Expanding Horizons

Today Kris introduces the 'Mirror of Simple Souls', a work of Christian mysticism from the middle ages. Its author was Marguerite Porete - a French-speaking mystic and member of a Beguine religious community. Using the Christian language of the time, she outlined a path toward transcending Reason and unifying the Soul with God and Love. Here, Kris also shows how Porete's ideas are similar to the Buddhist path and have value to modern spiritual seekers of any faith.

Carl Jung is perhaps less well-known than his contemporary Freud, but his work is a landmark at the nexus of spirituality and psychology. What advice can we take from his ideas? Here, Kris very clearly presents Jung's ideas on how we can each work to become our truest and best self. This requires each of us to accept the responsibility and cost of looking deeply into ourselves, exploring our subconscious, getting to know our 'shadow', and using symbolism, art and mythology to find peace.

This week, Kris invited Sean Ahmed-Lewis to give the address on the topic of "The Four Agreements", a book written by Don Miguel Ruiz based on Toltec wisdom. The Four Agreements are: Be Impeccable With Your Word, Don't Take Anything Personally, Don't Make Assumptions, Always Do Your Best. Sean gives a perceptive and inspiring explanation of how these practices can help people of any faith (or none) live a happier and more compassionate life.

We unwittingly accept the illusion of confinement and heavy imposition by others, which is why 'letting go' brings such lightness and joyous freedom. Here, Kris explores the nuances of letting go and offers helpful suggestions on why and how to go about it.

Today Kris suggests that our identity is not something we discover, but is something we are continually choosing. Jungian psychology and Buddhism both provide a framework for thinking about the illusive concept of our 'self'. Beyond all our labels and expectations there is freedom for those who seek it.... freedom to act from a place of reason and compassion.

Being granted three wishes is a recurring motif in the stories of many cultures. Here, Kris recounts a sacred story from the Hindu tradition in which the god of Death graciously grants three wishes to a boy who is wise beyond his years. His wishes are a refection of the best qualities of humanity - a yearning for good relationships with others and for spiritual development, rather than for material gain or sensory pleasures. If you were face-to-face with death, what would you wish for?

'You are not the person you were told you have to be' In this week's service, SA Unitarians President, Aaron Poeze reflects on learning - good and bad - and unlearning, which can sometimes be very good! In your journey through life and in your exploration of spirituality, what will you choose to 'unlearn'?  

This week, to mark the New Year, SA Unitarian member Brendan offers a contemplative service on the topic of beginnings. Change can be difficult, but this collection of readings, offered together with a guided meditation, may inspire you to start the new year afresh.

Kris leads a service reflecting on the triumph of light over darkness at solstice time, as well as the darkness Australia is dealing with in the wake of the Bondi terrorist attack.

This week, Kris speaks of the Bhagavad Gita, a ancient, sacred Hindu story. The story relates how the the God Krishna councils a mortal hero, Arjuna, as he hesitates before heading into battle. Aldous Huxley believed that the Bhagavad Gita contains a "perennial philosophy" that has value to all humanity. Here, Kris explains how the five main ideas presented by Krishna can be of huge value to us all as we search for fulfilment in life.

With the able assistance of our youth community members, Kris presents reflections on the topic of "waking up" to the world's deeper truths. Coming to understand that much of humanity is focused on superficial matters can be challenging. However, through searching for a deeper, more ultimate truth we can become more authentic and compassionate people.

What does it mean to live a spiritual life? Our spiritual paths may vary, but we all strive to focus on something greater than the day-to-day concerns which can easily overwhelm us. Today Kris outlines a holistic framework for working with our body, mind, and soul.

"... holiness, purity and charity are not exclusive possessions of any church in the world, and that every system has produced men and women of the most exalted character".  -- Swami Vivekananda Today we hear from three members of the South Australian Multifaith Association, who share teachings from the heart of the Islamic, Jewish and Bahai Faiths. Kris then reflects on how, through respect and caring, we can find the oneness of humanity within the diversity of religions.

Encouragement has an important and multifaceted role in our worldly and spiritual lives. How can we best encourage others to fulfil their potential? And how does practicing encouragement help create peace and wisdom in our lives? 

What does it mean to be "stoic"? The true message of the stoic philosophers may surprise and inspire you on your spiritual path. Listen on...

The identity of the author of "The Gospel of Thomas" is a mystery, but this ancient collection of the sayings of Yeshua adds a dimension to the teachings found in the standard books of the New Testament. Speaking from Shady Grove in the Adelaide Hills, Kris reflects on how several of these sayings can guide us on our spiritual paths today.

This week, we joyously celebrated a "Coming of Age" milestone for four young people in our community. The young adults have completed challenges, reflected on growing up, and performed acts of service to the community. To protect their privacy, much of their own presentation cannot be broadcast, but we hope you enjoy what we can share!

The message of the Unitarian Flower communion, created by Norbert Čapek over 100 years ago, is still just as relevant today. Join us for a celebration of diversity and connection.

This week we talk about love, by way of a tale from Greek mythology, and discuss ways to practice it.

'The Golden Rule' can be found in many religions and wisdom traditions. So why is it so often not followed? Listen on...

Without the dogmas of personal God and immortality, where is one to find meaning in life? How is one to live well? Is it possible to be secular and spiritual at the same time? Here, Kris reflects on the the thinking of Bertrand Russell on these questions. Russell (1872–1970) was a British philosopher, logician, and essayist best known for his work in mathematical logic and analytic philosophy. But he was also a free-thinker who developed his own optimistic creed based on both reason and love. Listen on!

Having recently spent a week on retreat with the British Unitarians, Kris Hanna reflects on the roots of Australian Unitarianism, what we have become, and how we can continue to grow as a spiritual community. 

This week we invite you to contemplate the meaning of Peace. Here, Jennie Dyster presents a collection of readings, read by our members and interspersed with music played by Margaret Lambert.  May peace be with you.

In a change from the routine, this week's gathering was centred around the viewing of two short videos about Kaurna history and spirituality produced by "The Knowledge Project". The Knowledge Project, led by Jack Buckskin, aims to create greater shared knowledge between Kaurna people and the wider community. Here, Jennie Dyster briefly sets the stage for these moving films by reminiscing on the historic lack of mainstream knowledge about First Nations' culture in South Australia. To watch these valuable films, go to: https://knowledgeproject.com.au/

This week, SA Unitarians member Aaron Poeze examines the topic of time. What is time? How do humans experience it? And what role does it play in our spiritual development? These questions have intrigued philosophers, scientists, theologians and psychologists for.. well... a very long time. Listen on as Aaron explores this mend-bending topic.

What is religion and what is its purpose? Why God? How relevant is religion in today's world? Peter Whitham addresses these big questions by surveying the development of Christianity and emphasizing that the basic message of Jesus transcends unnecessary religious doctrines.

When it comes to money, how much is too much? In this podcast, SA Unitarians President Jennie Dyster addresses the growing inequality of wealth in our world today. Could the new concept of "Limitarianism" guide us towards creating a more equitable and democratic economic system? Listen on...

The non-canonical "Gospel of Thomas", an early Christian document discovered in 1945, supports the idea that the "Kingdom of Heaven" is within us all. Kris reads many of the "sayings of Yeshua" from the document and explains that while the author and exact dating of this document is somewhat uncertain, it can certainly provide inspiration for open-minded seekers of the spirit today.

Anam Cara in Celtic means "soul friend". It is also the name of the first book by Irish writer and philosopher John O'Donohue. Kris here gives an introduction to the man and his spiritual teachings, framed by his poetic, mystical writings on nature, the soul, love, and personal growth. 

While the "self" is hard to define and its existence is even debateable, it can serve as a useful metaphor. Here, Kris describes the inner work we do along our spiritual path as five ways of working with our "self" in order to become more compassionate and wise.

In this episode, Kris tells the story of Krishnamurti, one of the 20th centuries most renowned spiritual teachers. Krishnamurti was recruited at an early age by leaders of the Theosophy movement and trained with the expectation that he would become a messianic World Teacher. As an adult, after experiencing a spiritual awakening, he parted ways with the Theosophy movement. He continued to teach and write, promoting freedom from religious dogma, direct perception and self-understanding as the essentials of a spiritual life.

This week, we welcome the Rabbi Frankie Salzman of Beit Shalom Synagogue to give the address, accompanied by readings selected by Kris. Rabbi Salzman discusses an ancient question from the rabbinical literature which challenged two eminent Rabbis to "explain the entire Torah (Jewish scripture) while the listener stands on one foot!" You can settle back in your seat to listen to the answer, which provides an essential rule well worth living by.

At the Shady Grove hostel, with a view of the bush behind him, Kris led the gathering in a contemplation of the role of Nature in our spiritual lives. Listen on for poetry, readings and quotes, plus a surprise offering of yidaki (didgeridoo) music by our friend Wayne.

In the fourth and final part of a series of services inspired by the biblical Book of Mark, Kris extracts more insights from the core teachings of Yeshuah. Yeshuah's final message to his disciples to "stay awake and keep watch" is still very relevant for us today. Note: The previous episodes in this series were published on June 2nd, 16th and 23rd.

Mark presents Yeshuah as a great teacher and healer. Faith healers were numerous in Yeshuah's time, and Kris points out that even today, we sometimes think of our suffering as caused by metaphorical demons, for example, "the demon of guilt". Although the stories in Mark show Yeshuah as having the miraculous powers expected of a Jewish Messiah, his teachings were critical of traditional Jewish law and the expectation that the Messiah would become the earthly ruler of the Jews. Listen on to hear how these teachings can be helpful on your spiritual path, even if not taken literally.

Following on from his overview of the Book of Mark two weeks ago, Kris shares the beginning of the story of Yeshuah as told by Mark, and suggests some messages that people on a progressive spiritual path can take to heart. For example, what do the teachings of Yeshuah have in common with Taoism? Listen and find out!

This week, Kris invited a guest, Colin Darcy, from the Theosophical Society in Adelaide to speak about the organisation's principles and history. Theosophy was born in the late 19th Century, when spiritual teachings of "the East" were beginning to attract interest among those in the West who were dissatisfied with traditional Christianity. Listen to find out more about the charismatic founders of the movement, their legacy, and similarities to Unitarianism.

In today's address, Kris provides an introduction to the book of Mark in the Christian Bible. He reviews the historical and theological context in which it was written, as the message of Yeshuah was being debated and disseminated in the century following his death. He points out ways that Mark's theology differs from Unitarian thinking, but also sets the stage for examining what Yeshuah's ethical teachings, as told by Mark, can still teach us all today. Over three weeks, starting 15 June, Kris will elaborate on this. Listen on!

This week, Kris reflects on the messages in the letter written by "James" which forms a chapter in the Christian Bible. He outlines the context of the letter: the debates over the legacy of Yeshua, in the years following his death, between the followers of James and the followers of Paul. Kris shows that James has advice on the topics of love and peace, ambitions and hardship, and cautious communication, that are useful for anyone exploring a spiritual path.

This week, guest speaker Lyndy Abrams of Buddha House in Adelaide explains some of the beliefs of Buddhism. Like Christianity, Buddhism espouses compassion, while it differs by seeing life as "samsara", an unending cycle of cause and effect. 

On Mother's Day, Kris reflects on why we should cultivate gratitude to our mothers and to others who have nurtured us in our lives. He discusses how our relationships with our mothers (or other primary nurturer) influence on our psychic development. But as adults, we can take responsibility to understand our mother's effect on us and choose to let go of the influences that are not helpful to us, while affirming our own innate worth and dignity and capacity to love.

The Enneagram system was developed by Osacar Ichazo in the 1950's as a way to categorise and understand human personalities. Here Kris outlines the background and basics of the Enneagram system, from its ancient beginnings to the modern day. Enneagrams may be useful as a way to develop the strengths and understand the weaknesses within each of our personalities, and perhaps help us journey towards transcending them!  

Abraham Maslow developed a general framework for what motivates human behaviour in 1943. It has remained well-known, despite receiving much criticism and elaboration since then. Here, Kris explores how Maslow's hierarchy of needs can help us in understanding our own motivations as we move along our spiritual journeys.

This year, Easter and Anzac Day fall in the same week. In his address, Kris reflects on the common theme of sacrifice at the core of both holidays. Even without fully accepting the mythology associated with the events that inspired these holidays, we can respect and be inspired by the sacrifices that were made.

In uncertain times, we need good vibes more than ever. This week, Kris continued his reflections on 20 practical ways to uplift our spirits. Which one appeals to you?

Discipline is essential if one is to embark on the spiritual path. With a disciplined mind one can truly choose how one behaves. Kris reflects on 12 ways to help us develop healthy self-discipline, including reading, simplifying your life and making time for solitude. These can help us find more grace and peace in our lives.

Buddhism appeals to many spiritual seekers because its logical philosophy offers a clear pathway to wisdom and peace. Here, Kris outlines the basics of Buddhism and explores how we can use its teachings and practices to assist in our own spiritual journeys and to bring peace to ourselves and our world.

In this week's podcast, Kris takes inspiration from the "Good Vibes" program of the Oasis Centre at Flinders University. The Good Vibes program suggests 20 tactics that can help us feel better in our lives. Today Kris reflects on ten of these. From mindfulness and meditation to expressing kindness, these practices can help us feel better and progress on our spiritual journey. Listen on and perhaps pick one "tactic" to focus on in the coming week.

Todays address explores the meaning and history behind the traditional Unitarian Universalist "water communion" ritual. What began as a part of the women's movement in the 70's has lived on as a symbol of the dignity and worth of every member of our beloved Unitarian communities, where all individuals can mix in harmony and nurture life.

"If you are quiet enough, you will hear the flow of the universe." In this address, Kris explores the value of silence to one's spiritual path. Why do we crave silence? And why is so hard to find, both within ourselves and without? Here are some suggestions for harvesting the wisdom of silence.

This week Kris led a gathering at our Shady Grove property in the Adelaide Hills on the topic of "A Holy Month". Kris explores how the stories and practices of many of the world's religions highlight the spiritual significance of this time of the year.