Is this the life I want?

What prompts people to follow Practical Philosophy? Some people speak of wanting to find the meaning of life, some speak of a general dissatisfaction in what they are doing, others want to know ‘who am I?’. For others a difficult experience has led them to question their lives and seek deeper meaning.

Śrī Śāntānanda Sarasvatī

If you begin to be what you are, you will realise everything, but to begin to be what you are, you must come out of what you are not. You are not those thoughts which are turning, turning in your mind; you are not those changing feelings; you are not the different decisions you make and the different wills you have; you are not that separate ego.
Well then, what are you?

Philosophy

Philosophy is the love of wisdom and wisdom is the true knowledge of the Self. Self-realisation is the aim of all true philosophy and the fulfilment of man is to realise that truth about himself.

Courses

The School has been presenting courses in Gauteng since 1959. The philosophy programme consists of a systematic series of courses that build upon concepts taught in previous courses.

FAQ

The courses are designed to be suitable for people of all faiths – and those who follow no particular faith – and over many years this has been found to be so. These FAQ may be of use to help you decide.

Upcoming Courses

New courses are run in January, May and September every year.

In response to the unique situation we find ourselves in, we are offering a new ONLINE course via Zoom.

Upcoming Courses

Practical Philosophy

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Introductory Practical Philosophy

A ten-week starter course considering the philosophical ideas and questions affecting our everyday lives.

Do any of us really know who we are? Or why? For thousands of years, philosophy has been searching for answers and seeking the truth in everything.

FURTHER COURSES

Practical Philosophy

We would encourage you to explore and deepen your understanding beyond the Introductory Module and we offer a range of opportunities to enable you to do so from Part 2 onwards.

For students who have completed the Introductory Module (both Part 1A and Part 1B), we run follow-on courses.

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Introductory Economics with Justice

A ten-week starter course explores the possibility of a just system which works. And works for all.

The course enquires into the causes of inequality and what maintains it. It looks at the sources of wealth and causes of poverty.

NB: This course is run by our sister school in the UK. Click read more to go to their website.

Economics with Justice

Examine the economic principles at work in society that help us live together in peace and prosperity

Sanskrita

The sheer beauty of the language and profound concepts stir the mind and heart to that which is pure and beautiful.

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Introductory Sanskrita

All students start with the Introductory Course. The aim of this course is to provide a sound introduction to the language which will equip the student to proceed with further studies.

The aim is that the student will be able to sound the alphabet, write finely and have acquired basic reading skills.

Countdown to start of new term:

Philosophy as presented by the School has helped me discover that some of the things I have silently known to be true were indeed true. For instance, I have always suspected that there had to be more to me than this body.

Faith

Rich journey to freedom!

Hendrik

The benefits of everything with regard to Meditation exceeded my expectation. It exposes me to a very different world of unknown peace and calm...

Aaron

In a world full of chaos and uncertainty, this School is a beacon showing me light and direction on my path.

Kotie

I have grown as a person from absolute chaos to blissful happiness and peace. I found that I've become more attentive and aware, enjoying every moment and appreciating the small things. I've started to discover my self-worth and my goals in life.

Jean-Erik

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Who are the students?

Our students represent a broad spectrum of people from all walks of life - young and old, from many different professions.

This diversity holds true for all School locations.

Are there any opportunities to socialise with the group?

Social interaction is all part of the fun of being in a philosophy group and a natural consequence of meeting new, interesting people. We also organise events from time to time which give opportunities for meeting fellow students.

Of course, philosophy provides many opportunities for quiet reflection as well...

Is this an academic course?

No, this is not an academic course and there are no exams.

As the word philosophy (meaning ‘love of wisdom’) implies, the purpose of this study is to gain the wisdom that will allow you to lead a more useful and rewarding life.

Locations of Gauteng Branches