Secularism

The MLAI Meetup is a community for AI researchers and professionals which hosts monthly talks on exciting research. Our format is: * 6:00 - 6:20: Socializing * 6:20 - 6:40: Announcements and AI news * 6:40 - 7:40: Talk(s) and Q&A * 7:40 - 8:00 Networking * 8:00: Head to the nearest pub for dinner **Long Dang & David Rawlinson: "The surprising efficiency of recurrent reasoning models"** **Abstract:** Large Language models (LLMs) still struggle with reasoning problems, defined as devising and executing complex, goal-oriented action sequences. Current solutions, such as Chain-of-Thought (CoT) and Test-Time Compute (TTC) techniques, can suffer from brittle task decomposition. In addition, auto-regressive output generation is prone to errors, which usually cannot be rectified. In 2025 the Hierarchical Reasoning Model (HRM) was introduced by Wang et al (1). On 3 reasoning problems (Extreme-Sudoku, Maze navigation, and ARC-AGI tasks) HRM demonstrated performance comparable to large, pre-trained LLMs with orders of magnitude fewer trainable parameters and no pre-training. HRM uses a process of repeated recurrent convergence between two modules to produce a latent representing a problem solution. Shortly after, Jolicoeur-Martineau released a pre-print (2) describing a thorough ablation of the ideas in HRM and her derivative model, known as the Tiny Recursive Model (TRM). TRM uses a similar recursive convergence process, even fewer parameters, and yet obtains 45% test-accuracy on ARC-AGI-1 and 8% on ARC-AGI-2, higher than most LLMs (e.g., Deepseek R1, o3-mini, Gemini 2.5 Pro) with less than 0.01% of the parameters. Finally, Dang and Rawlinson’s 2025 preprint explores HRM as a reinforcement learning Agent, allowing it to be applied to dynamic, uncertain or partially observable reasoning problems, or where the “correct” action is undefined (HRM and TRM use supervised learning). They demonstrate that computation from previous environment time-steps can be re-used during execution of a plan, crucial to efficiency and continuity of thought. **References:** 1- Hierarchical Reasoning Model by Guan Wang, Jin Li, Yuhao Sun, Xing Chen, Changling Liu, Yue Wu, Meng Lu, Sen Song, and Yasin Abbasi Yadkori (2025) [https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.21734](https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.21734) 2- Less is More: Recursive Reasoning with Tiny Networks by Alexia Jolicoeur-Martineau (2025) [https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.04871](https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.04871) **3- HRM-Agent: Training a recurrent reasoning model in dynamic environments using reinforcement learning** by Long H Dang and David Rawlinson (2025) [https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.22832](https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.22832) **Speaker bios:** **Long Dang** is currently working as Data Scientist in WSP after graduating with a Bachelor in Computer science from Monash University. He is interested in understanding how neural networks work and how we can do interesting things with them. His current hobbies are learning Japanese and watching youtube. **David Rawlinson** has worked in ML and AI R&D for over 25 years. He has a BSc in Computer Science and AI from Sussex University in the UK and a PhD in robotics & computer vision from Monash University in Melbourne. Currently, he works as a Principal Data Scientist for WSP, an engineering consulting company. He also maintains Causal Wizard ( [https://causalwizard.app](https://causalwizard.app/) ) a ML software application to help people apply causal inference to their data.

Event Organizers Wanted for this group. Let us know what it is you wish to Organize from time to time. RSVP yes for this meetup or contact the groups Organizer.

Are you looking for an opportunity to learn more about Buddhism and meditation? Come and join us for our regular Buddhist meditation sessions every Tuesday. Every session will start with a short introductory and will be followed by a guided, 20 - 30 minute meditation. Feel free to join us after the session for some social time and questions and answers. The evening is free of charge, but donations are always welcome. More info can be found here: https://diamondway.org.au/centres/melbourne

**Event posted on facebook & our website too so number of people responding here does not show actual numbers attending.** Let’s have fun exploring the worlds of angels & nature spirits. You might find you garden suddenly blooming or your pockets full of gold! These workshops are open to anyone that wishes to come along; and at which we will be exploring, in a hands-on fashion (in other words, you get to do some of the conjuration – if you wish – or you can just watch) the invocation and evocation of angels, planetary spirits, elementals, daemons, etc. You don’t need to wear magical robes or bring magical tools or weapons but are welcome to do so if you wish. ***Warning for those with sensitive noses. We will be burning incense.*** **Cost:** $20 **When:** Tuesday 20th January - arrive between 6.30 & 7pm if you can. We go to at least 9pm. **Where:** 130 Boronia Road, Vermont, Melbourne, 3133 **Contact:** David 03 9873 3736 or [esoteric666@optusnet.com.au](mailto:esoteric666@optusnet.com.au) ***For more details click this link:*** [https://esotericbookshop.org/invocation-evocation-magic-workshops/](https://esotericbookshop.org/invocation-evocation-magic-workshops/) ***How to find us click this link:*** [https://esotericbookshop.org/contact-us/](https://esotericbookshop.org/contact-us/) For more background information see our website blog on[ ](https://esotericbookshop.org/high-ritual-ceremonial-magick/)***[ceremonial magic](https://esotericbookshop.org/high-ritual-ceremonial-magick/)***

You are welcome to our weekly free meditation classes in Point Cook. Learn simple and effective ways to help experience the peace of true meditation. Balance your subtle system to deepen your meditation; watch a short video with simple and practical explanations by Sahaja Yoga founder, Shri Mataji. No physical exercises, postures or special clothing required; chairs are provided. For enquiries, please contact Rupesh on +61 404 198 638 Class held in activity room 2.

Enjoy brunch at a new local fav.

THESE Day time Events are for those Ready to gain more information about Spiritual Growth, THE JOURNEY. It has been slotted to run for 3 Hours, but anyone can stay the entire time or freely choose to leave early. I have DVD or CD recordings that help those interested get a far greater understanding about Jesus / Isa / Yoshua's Teachings (Same Brilliant Man/ Eternal Soul when on Earth and named Differently by 3 Different Religions - Christian - Jesus, Muslim - Isa and Jewish - Yoshua). There are also DVD or CD recordings from Joseph Campbell, Deepak Chopra, Mother Theresa, Stuart Wilde, David Hawkins, Esther Hicks, Dennis Waitley, Gregg Braden, Wayne Dyer and Other Smart Spiritual and Gifted Teachers of The Human Mind and Spirit. Topics that can be covered include: How "A Course in Miracles" came to be, Near Death Experiences, The Second Coming, The Evolution of Mankind's Spiritual Understanding, The Human Ego, Buddhism, The Christian Teachings EDITED FROM The Bible, Taoism, Ayurveda, Zen, Chi, The Bhagavad - Gita and Guided Meditations. We can workout on the Day what to watch, listen to or discuss to advance The Group Spiritually. There are Guided Meditations, The Entire - A Course in Miracles and many of The Current and Recently Departed Famous Spiritual Teachers on CD. There are also DVD's and CD's for learning how to control Emotions and Reduce Stress. NOTE: SPIRITUAL TRUTH can be stranger than what most humans call fiction on this planet, which has a long history of Hardship, War, Struggle with a sprinkle of Beauty, Excitement and Peace to attract us, give value and delay or purpose of rising above this dimension.

This five-day retreat will take you to the heart of the revolutionary insight of Buddhism, that life and death are in the mind, and nowhere else. In Dzogchen—the most direct stream of wisdom within the teachings of Buddhism—the mind is revealed as the universal basis of experience: the creator of happiness and the creator of suffering. Guided by the teachings of the Buddha, deep reflection, and our own personal meditative insight, we will investigate exactly *how* the mind is the root of our entire reality. This exploration leads to a profound certainty and confidence in our mind’s essence: the lucid, pure awareness that underlies the whole of life and death. The foundation of trust in our inherently pure nature, allows us to investigate * how the mind’s unending display of thoughts and emotions are workable * the cognitive and emotional patterns of delusion that perpetuate samsara; and * the challenging, yet liberating notion, that ‘samsara is mind turned outwardly, lost in its projection, whereas nirvana is mind turned inwardly, recognising its nature.’ This paves the way to the profound method of leaving the mind unaltered in its true nature, finding a natural great peace, bliss and clarity. The retreat will allow for reflection and meditation on the teachings tailored to each participants’ prior experience: from complete beginners to ngondro, and dzogchen practitioners. Join us for a journey from our ordinary, everyday mind, to the true essence and nature of mind. **Attend one day or all five.** Streamed live each day from Sydney, with support from instructors in our centre. Any queries email Garry at [[gazroth@hotmail.com](mailto:gazroth@hotmail.com) Register here [https://registration.rigpa.org.au/civicrm/event/info?id=1318&reset=1](https://registration.rigpa.org.au/civicrm/event/info?id=1318&reset=1)

**Update:** This event is now full. The next event for Grampians is on Sat, 21st March - [https://www.meetup.com/exploremelb/events/312729182](https://www.meetup.com/exploremelb/events/312729182) We are heading to Grampians National Park, one of the most incredible places in Victoria to lose yourself in nature for a while. We will book a bus with a driver. Our events are only open to people aged 18 years and older. Please follow these two steps to confirm your spot: Step 1: Please RSVP to this event on meetup. Step 2: Please buy the bus ticket via Trybooking ($99 - Early Bird, $119 - Regular): [https://www.trybooking.com/DHNVK](https://www.trybooking.com/DHNVK) Payments are managed through Trybooking and not Meetup. You will see an **"Unpaid"** status on your RSVP. The only thing you need is the Trybooking ticket which you will receive by email. I will manually update the meetup payment status closer to the event date. Trybooking payments are non-refundable. There is no option to transfer the ticket to a new date. Trybooking payments will be refunded only if the event is cancelled or moved to a new date. If you are a digital creator or youtuber, please message the organizer before buying the ticket. Meeting Point: Let's meet in the Corner of Russell and Flinders Street (Federation Square Bus stop) at 8:45 AM. We should be back at Federation Square Bus Stop around 9 pm. Map: [https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=-37.817028%2C%20144.97006](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=-37.817028%2C%20144.97006) This is a rain or shine event. Cost: Bus Ticket: $99 - Early Bird $119 - Regular Lunch: Varies (depends on what you buy at Halls Gap). Tentative list of locations we will be visiting: **Halls Gap**: Stop at Halls Gap for a lunch break (own expense). **If you are lucky**, The Halls Gap Recreation Reserve is a fantastic place to see **Kangaroos** in the Grampians. **Boroka Lookout**: Picturesque views of mountain ranges, lakes & plains. (Please **stay within the safety barriers for your own safety**. In the news: [https://bit.ly/3o3MvAI](https://bit.ly/3o3MvAI) ) **Reed Lookout:** From the summit of Reed Lookout you will enjoy stunning views over the entire Victoria Valley, Victoria Range, Serra Range, Lake Wartook, and the Mt Difficult Range on a clear day. (Not much walking involved) **The Balconies -** Stroll along the gravel path lined with native shrubs and plants, leading up to the lookout, where you can take in breathtaking panoramic views of Victoria Valley and the nearby ranges. **MacKenzie Falls** \- MacKenzie Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in Victoria\. Flowing year round\, the falls sees water cascade over huge cliffs into a deep pool\, sending fine sprays of rainbow mist high into the air above a stunning gorge\. **Grand Canyon -** Climb your way through a stunning gorge beneath towering rock walls on this short but challenging hike. Take a moment to pause, listen to the gentle stream, and soak in the natural echoes all around you. Please follow us on Social Media for photos, videos & updates: [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@explore-melbourne) \| [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/exploremelb) \| [Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/exploremelb) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/xpmelb/) \| [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@exploremelbourne) \| [ExploreMelbourne.AU](https://exploremelbourne.au/) Explore Melbourne is the largest meetup group in Australia with more than 42,000 members. We know these group rules won’t suit everybody, and that’s okay—there are many other groups where you might feel more at home. To keep things safe, fun, and positive, we have 8 simple rules for people attending our events. Over the past 9 years, we’ve removed 342 people (around 0.8%) for breaking them—so please read carefully! ❌ Not a dating group – We’re here to make friends and share experiences, not find soulmates. 📵 No phone numbers – You’re welcome to swap social media if you both agree, but please don’t share or ask for phone numbers. Please don’t add people to WhatsApp or other groups. 🔞 Our events are only open to people aged 18 and older. 📢 No advertising – Please don’t promote other events, groups, or businesses here. 😅 Don’t be clingy – Give people space to mingle and chat with others too. 🚗 No carpooling – For safety reasons and insurance coverage, we don’t allow carpooling or ride-sharing through the group. 💰 No sales pitches – That means no selling, MLMs, pyramid schemes, or “life-changing mentorships.” Keep it scam-free. By joining an event, you agree to follow these rules. Breaking them means removal from all our groups—no exceptions. Thank you! **Liability Waiver:** The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property at this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your safety and well-being. By joining this event, you agree to the liability waiver mentioned here: [https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/](https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/)

THESE Day time Events are for those Ready to gain more information about Spiritual Growth, THE JOURNEY. It has been slotted to run for 3 Hours, but anyone can stay the entire time or freely choose to leave early. I have DVD or CD recordings that help those interested get a far greater understanding about Jesus / Isa / Yoshua's Teachings (Same Brilliant Man/ Eternal Soul when on Earth and named Differently by 3 Different Religions - Christian - Jesus, Muslim - Isa and Jewish - Yoshua). There are also DVD or CD recordings from Joseph Campbell, Deepak Chopra, Mother Theresa, Stuart Wilde, David Hawkins, Esther Hicks, Dennis Waitley, Gregg Braden, Wayne Dyer and Other Smart Spiritual and Gifted Teachers of The Human Mind and Spirit. Topics that can be covered include: How "A Course in Miracles" came to be, Near Death Experiences, The Second Coming, The Evolution of Mankind's Spiritual Understanding, The Human Ego, Buddhism, The Christian Teachings EDITED FROM The Bible, Taoism, Ayurveda, Zen, Chi, The Bhagavad - Gita and Guided Meditations. We can workout on the Day what to watch, listen to or discuss to advance The Group Spiritually. There are Guided Meditations, The Entire - A Course in Miracles and many of The Current and Recently Departed Famous Spiritual Teachers on CD. There are also DVD's and CD's for learning how to control Emotions and Reduce Stress. NOTE: SPIRITUAL TRUTH can be stranger than what most humans call fiction on this planet, which has a long history of Hardship, War, Struggle with a sprinkle of Beauty, Excitement and Peace to attract us, give value and delay or purpose of rising above this dimension.

* 🌏 **MELBOURNE - Tarra-Bulga** 🏙️ * 📅 SUN **25 JAN, DAY TRIP☀️** * ✨ Follow the Ferns, Find the Stillness. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🌿 **Join Us for A Day of Rainforest Magic Awaits!** 🌿 Let Tarra-Bulga surround you with its wild beauty—soaring Mountain Ash, lush fern gullies, and cool rainforest trails. We’ll cross the famous Suspension Bridge, explore secret waterfalls, enjoy meditation and grounding, and gather for a relaxing picnic with a fruit platter. Nature, adventure, and good vibes all in one unforgettable day. **\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-** 🎒 **All-Inclusive — Just $99!** ✔️ Guided 9 km hike + all gear 🥾 ✔️ Unlimited **snacks** & refreshments 🥤 ✔️ Coffee & tea throughout the day ☕ ✔️ **Fruit** platter 🍏 ✔️ **Meditation** & relaxation session ✨ ✔️ **Comfortable Mercedes minivan transport** (round trip) 🚐 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **📍 Your Adventure Itinerary** 🚐 **7:00 AM** – Pick-up from **St Paul’s Cathedral, Flinders Street** 🥐 **8:00 AM** – Stop for a **break** ☕ **9:00 AM** – Arrival + **morning coffee, tea & snacks** (provided) 🥾 **9:15 AM** – **Hiking adventure** (9 km, 180m elevation) 🥗 **1:30 PM** – **Picnic lunch + coffee/tea/snacks** (provided, BYO lunch welcome) ✨ **2:30 PM** – **Meditation + Fruit platter** 🍏 🌊 **3:30 PM** – Explore the **Waterfall** 🔭 **4:30 PM** – Take in **breathtaking lookout views** 🦘 **4:30 PM** – Enjoy a **scenic drive** 🚐 **6:30 PM** – Return to Melbourne (**drop-off at Hamer Hall**) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🎒 What to Bring** ✅ **BYO lunch** 🥪 (we can buy on the way) ✅ **Warm, wind-water-resistant clothing** 🧥 ✅ **Hiking shoes** (available for free if needed) 🥾 ✅ **Long sleeves, long pants, hat** 🧢 ✅ **A positive attitude** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **💰 How to Book?** Secure your spot with a **$99 transfer** **Please note:** An RSVP alone does not secure your spot — only a transfer confirms your place on the trip. Thanks for understanding! 🔹 **PayID:** 0414 661 458 🔹 **Bank Transfer:** **NAME:** KARAPETIAN G **BSB:** 013233 **ACCOUNT:** 226325836 **Ref:** WP 🌟 **Limited spots available—RSVP now!** S*pots are only confirmed once payment is received !!!* \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ❗️**Please Note:** **Payments are only credited or refunded if the event is canceled or rescheduled by the organizer.** In all other circumstances, payments are **non-refundable and non-transferable**. ❗️Thank you for understanding and supporting the planning involved in creating these experiences! 🌿 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Feel free to ask if you have any questions!** 😊 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 📩 **Got questions? DM me anytime!** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🌿✨ Don’t miss this **epic day of adventure, nature, and fun!** ✨🌊 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Visit our sources: https://www.facebook.com/groups/812911556223655/?ref=share Instagram: nogeography.hike.kayak https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/no-geography-hike-and-kayak/ * Rainforest Light. Waterfall Sound. Pure Calm. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **LIABILITY WAIVER** The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property on this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. By joining this event you agree to these terms. ## **COVID-19 Safety Measures** * The event host is instituting the above safety measures for this event. * Please do not attend if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, or sore throat. * If you have recently tested positive for COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has, we kindly ask that you refrain from attending. * Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in keeping our community safe!

The discussion topic for this meetup will be identity and whether or not history is a necessary condition for consciousness as Dretske proposed. James

Dale Gnidovec, Curator of the Orton Hall Museum of Geology at The Ohio State University, will be presenting a program he has wanted to share with us for a long time: Plate Tectonics. His description of his program: Continents on the move - Nothing in Earth history makes sense without moving continents - it tells us why mountains, volcanoes, minerals, and fossils are where they are. This talk examines the evidence for continental drift, why it was disbelieved, and explains how the more-encompassing theory of plate tectonics was developed and eventually proven. Dale is an energetic, incredibly knowledgeable, and very entertaining speaker and this will be another wonderful program by Dale. Hope to see you there! 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

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.

Let’s meet up for light bites and some drinks at Bonefish Grill. Happy hour goes until 6:30. Check out the menu : https://bonefishgrill-d8cba7f0a6b8gwd7.a02.azurefd.net/menu/BSH-5_1025.pdf

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant.

Join Soft Life Society for a cozy and intentional Cultural Potluck Night centered on community, connection, and culture. This is a potluck-style gathering where each guest is invited to bring a dish that represents their culture, heritage, or a family tradition. We will be tasting and sharing each other’s cultural foods while connecting through conversation, laughter, and soft living. The evening will also include fun games and a prize for the winner. Drinks will be available, but guests are welcome to bring their own favorite beverage if they prefer. This is a relaxed, welcoming space to slow down and enjoy a beautiful evening together. Limited spots available. RSVP required.