters and challenged each other to produce something even more terrifying. Mary dreamed up a story of a man who defied death by creating a living being out of scraps of deceased men harvested from graveyards and anatomy labs. The resulting novel, *Frankenstein*, published anonymously in 1818, would by that century’s end become a touchstone in philosophical discourse on the nature of humanity and in political discussions of imperialism and populism. By the 21st century, Mary Shelley (as she became) had earned a more significant place in the literary canon than Byron and her husband Shelley. We will examine how this grisly tale became a landmark of modern thought and look at the part played by numerous film adaptations from the first years of cinema to the present day. (Door: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: From a Theodor von Holst engraving in an 1831 edition of *Frankenstein* published by Colburn and Bentley of London.