Vedanta

**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?

Hi all! Welcome to 2026 and the first Melbourne Sci-Fi/Fantasy Social Catch-up of the year. Come along and talk to like-minded people and catch up on all the things you love about this genre. Be it the latest movies, TV shows, or a book you love; or maybe, you have played this fabulous board or computer game that you just want to share with others. Geeky t-shirts or quirky badges welcome! What a great chance to chat with new people or old friends about so many diverse topics. You never know, you might find a whole new sub-genre to delve into. New and old members are welcome to attend. Food and drink will be available for purchase at the tavern. If your plans change (even if it is at the last moment), please change your RSVP to a NO, so your event organiser knows who to expect on the day and so I can manage the booking at the Mitre Tavern! See you soon 🤓🤓🤓🤓

✨ **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.

* Have fun and meet friendly people at our regular contra dances! Every second Saturday evening (except March, June, Nov) and fourth Sunday evening (except Dec) of each month in 2026, often with live music. Contra dance has some similarities to bush dance and square dance. It is very popular in the USA, Canada and London. The dances consist of interesting patterns, walked to upbeat music. For a good description, look at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contra_dance. A good example can be viewed at [http //dancevideos.childgrove.org/contra/contra-modern/163](http://dancevideos.childgrove.org/contra/contra-modern/163-heartbeat-contra) * All dances are called. Singles and couples are all very welcome. The cost is $12 ($6 for students). If no live music, then the cost is $8 ($4 for students). Cash or PayID is preferred. * No experience needed. If first time, please attend for free instruction before the dance from 7.15 – 7.45 pm. * **Uniting Church Hall, 72 Highfield Rd, Canterbury** * You might also like to eat beforehand at Bao & Bun Vietnamese restaurant 770 Riversdale Rd at about 6 pm. Just roll up.

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/

SOLE LATINO A brand new salsa dance studio in Prahran, Melbourne 🇦🇺✨ Whether you’re stepping onto the dance floor for the first time or ready to level up, we’ve got structured classes to guide you every step of the way. 📅 Salsa classes every Tuesday & Sunday 🕺 Partnerwork & Shines 🔥 From absolute beginner to intermediate 📍 HD Entertainment Level 2 34 King Street, Prahran 3181 SOLE LATINO A brand new salsa dance studio in Prahran, Melbourne 🇦🇺✨ Whether you’re stepping onto the dance floor for the first time or ready to level up, we’ve got structured classes to guide you every step of the way. 📅 Salsa classes every Tuesday & Sunday 🕺 Partnerwork & Shines 🔥 From absolute beginner to intermediate 📍 HD Entertainment Level 2, 34 King Street Prahran 3181 Enter from Mount Street Our Sunday Class: SALSA PARTNERWORK 🕕 6PM – 7PM 🔹 SALSA ESSENTIALS (Absolute Beginner Level) Absolute beginners welcome — no experience needed. First Time dancing, this class is recommended to be taken for at least 2 months. 🔹 SALSA FOUNDATIONS (Beginner Level) Build strong partner work, turns & transitions. This class is recommended to be taken for at least 2 months. 🕖 7PM – 8PM 🔹 SALSA RHYTHM & POLARITY (Intermediate Level) ✔️ Musicality ✔️ Longer combos ✔️ Better connection For dancers ready to sharpen technique and flow ✨ Price: ** Casual : $20 (any Class) ** Starter Pack 7 Classes $105 (Only Salsa Essential/Absolute Beginner) ** 7 Classes Pass $125 (Only Tue& Sun Classes) ** 14 Classes Pass $220 (Tue - Fri - Sun - Social + Free Member) More info : solelatinosalsa@gmail.com +61 431 346 212 0477778612

Hello and Welcome to our first Soulful Conversation for 2026 which will be an introduction to the Baha'i Faith, the world's youngest (182 years old) and second most widespread faith after Christianity. I will give a short presentation and then we will read some famous quotes from the Baha'i scriptures followed by discussion and questions/answers. It should be a fun and informative morning. Venue: Kissaten Cafe, Heidelberg Rd Alphington. Parking at rear. Please RSVP if you are coming by Saturday February 21. Looking forward to seeing you, Vahid

Turn Anxiety into Happiness! Become your natural self again. Discover the drug-free way to a healthy mind. This educational talk is based on the book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health by New York Times bestseller author L. Ron Hubbard. Dianetics is an exact science of the mind. In this educational talk you will learn about the hidden source of all irrational thoughts and behavior as well as unwanted emotions (anxiety, fear, suppression, and apathy) and how to handle them forever. Free entry and free parking. Please send messages to host if you have any question.

**🎟️ SPECIAL MEETUP DISCOUNT** **[www.eventbrite.com/e/1980844853279/?discount=MeetUp](www.eventbrite.com/e/1980844853279/?discount=MeetUp)** **ALIVE** is a series of wellness events combining **empowerment practices, free-form movement, and guided breathwork.** This journey blends **EMPOWERMENT • MOVEMENT • BREATH** into a powerful container that awakens the body, sharpens the mind, and nourishes the heart. Its purpose is to help individuals reconnect with their inner vitality and feel more present, energised, and *alive*. Each edition includes: • Complimentary cacao • Mindfulness & gentle meditation • Ecstatic dance & free-form movement • Breathwork & guided integration • Community sharing circle Through movement, breath, and conscious connection, participants are invited to return to the present moment, reconnect with their voice, and embody their personal truth with clarity and confidence. **ALIVE** has been created to offer practical tools for emotional wellbeing, self-expression, nervous system regulation, and personal empowerment — in an accessible, community-focused format. 💫 **Come as you are. Leave feeling renewed.** 💫 Early booking recommended, limited spots. 🎟️ **[www.eventbrite.com/e/1980844853279/?discount=MeetUp](www.eventbrite.com/e/1980844853279/?discount=MeetUp)**

せっかくオーストラリアにいるんだから英会話したい！ どうせなら、ローカルの友達も増やしたい！ メルボルンならではのライフスタイルをもっと知りたい！ サンデーカンバゼーションはそんなあなたのための英会話クラスです！ ●毎月第２・４週目の日曜日ひる１時半から開講中!! ●場所：277 Little Lonsdale Street (洋服屋PADUの2階にて) メルボルン・セントラル駅から歩いて15秒！ 英語を喋りたいならとにかく英語を喋る回数を増やすこと、さらに！安心して間違える安全な雰囲気が絶対必要。そんな温かい雰囲気の中、毎回来るのが楽しくなるそんな英会話クラスですよ〜 質問があれば日本語もできるグレッグまでお気軽にどうぞ！ japanese@crossculture.net.au ウェブサイト：https://linktr.ee/crossculture.jp

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!

Come join us for tea and brunch at ZenCha as we discuss our March read, "The Enchanted Greenhouse"! Book description: Terlu Perna broke the law because she was lonely. She cast a spell and created a magically sentient spider plant. As punishment, she was turned into a wooden statue and tucked away into an alcove in the North Reading Room of the Great Library of Alyssium. This should have been the end of her story . . . Yet one day, Terlu wakes in the cold of winter on a nearly-deserted island full of hundreds of magical greenhouses. She’s starving and freezing, and the only other human on the island is a grumpy gardener. To her surprise, he offers Terlu a place to sleep, clean clothes, and freshly baked honey cakes—at least until she’s ready to sail home. But Terlu can’t return home and doesn’t want to—the greenhouses are a dream come true, each more wondrous than the next. When she learns that the magic that sustains them is failing—causing the death of everything within them—Terlu knows she must help. Even if that means breaking the law again. This time, though, she isn’t alone. Assisted by the gardener and a sentient rose, Terlu must unravel the secrets of a long-dead sorcerer if she wants to save the island—and have a fresh chance at happiness and love.

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!

**💥 Join us THIS Saturday and EVERY Saturday!** **💥 At Columbus’ Hottest New Salsa Venue!** **.** Lincoln Street Salsa THIS Saturday and EVERY Saturday! 8 pm – 1 am **.** **💥 Gorgeously Renovated Studio!** **💥 Free Parking!** **💥 BYOB!** **💥 Easy Access from Highway!** **.** Lincoln Street Salsa 1717 Brice Rd Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43215 **.** **ENTRANCE IS ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE BUILDING** **Behind Anthony’s Pharmacy!** **.** **PLEASE SHARE and help get the word out!** **.** **🟣 Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue Dancing!** **.** **🟣** 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm **𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻** **.** **🟣** 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm **𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 Class!** **.** **🟣** 9:30 pm – 1 am **𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆!** **.** **✅ Questions?** **Visit [LincolnStreetSalsa.com](https://columbussalsadancing.com/)** Or Text Todd: 614-774-8146 **.** **✅ No Experience Necessary!** **✅ No Partner Required!** **✅ Plenty of People to Dance With!** **.** **✅ $15 Cash / $16 Card** **✅ College Students $5 Off with Valid ID!** **✅ BYOB** **✅ Age 18+** **.** **✅ Lincoln Street Salsa is the perfect place for…** **.** **👉 Learning to Dance** **👉** Social Dancing **👉 Birthday Celebration** **👉** Bachelorette Parties **👉 Girl’s Night Out** **👉 Date Night** **👉** Getting Fit / Burning Calories **👉 Meeting New People** **👉** Having Fun, Fun, Fun! **.** ✅ **Questions?** Visit [LincolnStreetSalsa.com](https://columbussalsadancing.com/) Or Text Todd: 614-774-8146

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.

Mental Health, how do you understand it? How can you improve it? How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp. This group is hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

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.