Introductory Course

The Introductory Course consists of nine lectures which are held three times a week. The same material is repeated at each session so you may vary your attendance. Click here for session dates and times.

What does it include?

The course covers;

• What is Wisdom?
• In, truth, What am I?
• Levels of Awareness
• The real nature of Man
• The use of reason
• Appreciation of Beauty
• Body, Mind and Heart
• Power of Attention
• Your true essence
• The three aspects of Love
• Know Thyself

You do not need to have completed any prior study or to have any qualifications. 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.

What is it like?

The general format of the sessions is that material is presented for consideration and ample opportunity is given for discussion. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed and no pressure is placed on students to participate if they do not wish to. The sessions run for approximately two and a quarter hours and there is normally a short interval with complimentary tea and coffee. Since the same material is presented at each session for the week, you may vary your attendence as you wish.

The material is a blend of concepts and practices from many traditions including Christianity, Platonism and the Advaita tradition from India. Simple mental exercises will be presented for practice and consideration and there will be the opportunity for discussion of these.

What happens next?

If you complete the course and wish to continue studying Philosophy, we provide subsequent courses. These follow a similar format and start to provide a little more depth. The themes for the courses are;

• Term 2: True Happiness
• Term 3: Love
• Term 4: Presence of Mind
• Term 5: Freedom and an introduction to meditation

After approximately five terms, we offer the opportunity to learn to meditate. The meditation is based on a mantra ( a word that is repeated in the mind ) and may be regarded as a mental and spiritual discipline. It has an entirely benign effect. Click here to learn more.

Should you wish to continue studying Philosophy following meditation, we provide subsequent courses. Eventually these are supplemented with further activities such as study days and residential weeks and weekends.