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. This session will provide guidance and the basic principles of learning to draw.

(Mr. Phillip Wills) Session 1 & 2

What is spirituality and what place does it have in your life? In this session we will explore spirituality through group discussion and also use art materials to connect to and reflect on our own spiritual understandings & experiences.

(Mrs. Michele Hutchins) Session 1 & 3

Socrates said in the Republic Book VII that the Art of Dialectic goes directly to first principles and is the only science which does away with hypotheses. He offers some tantalising clues as to how the mind might be led out of the dark cave of ignorance into the full light of truth itself.

(Mrs. Marita Brewster) Session 2

Come and explore the Chinese Element of Wood and the Season of Spring – a time of rising energy and growth! Through this Wu Tao Dance, discover the fine balance between our dynamic warrior energy and that soft, quiet nurturing aspect of ourselves. (Wear loose clothing.)

(Mrs. Miranda Brett) Session 2

Arjuna is not sure if he should fight for the good or give up to the perceived over whelming army of evil. Arjuna asks wise Krsna for council and Krsna speaks what we now know as the Bhagavad Gita. Join us in penetrating a small part of this great work.

(Mrs. Lynette Kennedy) Session 3

Each one of us has a unique set of gifts or talents. One of our challenges in life is to discover our own special talents and then to decide how we will use them. We all have the potential to make a difference in the world. This presentation will help you to discover your gifts.

(Mrs. Sharon Abrahams) Session 2

Why is our patience always tested? Why does it come and go? We will explore the lasting and divine nature of patience and how to live a truly peaceful life.

(Mr. Tim Rogers) Session 2

People who try to get rid of the ego are barking up the wrong tree. Sure - it’s a problem - but not for total elimination. Only a strong ego is capable of the submission necessary to give the soul precedence. It’s all a matter of measure, discernment, discipline, devotion and good humour!

(Mr. Tery Pope) Session 2

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

The Gayatri has been described as having the power of 1000 nuclear bombs; a famous singer performed the mantra in all 200 performances of her farewell concert tour and a renowned scientist said that the Gayatri should be carved on the door of every science laboratory. Discover the power and beauty of the Gayatri while its sounds awaken the vital energies which lead to liberation.

(Mr. Robert Udovicich) Session 1

Do you believe humanity to be fundamentally good but doubt it when you watch the news? Are we responsible, or is there another force at play? Good v evil has been the stuff of writers, philosophers and the church for millennia. Pure fiction, or part of a natural order? Tell me what you think and I will share what I have discovered - if you're good!

(Mr. Stewart Morritt) Session 3

A brief look at what was going on in the Middle East in the centuries before and after the birth of Christ that enabled Christianity to become the dominant religion.

(Mr. David Clark) Session 1

Do clothes matter? Are there life-principles that underlie dress etiquette? How much does our sense of Self-awareness determine what we wear? An investigation into the ideas and influences behind what we wear using some examples from history and mythology.

(Mr. Peter Stoddart) Session 2

All but two of Jesus’ parables were about wealth and money. So you are right: wealth and money are important! Hear a discourse on the real nature of money, the vast wealth of the western world and why this wealth goes where it does go; and the effect of all this on the human soul.

(Dr. John Tippett) 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 2

Practical spiritual philosophies are alive and well in Australian Aboriginal communities. What can we learn from our own and other indigenous cultures? What can they teach us about operating under natural law, caring for family and country, and living out the truth of the connectedness of all things?

(Mr. Frank Kennedy) Session 3

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

(Mrs. Janet Mason) Session 3

Amidst the mayhem and magnificence of the Italian Renaissance, Marsilio Ficino and a host of others searched for the universal and eternal. Such rich endeavours were at the heart of this period, often manifesting unexpectedly. How might our own mystic manifest? What clues does Marsilio provide for deep peace, contentment and fulfilment within ourself and our community?

(Mrs. Helen Nicol) Session 1

It is so relaxing to simply pick up a needle and sew, such fun to use a rainbow of colours and enjoy fabric textures. Decorating your home with cushions you have made yourself adds to a real sense of Home. The stitches are very simple and once learnt can be used in so many ways. Find a new hobby and way to enjoy being peaceful.

(Mrs. Philippa Street) Session 3

Eckhart Tolle might just be the greatest or at least the most greatly known modern philosopher. Come along and find out why.

(Mr. Philip Baulch) Session 3

What makes philosophy work? Philosophy gives us general principles that can help turn any work into something we want to do, rather than something we’re paid to do. Philosophy can also help us turn our own particular job, no matter how challenging, into something that we would do for freedom. Come along and find out how.

(Dr. Stephen McKenzie) Session 3

We have all heard of the term “Platonic love”. Plato’s concept of love has inspired poets and musicians throughout the centuries. How is it that we can soar to the heights of bliss and descend to the depths of misery due to love? What is real love? How can Plato help us find true love and happiness? Let us explore this most intriguing and fundamental topic.

(Mrs. Marita Brewster) Session 3

Join us in listening to Eckhart Tolle’s CD “The Realisation of Being –A Guide to Experiencing Your True Identity”. In this guided meditation session he shows us how to “listen to our entire body” and “merge with this present moment”, and is recommended for those with some experience of meditation or relaxation practices. This session puts into practice the essence of his best-selling books.

(Mr. Tim Rogers) Session 1

Let the sound of this most ancient and sacred language be heard and experienced. Sanskrit speaks directly to the heart and The Self within and takes the student on an unimaginable journey.

(Mrs. Bronwyn Morley & Dr. Barrie Mayall) Session 1

Has Science anything to do with Philosophy? Could both Science and Philosophy be of use in our everyday life? Why should we bother with where Science is taking us? Does Philosophy start where Science ends? We will look at what Science and Philosophy offer and see if any conclusions can be reached. No scientific jargon will be used!

(Mrs. Alison Brookman) Session 2

The Power of Speech. What is it that makes human sounds effective? How can our own human sounds be developed to become an effective tool in order to say what we mean with ease and confidence?

(Mrs. Rhonda & Mr. Gordon Walker) Session 1

A foray into expressive writing, with a sideways glance at grammar and syntax, and some consideration of problematic phrases and usage. Bring your favourite soapbox! And your favourite writing implement.

(Mrs. Karina Rowles) Session 1

“What experience, mystically divine, Transcending all concepts of time, Made the participants, All kinds of miscreants, Taste a magic superbly sublime?” Particularly Pythagoras, Plato, Plotinus, Rumi, St. Francis of Assisi, Meister Eckhart, and more recently, Eckhart Tolle and Simone Weil. What did they know? What was their secret?

(Mr. John Jepsen) Session 1

All of us were born creative….most of us have just forgotten how! Learn Leonardo Da Vinci’s creative secret and other simple, practical techniques to uncover your latent creative potential. It will change the way you feel about yourself, your work and your future……and you’ll have a lot of fun in the process.

(Mr. Stephen Abrahams) Session 3

Do you sometimes feel a victim of Fate? What could the Planets have to do with this? If you are curious of the above statements, and workings and attributes of the Planets; then join this presentation to understand more on how Vedic Astrology can be used as a tool for Self Knowledge.

(Mr. James McGill) Session 3

When we use the world ‘friend’ most of us would assume we know exactly what it means, but do we? Bring an inquiring mind and an open heart to this interactive enquiry into the nature of friendship, guided by illuminating words from Marsilio Ficino, Kahlil Gibran, and others.

(Mrs. Pat Bowran) Session 2