Hello, and Welcome to The Elder Sage.
My name is Meredith. I’m a practical philosopher who has spent over thirty years immersed in the eternal wisdom of Vedanta — the knowledge of the Self. I live simply in a small cabin on a hill with a view, on the south-west coast of Australia, with my husband Paul and Huxley the Airedale.
Our nearest neighbour is over a mile away. So there is space. Lots of it. And while this sounds idyllic, this coastline is known for its winds. And when they rise, the cabin can feel as though it might slide down the hill and into the water below.
The roof rattles. The walls tremble. The winds howl.
Life is no different.
The winds come — loss, uncertainty, disappointment, change. The world shakes. In those moments, I turn to the philosophy I have studied, taught and lived for over three decades, Vedanta, not just for comfort but for a solid foundation.
I have learnt that while we cannot stop the winds of life, we need not be blown about by them.
The external may rage, but the internal can remain steady.
This is what I share with you here: how to live fully and enjoy life without being inwardly disturbed by it — how to remain calm in turbulence and stand firm on your own hill, whatever weather comes your way.
How I Became a Writer
Several years ago, I had surgery that required two months of recovery. During that time, all I could do was read and watch television. That’s when I started writing — and I haven’t put the pen down since.
Before the operation, I was immersed in teaching Vedanta — conducting classes, workshops and retreats. But while I was in that recovery chair, I couldn’t do any of it.
That’s when I asked myself, “What is the one thing I could do for the rest of my life that doesn’t depend on anything or anyone?”
The answer was: writing.
Since then, I’ve poured my heart and soul into writing. Hours, days, even weeks can go into crafting a single piece. Most people don’t see that. But that’s when I saw books differently. They weren’t just bound pages anymore; I saw the authors behind the cover, their blood, sweat, and tears on the pages of every book.
Of course, in today’s AI world, you could churn an article out in a few minutes, but who would read that? There’s no heart, no soul behind the words. They’re just words on a page with no meaning or depth.
Writing is like art. A word here, a pause there. Each word is like a brushstroke. So when I press ‘publish’, I’m not just sending words, I’m offering something sacred.
Publishing a post, for me, is like the Hindu tradition of offering a piece of fruit to God. I offer writing that is fresh, nourishing, and when it’s digested, through reflection, it gives you the inner strength to live your life peacefully and efficiently.
Oh, what a beautiful masterpiece you create when you sit in silence, with no distractions, just you, your pen and paper. — The Elder Sage
Why the Elder Sage?
A fellow Substacker recently asked me, “How did I earn the name ‘The Elder Sage?’ Was it just for the publication or was it for me?”
I thought, “Great question,” and answered, “Both, actually.”
“This body will be 62 in July ‘26, and I’ve reflected deeply on the philosophy of life and living for more than half my life, so I figure I’m both an elder and a sage.”
Fast-forward to several months ago: I launched this Substack, but I didn’t know what to call the publication. I tried a few names, but none of them stuck. It wasn’t until July ‘25 that the title came to me like a flashing billboard:
The Elder Sage… The Elder Sage.
I thought, “Yes, this is perfect.”
After decades of service, study, teaching Vedanta, and running a non-profit organisation, not to mention a body gently affirming that time moves in one direction, The Elder Sage was born.
And just as I decided, several years ago, that writing was the one thing I could do for the rest of my life, The Elder Sage is a name that will carry me to the end of my life.
So, I have my writing and a title that fits perfectly. I’m all set. Ready to embark on this beautiful evening of life. Will you join me?
Testimonials
The things Meredith has taught me about how to live life has helped me more than any psychologist or therapist I have ever been to. — Karen Rogerson
Meredith has helped me to relax and appreciate the value of staying with my intellect through all of life‘s activities. — Jennifer Wright
It’s not often I rate anything as 5-star, but the intellectual growth and realisations I am experiencing from Meredith’s teachings are having a profound effect on my life and way of living as a whole. — Will Wilson
This knowledge is a piece of heaven, and Meredith imparts it in a very practical way. I look forward to class every week. — Tony Maceri
I’m your quintessential Aussie guy. Cheeky, enjoys a beer, loves playing and watching footy. Yet I stumbled across Meredith’s work recently, either by accident or design, and I’ve started implementing the knowledge. And I can honestly say I feel different in my head and heart. My sense of being feels much clearer, happier and more positive. — Andrew Harborn
When was the last time you felt like this? Your heart starts racing — pumping like it wants to jump out of its skin; a rush of feelings flows over you, and you are moved to tears. This happens in Meredith’s courses because she takes us to a higher, more blissful state than we can ever imagine in our daily lives. The Truth resonates through Meredith, as she gives us the knowledge and faith to rise up to who we really are. Great classes. Great teacher. — Lee East
I loved Meredith’s course and highly recommend it. I found it inspired me to move past several hurdles I had been struggling with, giving me a fresh roadmap for life. It also helped me foster inner strength, a sense of personal resolve, and gave me a deep sense of comfort about my life and relationship to the world. — Anni Harris
Meredith’s knowledge and holistic approach creates awareness, light and a playful space. Listening to her words and teachings brings another dimension to this course. I look forward to the class each week and feel great after each class. I want to learn more! — Natalie Zuchetti
This workshop has been thought-provoking and enlightening. Thank you Meredith for sharing your knowledge and wisdom with us. — Vincent Lim
Meredith is very knowledgeable, genuine and warm. She presented in a logical and understandable way. I’d highly recommend her workshops to any company wanting to improve employer wellbeing. — Peter Faludi
I have the utmost respect for Meredith as a presenter, speaker and valued community member. She is one of the most genuine people I have ever met. Meredith believes in helping people and has a very calming nature. — Zeeshan Pasha
