Philosophy
Philosophy is the love of wisdom and wisdom is the true knowledge of the Self. The ultimate aim of philosophy is Self-realisation: understanding the deeper truth of who we are.
The School offers philosophy not as an academic subject, but as a practical and personal approach to life. These courses are designed to help people explore life more deeply and grow in self-understanding.
Truth lives in each of us
waiting to be revealed,
but does not act as master.
In truth each is made whole;
in truth, all are united.
Leon MacLaren, Founder
Approach
This approach draws from a wide range of traditions — East and West, ancient and modern, including indigenous cultures around the world. Despite their diversity, many of these traditions share a common insight, known as Advaita Philosophy. Each in its own way points to a transcendent reality which can be discovered by patient enquiry and practical effort, and to principles for living in the light of knowing something of that reality.
Advaita Vedanta
The study of philosophy in the School is directed to discovering what can be known about this common ground of Advaita Philosophy and to making the best use of that knowledge and its effects for the welfare of all. This is what we mean by spiritual and practical knowledge – knowledge of the transcendent reality which can be put to practical use.
Cornerstones
The cornerstones of Practical Philosophy are Knowledge, Meditation and Practice/Service. For any progress to be made in realising the truth, these three aspects need to be developed together.
Service starts at the physical level through the application of knowledge with a focussed mind, which informs us of what to do and how to do it. Meditation brings the being to stillness and opens the heart.
Advaita Vedanta
Advaita - understanding the unity which underlies everyone and everything. This philosophy is known as Advaita Philosophy (Advaita is a Sanskrit word which means “not two”).
Study in the School is directed towards understanding the unity which underlies everyone and everything. The philosophy is known as Advaita Vedanta (Advaita is a Sanskrit word which means “not two”).
The essence of Advaita Vedanta philosophy is that in the ultimate analysis there is no difference between human consciousness and the universal creative consciousness and that practical realisation of this unity is possible through reason.
