Ramana Maharshi

**Nirvana Shatakam – Shankara's Six Verses on Freedom** Most spiritual paths tell you to become something. This teaching does the opposite. Through six ancient verses by Adi Shankara, you discover who you are by removing what you're NOT – the body, mind, and roles you play. What remains is your limitless nature that was always here. Over seven months, we'll unpack these verses line by line, transforming how you see yourself and your life. **What You'll Learn** * How you mistake yourself for body, mind, emotions, and roles * Why self-knowledge differs from self-improvement * Why you've never actually been bound – and what keeps that recognition hidden * What it means to recognise yourself as the sought, not the seeker **About the Teacher** Andre Vas teaches Vedanta full-time under the Swami Dayananda (Arsha Vidya) lineage. As a former business owner, he relates deeply to householders juggling work, family, and inner growth. Known for making knowledge stick through lived experience, not just concepts. **Who This Is For** No prior background needed. For anyone noticing that acquiring more, achieving more, or becoming better doesn't stick. For those with burning curiosity and a hunger to know, understand, and live this wisdom. **I'll set up group discussions also to help us make new friends.** **When & Where** 📅 Feb 21, 2026 – Every Saturday, 2:00-4:00pm Melbourne time 📍 3 Anjaya Court, Blackburn, Melbourne **More info: [YesVedanta.com/nirvana](https://YesVedanta.com/nirvana)**

🥟🔥 **Momos, Mirth & Magnificent Flavours!** 🔥🥟 **Dinner at Aagaman Indian–Nepalese Restaurant, Rosanna** Calling all adventurous eaters (and confirmed **momo freaks** — yes, it’s absolutely a THING 😆) from the **Melbourne Women’s Over 50 Friendship Group – Northern Branch**! We’re off to **Aagaman Indian Nepalese Restaurant** for a dinner that’s a little bit different and *very* delicious. Expect gorgeous Nepalese flavours alongside Indian favourites — think dumplings you dream about, spices that flirt (not shout), and plates you’ll want to talk about all night. 📅 **Friday 21st February** 🕕 **6:00 PM** 📍 **137 Lower Plenty Rd, Rosanna VIC 3084** Why you’ll love it: 🥟 Nepalese momos (steamed, juicy, legendary) 🌶️ Fabulous, less-ordinary flavours 😂 Laughter, friendship, and zero cooking or washing up Come hungry, come curious, and come ready to declare your undying love for dumplings. This is dinner with personality — and excellent company to match. ✨ RSVP wisely — momo regret is real if you miss out 😉 MENU: https://aagamanrestaurant.com.au/aagaman-rosanna-lower-plenty-rd/ Parking over the road and around the corner. At 6pm won't be an issue.

Together we will explore the Hero’s Journey (Monomyth) as a guide to personal transformation. Most epic stories follow a similar pattern. An ordinary person faces a challenge, goes through trials, and emerges on the other side transformed. The first session is an overview of the Heroes Journey; we will follow Luke Skywalker ala Star Wars. This session will give participants the opportunity to self-reflect as we go through the stages based on the model created by Joseph Campbell. After the break - the second session - we invite you to take a deeper dive, through meditation, self-reflection and group ritual; you are welcome to bring a small object that holds meaning for the Temanos.

This year for the discussion and practice group we will read and discuss Christina Baldwin’s book, *Life’s Companion, Journal Writing as Spiritual Practice.* We will not only discuss the book but also do the practice of writing. The participants need to purchase the book and read sections, and do some or all of the writing exercises for that section, between meetings. Then come along to class to connect, share, discuss and be enriched by each other along the way. In class we may also do other processes to enrich the journey. Saturday nights once a month – 6.45 for 7pm start til 9pm. Dates: Feb 14th, Mar 21st, Apr 18th, May 23rd, June 20th, July 18th, Aug 15th, Sept 26th, Oct 17th, Nov 21st. The cost for the year is $180. To sign up for the group and pay, follow this link to the Jung Society webpage: https://www.jungsocietymelbourne.com/discussion-and-practice-group-new-for-2026 The blurb for books says: In this classic book you will discover the intimate journey of personal and spiritual development that is possible through the practice of journal writing. It offers readers guidance and inspiration to this powerful way of expanding our inner horizons and opening our minds and spirits to a deeper relationship with the world and the people around us. Complete with enlightening quotations, exercises, sample journal entries, and techniques to nurture and encourage the writer and seeker within you. Life’s Companion will help you transform journaling into a powerful tool for self-growth, heightened awareness, and personal fulfilment.

Join us for some games of (Japanese) Riichi Mahjong at Good Games Box Hill. We welcome beginners and seasoned players alike; let us know ahead of time if you are a beginner. We play with WRC rules with red fives. Please see the following website for more information regarding rules ([https://www.worldriichi.org/wrc-rules](https://www.worldriichi.org/wrc-rules)). Games are timed at 75 minutes + 1 additional hand and scores are tracked on https://scores.vicriichi.org/. Have the best 10 consecutive games between 1 February 2026 and 30 April 2026 to earn a $50 gift card to spend at Good Games! Entry fee: $5. If paying by cash, please pay at the counter. This money is used to pay for our use of the store space, maintaining equipment and other meetup services, and organising larger events open to everyone! Please change your RSVP to not going if you're no longer able to attend. This will give the next person on the waitlist the opportunity to attend. There is free parking available in the Care Park on Watts St next to the store. Want to support Victorian Riichi Mahjong and receive exclusive benefits? Then become an official member! For $30/year, members receive an extensive benefits package that includes: -Eligibility to discuss and vote on Club matters during live Club meetings, and to vote and run for Leadership Officer positions. -Complimentary Vic Riichi merchandise every membership year. -Early access and discounted entry fees for events and tournaments. -Mahjong coaching, workshops, study sessions, and online log reviews. -Access to exclusive members-only merchandise and events. -Access to meetup benefits such as discounted loyalty cards. Please see [here](https://www.vicriichi.org/membership) for more info! If you would like to connect with other Victorian/Australian Riichi Mahjong players online, check out our website, [https://www.vicriichi.org](https://www.vicriichi.org), and join the [Victorian Riichi Mahjong Association (VRMA)](https://vicriichi.org/discord) and [Australian Riichi Mahjong Association (ARMA)](https://discord.gg/m8rYv4fS4F) Discord groups!

It has been organised for everyone keen to be mindfulness practicing and finding Inner peace. The session led by monks with Buddhist meditation techniques. And free refreshments provided. 2:00-2:15 Dhamma talk 2:15- 3:00 Meditation 3:00 onwards relaxation and refreshment served

Meditation practicing

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.

Camberwell Meditation Group Find Your Inner Peace within. Take a moment to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with your inner peace. Join our friendly community every Saturday afternoon for a peaceful guided meditation session led by a teaching monk, who will share simple techniques to relax the mind and find clarity — no religious commitment required. 🕑 Every Saturday \| 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM 📍 Camberwell Meditation 41 Cookson Street, Camberwell, Melbourne VIC 3124 (Just a short walk from Camberwell Railway Station) 🌼 About the Session Each 60-minute class offers a calm and welcoming space to rest, recharge, and experience peace of mind. * 🧘‍♂️ Guided Meditation (in English) by a Teaching Monk * 💬 Gentle reflections and Q & A * ☕ Light refreshments served afterward * 💝 Donations welcome * You don’t need any experience — just bring an open mind and a kind heart. Our approach is simple, practical, and suitable for everyone. 🌿 Why Join Us? * Relax and release stress from your busy week. * Recharge your mind and body with calm energy. * Learn meditation techniques that can support mindfulness in everyday life. * Meet kind and like-minded people who value peace and balance. Meditation helps you discover calmness and clarity within yourself — something everyone can benefit from, regardless of background or belief. 🌷

**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?

Are you looking for something different, if so, I would like to invite you to come on a healing journey to discover peace and harmony within yourself and life. If this is of interest to you, the first class is free, as it's an introduction to the explorations of mindfulness/meditation with a spiritual flavour. If you choose to return (no obligation), then a small amount is asked of $5 per class. What a wonderful opportunity to explore your physical, emotional, mental and soul bodies and how they are all inter-related and all can be greatly affected with the stresses and challenges of everyday life. Through engaging with an energetic hygiene process that I facilitate, you will be able to cleanse your energy field on a daily basis. With the event/class there is a variety being presented each week, always a guided meditation, followed by either reflection on self-care through working with a variety of gentle approach resources (which will be given to you to take, if you choose), as well as, listening to different short mindfulness cds. All you need to bring is yourself and a crystal, if you like.

**Making Herbal Infusions** Carlton, 21st February, 2026, 1.30-3.30 pm. This is a paid event ($50). Please get your tickets here: https://www.trybooking.com/DJMBR We will learn how to prepare a herbal water infusion to support stamina and vitality, with a light-handed alchemical approach. Think of it as a craft demonstration with symbolism. The point is to explore how intention, timing, and boundaries can sharpen a practical routine — and how the same drink can feel different when you treat it like a piece of art rather than a beverage you forget in the fridge. We’ll begin with a short tea ceremony to arrive, settle the nervous system, and mark a transition from the noise of the day into a more attentive space. We’ll drink tea together, letting the body unwind and the senses sharpen. From there, the rest of the afternoon tends to move more easily. After the tea, we’ll watch a short video I’ve made that visually walks through the infusion process. The video shows each step clearly, so everyone has a grounded reference point. It’s less about instruction in the usual sense and more about showing rhythm, timing, and care—how small gestures add up when you’re working with plants, water, and intention. Once the video ends, we’ll open the floor for discussion. We’ll talk about the herbs involved, why certain combinations support endurance rather than stimulation, and how simple symbolic actions can help anchor habits in the body. Questions, observations, and personal experience are all welcome. If you’re someone who likes to know “why” as much as “how,” there will be room for that. The magical or alchemical element is kept grounded and practical. We’ll explore how older systems thought about vitality—not as endless energy, but as something cultivated through balance, rhythm, and respect for limits. The focus is on steadiness rather than force, and on practices you could realistically repeat at home without special tools or ingredients. No substances will be consumed beyond tea. You don’t need prior experience with herbalism or alchemy. Curiosity and a willingness to slow down are enough. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of how to make the infusion on your own, along with a framework for approaching everyday acts—like preparing a drink—as moments of care rather than chores. If nothing else, the afternoon offers a pause: a chance to sit with others, drink something warm, and remember that stamina is often built quietly, one small, attentive action at a time. No dietary, health advice, or any professional service is offered at the event.

Attend a free seminar on how to have successful and lasting relationships. At this seminar you will learn: How to spot and handle negative and toxic relationships. How to get through the "rough patches" in a relationship. How to choose the right people to work with. The three things that make or break any relationship. How to make a good relationship great. All are welcome. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. Hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

Our next much-awaited **COLUMBUS** meetup is **Tuesday February 24 from 7-10 pm at ACE OF CUPS**. Meet patients, cultivators, processors, dispensary managers/staff, physicians, home growers, educators, activists, nonprofits, artists, attorneys, business owners, writers, students, and supporters to network, share our knowledge, collaborate, support each other and make new friends! WE HOPE TO BE COLLECTING SIGNATURES TO OVERTURN SB56. BRING YOUR FRIENDS, COLLEAGUES AND FAMILY MEMBERS TO JOIN US AND SIGN! Hope you will be there too! Save the date and pass the word. **Please RSVP** so we know who is coming and how many to expect. Find us to say hi and we will introduce you to others. We should be easy to spot. (The happy-looking group wearing cool nametags! See photos from our past events.) Sign in, grab a name tag, start your own bar/food tab, meet old friends and make new ones! Everyone is welcome. SEE YOU THERE!

As you may or may not know--I didn't until late last year--Aristotle wrote extensively on "friendship" in the Nicomachean Ethics. After 69 years the concept of friendship still creates questions and uncertainty. I had close friends in high school and for a few years after high school but our interests diverged and people moved all over the country so it was hard to maintain connections. * So if I/you haven't talked with a friend for several years, are you still friends? Are we friends who meet at Drunken Philosophy or Omnipresent Atheists? * Can you be friends with someone with whom you have virulently divergent political views? Sartre and Camus could not. * Aristotle regarded friendship as essential to a good life, not merely an added "bonus." Do you agree? * In the Nicomachean Ethics (Books VIII and IX), he claims that wealth and power are meaningless without friends. Trump has wealth and power but seems to have no real friends, but wealth and power seem meaningful to him in perverted ways. Can you have meaning in your life without friends? * Do men and women view and maintain friendships in different ways? * Aristotle categorizes friendship into three types, based on what forms the bond: * **Utility**: Based on mutual benefit, but this type is fragile and ends when the usefulness ceases. * **Pleasure**: Based on shared enjoyment (e.g., humor, hobbies). Common among youth but fades as interests change. * **Virtue (The "Complete" Friendship)**: Based on mutual respect for each other's character and goodness. You wish good for the other for their sake, not yours. * **Key Principles of "True" (Virtuous) Friendship:** * **Permanence**: Virtuous friendships last a lifetime whereas those based on utility and pleasure are fleeting. * **Reciprocity**: Requires mutual goodwill; secret or unreciprocated affection does not qualify. * **The "Second Self"**: A true friend is "another self"—their virtue helps you understand and improve yourself. * **Time and Intimacy**: Deep ("complete") friendships are few, built on time and shared experiences. * **Self-Love and Friendship:** * Good friendship starts with being a friend to yourself. * They distinguish shallow egoism (chasing honors) from real self-love (pursuing virtue). * A virtuous person’s pleasant self-company allows them to be a stable, good friend to others. * Aristotle argues that one's social circle ultimately reflects one's character—a view with striking relevance today. Well--the Drunken Philosophy social circle certainly reflects good character!

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.