Gnosis and Gnosticism

NOTE: the pub does not charge for our space on the understanding that we all purchase something from the bar. Please support them. I'll be there from around 7pm if anyone would like a social chat before we get started. **Please arrive in time for a prompt start at 7:30.** In some Christian circles there is an idea that in all of us there is a “God-shaped hole” - the idea that everyone needs God; those who seek Him find Him, but those who do not, vainly fill the “void” with other things. The origins of the idea appear to stem from Blaise Pascal, the 17th century French mathematician, physicist, philosopher, and Catholic writer. In his book *Pensées*, published posthumously in 1670, he suggests that we are all engaged in a futile search for a true happiness but that however much we have, we remain dissatisfied. This leads him to propose that “this infinite abyss can be filled only with an infinite and immutable object; in other words by God himself”. In the 20th century Existentialist thought suggests that although the “hole” is real, it is not “God-shaped”. Instead, existentialists argue that the feeling of emptiness is the result of confronting the absurdity of a world devoid of inherent, preordained purpose. Rather than seeking to fill this void with a divine plug, existentialists believe in accepting the void and taking on the radical responsibility of creating one’s own meaning. American psychologist Abraham Maslow proposed his hierarchy of needs, the highest level being “self-actualisation”. Maslow describes this as the desire to accomplish everything that one can, to become the most that one can be. In later work he extended this idea to suggest that transcending the self and having a broader sense of purpose and connection to others, is the peak of human experience. Perhaps this is his approach to filling the "hole". What are our own personal experiences? Do we find ourselves searching in vain for some deeper meaning or purpose? If so, why? If not, what makes us feel adequately fulfilled? What is it, exactly, that we are searching for? How would we recognise it if we had it? To what extent has the development of scientific understanding filled any “God-shaped hole”, in the 350 years since Pascal’s writing? In what ways might some notion of “God”, possibly combined with belonging to some form of religious community, fill the “infinite abyss” we may feel? Even if a “God-shaped” solution doesn’t work for us, can we understand why it has been, and remains, so important for human societies? Is there a different sort of hole that isn’t “God-shaped”? Some optional prior reading: [Where does the concept of a "God-shaped hole" originate?](https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/2746/where-does-the-concept-of-a-god-shaped-hole-originate) [Pascal’s ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pens%C3%A9es)*[Pensées](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pens%C3%A9es)*[ (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pens%C3%A9es) [Existentialism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Existentialism) [Maslow's hierarchy of needs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs) Café Philo discussions always try to be respectful of everyone’s point of view. This topic is potentially more controversial than some, so please be respectful of all points of view, even if you disagree. Hope to see you there.

Our usual pub night is getting a delicious makeover. We’re moving the needles and hooks to Andanza for a special afternoon of craft, charcuterie, and chats. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just started your first scarf, come pull up a chair. It’s the same friendly "Stitch N Bitch" atmosphere you love, just with a side of nibbles! ✨ What’s the Vibe? The Craft: This is a social circle, not a formal class. We’re here to work on our projects in good company. The Support: While it’s not a lesson, we’re a helpful bunch! If you’re stuck on a tricky purl or a confusing crochet cluster, there’s usually a friendly peer nearby to help you untangle it. The Gossip: High-quality yarn requires high-quality tea. Bring your latest stories and life updates! 🎒 What to Bring Your WIP: Your current work-in-progress and all the supplies you need to keep it moving. Appetite: Come ready to snack on some incredible spanish charcuterie. An Open Heart: We are a friendly, inclusive group open to all skill levels. 📍 Finding Us Look for the table overflowing with colorful yarn and shared platters! We’ll be the ones laughing the loudest. Can't wait to see what you're working on!

**Horror Everything: 2016 – Forever** Dr Joe Ondrak The history of horror is also the history of media, and key in understanding how we use media to play with the boundaries of what is real and what isn’t. In this talk, I explore and explain how horror fiction traditions are useful to understand contemporary conspiracy culture, moving from false documents and found footage to creepypasta and QAnon. Taking a formalist and stylistic approach, I demonstrate how social media platforms shape meaning, blur the boundaries of fact and fiction, and create a shared cognitive environment ripe for conspiracy belief. Dr. Joe Ondrak is a leading expert in digital horror, both real and fictional. He has published extensively on extreme right-wing terror, disinformation, and conspiracy theories, as well as creepypasta and networked digital horror genres. He currently works as a subject matter expert in hate groups at Resolver and consults on digital extremist behaviours and activities. His chapter for the Routledge Companion to Horror Studies – The (New) Medium is the Monster: Networked Digital Horror – is forthcoming. **NB: This talk has been rescheduled to a different date and will take place on the third Monday instead of the usual second Monday.**

Our Meetup is open to everyone and anyone interested in self knowledge, self awareness, relationship and discovering a totally new way of living. Here, together over supper, we talk about everyday life topics, in an atmosphere of attentive listening, sensitivity, kindness, openness and friendship. **WHAT TO EXPECT** * This group meets up TWICE MONTHLY to talk over and explore life topics together; such as Fear, Conditioning, Belief, Desire, Attachment etc... * The approach for our investigation is inspired by 20th Century (non religious/ non political) revolutionary thinker, J Krishnamurti. * The atmosphere for our dialogue is relaxed, openminded, serious, compassionate, fun and friendly. * We learn through direct observation, self discovery and careful listening to each other, rather than through already acquired experience or knowledge. **WHO'S IT FOR** * Those wishing to explore deeper issues of everyday life and relationship, in a non therapeutic, non religious but friendly atmosphere. * Those interested in the thinking of J. Krishnamurti, but this is NOT a prerequisite. * Those interested in meeting new like-minded friends. * Those feeling stuck, at a crossroads, or wishing to delve deeper. * All nationalities, cultures and backgrounds welcome. * All ages & diversity welcome. **WHAT HAPPENS AT THE MEETUP** * Our sessions won’t have any fixed theme; we will spontaneously raise a topic at the restaurant. Sometimes we may wish to investigate further into a topic: we can suggest a short K video that we can all view prior to the following weekly session together. * The mood is challenging but non-confrontational, investigative but non-intellectual, contemplative but non-religious and especially serious but also good fun! **NO FEES OR DUES** * We pay for our own meal at the restaurant * There is no charge for the organisation * You can [donate to OPEN DOOR](https://open-door-worldwide.com/donate/) if you appreciate this initiative. **ABOUT OUR GROUP** * This event is organised by [OPEN DOOR](https://open-door-worldwide.com) * OPEN DOOR is a non profit making organisation * Run by [Jackie McInley](https://open-door-worldwide.com/about/) **OTHER SIMILAR EVENTS** * [PLEASE VISIT HERE FOR MORE DIALOGUE & SELF-INQUIRY EVENTS](https://open-door-worldwide.com/events/) **ABOUT J. KRISHNAMURTI** * [VISIT HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT KRISHNAMURTI](https://jkrishnamurti.org) * [KRISHNAMURTI THEMES EXPLORED](https://open-door-worldwide.com/themes/)

This is a **theatre** and **livestream** talk from the **Royal Institution of Great Britain.** Particle physicist **Prof. Kirsty Duffy** uncovers the mysteries of neutrinos, and the experiments searching for the answers. **ADVANCE BOOKING AND PAYMENT IS REQUIRED FOR THIS TALK.** **More details and booking instructions on the RI web site:** **[https://www.rigb.org/whats-on/neutrinos-universe-and-everything](https://www.rigb.org/whats-on/neutrinos-universe-and-everything)** **SUMMARY** Why does the Universe exist? We believe that the Big Bang created matter and its opposite – antimatter – in equal amounts, and we know experimentally that when matter and antimatter come together, they destroy each other in a burst of energy. So why hasn’t that happened? This is one of the most fundamental questions we have about nature, and answers might be found in an unexpected place: subatomic particles called neutrinos. Neutrinos are the most important particle you were never taught about. They are created in radioactive decays in the sun, the centre of the Earth, supernovae, and even beer. Around 100 billion pass through your thumbnail every second, but you’ve probably never noticed. In this talk, particle physicist **Kirsty Duffy** will explain what neutrinos are, why they are so interesting to particle physicists, how they might explain why the universe exists, and the mega-science experiments being built to find out. Kirsty will draw on her work on DUNE, The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, a next-generation experiment using leading-edge multi-kiloton liquid argon detectors, which is due to turn on towards the end of the decade. It will make measurements of neutrinos with unprecedented precision, and may hold the key to answering some of the most fundamental questions in physics. This is a theatre and livestream event for an adult audience, where the speakers and audience in our Theatre are joined by our audience online. **The livestream will go live around 6.50pm, and the talk will begin at 7.00pm. If you register but miss the livestream, the video will be available to you via the same link for two weeks after the event date.** For more information on livestreams, see the information below, or [visit our FAQs page](https://www.rigb.org/whats/faqs-ri-livestreams). Please use the event link you have been provided with. By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's [event terms and conditions](https://www.rigb.org/terms-and-conditions). You also agree to abide by [our code of conduct](https://www.rigb.org/about-us/how-were-run/our-code-conduct-ri-visitors), and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants.

\#\#\#\# Step 1: TAKE THE TEST The Oxford Capacity Analysis identifies 10 vital personality traits that influence your entire future. It is a factual, scientific analysis taken from your answers, and it takes about an hour to complete. \#\#\#\# Step 2: GET YOUR RESULTS After you complete the test, your personality analysis is generated and displayed. Within minutes your analysis will highlight your strengths and weaknesses—which personality traits to take advantage of and which need help. \#\#\#\# Step 3: CONSULTATION While the analysis graph shows distinct personality traits, it is the interrelationship of these traits that provides the greater picture of your personality. We provide a complimentary consultation with one of our trained staff, who will give a detailed evaluation of your personality analysis. In this one-on-one consultation, you gain a better understanding of your personality strengths and weaknesses, and establish the recommended path to your fast and lasting success.

***Overview:*** **Intimate Candle Lit: Mandala Painting, Meditation & Live HandPan Music** A 90-minute immersive experience of live handpan music, mindful mandala painting, and deep relaxation in an intimate candlelit setting with a take home mandala journal to continue the mindfulness practice at home. Check out our instagram page @zennmeditationart for more details. **🕯️ Step Into Stillness** Surrounded by soft candlelight, you’ll enter a calm, intimate space where sound, creativity, and mindfulness merge. At the centre, Amy Naylor an accomplished hand-pan performer creates a flowing, meditative soundscape. while you’ll quietly paint your own pre-drawn mandala on a premium round canvas—guided not by rules, but by rhythm and presence. Perfect for a quiet solo experience or bring a friend (or two.) **🎨 What You’ll Experience** * A live handpan sound journey designed to calm the nervous system * Your own pre-drawn mandala canvas (round format) + beautifully designed take travel mandala journal to continue your practice at home * Access to premium paints / markers * A candlelit, low-light environment for deep focus * Individual soft lighting for your personal painting space * A small, intimate group (max 15 participants) * Tea and Light Snacks **\*No experience needed—this is about process, not perfection.\*** **🧘 Why This Is Different** This isn’t a workshop. It’s not a class. It’s a meditative environment where: You slow down You disconnect from noise You reconnect with creativity The handpan acts as a live, evolving meditation, guiding your attention inward while your hands move intuitively. **📍 Location** SOMA YOGA, Wandsworth - Battersea rise A peaceful, tucked-away river side facing yoga studio designed for reflection and mindfulness. 👥 Who This Is For Creatives & non-creatives alike People seeking calm, mindfulness, or reset Couples / solo attendees Unique date night or reflective solo experience ⚠️ Important Notes Limited to 15 spots only All materials included Please arrive on time to preserve the atmosphere This is a quiet, mindful experience (minimal talking during session) See Photos from our previous event at the London Buddhist Center's Mandala Cafe

May's Book: The Age of Diagnosis :Are Medical Labels Doing Us More Harm Than Good? by Suzanne O'Sullivan. **A BEST BOOK OF 2025 IN *THE TIMES*, *SUNDAY TIMES*, *FINANCIAL TIMES, GUARDIAN*, *ECONOMIST, OBSERVER, LONDON STANDARD, NEW STATESMAN* AND *IRISH TIMES*** ***'Revelatory. Slices through the contradictions that had tied me in knots.'* \- CHRIS VAN TULLEKEN** ***'So well-written. Raising awareness of something that is critically important.'* \- RANGAN CHATTERJEE** **From autism to allergies, ADHD to long Covid, more people are being labelled with medical conditions than ever before. But can a diagnosis do us more harm than good?** The boundaries between sickness and health are being redrawn. Mental health categories are shifting and expanding all the time, radically altering what we consider to be 'normal'. Genetic tests can now detect pathologies decades before people experience symptoms, and sometimes before they're even born. And increased health screening draws more and more people into believing they are unwell. An accurate diagnosis can bring greater understanding and of course improved treatment. But many diagnoses aren't as definitive as we think. And in some cases they risk turning healthy people into patients. Drawing on the stories of real people, as well as decades of clinical practice and the latest medical research, Dr Suzanne O'Sullivan overturns long held assumptions and reframes how we think about illness and health. The meeting starts at 7:30. Shortly after 7.30, we will break up into small groups. Those familiar with the CLH Book Group meeting know how this works: in each group we take turns introducing ourselves and giving our 1 minute thoughts on the book. It's important not to go over a minute and not to interrupt other people's minute so that everyone gets a chance to participate. After this first round, each group discusses for another 20 minutes or so. We then shuffle the groups so as to talk to as many different people as possible and in the new groups repeat our introductions and 1 minute thoughts. We'll do this a couple of times before coming all together at the end in one last big group. While we are very social and welcoming, the book group's primary focus is on discussing books. Feel free to turn up if you haven't managed to finish this month's book but note that the group works best when we have all read at least half of the book and are prepared to share our opinions. *** £3 per person to attend. If it's your first time, come and try us out for free! If you prefer, you can [pay online, by clicking here](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=ZWCNRJ25BDL96). We encourage dialogue, debate and sharing of information on our site but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any views expressed here are those of the individual posting them and may not reflect those of CLH.

**This talk starts at 7 PM, please join us from 6:30 PM.** **The science behind paranormal phenomena** Opinion polls show the majority of the general public accepts that paranormal phenomena do occur. Such widespread experience of and belief in the paranormal can only mean one of two things. Either the paranormal is real, in which case this should be accepted by the wider scientific community which currently rejects such claims; or else belief in and experience of ostensibly paranormal phenomena can be fully explained in terms of psychological factors. **Psychological and physical explanations** This presentation will provide an introduction to the sub-discipline of anomalistic psychology, which may be defined as the study of extraordinary phenomena of behaviour and experience, in an attempt to provide non-paranormal explanations in terms of known psychological and physical factors. This approach will be illustrated with examples relating to a range of ostensibly paranormal phenomena. **Our Speaker** **Chris French** is Emeritus Professor in the Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, where, up until 2024, he was also Head of the Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit. He retired from Goldsmiths in 2020. He is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society and of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, and a patron of Humanists UK. He has published over 200 articles and chapters covering a wide range of topics within psychology. His main area of research is the psychology of paranormal beliefs and anomalous experiences. He writes for the *Guardian* and the *Skeptic* magazine. His most recent book is *[The Science of Weird Shit: Why Our Minds Conjure the Paranormal](https://amzn.eu/d/0dFVfCYG)*[ (2024, MIT Press)](https://amzn.eu/d/0dFVfCYG). **Post event social** As after all our in-person talks at the Old Diorama Arts Centre, we will move on to a local pub for a post event social. So from 8:30 PM we will be going to the [Queen's Head and Artichoke](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nXy9yvWcywRM1Hir6), 30-32 Albany St, London NW1 4EA. **Payment** We ask for a **£5 donation to attend** this talk, which can be paid on the door. (Or pay what you can afford.) If you would prefer to make the £5 donation online or can't attend and would still like to support the event [p](https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML71XMH66FX5E/checkout/ALWCDLQ3S7AVPLFZ62PZGXLU)[lease click here](https://square.link/u/yIrpwGDk). Alternatively you can do a transfer using our account details: Central London Humanist Group, Sort code: 30-94-25, Account number: 19143068, Reference: Talk Beacon **Please note this event will be recorded and we will take photos for publication on CLH media channels. If you do not wish to be featured in video or photographs please contact the CLH team in advance or make us aware at the event.** **Resources and FAQs** …for members, supporters, and participants in CLH activities See [here for our knowledge base](https://clhorganisers.notion.site/Central-London-Humanists-knowledge-base-7ff2374eee1e43c0938123e894f37e5f) packed with important, useful information about the group, the organisers, and what we offer the community. See [here for our code of conduct and complaints policy](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Reeh69cv38DHeBnexNwOAKoeRb2dwDM3k9xaJ2tM5EA/mobilebasic). **Our events are 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian**. We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information, but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any individual's views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the group at large.

This year’s films all revolve around the theme of “**choice**” – plenty of opportunity for philosophical exploration! **This month:** After years of inexplicable confinement, a man is abruptly released and given a finite window to discover why his life was stolen. What follows is a tightening web of decisions, each one shaped by ignorance, memory, and manipulation. As he pursues the truth, the boundaries between freedom and control begin to blur: are his choices genuinely his own, or merely the final steps in a path laid out long before he could see it? The story presses on a troubling possibility: that knowing more does not necessarily make us freer, and that some choices, once revealed, cannot be unchosen. **Can you guess the film? Or come and find out on the day!** **Health warning:** violence & distressing content Pre-explore via **Rational Grid**: [https://rationalgrid.ai/g/philosophical-themes-in-oldboy-park-chan-wook-200-13a244/graph ](https://rationalgrid.ai/g/philosophical-themes-in-oldboy-park-chan-wook-200-13a244/graph) PFA Film Club hosts free screenings of thought-provoking films, followed by a discussion about the raised philosophical issues, for general public. In 2026 meetings are held every third WEDNESDAY of the month at the Cafe of St. Hilda's East Community Centre, 18 Club Row, London E2 7EY. The nearest station is **Shoreditch High Street** on the Overground. **This screening will start at 6pm** and we need to vacate the building by 9:00pm. We offer complimentary light refreshments during the event. For the most up-to-date schedule of the upcoming film club events, visit our [website](http://pfalondon.org/#rec767601373).

EGO is an aspect of our personality profile and has its undoubted relevance in life. However, great maturity is required to tame it, so that we do not become a victim of our own self. The talk will cover: 1\. Definition of EGO 2\. Discovering of THE SELF 3\. Types of EGO 4\. TOWARDS the TRUE SELF 5\. EGO DEATH 6\. Becoming GODLIKE 7\. TRANSCENDING the SELF This greatly informative talk will shed precious light on this still difficult-to-understand subject. After the talk, we’ll engage in friendly conversation on the topic. COME to share your beautiful energy with us and socialise at this free attendance event! Don't miss the opportunity to expand your awareness and make new friends!

No events UFN until a temporary stand-in host is found. A nice pub to meet in near Oxford Circus for our group's weekly pub event. They have a nice menu with reasonable prices. It should be quieter on a Tuesday evening than near or at the weekend. Though I have an interest in Japan all nationalities of course are welcome in our group. There will be an Ayamei sign on one of the tables in the comfortable lounge upstairs. Any problems getting there or any questions my phone number is 07706964277. Bill No membership fees or event fees for this group by the way.

***"In this complex and terrible development which has carried the epoch of class struggles toward new conditions, the proletariat of the industrial countries has completely lost the affirmation of its autonomous perspective and also, in the last analysis, its illusions, but not its being. It has not been suppressed. It remains irreducibly in existence within the intensified alienation of modern capitalism[.]"*** **\- Guy Debord\, *The Society of the Spectacle*** Welcome back readers! By popular request, we're bringing back (for a new generation of LMRG readers) an old favourite: the always-relevant Guy Debord and his masterful *Society of the Spectacle*. This is meeting two, where we'll be reading the fourth, fifth and sixth chapters. Find the classic text here: https://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/debord/society.htm Or an alternative, possibly more readable translation here: [https://files.libcom.org/files/The%20Society%20of%20the%20Spectacle%20Annotated%20Edition.pdf](https://files.libcom.org/files/The%20Society%20of%20the%20Spectacle%20Annotated%20Edition.pdf) Often maligned as theorymaxxed nonsense but little-read, this slim volume is certainly dense with ideas - all of which carry as much relevance today as those half-forgotten postwar years when the Situationist International made its mark on the world, if not more. With the rise of the Internet and social media, the decline of literacy and the closing of the mass mind, the endless doom-loop of doomscrolling and bed-rotting, increasingly performative protest, the commodification of everything, the Epstein-approved culture war, and the theatre of spectacular cruelty that is imperialist colonial policy from Gaza to Venezuela, we really are living an age where everything that was once directly participated in has passed into representation. Every hand-grip one searches for to get some kind of grasp on the world seems to be a mirage; "participation" in anything, from politics to culture, has been reduced to fandom - limited to nothing more than expressing approval or disapproval through totally mediated social media platforms. Above it all stands an utterly corrupt, irresponsible elite class more and more transparent in how it relishes in conspiratorial play, power-games with unlimited stakes for us and no consequences for them. Such a world where power wears a shit-eating grin and keeps us off our balance by endlessly[ "flooding the zone"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flood_the_zone) (in Steve Bannon's terms) with distractions so intricate they short-circuit the collective brain is exactly what Debord not only predicted but described in frightening detail, with more than a little bit of humour. So let's dig in and find out: just what can we do to unplug from the spectacle? Is the spectacle even un-plug-from-able? Debord haters, cope and seethe: as a much more orthodox Marxist than he ever gets credit for, there really are some strategies in here. We just need to be creative. Take care and happy reading!

Join the St. Augustine Society every Wednesday at 7:00 pm in St. Timothy Catholic Church's New Parish Hall for study on the Church Fathers! We'll read and discuss a chapter a week from the book: Reading the Church Fathers: A History of the Early Church and the Development of Doctrine by James Papandrea Email staugustinesociety@sttimothyparish.org for more information or if you have any questions. Sponsored by the St. Augustine Society, a 30's to 50's Catholic singles ministry based at St. Timothy's in Chantilly. We host weekly meetings on Wednesday on topics related to the Catholic faith and serve as both a fellowship meeting and a learning opportunity. We also host monthly social events, which are usually advertised by email to our members. Email us if you'd like to get on our email distribution list.

This is introductory meditation for people who wants to learn basics of meditation. It's a free event held every week and everyone is welcome to join.

Join the St. Augustine Society every Wednesday at 7:00 pm in St. Timothy Catholic Church's New Parish Hall for study on the Church Fathers! We'll read and discuss a chapter a week from the book: Reading the Church Fathers: A History of the Early Church and the Development of Doctrine by James Papandrea Email staugustinesociety@sttimothyparish.org for more information or if you have any questions. Sponsored by the St. Augustine Society, a 30's to 50's Catholic singles ministry based at St. Timothy's in Chantilly. We host weekly meetings on Wednesday on topics related to the Catholic faith and serve as both a fellowship meeting and a learning opportunity. We also host monthly social events, which are usually advertised by email to our members. Email us if you'd like to get on our email distribution list.

This is an in-person event hosted by Sahaja Yoga meditation. We offer free meditation sessions and everyone is welcome to join and experience the peace within!