Introductory Course
Drawing on the great philosophic ideas of both East and West, past and present, this course explores the meaning of wisdom, truth, consciousness, the real nature of Humanity and what inhibits its development.
It is for all, regardless of education, age, race, political or religious beliefs. The philosophy of the course is that Humanity in truth is limitless and that there is a unity underlying all the apparent diversity in our daily lives. This is known as non-dualistic philosophy.
Next Course starting Monday, January 25th.
Read more below: Overview | Course Content | Times & Locations
Overview
Above all, this course is about practical philosophy. This means that the principles discussed in class can be put to effective practical use in work, study and every aspect of daily life. No previous knowledge of the subject is necessary.
Classes are conducted in a friendly and openhearted atmosphere. Philosophical principles and examples are presented to the class, and students are encouraged to discuss these in the light of their own experience and to seek further understanding of the principles by putting them into practice during the week.
Simple exercises are also given that help to strengthen attention and bring rest and clarity to the mind.
The course is offered three times each year, in January, May and September. See below for the times and locations of each class.
There are subsequent courses for those who wish to continue the study of this philosophy.
Course Content
Week 1
- Practical Philosophy: the love and application of wisdom.
- How to act wisely in all situations.
Week 2
- The principles of self knowledge.
- The importance of observation.
Week 3
- The difference between knowledge and information.
- Raising the levels of awareness. The spirit of enquiry.
Week 4
- Realising our limitless potential.
- The nature of justice and injustice. Transcending fear.
Week 5
- Developing and expanding reason.
- Experiencing deeper levels of being through stillness.
Week 6
- Waking up out of dreams. Seeing beyond appearances.
- What is Absolute beauty? Discriminating between the eternal and the changing.
Week 7
- In truth, who am I? The nature of the body, mind and heart.
- How to develop and strengthen the power of attention.
Week 8
- Identification with the changing, and its effects.
- Remembering the unchanging observer and understanding the four states of attention.
Week 9
- Rising above the mechanicalness of everyday living.
- Discovering true freedom.
Week 10
- Living in the present. Is there an unchanging I?
- Improving efficiency and increasing energy.
Week 11
- The three states of love. The three types of speech.
- Using attention in the proper way.
Week 12
- What is truth itself? The way ahead.
Course Details
Times and Locations
The course is held three times each year, beginning in January, May and September.
Summer Term, 2010: Jan 25th – April 18th
Winter Term, 2010: May 18th – Aug 15th
Spring Term, 2010: Oct 11th – Dec 12th
The next course will begin in the week beginning Monday, January 25th.
See the Times & Locations chart below for details on when and where the Introductory Course is available.
Duration
The course consists of one session per week for 12 weeks, each session lasting between 2 ¼ and 2 ½ hours with a break for refreshments.
Depending on the day, classes may begin at 6.15 pm (Tuesdays), 7 pm (other weekdays) and 10 am (Saturdays).
In Melbourne, the same course is offered several times through the week, so that students can vary their day of attendance if needed.
Locations
The School of Philosophy has branches in Melbourne (city), Hawthorn, Croydon, Geelong, Ballarat and Colac.
See our Venues page for more details on each location.
Prerequisites
None! This course is for thoughtful men, women and children who would like to understand themselves better, and assumes no background learning. An open mind and an open heart are recommended, but not required!
There are no exams at the end of the course and it does not carry credits that can be applied to any other course of study. Handouts are provided at the end of each session so there is no need to bring writing materials or take notes.
Fees
In Melbourne, Hawthorn and Croydon, the fee for the course is $250 for adults, $175 for those with a Health Care or Pensioner card, and $55 for full-time students.
In Geelong, Ballarat and Colac, the fee is $175 for adults, $125 for those with a Health Care or Pensioner card, and $40 for full-time students.
Enrolment
You may either enrol online by using our secure checkout, by calling our office on (03) 9818 0804, or in person in the half hour before the commencement of your first class. (You may pay by cash, cheque or credit card when paying on location.)
More Information
If you require any more information, or have any questions about the course, please feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you!
Times & Locations
The course lasts for 12 weeks. Classes normally last between 2 ¼ and 2 ½ hours.
Summer Term 2010 (Jan 25th – April 18th)
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| City | 6.15 pm | 7 pm | 10 am | |||
| Hawthorn | 7 pm | |||||
| Croydon | 7 pm | |||||
| Geelong | 9.30 am | 7 pm | ||||
| Ballarat | 7 pm | |||||
| Colac |