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2012
Annual Retreat
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Dear devotees and
friends:
February 1, 2012 Swami Yogatmananda from the Providence, RI, Vedanta Center is giving an intown retreat this Saturday and Sunday, February 4 and 5 at the Vedanta Center of Atlanta. Many of you remember Swami from last year's retreat and know that he is both practical and deeply compassionate in his teaching. His topic is The Nondual Vedanta of Sri Ramakrishna. Saturday, February 4 11:30-1PM First session 1PM-2PM Lunch -- please bring food to share 2PM-3:30PM Second session 3:30PM-4PM Tea break 4:00PM-6PM Third session Sunday, February 5 -- Swami Yogatmananda will speak from 11AM until noon. 12:15-1:45 PM -- Meditation Class with Steve Gold. For more information go to www.vedanta-atlanta.org. Upcoming Events Sunday, February 12, 11AM to noon Nondual Thought Through the Application of Raja Yoga. February is Raja month, and Br. Shankara speaks today about meditation on the path of nondual thought. Sunday, February 26, 10AM on Sri Ramakrishna Puja -- Please bring food to share and join the celebration any time after 10AM when Br. Shankara begins the shrine decoration. January 26, 2012
Now for something completely different. Join us this Sunday January 29 at 11AM to hear Julie Hliboki, DMin, the new Interim Executive Director of the Interfaith Community Institute in Atlanta (www.interfaithci.org), and enjoy a lively discussion. Before joining ICI, Julie founded the 99 Names Peace Project. This program encourages interfaith appreciation and peace building through creating and sharing artistic expressions based on the Ninety-Nine Names of God, the qualities of God found in the Qur’an. She also published a beautifully illustrated book on this work – The Breath of God: Thirty-three Invitations to Embody Holy Wisdom (now available in our bookstore). Julie has led workshops, retreats, and contemplative gatherings centered on interfaith appreciation and engagement. She attended an Immersion Day at our Center last year. Her passion for working in interfaith is endless. January 19, 2012 "Who is Swami Brahmananda?" is the topic of Brother Shankara's lecture on Sunday, January 22 at 11 AM. Brahmananda was one of the direct disciples, and the first President of the Ramakrishna Order. As always, Shankara welcomes your questions! New Meditation Class Steve Gold is leading this new, weekly class
beginning this Sunday, January 22, from
12:15-1:45PM. Visit our website www.vedanta-atlanta.org
for an in-depth description. Here are brief
details:
JEWISH YOGA MEDITATION AND MYSTICISM. This course will cover the theory and practice of a traditional yoga meditation practice culminating with utilizing Hebrew phrases in place of yoga mantras. Breathing and stress management techniques will be included, along with connections to principles found in Jewish mysticism. Swami Yogatmananda In-town Retreat Saturday, February 4, 11:30AM-6PM and Sunday, February 5, 11AM-noon. The topic is "The Nondual Vedanta of Sri Ramakrishna". Swami Yogatmananda is a wonderful teacher, both practical and deeply compassionate. To find out more about him, go to http://www.vedantaprov.org/ministers.html. Please bring food to share on Saturday. Come for all or part of the retreat (but once there, you won't want to leave)! Sunday, February 26 -- Sri Ramakrishna Puja 10AM -- Shrine decoration 11AM -- Puja and brief lecture Noon -- Potluck lunch -- please bring food to share January 10, 2012 We are celebrating the 150th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda's birth with a puja on Sunday, January 15. Please join us to honor this great teacher! 10AM Shrine decoration 11AM Puja and brief lecture Noon Lunch -- please bring food to share New Meditation Class Steve Gold is leading this new, weekly class
beginning Sunday, January 22, from 12:15-1:45PM.
Visit our website www.vedanta-atlanta.org
for an in-depth description. Here are brief
details:
JEWISH YOGA MEDITATION AND MYSTICISM. This course will cover the theory and practice of a traditional yoga meditation practice culminating with utilizing Hebrew phrases in place of yoga mantras. Breathing and stress management techniques will be included, along with connections to principles found in Jewish mysticism. Swami Yogatmananda In-town Retreat Massive apologies from your editor -- we announced the incorrect dates last time. The correct dates are: Saturday, February 4, 11:30AM-6PM and Sunday, February 5, 11AM-noon. The topic is "The Nondual Vedanta of Sri Ramakrishna". Swami Yogatmananda is a wonderful teacher, both practical and deeply compassionate. To find out more about him, go to http://www.vedantaprov.org/ministers.html. Come for all or part of the retreat (but once there, you won't want to leave)! December 16, 2011 Please join us for Holy Mother Puja tomorrow December 18. The puja will start at 10 AM with shrine decoration and other preparations. Come as early as you like; the actual puja ceremony will start at about 10:30 to 10:45. We'll finish no later than noon at which time you can help celebrate Mother's birthday with a potluck lunch. Please bring food to share. Upcoming Events Saturday December 24, starting at 6PM -- Christmas Eve celebration. This will be followed by caroling in the monastery, a potluck supper and, for those who wish to stay, a reading of "A Child's Christmas in Wales". Sunday, December 25 -- no chanting, no service. Saturday, December 31, 11:30PM-12:30AM -- New Year's Eve meditation in the Chapel, followed by tea and snacks in the monastery. Sunday, January 1, 11AM -- Brother Shankara will speak on "Vows, Promises and Good Intentions". December 8, 2011 Our inspiring guest speaker this Sunday, December 11, 11AM, is Imam Plemon T. El-Amin. He will talk about "Devotion in Islam". Plemon served for 24 years as the Resident Imam of the Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam, one of the largest and most progressive Mosques in the United States. He worked closely as an aide and supporter of Imam W. Deen Mohammed and his Ministry, The Mosque Cares. He has traveled the nation and the world, representing concerns and interests of Muslim Americans in such places as Saudi Arabia, Syria, Jordan, Sudan, Palestine, Israel, Jerusalem, Egypt, Morocco, Spain, Turkey, Rome, England, Denmark, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and South Africa. He was a founding member and past President of the Faith Alliance of Metro Atlanta, the largest and most influential interfaith organization in Atlanta. Find out more about Plemon El-Amin at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Imam-Plemon-T-El-Amin/141047359315092?sk=info December 1, 2011 Steven J. Gold's new meditation class, starting on SUNDAY, January 22, 12:15 to 1:45 NOTE FROM: Steven J. Gold, Founder/Director Yoga and Judaism Center PO Box 1769 Decatur, GA 30031 Phone/fax 770-270-8290 http://yajcenter.blogspot.com JEWISH
YOGA MEDITATION AND MYSTICISM. The great
spiritual traditions of both East and West
have throughout the ages promoted various
forms of meditation as important practices
to foster spiritual awakening and
development. As an independent practice, to
supplement other spiritual or religious
practices, for stress management and
relaxation, or all of the above, this course
will provide the theoretical framework and
practical technique for a traditional
yoga-based practice derived from an ancient
and time-honored Himalayan tradition.
Included will be basic breathing and stress
reduction techniques. They lay the
foundation for access to avenues leading to
the stillness within. Connections will also
be made throughout to similar principles
found in Jewish mysticism.
The final session will cover Jewish
meditation utilizing Hebrew phrases in place
of yoga mantras and a Jewish healing
meditation practice called Ruach El
Shaddai/Breath of Balance, employing the
practical application of Hebrew Kabalistic
concepts in an advanced healing meditation.
Depending on the pace and amount of material
covered in each session, the class will
consist of 5 to 10 one-hour
sessions meeting once a week.
Steven J. Gold,
BA Antioch College, Philosophy and Religion;
JD Emory Law School, is the founder/director
of the Yoga and Judaism Center in Atlanta, GA
and the author of Yoga and Judaism (2007),
Ivri: The Essence of Hebrew Spirituality (2010),
Torah Portion Summaries; With Insights from
the Perspective of a Jewish Yogi (2010),
and Basic Spiritual Principles (2011).
He has been an initiate, student, practitioner
and teacher in a Himalayan meditation
tradition for over 30 years and a student of
Kabala and Jewish Spirituality for several
years. He developed a hybrid Jewish Yoga
Meditation and Healing Meditation which is the
focus of these sessions.
November
18, 2011
This Sunday, November 10, at 11 AM, Br. Shankara will talk about "O, O, O, This Everyday Life" Omnipresent, Omnipotent, Omniscient: These are well known English language conceptions of the Godhead -- in Vedanta, called Brahman. Br. Shankara will consider how our thoughts -- and therefore our daily lives -- can be changed when we make it a regular practice to affirm, “Everything I experience is the Divine. Every expression of energy and power that occurs is the Divine. Every scrap of knowledge – sacred, secular, or profane – is the Divine.” Upcoming events: November 27 - Br. Shankara on "Complexity and Simplicity" December 4 -- Steven Gold on "Jnana and Bhakti: Two Sides of the Same Coin" December 11 -- Plemon El-Amin, Harvard-educated interfaith leader; founder and former Imam of the Atlanta Masjid; on "Devotion in Islam" Thursday, December 1, at 7:30 PM -- Dr. Bhagwan Awatramani, an international teacher of meditation in the tradition of Ramana Maharshi, will give a lecture and lead a meditation. All are welcome! (Dr. Raghu's class resumes the following week.) Dr. Awatramani offers an opportunity to inquire directly into the nature of consciousness through deep inner silence. He was initiated into a meditation practice in the tradition of Ramana Maharshi at the age of 22. Professionally, he was a doctor of medicine for 25 years in Mumbai, and is now based in Switzerland. November 8, 2011 Come one, come all to our first Friday Night at the
Movies, November
11! Popcorn will be served
at 7:30 PM, "Sita
Sings the Blues" starts at 7:45 PM.
This beautifully-animated interpretation
of the Ramayana is set to the 1920's
jazz vocals of Annette Hanshaw.
After an inspirational four days with Gayatriprana -- so many wonderful visitors! -- we welcome Swami Atmavidyananda, a Western monk from the Hollywood Vedanta Center. On Saturday, November 12, 8-9:30 PM, Swami shares his beautiful composition "Ramakrishna in Song", plays selections and explains its inspiration and creation. On Sunday, November 13, 11 AM, he gives an overview of Vedanta Philosophy and Hindu practices with explanations that reference various scientific fields, in his lecture Explaining Vedanta with the Help of Science. Upcoming events -- Br. Shankara is
hosting Thanksgiving Dinner on 11/24 from 2:30-5:30 PM.
Bring a dish (not too many candied yams
please!) and RSVP to shankara@vedanta-atlanta.org.
November 1, 2011 Sister Gayatriprana (Jean McPhail) is our guest of honor Friday, November 4 through Monday, November 7. We are delighted to welcome her to Atlanta! Gayatriprana lived as a nun at the Vedanta Center of California for 30 years and is a prodigious author and scholar. Swami Vivekananda is the subject of much of her research and writing; she is an expert in his life and philosophy. Born in Scotland, Gayatriprana trained as a physician and worked at Harvard University before taking her vows. She now lives in Santa Fe, NM. Our own Tom Couch and his wife Iris visited her there in October. Friday, November 4, 8-9PM Gayatriprana will explore the development of experiential religion in the West over the past 240 years, relating it to contemporary Indian sages as well as to a galaxy of Western thinkers and mystics. There will be lots of time for Q&A after her 30-minute lecture, followed by refreshments in the monastery. "What is Integral Vedanta?" Gayatriprana has her own insightful
intepretation of integral -- but for those of us who
are curious, here is Wikipedia's: "Integral is
a term applied to some emerging trends in
philosophy, psychology, and spirituality; integral
thinkers often attempt to offer a trans-disciplinary
framework, or multidimensional perspective, to a
particular field. Major themes of many integral
philosophies and teachings include a synthesis of
science and religion, evolutionary spirituality, and
holistic programs of development for the body, mind,
soul, and spirit."
Monday, November 7, 8-9PM
Gayatriprana will explore Swami Vivekananda's and Sister Nivedita's struggle with British colonialism in India. Her 30-minute talk will be followed by Q&A and refreshments in the monastery. October 28, 2011 It's Hallowe'en, trick or treat time, and you are in for a treat this Sunday, October 30, 11 AM at the Vedanta Center! Brother Shankara will be in costume, and we hope you will be too. But there is some serious stuff as well.... Shankara is taking us on a journey through the land of the Goddess Kali, All Saint's Day (November 1), All Soul's Day (November 2) and Hallowe'en. The figure of Kāli ("the black one") conveys death, destruction, and the consuming aspects of reality. All Soul's Day is a primarily Catholic feast day when people remember loved ones who have passed away. In Mexico, this is celebrated as the Day of the Dead, and of course we have Hallowe'en, which is thought to have originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints and martyrs; the holiday, All Saints’ Day, incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows’ Eve and later Halloween. Bookstore -- we are expanding our bookstore in time for holiday gifts, so stay tuned. We are adding jewelry, greeting cards and other items, along with a fresh order of spiritual books, CDs and incense. October 6, 2011 We have lots of news and announcements this week! First up is Seva Saturday, October 8, 9:30AM to 2:30PM. We will enjoy the beautiful fall weather, clean up the property and make it sparkle in preparation for the Durga Worship on Sunday, October 9. Brother Shankara will perform the worship on Sunday honoring the Divine Mother. He will decorate the shrine at 10 AM, after which we will share in worship, have a discussion about this path, and complete our celebration with a meditation. Feel free to join us at any time from 10 to noon. Don't forget to bring your books, clothes (in good condition) and other good things for our Parking Lot Sale on Saturday, October 15, noon to 4PM. Everything in the bookstore will be 30% off! Items to be sold can be placed in the screened porch at any time between now and October 14. Last but not least -- consider joining us for Thanksgiving Dinner. It was a huge success last year. Everyone is welcome from 2:30-5:30 PM on Thanksgiving Day. Details to follow. September 30, 2011 This Sunday, October 2, at 11 AM Brother Shankara continues his discourse and Open Forum on the book "Divine Grace" by Swami Ranganathananda. This book is an inspiring lesson for householders -- it explores the subtle balance between self-effort and Divine Grace. The Swami draws heavily from the Bhagavad Gita and the writings of Swami Vivekananda. Copies of the book are available at the Center. As always, coffee, tea and conversation follow in the monastery. September 22, 2011 You are in for a treat on Monday, September 26, at 8PM, when Pravrajika Gitaprana gives a lecture at our Center, after she returns from leading our annual retreat this weekend. (Because of the retreat, there are no activities at the Center this Sunday, the 25th.) Gitaprana is a sannyasini belonging to the Vedanta Society. She lived at the Ashram in Hollywood for more than 20 years before moving to the Vivekananda Retreat, Ridgely, where she is minister in residence. She is a Westerner and the third generation in her family to worship Sri Ma in the form of Kali/Shiva. Gitaprana is dynamic, engaged and totally delightful. Please join us on Monday for a wonderful evening! September 12, 2011 We have a special guest next Sunday! Swami Bodhananda Saraswati is visiting Atlanta and has graciously agreed to speak to our community next weekend, Sunday, September 18, 11AM on "Self-Unfoldment in An Interactive World". He is the Spiritual Founder and Director of 11 organizations and ashrams, including The Sambodh Society in the U.S. He completed his undergraduate degree in economics at Christ College, Irinjalkuda, Kerala, before joining the Saraswati order, one of ten sannyasa orders established by Adi Shankaracharya, the renowned 8th century Indian philosopher and exponent of Advaita Vedanta. For more information, go to http://www.sambodh.us/ Thanks to devotee Swarna Shah for hostin Swami Bodhananda in Atlanta. September 1, 2011 Swami Atmatattwananda (Shiva) is an American monk in the Ramakrishna Order, based in Hollywood, visited us this time last year. He's the guitar-playing "evangelical wing of the Vedanta Society." Shiva's lightness and humor hide his vast reservoir of knowledge; we welcome him back to Atlanta this Sunday, September 4 at 11 AM. His topic is "Life Spirit Spirit Life." The Vedanta Center of Atlanta is one of several organizations sponsoring an Interfaith Gathering on 9/11/11 at the Decatur Conference Center (formerly the Holiday Inn, on Clairemont and Ponce de Leon). Please join us from 5-7PM for a brief ritual of remembrance followed by music, readings and an opportunity to connect with people of other faiths and traditions. Click here for more details, www.FaithAllianceOfMetroAtlanta.org. Aug 26, 2011 Br. Shankara arrives home in
Atlanta tomorrow and
looks forward to seeing you at the Center on Sunday, Sept. 28
at 11 AM. He will review the
initiatives begun during his first year, and discuss
what is planned for the rest of 2011, and
2012. He'll talk for about 40 minutes --
the rest of the hour will be for Q&A.
"Please come on Sunday
if you can," he says. "I have a great sense of
enthusiasm for what's ahead, and I'd like you to
hear firsthand what I foresee. It's also important
that any questions you have are answered then and
there; we all know what can happen when information
is passed along 'on the grapevine.' I
believe our Center has great opportunities for
service, both to members of our congregation and
to the needy in our community -- come and
share in the discussion of what that can mean."
As usual, our Sunday service will begin with interfaith
chanting, starting at 10:30 am.
This half hour before the talk is meant to establish
a strong spiritual atmosphere in the Chapel --
please participate if you can. If your experience is
like that of others, you may be glad you came.
July 29, 2011August 16, 2011 A reminder that Sekar is speaking tomorrow, August 21 at 11 AM, on "What is Love?" Sekar will speak for 15 to 20 minutes to set the context for the discussion. The remaining time will be for attendees to participate in a moderated Open Forum format. His interest in this topic was sparked by a James Swartz DVD on Self Inquiry. And for those wishing to join, or continue, Dr. Raghu's class on the "Vivekachoodamani" ("Crest Jewel of Discrimination" by Shankaracharya) please join us on Thursday evenings, from 7:45 PM to 9 PM. Swami Vivekananda's "The Real and the
Apparent Man"
Please join us this Sunday,
July 31, at 11 AM for an Open
Forum on Vivekananda's inspiring definition of our
"human condition." Three devotees have readied
themselves to help us understand the Swami's
message about Jnana Yoga's path to knowledge of
our true nature. If you too would like to prepare
for our discussion, you can find Swamiji's talk
online at:
The lecture also can be read in the
Complete Works, Vol. II, starting on page 263,
and in Swamiji's book on Jnana Yoga. Br.
Shankara will serve as moderator.
July 1, 2011 Sunday, July 3, 11 AM -- To honor Swami Vivekananda's love of America, Brother Shankara will tell us about other Swamis who came to the West -- including those who loved America and those who didn't! He will also present Swami Swahananda's vision of Vedanta in the 21st Century. Shankara has an encyclopedic knowledge of the Ramakrishna Order; this promises to be a feast for the mind and heart. July Fourth at the Center We will have a relatively quiet celebration of the Fourth at the center from noon to 3PM. Lunch will be potluck, with Br. Shankara serving turkey and vegan hot dogs and fixin's for those so disposed. Before lunch, there will be a short reading about the life and mahasamadhi of Swami Vivekananda; after lunch, perhaps a few songs and other impromptu hilarity -- maybe even a firework or several, who knows? [Editor's note -- maybe it won't be so quiet?] Come dressed comfortably and if you're a musician, please bring your instrument/s. June 16, 2011 Rabbi Scott Saulson PhD is our guest speaker on Sunday, June 19 at 11 AM. His topic is "Rabbinic Sagacity for Everyday Life." Scott is a counselor, mediator and dynamic presenter with a great sense of humor. We first heard him speak at the Interfaith Spirituality Conference held in Tucker earlier this year. You can learn more about him at www.movingparents.org. Please welcome him to our community! June 12, 2011 On Thursday, June 16, Br. Shankara will begin a 7-week class on “Ramakrishna and His Disciples” by Christopher Isherwood. Classes will run from 7:45PM to 9PM. The last class will be on 7/28. There is probably no better introduction to Sri Ramakrishna’s life than this book. It is very readable and scrupulously accurate. “This is the story of a phenomenon,” as Isherwood puts it, not a dewy-eyed glorification of a saint. Participants are encouraged to purchase the book. It is available on Amazon – both hardback and Kindle versions – for $5.95. A used paperback can be had for as little as $2.11 plus shipping. If you prefer the convenience and would like to support the Center, our bookstore sells new paperback copies for $15.00. Saturday, June 25, will be a Karma Yoga Day. We want the Center to sparkle for our members and guests on the following day (see below!). The day will run from 9:30AM to 2:30PM, with a break for lunch from noon to 1PM. Snacks, beverages and lunch will be provided by the Center. Please make this Karma Yoga Day a part of your plans if at all practical. The adage that many hands make light work has proven true at other Vedanta Centers, and devotees report they enjoy these community efforts to keep their Center a special place. Sunday, June 26,
will be our inaugural Ramakrishna
Public Dinner, starting at noon. Br.
Shankara makes a special request that you invite
your friends and relatives to this dinner. “This is
not an attempt to proselytize,” Shankara says. “It’s
just a way for you to share the treasure you have
found at the Center, and give those you care about
some idea of why you follow your spiritual path
here.” Guests at the annual public dinner in
Southern California have said: “This demystified
what had been something of a puzzle to me.” “I liked
finding out that some of the funny ideas I’d heard
about Hinduism aren’t true.” “It was a pleasant time
with nice people – not so different from my own
church suppers.”
Note:Potluck dishes will be welcome, including desserts and salads. Some Western food will be catered for guests. May 28, 2011 Swami Medhananda from the Ramakrishna Monastery in Trabuco Canyon, California, lectures on "Mother's Prakriti of Oneness" this Sunday, May 29 at 11 AM. Medhananda is a dynamic speaker and a potent force at The Ramakrishna Monastery in Trabuco Canyon, Southern California, having founded their printing press, revitalized their bookstore, and expanded the monastery's service project, Holy Mother Mission. This is his first visit to the Vedanta Center of Atlanta, so let's give him a warm welcome! May 19, 2011 Those of you who heard Steven J. Gold's presentation at the Center in March will be pleased to know he's back this Sunday, May 22 at 11:00 AM. He has some fascinating material to share! His topic is "Yoga, Judaism, and
the Divine Mother", exploring scriptural
connections between yoga and Judaism, and concepts
of the Divine Mother (Shakti
in Yoga, Schechinah in Judaism) found in both
traditions.
Steven, BA Antioch College, Philosophy and
Religion; JD Emory Law School, is the
founder/director of the Yoga and Judaism Center in Atlanta,
GA. He has been a student,
practitioner and teacher of spiritual
self-realization and its related philosophy and
psychology for over 40 years.
We will soon be offering a Hatha Yoga class at the Center taught by devotee Elizabeth Yates. Elizabeth is planning a Basic Class with movement that prepares the body for sitting meditation. This class will be open to all levels of physical ability. The available time slots are Mondays 3:00-4:30 OR Wednesdays 3:00-4:30. Please let Elizabeth know as soon as possible if you are interested and if so, which day is best for you. You can reach her at: 404-321-3129 or yogini2001@gmail.com. This will be a great addition to the Center's offerings! April 26, 2011 Our beloved Swami Yogeshananda, who led our Center for more than 20 years, will be in Atlanta this weekend. The retreat is free and open to all.
Here is the schedule: Saturday, April 30 3-5PM Q and A with Swami 5-6PM Coffee & informal conversation 6-7PM Arati (meditation) with Swami Sunday, May 1 Retreat -- "Human Love and Divine Love" 10:30 am
Interfaith Chants
10:50 am
Discourse "Human Love and Divine Love"
12-1:30 pm
Lunch -- please bring dishes to share
1:30-2:00 pm Music
with Jerry Brunner, Cyndi Craven and
LeAnn Blanchard
2:00-3:30 pm
Continuation of Discourse and guided
meditation
April 14, 2011 This Sunday, April 17, at 11 AM, Brother Shankara continues his exploration of Jnana Yoga, the path of discrimination, as defined and taught by its great masters. Says Br. Shankara "Self-inquiry is not a spectator sport or a library research project; it's a hands-on experiment in the laboratory of your own awareness." * We just learned that Swami Medhananda from the Ramakrishna Monastery in Trabuco Canyon, California, is visiting us at the end of May. He will lecture on "Mother's Prakriti of Oneness" on Sunday, May 29 at 11 AM. Medhananda is a dynamic speaker and a potent force at Trabuco, having founded their printing press, revitalized their bookstore, and expanded the monastery's service project, Holy Mother Mission. * Popular guest speaker Steven J. Gold returns on Sunday, May 22. His topic is "Yoga, Judaism and the Divine Mother." April 9, 2011 This Sunday, April 10, at 11
AM, the first of Brother Shankara's
two back-to-back talks about Jnana Yoga: the
path toward it and making the journey.
Setting Aside the Mirror
Put yourself in this
picture: Having established a reverent
relationship with some reflection of Divinity,
or Truth. Having abandoned selfishness
as an automatic response to being awake and
aware. Having sunk deep into silence and
found it really is full of love and light
and bliss, you may be ready for a life of
continuous, unbroken interaction with the
Divine.
This week, Brother Shankara will tell
of people who live this way, and what these
blessed ones say about how they achieved that
state of being.
Shankara
won't be staying for coffee and conversation
however. He leaves at noon to attend the
last part of the first Interfaith
Contemplative Gathering at the First
Christian Church just down the street on La
Vista.
March 31, 2011
This conference offers insights about meditation and contemplation from the five major world religions, from Friday evening through lunch on Sunday. Brother Shankara and Gillian Renault offer their insights on Saturday from 1:30-3:00 PM. For more information go to http://interfaithci.org/community-institute/five-faiths-explore-the-sacred-path/. Swami Yogeshananda leads a Q and A on Saturday, April 30, 3-5 PM, followed by coffee and informal conversation. His retreat on "Human Love and Divine Love" takes place on Sunday, May 1, from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM. What's the relationship between Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion) and Jnana Yoga (the path of discrimination)? Join us this Sunday, April 3, at 11 AM for an OPEN FORUM on this topic. Bring your thoughts and questions for a stimulating discussion. We are participating in An Interfaith Contemplative Gathering April 8-10 at First Christian Church Atlanta, 4532 LaVista Road. Former Vedanta guest speakers Gareth Young, Carl McColman and Kemal Korucu are among the meditation leaders. To register, call 770-939-4358. We'll celebrate Easter on Sunday, April 24. Swami Yogeshananda gives an intown retreat on "Human Love and Divine Love" on Sunday, May 1 from 10:30-3:30PM. Full details on the calendar at www.vedanta-atlanta.org. On Saturday, April 30, he will lead a question and answer session from 3-5PM, followed by coffe and informal conversation. March 20, 2011 New Advaita Class: Dr. Raghu will teach the class, using the text "Vivekachoodamani" ("Crest-Jewel of Discrimination"), traditionally attributed to the 9th century philosopher and teacher, Adi Shankaracharya. Sekar Chandasekaran, who has been facilitating the Thursday class for the last several months, has known Dr. Rahgu for the past 20 years. We are truly fortunate to have had Sekar as our class leader, and now to welcome Dr. Raghu, who has a background and training in teaching traditional Advaita texts. Copies of the text should be available at the Center early next week, before the first class. Dr. Raghu is getting the books at a discount for us. March 16, 2011 On Sunday, March 20, at 11AM Steven J. Gold will speak on Jewish Raja Yoga. He will focus on the common elements underlying what are often viewed as two very disparate spiritual systems: the internal silent meditation and monism of the Vedic/Buddhist tradition of India and the Far East, and the externally expressed prayer and monotheism of the Judeo/Christian/Islamic tradition of the Middle East and West. This promises to be a fascinating
introduction to the mystical traditions of
Judaism. Swami Atmajnanananda from the Greater Washington, DC, Vedanta Center visits our Center for the first time this Sunday, March 13, at 11:30 AM. His topic is "Before We Sit for Meditation," emphasizing the preparation aspect of meditation. Please join us for this special event. PLEASE NOTE THE TIME, THIS SUNDAY ONLY -- 11:30-12:30. February 24, 2011 This Sunday, February 27, at 11 AM, Brother Shankara closes out Karma Yoga month with a discourse on -- what else? -- karma yoga. Karma yoga is a practice we can all integrate into our work and everyday activities -- giving everything a Godward turn and not being attached to the outcome. Join us for lively discussion over coffee and snacks afterwards. The following week, Sunday, March 6, at 10AM, we will celebrate Sri Ramakrishna with a puja and potluck prasad lunch. Please bring food to share -- not too many sweets please! We look forward to seeing you. Our thanks to everyone who attended the Annual Meeting and lunch on February 13. Several of you asked that we announce retreats and special events further in advance. We will make that a priority in the weeks and months ahead. Forgive us, it's short notice, but we hope you can attend our first Swami Brahmananda retreat, Sunday, February 20, from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm. Swami Brahmananda was the ‘Spiritual Son’ of Sri Ramakrishna and the first President of the Ramakrishna Order. We will study his teachings on Karma Yoga, offer worship, take prasad and conclude with a DVD of Swami Prabhavananda, one of Brahmananda's foremost disciples in the West. You are welcome to attend all or part of the day. Please bring food to share for lunch. On Sunday, March 13, Swami Atmajnanananda from the Washington DC Vedanta Society gives a discourse. Known affectionately as Stuart Maharaj, Swami is a wonderful speaker. Stay tuned for more details. February 11, 2011 This
Sunday, February 13, at 10:30 AM we are
holding our Annual Meeting.
This is your opportunity to ask questions and learn about the inner workings of our community and our goals for 2011. Members of the Board
will be presenting.
It's also your chance to vote for a board member to replace Alaina Gimbert who moved to North Carolina with her family earlier this month. Last
but not least, it's your opportunity to enjoy
lunch with your friends at the Center!
No need to bring potluck items -- the
Center is buying.
February 3, 2011
We encourage you to attend and look forward to seeing you! Feb 5-6 WEEKEND RETREAT AT THE CENTER Video lectures of visiting Swami Yogatmananda Swami Yogatmananda from the Vedanta Center in Providence, RI, is visiting us this weekend and giving a retreat on Karma Yoga. This promises to be a rich and rewarding two days. You're welcome to attend all or part of the program. Here's the schedule: Saturday 11:30am - 1pm Morning session 1pm - 2pm Brown bag Lunch - bring your own 2pm - 4pm Afternoon session 6pm - 7pm Swami Yoatmananda will lead Arati Sunday 10am - Noon Morning program Noon - 1pm Center providing lunch 2pm - 4pm Afternoon program 6pm - 8pm Informan meet and greet. Q&A and coffee/snacks If you have a copy of Vivekananda's small book, "Karma Yoga," please bring it. If not, copies are available for loan or sale at the Center. January 20, 2011 This Sunday, January 23, we will read passages about Bhakti Yoga from Vivekananda’s works and “The Eternal Companion” to inspire us in our devotional practices. Brother Shankara is speaking elsewhere that day, so it will be similar to an Open Forum, with plenty of discussion. On Wednesday, January 26, the Center is offering a retreat forSwami Vivekananda’s birthday, starting with a 6:30AM meditation in the chapel, led by Brother Shankara, and followed by a hearty breakfast. From 10AM until 4PM, Shankara and devotees will read Swamiji's complete works. Please bring food for a potluck lunch. There will be plenty of time for discussion and companionship. You are welcome to come for all or part of the day, or even just for lunch! The Japa and Meditation Support Workshop is continuing on Wednesdays from 8-9PM. All are welcome! This is a true workshop atmosphere, with no lecture. Bring your questions, concerns, experiences to share. The Swami Vivekananda and Swami Brahmananda pujaSunday, January 30, starting at 10AM. Please bring food for a potluck lunch. On February 5 and 6¸Swami Yogatmananda from the Providence Center is giving a Karma Yoga retreat. takes place on January 8, 2011 JANUARY IS A MONTH FOR STUDY OF BHAKTI YOGA. Decisions, Choices, Promises, Vows On Sunday morning, January 9, we will talk about what immediate steps you can take to replace your devotion to the world of matter with worship of the Universe of Spirit. December 30, 2010 Happy New Year! May you enjoy good health, peace and joy in 2011.
December 22, 2010 Our annual Christmas Eve celebrations on December 24 begin with Arati from 6-6:15PMPuja from 6:30-7:30. But wait, that's not all! 7:30-8:00 -- carolling in the monastery 8:00-8:45 -- dinner, provided by Br. Shankara 8:45-9:15 -- reading "A Child's Christmas in Wales" A veritable Christmas feast! Please join us for any or all of this wonderful evening. Holy Mother Puja, Sunday December 26 -- note the new time! Brother Shankara will begin the puja at 10 AM, but you are welcome to arrive later. As always, we'll celebrate together with a prasad potluck lunch. Please bring your food to the monastery first. Brother Shankara says anything brought here will be offered to Mother, yet offerings other than sweets/desserts will be appreciated so that we can provide one another a full meal. A special 6 p.m. Arati will be done that day also. December 16, 2010 This Sunday, December 19, Brother Shankara speaks about the three Magi, or wise men, anticipating their encounter with an Incarnation of the Divine Presence. Due to our congregation's generosity, $762 was raised in just two days for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Service to our community can be offered in many ways. In this case, Vedanta Center members were able to help send an MD-challenged child to Summer Camp, who otherwise might not have been able to go. Yesterday, the Tucker MDA chapter "arrested" Brother Shankara -- he was "in jail for good." Yet, MDA's Judge banged her gavel and "sprung him quick" when devotees and friends "paid his bail" so liberally. A very warm Thank You to each contributor, for your support of our Center's service to the community and the children of Tucker. December 13, 2010
December 9, 2010
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2011 Annual
Meeting
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