Photo by Aman Upadhyay on Unsplash
Greetings, CTU Members and Friends –
As we continue this year focusing on one religion or spiritual philosophy per month, in May we will focus on Hinduism, a vibrant and ancient religion still practiced by a majority of Indian citizens today.
Please diarise Sunday, 28 June, 11:00 - 13:00 for CTU’s Annual General Meeting. More information and documents will be provided in early June.
The Ministerial Search Committee has begun exploring what our ministry needs will be when I step down in December of this year. If you are interested in being part of the committee, contact LeighMeinert@gmail.com.
With love and light,
WhatsApp 076 024 9120
In this issue of the newsletter
Check out our events page to view our church calendar. This includes events posted in the building and outside of the building. If you would like your event added, please contact us via email at: community@capetownunitarians.org
Sunday Services
Upcoming Activities
Fundraising
Council Updates
Sunday Services
All services will start at 10:30 am SA time
Contact Community@CapeTownUnitarians.org for the link
3 May, Origins of Hinduism (Part 1): The River and the Roots. Nima will share the beginnings of Hinduism, tracing Hinduism back to the ancient Indus Valley and the early Vedic traditions that shaped its worldview. This talk explores how ritual, cosmos, and the idea of an “eternal way” laid the foundation for one of the world’s oldest living traditions.
10 May, Origins of Hinduism (Part 2): The Inner Turn. Hinduism takes a profound inward shift in the Upanishads, moving from outer ritual to inner realization. We explore the ideas of Atman, Brahman, karma, and liberation—and what they reveal about the deepest nature of self and reality.
17 May, The Many Faces of the Divine: Gods and Archetypes. From Shiva to Lakshmi, Hindu deities express powerful archetypes that reflect both the cosmos and the human psyche. This talk uncovers how these symbolic forms point beyond themselves to deeper spiritual truths.
24 May, The Caste System: Order, Inequality, and Spiritual Challenge. The caste system has shaped Hindu society for centuries, offering both structure and deep controversy. We examine its origins, its impact, and the spiritual questions it raises about justice, identity, and human dignity.
31 May, Modern Hinduism: Identity, Politics, and Power. Hinduism today lives at the intersection of ancient tradition and modern politics. This talk explores its global evolution and the rise of Hindu nationalism under Narendra Modi, asking what happens when spiritual identity and political power become intertwined.
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
Somerset West Fellowship
SATURDAY, 2 May @ 10h00
ACHIEVING BALANCE IN A WORLD THAT SEEMS CHAOTIC AND OUT OF CONTROL
Lessons from artist Piet Mondrian and Japanese Zen Masters
How do we find balance in a world of uncertainty, fragmentation and constant change?
Through the art of Piet Mondrian and the wisdom of Zen, this talk explores two very different yet surprisingly resonant approaches to equilibrium. Mondrian sought balance through structure, tension and harmony; Zen points toward balance through presence, emptiness and direct seeing.
What might these two traditions teach us about living creatively and attentively amid disorder?
This conversation invites us to see balance not as something to achieve, but as a way of seeing and being.
Roux Malan is a writer and speaker, and studied Zen for many years.
His other interests include art, spirituality and the meeting place between contemplative practice and everyday life.
In this illustrated talk, he explores how modern art and Zen insight may offer unexpected resources for our own search for balance.
Vonke Meeting Room, Vonke House, 121 Lourensford Rd, Somerset West
📞 **Contact:** Rev. Roux Malan – 084 679 5466
🌐 **Website:** https://swunitarians.carrd.co
This is a free event—all are welcome!
Fundraising
GUR NEEDS YOUR HELP: WE ONLY NEED R20,000 MORE TO SUE HOME AFFAIRS ON GUR AND HIS FAMILY’S BEHALF. Gur’s GoFundMe link is here: https://gofund.me/150067d08
It will change their lives life dramatically for the better by getting their permanent residency approved. Most have donated via EFT to CTU. If you’d like to give in that way, here are the details: Unitarian Church, Standard Bank, account # 070440719, Swift Code SBZAZAJJ.
Council Updates
Next Council meeting will be Sunday 31 May 12-2 pm. If you would like to attend, contact Nima at Community@CapeTownUnitarians.org for the documents being reviewed.
Have questions or comments for Council? Please email us at community@capetownunitarians.org.