School of Philosophy | Melbourne

‘The practice of observation and response.’ The great works of art throughout history were commenced through the natural impulse to draw. The session will provide the student with guidance and the basic principles of learning to draw.

(Mr. Phillip Wills and Mrs. Eleanor Healy-Wills) Session 1

Enjoy sounding primordial Vedic sounds and songs to awaken your vital energies, leading to spiritual liberation while enjoying health, wealth and happiness!

(Mr. Robert Udovicich) Session 3

The ancient wisdom of Ayurvedic medicine provides the key to maintaining health through balance and preventing disease.

(Mrs. Philippa Street) Session 2

Restoring balance and harmony through Wu Tao dance and the element of Air; the season of Autumn and the opportunity to let go!  No previous dance experience required.  Movements are simple and easy to follow.

(Mrs. Miranda Brett) Session 1

When adversity strikes how do you respond?  This gracious and noble virtue may hold the key.  Hear what the poets Shakespeare, Kipling and others have said about forbearance and how it has featured in the lives of some of humanity’s greats.  Consider how it applies to us right here, right now, in these challenging times.

(Mr. Michael Luscombe) Session 1

Most of us find it extraordinarily difficult to access and maintain connection with the real Self.  The contention is that if our concept of time and our perception of time were undistorted, that difficulty would thereby dissolve.

(Mr. Tery Pope) Session 2

Enjoy peace and stillness while practicing movements from the Classical Indian Dance tradition.

(Mrs. Nicky Purcell) Session 3

The Bhagavad Gita is probably the most translated Sanskrit book.  This ancient text gives guidance for life.  Come and take a tiny dip into the Bhagavad Gita.

(Mrs. Lyn Kennedy) Session 1

Who was Plato?  Why has he been described as the father of Western philosophy?  What is meant by his Theory of Forms?  What is dialectic?  Why was Plato so ambivalent about the sophists?  We will explore these questions and more in order to gain some insight into the wisdom of this great philosopher.

(Mrs. Marita Brewster) Session 3

Tai Chi was originally a part of the Martial Arts, dating back many hundreds of years.  Today it is practiced more for its health benefits, with good health and well-being as the main focus.  Wear loose clothing to practice.

(Mr. Steven Georgiou) Session 2

What is Islam?  Discover the origins of the revelation of Islam, its rapid spread across the globe, the schism of Sunni and Shi’ia Islam, and how Sufism explored the mystical source of the revelation.  Experience how the Dome of the Rock, the Alhambra Palace and the Taj Mahal are all expressions of Unity.

(Mr. Garry Martin) Session 2

In Raphael’s famous painting ‘The School of Athens’, Plato is depicted carrying a book entitled the ‘Timaeus’ under his arm.  How important is this work in Plato’s oeuvre? Why did it absorb and fascinate early Christian scholars and what does it offer the modern reader/philosopher today?

(Mrs. Melanie McKenzie) Session 2

This practical workshop offers an opportunity to experience the gentle art of flower arranging.  What can flowers teach us?  Can the beauty of flowers bring an active mind to rest?  There will be a small charge of $10 payable on the day to cover costs - you will be able to take your creation home to contemplate.  Please bring secateurs if you have them.

(Mrs. Leanne Marshall) Session 2

“If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs…” So begins Rudyard Kipling’s famous poem “If” which gives advice on facing adversity.  What is adversity?  What are the many forms it takes in our daily lives?  Can it be avoided?  Or do we simply need to be able to meet it head on?  Join us for a discussion using the poem “If” as our guide.

(Mr. Chris Hutchins) Session 3

A rare opportunity to hear Andrew Wolpert’s Temenos Lecture, revealing the mysteries and intricacies of Leonardo Da Vinci’s intriguing masterpiece.

(Mr. John Street) Session 3

Do you have a vision? Perhaps it’s large, perhaps it’s small, perhaps just a vague idea in mind. We will consider how it may be possible to formulate our vision in accord with the Will of the Absolute, and then how it may be realized.

(Mr. Warwick Brewster) Session 2

The voice is the one musical instrument we are all born with and song is the most powerful medium for communicating words of truth. This session introduces students to the restful art of singing in unison and harmony. No prior experience is required for this joyful activity.

(Mrs. Janet Mason) Session 3

“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.  Where there is hatred, let me sow love!”  Francis knew the purifying power of joyful poverty.  By his example, he transformed Christianity.  Eight hundred years later, is it still a path to peace and unity for a trouble world?

(Mr. John Jepsen) Session 1

Training attention may be the most important generic skill we can ever develop.  It has many particular applications from managing stress, to improving performance and enhancing our physical health.

(Dr. Craig Hassed) Session 2

An open discussion and enquiry into the real nature of Love.  Questions such as “Why do we not experience love all the time?”  “Why is it so hard to define?” How do we receive more if it?” will be explored.

(Mr. Tim Rogers) Session 2

Connect with the senses of touch, sight and sound through an introduction to the art of calligraphy.

(Mrs. Deirdre Hassed) Session 1

What is it that makes us happy?  Is happiness our natural state?  Can philosophy make us happy?  Come to this interactive session to find out how the teachings of some of the world’s great philosophical traditions can help to make us happy.

(Dr. Stephen McKenzie) Session 3

Throughout the ages, beautiful gardens have provided places of refuge, refreshment and inspiration. Explore why gardens exert such a profound influence, and how these principles can be applied to the design and enjoyment of our gardens.

(Mrs. Lorraine Nadebaum) Session 1

Is Philosophy relevant to marriage today?  Can our marriages/relationships benefit from a study of philosophy?  Let us explore how timeless principles can be practiced in the everyday life of our relationships.

(Mr. Tjip & Mrs. Brenda Faber) Session 1

Why write poetry?  Why read poetry?  What is it about poetry that can fascinate and draw us in, or speak to us on different levels?  What is at the source of poetry? We will read and study the writings of poets such as Shakespeare, Keats and Wordsworth, and consider the origin of their works.

(Mr. Simon McDonald) Session 3

An exploration into prayer, meditation and stillness, and how they might relate to philosophy. Are they useful, and what is their true purpose?  Five simple practices will be explored to bring the mind to stillness instantly.

(Dr. Gary Grohmann) Session 1

Look closely into the beauty of nature, music, art and architecture and you may well discover hidden structures and patterns of perfect proportion.  See examples, discover the meaning of sacred geometric art and receive step-by-step instructions to complete simple, beautifully satisfying pieces to take home.

(Miss Amanda Pope & Mr Garry Martin) Session 3

Survey the vast expanses of this living ancient language, the language of the Vedas, Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita.  Immerse yourself in the spiritual sounds of traditional chants, and find out how quickly and easily these sounds can be absorbed.

(Dr. Barrie Mayall) Session 1

Our responses to situations can create a sense of being on a treadmill of always reacting in ‘automatic’ mode and result in feelings of loss of freedom.  Together we’ll explore how these situations arise and how we might adopt and practice a different approach to regain that freedom, an approach that has been known and used for thousands of years.

(Mr. George Telkes) Session 2