Practical Philosophy & Meditation

The system of self-development employed by the School is based on three pillars: Knowledge, Meditation and Practice. This is sometimes known as the First Line of School work.

This approach has an ancient pedigree, referred to in the Upanishads as the Triple Fire. Much can and will be said in later courses about the importance of each to one’s inner development, but in essence all three are necessary.

In today’s world, we have access to unlimited information and knowledge and a multitude of practices designed to bring greater stillness and peace to the mind. Opportunities for practice within a guided system, on the other hand, are harder to come by these days and philosophical systems which use all three of these traditional pillars are increasingly rare.

Graphic displaying the essential elements of Philosophy - knowledge, meditation, practice for the school of practical philosophy.

Philosophy Programme

The Philosophy programme consists of a series of courses and activities that build upon concepts from previous courses.

  • Practice

  • 1

    Practical Application

    As practice is a cornerstone of this course, students are encouraged to put into practice concepts received during the session. Indeed it is only through experience that information becomes real knowledge.

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  • 4

    Introduction to Service

    This starts with practising fine attention through serving refreshments to your fellow students one evening in the term. This provides an environment in which habitual ways of thinking and acting are deprived of their usual power, and in which we can establish the practices we have been given.

    The combination of Knowledge, Meditation, Practice and good company of the group meetings and discussion provide all the support that one needs for one's inner development.

  • Knowledge

  • 1

    Part 1 - Wisdom Within
    Practical Philosophy is the exploration of knowledge, wisdom and ideas you can use to make sense of your world. It’s about discovering the truth of things – not in theory, but in our own experience.

    Read More about Part1

  • 2

    Part 2 - Happiness
    Philosophy has a lot to say about happiness. And what's more, it provides a road map.

  • 3

    Part 3 - Love
    Learn what great minds had to say about love, what love is, how it is gained and how it is lost.

  • 4

    Part 4 - Present Moment
    What is the present? We examine the powers and capabilities of the mind in the present moment.

  • 5

    Part 5 - Freedom

    Freedom, love and truth and their relationship. Invitation to Introduction to Meditation.

  • 6

    Part 6 - Part 12
    Further modules explore Action, Devotion, Knowledge and The Way of the Householder.

  • Middle School

  • Intermediate School

  • Senior School

  • Meditation

  • 1

    The Awareness Exercise

    To bring about a greater depth of experience and awareness, we first need to gain the ability to become fully still.  This is not just stillness at a physical level but also stillness of the mental and emotional activity. This preliminary work provides a good basis for those wishing to take up Meditation.

    Students may choose to take up meditation at any time during Part 1 to Part 5. Additional classes are offered. Read More

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  • 5

    Introduction to Meditation

    To provide you with the best possible support as you begin your journey with meditation, the group continues to study, practice and meditate together each week. Regular meditation tutorials - especially important during the initial weeks and months - are also provided from this point onward. The ongoing support for meditation is an invaluable and distinguishing feature of the School. There is no additional charge for these meditation tutorials.

View Course Details

How Courses are Run

Organization

  • Courses are in January, May and September every year.
  • A group consists of 4 – 15 students.
  • Each group has a tutor and sometimes an assistant tutor.
  • Each session is held once a week on the same day/night.
  • Each session is just over 2 hours long (with a refreshments break in the middle).
  • A term/course lasts for 10 - 12 weeks.

Tutors

  • Are also students of philosophy in the School.
  • Have attended the School for a number of years and demonstrated an appreciation of the practice of philosophy in their daily lives.
  • Come from all walks of life and different professions.
  • All tutors, course directors, administrators remain students for life.
  • No one is paid for tutoring.
 
 

Style

  • Oral tradition - tutor presents material and leads a discussion based on what arises.
  • Practical rather than academic.
  • Notes are given only as a reminder of the concepts and practices.
  • Neither accept nor reject the ideas put forward, but test them in the light of experience.
  • The whole week between classes can become a learning opportunity.
  • Often the most vivid and valuable part of the evening is sharing what has been seen in daily life between sessions.
  • What you put in is what you get out.

Payments

  • Course fee is payable by EFT or Cash.
  • Fee should be paid in full before the start of the course.
  • Contact your branch co-ordinator for banking details.
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