Philosophy of Mind

**Authentic Relating & Circling with Sophie and Marco** Come and connect and learn the powerful practices of Authentic Relating and Circling. We normally do about a half-hour of Authentic Relating in paired-shares, followed by Circling in up to two breakouts, usually rejoining the large group at the end. However the program will change according to the experience of the participants at each event. If you are not familiar with Authentic Relating & Circling, you can read Marco's free book on the [Circling Guide](https://circlingguide.com) website. All events are beginner-friendly and no prior experience is necessary. If all goes well, you will feel that this is what you have been doing your whole life, and all you ever wanted was to be with people who share this way of being! **PS:** **don't look at Meetup RSVP's, as this event is advertised through multiple channels. Please always register due to limited space. To register and get the address, RSVP and then message Marco here on Meetup or else WhatsApp to +49 1573 9667979 or follow this link: [https://wa.me/4915739667979](https://wa.me/4915739667979)** **\*\*Why attend?\*\*** * Are you seeking more fun, connection, and deeper understanding with the people in your life? * Do you lack an honest, loving space to communicate your needs and desires? * You long for a supportive community where all issues can be brought openly and with care? * You are curious about how the powerful practices of Authentic Relating and Circling can enhance your life? *If so, our Authentic Relating and Circling evenings are for you!* **\*\*Who should attend?\*\*** These sessions are open to people of all genders and sexual orientations who want to bring Authentic Relating skills and practice into their life. This program is ideal for you if: * You're interested in other people and how they think and feel. * You enjoy stepping out of your comfort zone. * You're self-responsible and open. * You want to be seen, heard, and appreciated for what's important to you. * You want to engage with others in tender conversations about the challenges of being human. **\*\*Dates\*\*** *We're offering Authentic Relating & Circling every Thursday from 19:00-21:30.* **\*\*Cost\*\*** The cost at the door is 25€ / 30€ / 20€ (depending on your income). Alternatively buy a 5-pass card for €80 (€16 per session). **\*\*Location and Directions\*\*** Kleiststraße @ Eisenacher Str., 10787 Berlin-Schöneberg Our house is a short walk from Nollendorfplatz U, and is also served by several buses. For the exact address message Marco here, or (better)message Whatsapp +49 1573 9667979 (https://wa.me/4915739667979). **\*\*Other Programs\*\*** In addition to AR & Circling live in Berlin, Sophie and Marco have other programs and services, online and in person. These include individual and couples coaching, our 6 week Authentic Relating in Community (in [English ](https://circlingguide.com/arc)and [German](https://circlingguide.com/arcs/)), "Women with Wings", and retreats / immersions. For details refer the the Connecting Circle website at [https://connecting-circle.de/](https://connecting-circle.de/). Join our WhatApp announcement channel [http://bit.ly/46fNuDE](http://bit.ly/46fNuDE) Join our Telegram announcement channel [http://bit.ly/45XXbb6](http://bit.ly/45XXbb6) **\*\*Facilitators\*\*** Marco Beneteau, author of the "Circling Guide" ([www.circlingguide.com](https://www.circlingguide.com/)), the most popular book on Circling within the Authentic Relating tradition. Marco has been leading AR groups for seven years. Sophie Lemperle-McGrath, founder of connecting-circle ([www.connecting-circle.de](http://www.connecting-circle.de/)) is a Gestalt & AR facilitator, mediator and "Getting Real" couples Coach. *Our Authentic Relating & Circling nights are fun and engaging. We hope to see you there!* **\*\*Agreements & Terms of Service (Please read)\*\*** **Authentic Relating and Circling is not therapy**. People encounter states, emotions, beliefs, and sensations in themselves and others which can be difficult. We explore the unknown, the volatile, the ambiguous, as well as welcome emotions many deem as “negative” or “inappropriate” such as feelings of inadequacy, anger, sexuality, and joy. We refer to the willingness to feel difficult and uncomfortable truths as the “commitment to connection,” which of course includes a willingness to set appropriate boundaries, and speak a desire for space, distance, and non-contact. By attending our events you take responsibility for your level of participation, which might include choosing to leave. If all this sounds potentially overwhelming or destabilizing for you, if you have mental illness or significant emotional challenges that you feel may be exacerbated by this type of transformational environment, or if you are not sure that you can be self-directed in taking care of your needs during the event, then we advise you not to attend. We look forward to seeing you!

The Language Café is primarily aimed at people who are struggling with their mental health which can make it hard to go to regular courses. We want to create a safe space for everyone to learn and practise without pressure. Everyone is welcome! Please try to be on time so we can all get started together :) We mainly practise on a beginner/lower intermediate level and adapt to everyone's prior level of German. The Language Café will focus on teaching you the most important words and phrases and basic grammar in German. The content of the course is adapted to real life. (everyday life in Germany, dealing with authorities, etc.) We will cover different topics every week and you can join us anytime, since the topics do not necessarily build on each other. The Sprachcafé is for free. \*If you cannot make it please cancel your participation so someone else from the waiting list can join, thank you!\* \| \| \| \|

Du möchtest den Reichtum natürlich entstehender, bedingungsloser Liebe enthüllen, den jeder von uns im Herzen trägt? Diese Meditation unterstützt uns, die Quelle echter Gutherzigkeit in uns zu öffnen. Wir lernen, uns selbst auf gesunde, heilsame Weise zu lieben und so unsere Haltung anderen gegenüber zu verwandeln. Die Meditation der liebenden Güte kann uns dabei helfen, uns und anderen liebevoller und mitfühlender zu begegnen. Das Event findet sowohl online als auch vor Ort im Dharma Mati Berlin (Soorstr. 85, 14050 Berlin) statt. Um an diesem Online-Event teilzunehmen bitte auf den folgenden Link klicken: https://zoom.us/j/216979828 (Meeting-ID: 216-979-828).

Bienvenue :) Rejoignez-nous si vous parlez français couramment et aimez rencontrer des gens francophones pour bavarder. A bientôt!

Zapraszamy wszystkich na bezpłatne zajęcia medytacji w Berlinie dla Polaków. Po całym dniu pracy,zajęć w szkole, czy też dodatkowych aktywności. W stanie medytacji możemy zaznać chwili relaksu oraz wyciszenia. To wspaniała metoda, na pozbycie się wszelkich emocjonalno- mentalnych napięć powstałych w ciągu dnia,zniwelowanie stresu, czy też zmęczenia naszego organizmu. Co tygodniowe zajęcia medytacji, które odbywają się w kazdy czwartek o godzinie 19.00 w centrum Sahaja Yogi które znajduje się przy ulicy Behaimstraße 8 (Hinterhof )10585 w Berlinie.

-DROP IN - *(English below)* Lindy Hop \| Swing Dance Unterricht \- * *wenn es warm ist\, draußen \| outdoors\, when warm* * *drinnen, wenn es kalt ist / inside, if cold* Klassen am Donnerstag Abend 18:15 Uhr - Starter "Take The A Train" \* keine Anmeldung nötig \* Start jederzeit & ohne Tanzerpartner\*IN möglich 19:30 Uhr OPEN CLASS (Improver - Experienced) \* keine Anmeldung nötig \* Teilnahme jederzeit & ohne Tanzerpartner\*IN möglich [20:30 Red RHYTHM - Social Dance w/ LIVE MUSIK & DJ](https://www.swingpatrolberlin.com/red-rhythm---swing-dance-night.html) Für mehr Informationen & Kosten bitte hier schauen: [SWING PATROL KULTURBRAUEREI](https://www.swingpatrolberlin.com/sp-kulte.html) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- classes every Thursday evening 18:15 Starter "Take The A Train" \* no registration needed \* no partner needed \* start anytime 19:30 OPEN CLASS (IMPROVER - EXPERIENCED) \* no registration needed \* no partner needed [20:30 Social Dance w/ LIVE MUSIK & DJ](https://www.swingpatrolberlin.com/red-rhythm---swing-dance-night.html) All information here: [SWING PATROL KULTURBRAUEREI](https://www.swingpatrolberlin.com/sp-kulte.html)

**Queer Bridges Language Café // Sprachcafé** with ***Michal*** for **LGBTQIA+** **[Free event with registration](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/language-cafe/w03-2026)** 🔵 Join us at our Language Café, where you can connect with others and engage in lively conversations. It’s a great opportunity to practice speaking, listening, and even learn some new vocabulary, all while making new friends and having a good time. No matter your level of proficiency, everyone is encouraged to participate and grow together. Come for the conversation, stay for the community! **What languages are represented?** We will have tables for English and German. Beyond that, it will be up to you! We hope to eventually host a wide range of languages and are excited to see this café grow with your support. **What if I don’t feel confident in my language skills?** Our language café is open to everyone, regardless of their language abilities. From beginners to native speakers – we will ensure it is a fun and safe space for everyone. Registration is required as it gives us an idea of how many people to expect and which languages you speak/look forward to practice. However, if you have not registered please feel free to stop by! Join us at our **Language Café**, where you can connect with others and engage in lively conversations. It's a great opportunity to practice speaking, listening, and even learn some new vocabulary, all while making new friends and having a good time. No matter your level of proficiency, everyone is encouraged to participate and grow together. Come for the conversation, stay for the community! *** This meeting is part of our **Queer Bridges** project, aimed at forging connections and providing resources for LGBTQIA+ people with migration experience. *** **General information** * **Language**: This event will be in German and English. * **Registration**: Register on our website by selecting the event, adding it to your cart, and completing checkout. If you have any difficulties registering for the event, you're still welcome to join us, and we will find a solution. * **Cost**: This event is free of charge. 🔵 *Kostenlos mit Anmeldung über unsere Webseite* Kommt zu unserem **Sprachcafé**, wo ihr euch mit anderen austauschen und an lebhaften Gesprächen teilnehmen könnt. Es ist eine großartige Gelegenheit, eure Sprech- und Hörfähigkeiten zu verbessern und neue Wörter zu lernen, während ihr in lockerer Umgebung neue Bekanntschaften knüpft. Egal, wie gut ihr die Sprache könnt, alle sind eingeladen mitzumachen und zusammen zu lernen. Kommt wegen der Gespräche, bleibt wegen der Gemeinschaft! **Welche Sprachen sind vertreten?** Wir werden Tische für Englisch und Deutsch haben. Darüber hinaus liegt es an euch! Wir hoffen, bald viele verschiedene Sprachen anbieten zu können und freuen uns darauf, dieses Café mit eurer Hilfe wachsen zu sehen. **Was, wenn ich mir in meinen Sprachkenntnissen nicht sicher bin?** Unser Sprachcafé ist für alle offen, egal, wie gut ihr die Sprache könnt. Von Anfänger\*innen bis zu Muttersprachler\*innen – wir sorgen dafür, dass es für alle eine lockere und sichere Umgebung ist. *** Dieses Meeting gehört zu unserem **Queer Bridges** Projekt, das darauf abzielt, Verbindungen zu schaffen und Ressourcen für LGBTQIA+ Menschen mit Migrationserfahrung bereitzustellen. *** **Hinweise** * **Sprache**: Dieses Event wird auf Deutsch und Englisch sein. * **Anmeldung**: Melde dich auf unserer Website (für das Event) an, indem du die Veranstaltung auswählst, sie in den Warenkorb legst und dann den Kauf abschließt. Das gilt auch für kostenlose Events. Wenn du irgendwelche Schwierigkeiten hast, dich für eine Veranstaltung anzumelden, kannst du gerne zu uns kommen und wir werden eine Lösung finden. * **Kosten**: Die Teilnahme ist kostenlos.

Chitta Walks is for people whose days move fast, while the mind never fully lands. Even when nothing is urgent, thoughts keep looping. Sometimes you are moving, but mentally elsewhere. Other times the mind runs ahead, while the body feels heavy and stuck. Over time, that mismatch drains clarity, ease, and presence. This walk is a simple reset. We meet in Berlin’s Tiergarten and walk at a gentle pace. Parts of the walk are in silence, with light guidance and a few short prompts. The walk itself is the practice, reconnecting body and mind in the same moment. No apps. No performance. No techniques to master. Just a clear container to slow down and notice what is actually happening. If you want to slow down without withdrawing from life, join us for a Chitta Walk. **What to expect (approx. 90 minutes):** * A short arrival and orientation * A guided silent walk (phones off, no conversation) * One concise science-based impulse on attention or stress * Optional reflection in pairs or small groups * A simple takeaway or experiment for daily life **Who this is for:** * Professionals, creatives, and people in transition. * People who feel mentally busy and want more clarity and balance. * Those curious about mindfulness, but grounded and practical. * Anyone comfortable with silence and gentle self observation. **Practical notes:** * Duration: 60-90 minutes * Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing * No prior experience needed * Group size is limited to keep the space quiet and focused **Facilitator:** My name is Partha Sarathi, you can call me PS. I have lived in Berlin for over 12 years. With a background in physics and materials science, my interest in mindfulness grew through personal experience with stress and health challenges. I facilitate the space and structure of the walk, inviting shared exploration rather than instruction. **Why Chitta Walks?** Chitta is a Sanskrit word that refers to the mind or field of awareness. Here it is used in a practical, non-religious sense. Chitta Walks is about noticing how the mind works by slowing down and walking together. Mindful walking makes thought patterns visible in real time, while moving and sensing in the world. The name points to a simple skill: noticing what is happening in the mind without immediately trying to fix, judge, or optimize it. Chitta Walks is about understanding how the mind works by slowing down and walking together. Mindful walking makes this visible in real time, while moving, sensing, and being in the world, not withdrawn from it. The name points to a simple capacity: noticing what is happening in the mind without immediately trying to fix, judge, or optimize it. **Possible effects:** A calmer nervous system. Clearer attention. A felt sense of being more present in your body. Subtle insights into how your mind reacts under everyday conditions. A quieter, more grounded way of moving through the city. **Come as you are. Walk. Notice. Leave with a little more space inside.**

Die Gier wurde ioft zu einer Art Grundproblem des Menschen erklärt: Sie ist ein Laster, sie bringt uns von unserer eigentlichen Bestimmung ab, verzerrt unsere Bedürfnisse und kann unser gesamtes Leben ruinieren. Es gab sogar Philosophen, die Übungen oder Trainungsprogramme zur Beherrschung übermäßiger Emotionen wie der Gier erdachten. Ist aber die Gier aber wirklich ein menschliches Dauerproblem oder liegt ihre Ursache in der gesellschaftlichen Realität? So sagen bekanntlich manche Menschen, das "kapitalistische System" bringe die Gier nach Besitz hervor. Was kann eigentlich alles zur Gier werden? Bin ich selbst sogar in bestimmter Hinsicht ein Opfer der Gier? Zu Beginn des Treffens lernen wir die Grundgedanken verschiedener Epochen zum Thema Gier kennen, dann ist die freie Diskussion eröffnet. Wie entsteht sie? Wie damit umgehen? Bis dann!

::: please scroll down for English ::: Wir brechen auf zu einer achtsamen Gehmeditation im Grunewald und nehmen uns einen Moment Zeit für uns. Wir erkunden das Hier und Jetzt in der Natur, werden uns unserer Emotionen, unseres Körpers und unseres Denkens bewusst. Wir wenden uns nach innen und entdecken die Kraft des jetzigen Augenblicks. Wir üben, uns selbst genug zu sein und finden vielleicht unsere innere Kraft zurück, um mit mehr Wahlmöglichkeiten, Freiheit und Frieden in die Welt hinauszugehen! Für die Teilnahme sind keine Vorkenntnisse erforderlich. Es empfiehlt sich, vor dem Treffen etwas zu trinken und je nach Bedarf eine kleine Flasche Wasser mitzubringen. Bitte tragen Sie warme und angepasste Kleidung sowie festes Schuhwerk. Es ist beabsichtigt, bei jedem Wetter zu gehen, die Veranstaltung wird nur im Extremfall abgesagt. Die Veranstaltung ist auf Spendenbasis ::: English version::: We go for a mindful walking meditation in Grunewald and take a moment for ourselves. We explore the here and now in nature, becoming aware of our emotions, our bodies and our thoughts. We turn inwards and discover the power of the present moment. We practice being enough for ourselves and perhaps find our inner strength to go out into the world with more choice, freedom and peace! No previous experience is necessary. It is recommended that you bring something to drink before the meeting and a small bottle of water if needed. Please wear warm, comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear. The intention is to walk in all weathers and the event will only be cancelled in extreme circumstances. This is a fundraising event.

This is the first in-person meeting of Uncomfortable Conversations – Berlin. We’ll meet in a calm, sit-down setting to explore one central question together; slowly, honestly, and without rushing to conclusions. This is not a lecture, not a debate competition, and not a networking event. It’s a shared thinking space for people who are curious, willing to listen, and open to challenging their own views. To keep the conversation meaningful, participation is limited. Come if you’re interested in depth over comfort and questions over quick answers.

Discover yourself and connect with others in this dynamic, playful, and creative course! The goal is to foster self-awareness, build interpersonal connections, and release mental blocks. We'll gently dive into the simple yet powerful question "How are you doing?" through mindful movement, experimental drawing, and a bit of journaling. Expect a mix of introspection, play, and creative energy. **All Levels Welcome.** No prior knowledge of drawing or movement techniques is required - the focus is on personal discovery and shared experience, not technique. **What to Bring:** Comfortable clothes for gentle movement **Drop-in €18.** Book this session like a regular class via the Dharma Studios app or via [Urban Sports Club](https://urbansportsclub.com/de/venues/dharma-studios-berlin). **Your instructor:** Hi, I'm [Juan-Carlos Rosa-Casasola](https://www.juancarlosrosacasasola.com/) (Juancar/he/him), a Berlin-based artist and art instructor offering painting and drawing classes for adults who want to explore their creativity in a fun, supportive environment. ​ My workshops are for all levels, ideal for beginners or anyone who wants to reconnect with their creative side. My warm and playful teaching style might help you to let go of perfectionism, enjoy the process, and grow your creative confidence, step by step.

### The Question of Freedom: What Does It Mean to Be Truly Free? Freedom is one of humanity’s most powerful and contested ideas. We celebrate it, fight for it, fear it, and sometimes misunderstand it. But what does freedom really mean? Is it the absence of limits, the ability to choose, or the courage to live in alignment with who we truly are? From ancient philosophy to modern society, freedom has taken many forms. For the Stoics, freedom meant inner independence — mastering one’s reactions rather than the world. For political thinkers like Rousseau or Mill, freedom was tied to rights, responsibility, and social structures. Existentialists such as Sartre pushed the idea further, claiming that we are “condemned to be free,” burdened with responsibility for our choices whether we want it or not. Spiritual traditions often point inward, suggesting that true freedom arises not from control, but from letting go. In everyday life, freedom feels paradoxical. We desire autonomy, yet we are shaped by culture, relationships, economics, technology, and expectations. More choices don’t always make us feel freer — sometimes they overwhelm us. At the same time, moments of genuine freedom often appear quietly: speaking honestly, setting boundaries, creating something meaningful, or choosing differently than before. So where does freedom actually live — in society, in choice, in mindset, or in action? In this session, we’ll explore freedom not as a slogan or ideal, but as a lived experience that unfolds between inner life and outer reality. Together, we’ll reflect on: * How have philosophers, cultures, and political systems defined freedom? * Is freedom primarily external (rights, choices) or internal (attitude, awareness)? * Can freedom exist without responsibility — or are they inseparable? * Why can too much choice feel restrictive rather than liberating? * How can we experience more freedom in daily life, even within limitations? * What does freedom mean in a world shaped by pressure, speed, and constant comparison? Join us for an open, thoughtful conversation where ideas meet personal experience — a space to question assumptions, share perspectives, and reconnect with what freedom means for *you*. 📅 **Event Details** 🗓️ Date: Saturday, 17 January 2026 ⏰ Time: 14:00 📍 Location: Hardenbergstraße 10, 10623 Berlin 📱 WhatsApp (for prep materials and directions): 👉 **[Join Group Chat](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ba8ZAaH2Yuk6FGmD3LLO7H)**

Just as the moon wanes and waxes in its cycle, the journey of transformation is an enduring rhythm. Each phase in the turns of our lives evokes in us deep psychological and symbolic processes. For, we are the material of transformation. We both tend to and feel the fires that burn away the old self to reveal what will come. Jung associated the four alchemical stages of the transformation process: Nigredo (black), Albedo (white), Citrinitas (yellow), and Rubedo (red) with the stages of personal change. We’ll begin with a short overview of Jung's work on alchemy, focusing on the theory, and include some reflections from his students. Then, we'll move into an open conversation around the themes of transformation, symbol, archetype, and resilience. Reading material: [Four Steps to Transformation](https://appliedjung.com/four-steps-to-transformation/) [Jung and Alchemy](https://scottjeffrey.com/jung-and-alchemy-magnum-opus/)

Dear friends, Please join Wake Up DC for an afternoon of mindful volunteering in celebration of the Martin Luther King Jr Day of Service. We will gather at Picnic Pavilion 29 in Rock Creek Park at noon to enjoy an hour of sitting, walking, and tea meditation, as well as sharing about our teacher, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh's friendship and collaboration with Martin Luther King Jr. At 1 PM, we will join Rock Creek Conservancy at Piney Branch Mini-Oasis for \~2 hrs of litter clean up. Please register for the litter clean up here: [MLK Day: Litter Cleanup at Piney Branch](https://secure.everyaction.com/O4cXKayJNEqP3Do6iscONA2?referrer=luma) From Rock Creek Conservancy: **What to Wear:** Please dress appropriately for the work and weather. We recommend wearing sturdy boots or sneakers and long layers, including pants and long sleeves - this ensures safety and reduces likelihood of exposure to nuisances like poison ivy. **What to bring:** We recommend bringing water, and snacks if desired. Tools and supplies will be provided. Please bring your own gloves if you have them. **Weather/Cancellation Policy:** All participants will be notified via email at least 12 hours before the event start time if an event is canceled due to inclement weather. If you do not hear from us you should assume the event will occur as scheduled. **Please do NOT attend this event if you are or have been experiencing symptoms of illness.**

“Mind is the barrier. No-mind is the door for the inner sky.” — Osho 🌿 In daily life, our minds never stop — filled with thoughts, emotions, and stress. But what if you could step out of that storm and taste the silence waiting within? ✨ *Taste of the Beyond Mind* is a unique **3-hour session** designed to help you: * Release mental clutter through sound, breath, and expression * Allow spontaneous movement and vocal freedom * Drop control and enter effortless presence * Rest deeply in silence and clarity This is not a lecture or a technique to analyze. It’s a safe, playful, and sacred space to directly experience what’s beyond the mind. ### ✨ Benefits ✔ Release emotional and mental tension ✔ Move beyond overthinking into pure being ✔ Experience deep relaxation & reset ✔ Connect with your inner stillness ✔ Discover meditation that begins with expression, not suppression ### ✨ Who Can Join? * Anyone feeling mentally overwhelmed or emotionally stuck * Anyone who struggles with silent meditation or calming the mind * Seekers curious about dynamic, liberating inner work * No prior meditation experience needed — just bring comfortable clothing and an open heart 🗓️ **Date & Time:** January 24,2026 ,9am-12pm 📍 **Location:** DhyanYoga Meditation Center, 15155 Bronze Post Ct, Centreville, VA 💝 **Suggested Donation:** $10 🎟️ Reserve your spot here → [https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/taste-of-the-beyond-mind](https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/taste-of-the-beyond-mind) ✨ Give your mind a break. Step into the beyond. Come taste the silence within.

**Join globally respected cardiologist , Dr. Mohit Gupta, as we explore how our thoughts impact our physical health and overall well-being.** Our thoughts are far more powerful than we often realize. A single thought has the capacity to influence our emotions, shape our health, strengthen or strain our relationships, and quietly guide the course of our lives. The Power of One Thought is an insightful session that explores how conscious and intentional thinking impacts the brain, heart, and overall well-being. Through a thoughtful blend of scientific evidence and meditative practice, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how thought patterns influence stress, emotional resilience, mental clarity, and long-term health. In this session, Dr. Mohit Gupta seamlessly integrates modern neuroscience and cardiology with the wisdom of Raj Yoga meditation, offering practical insights into emotional regulation, cardiovascular health, and the slowing of biological aging. He uses his own life stories of Belief and Resilience. The experience is designed to be reflective, engaging, and immediately applicable to both personal and professional life. This session is ideal for individuals seeking inner clarity, emotional balance, and a deeper understanding of how one consciously chosen thought can create lasting transformation. **About Dr. Mohit Gupta** *Dr. Mohit Dayal Gupta, MD, DM, FACC, FRCP, is a globally respected interventional cardiologist and Director–Professor of Cardiology at GB Pant Hospital, New Delhi, and serves as Cardiologist to the Parliament of India. A four-time TEDx speaker, he has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed scientific publications and is a Fellow of leading international cardiology institutions.* *A distinguished clinician–scientist, Dr. Gupta’s current research focuses on the effects of Raj Yoga meditation on biological aging and cardiovascular resilience. Associated with the Brahma Kumaris since childhood, he is widely known for his rare ability to bridge cardiology, neuroscience, meditation, and spirituality, offering a compelling perspective on holistic health and conscious leadership.* Fri., Jan. 30th, 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/wt8yd](https://shorturl.at/wt8yd)

**\*\*Please note we are starting 15 minutes early because of a conflict with the room at 2:45 pm.\*\*** Embarking on an exploration of African philosophy before the modern era immediately raises surprising questions of scope, method, and interpretation. We might think we know what we mean by the term “Africa,” but if we are referring to the continent, then we have to ask questions such as: should we start our investigation with Saint Augustine? He was, after all, ethnically an African Berber. Yet it seems obvious that he fits more comfortably into the European philosophical tradition. What about the thought of ancient Egypt, wherefrom we can trace an influence on the Greeks, especially regarding mathematics? Moreover, both Christianity and Islam extended their reach into Africa. When we encounter their influence, should we treat them as alien interventions, or as ways of thinking that integrated into African cultures? Methodological problems emerge because much of the wisdom traditions of Africa were never recorded in writing but were passed down orally across generations. Can any of the ideas of those traditions be recovered? If so, is there any way of understanding them on their own terms, or do they inevitably become polluted by the modern, and often colonial, interpretations through which they are viewed? Indeed, examining African philosophy raises definitional questions: should we consider philosophy to be something done by the elite scholars and sages of a society, or should it refer to the wider worldview of the culture itself, as its people grapple with questions of being, knowledge, and the best ways to live together? Furthermore, if we don’t think of Africa as a mere landmass, but in terms of culture, then we must ask: is there a singular African culture? While scholars sometimes sought for a monolithically “African” philosophy in the past, it seems clear that there are a diversity of cultural and philosophical traditions that must be accounted for. For our purposes, we will leave aside Augustine (whom we previously addressed in detail as part of the Greco-Roman canon) and examine three areas of African philosophy for which contemporary scholars have found enough material to extensively analyze. First, due to the existence of a written record, the thought of ancient Egypt and its sages are available to us to some degree. We will read some secondary scholarship that can give us at least a fragmentary look into a world far removed from ours that seems very different, yet at the same time familiar. Next, the Ethiopian thinker Zera Yacob and his protege Walda Heywat wrote their “Hatatas,” or inquiries, in the 1500s, and demonstrated that serious philosophical thinking was occurring in Africa under an education system that was quite different from the European one. At the same time their thought was influenced by Christianity and its disputes with indigenous traditions, Islam, and Judaism. Yacob recorded the interesting story of his life and in the process asked deep questions about his relationship to his deity and the world, as well as the best way to live. His student Heywat then followed in his footsteps, providing his own philosophical take on perennial questions. Finally, we will read additional secondary literature on a variety of African philosophical topics, including sage philosophy, oral philosophy, what it means to be a person, and the concept of Ubuntu. This month we will read *[The Hatata Inquiries](https://www.amazon.com/Hatata-Inquiries-Seventeenth-Century-Philosophy-Responsibilities/dp/3112214110)*, by Zera Yacob and Walda Heywat, which is available in paperback on Amazon. Please read pages 1-8 and 71-160. The front matter (maps and figures, chronology, histories of the manuscripts) is also of interest. Additionally, please read the following chapters in *[Africana Philosophy from Ancient Egypt to the Nineteenth Centur](https://www.amazon.com/Africana-Philosophy-Ancient-Nineteenth-Century-ebook/dp/B0F1LLX3WB)y*: 2, 4, 5, 6, 12, 15, 16, 17, and 20. Each chapter is short, and they total about 90 pages of reading. Chapters 8, 9, 10, and 18 are also informative, but optional. This text is available in print and for Kindle on Amazon. Since we are dealing with pre-modern African philosophy in this session, we will delay exploring philosophy among the African diaspora or modern African thinkers until later meetings. **Secondary Resources** *Wikipedia:* [Zera Yacob](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zera_Yacob_%28philosopher%29) [Walda Heywat](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walda_Heywat) [African Philosophy](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_philosophy) *Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy:* [Africana Philosophy (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/africana/) [African Sage Philosophy (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/african-sage/) [Akan Philosophy of the Person (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/akan-person/)

**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 the Brahma Kumaris Center, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl, Suite 200, 2ndFloor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/wkJfe](https://shorturl.at/wkJfe)

**Happiness is a Decision** Happiness does not come from outside, it comes from inside, and when you radiate a happy energy, you'll be amazed by what it attracts into your life. Wed., Jan. 21st, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. Held at Brahma Kumaris, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl., Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Chantilly, VA. Free event - Register at: [https://shorturl.at/9BR5y](https://shorturl.at/9BR5y)

Whether you're new to Insight meditation or an advanced practitioner looking for like-minded people to sit with, you're welcome to join us at our Sunday morning drop-in group, sponsored by the Insight Meditation Community of Washington. Insight meditation cultivates our natural wisdom and compassion. Meditation practice develops concentration, which allows us to calm and steady the mind. This class includes a 30-minute lightly-guided meditation, followed by a short talk and time for questions and discussion. The size of the group usually runs somewhere between 25-40 people in-person and between 12-25 online. Chairs are provided, or you may bring a sitting cushion or bench. You may also use the blankets and bolsters offered by the yoga studio. **We offer both in-person and online attendance.** To learn more about our topics and teachers, view our videos or **get the Zoom link**, visit our [class page](https://imcw.org/event/?eventId=735&utm_source=MeetUp&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=vienna-drop-in).