The System of Practical Philosophy & Meditation

At the heart of the system of self-development

employed by the School are three pillars:

Knowledge, Meditation and Practice/Service

These three work together to support lasting inner change. The tradition behind them is ancient - referred to in the Upanishads as the “Triple Fire” - but their relevance is timeless.

Today, knowledge is everywhere. Countless tools and techniques promise greater stillness and peace of 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.

 

School of Practical Philosophy Wheel

Philosophy & Meditation Programme

Courses in the School are built on that complete foundation, offering not just ideas or exercises, but a framework that supports real transformation over time - one step at a time.

  • Practice / Service

  • 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 session 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.

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    Middle School

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    Intermediate School

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    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.