PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY

An Introductory Course of ten weekly lectures

Practical Philosophy is not about the history of philosophies, nor is it a comparative study of philosophers: rather it is an approach that shows the underlying unity to everything, which at the same time holds the key to a happy, contented and useful life.

The aim is to discover the natural creativity and sense of fullness that lies at the heart of all beings and, having discovered it, to realize it through every detail of our experience. This is achieved by turning to the great teachings of mankind and finding in practice how they may be applied in our daily lives.

The source materials of the course are wide-ranging but always profound and chosen for their relevance to life as we live it in the modern world.

Simple practical exercises, tested over many years, are introduced to develop students’ powers of attention and equanimity. Students are invited to give observations from their practice and receive practical guidance.

Among the subjects explored in the Introductory Course are:

• The use of Reason.
• The nature of Beauty.
• Dissolving stress.
• Freedom from fear & anger.
• The power of attention & employing it effectively.
• The unchanging in a changing world.
• The central question of philosophy: Who am I?

"The thing for which you seek is that which is looking." - St Francis of Assisi
 

THE APPROACH

The School is open to all. Students come from every walk of life, all ages and backgrounds. No previous study or qualification is required. The course does not lead to a certificate or award of any kind, only to a more interesting and enjoyable life!

Students meet in Groups led by a Tutor, who is a senior member of the School. No two Groups are ever the same: each develops in its own way through questions, discussion, observation and practice.

Each evening, material is drawn from a variety of sources, ancient to contemporary, Western to Eastern. Students are encouraged neither to accept nor reject any of the ideas presented and discussed but to test them in the light of experience.

"He who knows others is learned. He who knows himself is wise." - Lao-Tzu