Part 03
Practical Philosophy: Love
Learn More
What Would A Wise Person Do?
How can I truly be happy?
How can I be at peace?
What is Justice?
What To Expect
Philosophy means ‘the love of wisdom’ and wisdom is what helps us to master the art of living. In this course we learn how to apply wisdom practically in our everyday lives. This Introductory course is designed to encourage students to regain their natural sense of wonder, gaining greater access to their inner happiness, wisdom and strength.
More about the course
This is our very popular 10 week Introductory Course. These classes are filled with lively discussions in the spirit of inquiry. Sessions last for 2 hours and we break for refreshments for 15 minutes after the first hour.
The Introductory Course offers an entirely practical approach to the study and practice of philosophical principles. The course is for everyone regardless of race, education, occupation, age, culture and religion. You don't need to have studied philosophy before, all you need is a desire to examine life and enjoy it more fully.
The format of the class is to enquire around a question or a piece of material written by wise scholars, writers or philosophers. Then we discuss, listen to others perspectives and experiences and then we put this into practice during our day to day lives.
In the first session of the Introductory Course a very simple practice is given to enable students to begin to connect with a deeper peace and stillness within themselves and also observe more clearly the state of their own mind and emotions. This is a useful way to begin the sessions and students also practice this exercise during the week to see how it effects their day.
If you would like to continue the classes beyond the Introductory Course, we offer courses on the themes of Love, Happiness, Presence and Freedom. From term 2 an introduction to mantra - based meditation.
We look forward to welcoming you to class.
Week 1
The Wisdom Within. Why study philosophy? Introduction to practical exercises in awareness
Week 2
Knowing yourself. What am I? am I this body? this mind? these emotions? Is there more?
Week 3
Being Awake. How often and for how long are we awake?
Week 4
Attending To The Present Moment. What you give your attention to grows.
Week 5
Living Justly. What is justice? Is it important to live justly? Would a wise person live justly?
Week 6
The Three-Fold Energy. Do we find that our energy levels vary? Would we like to have more energy? What is energy?
Week 7
The Light Of Reason. What is reason? How can we develop reason? How can reason inform and inspire our lives?
Week 8
The Power Of Beauty. What is beauty itself? What keeps us from experiencing more Beauty?
Week 9
Unity In Diversity.
Week 10
The Desire for Truth. What are the marks of truth? How can we live more truthful lives?
The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes
Marcel Proust - Remembrance of Things Past
What students say
I gained practical tools to help create more happiness in my life.
I have just completed the introductory course and wanted to let you know that I found it to be thoroughly enjoyable. The group discussions were great fun. The handouts are exceptionally well prepared with quotations from the masters, and practical tools to enhance life!
Elaine
The course gave me an opportunity to discuss the bigger concepts in life that we don't usually get the chance to focus on in our day to day life.
The lessons I have learned in the Introductory Course have encouraged me to stop and think. Also to listen to other people’s views.
Sean
I loved this course. I got a further understanding of philosophy and its concepts and I found the ideas about happiness extremely profound and helpful.
It's given me time to think about myself. The group discussions give an opportunity to hear others opinions and thoughts. Part 1 has given me some new and some reminders of nuggets of knowledge.
Ian Durnin
I have gained useful, practical and simple ways of improving my life every day.
I have gained a more complete understanding of who I am. I have also gained a deeper insight into my own life and how to live it. The course has given me practices to allow me to experience peace within myself
Dominick
I have discovered that happiness comes from within and I've learned the importance of really listening.
I can’t speak highly enough of the course or the tutors . It has stretched my mind and self and invited me to consider ideas I had never even thought. Skilled teachers and thoroughly enjoyed the class
Conor
The course has opened up a door – a new way of looking at things. I found it very beneficial. Very interesting.
Rose
I have gained a more open mind to think about how I may react or not react during my day. Learning how to stop in-between tasks is such a simple exercise, and this has started to make small changes in my life recently. The mindfulness exercises have helped reduce stress in my life.
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