Part 01: Wisdom
Introduction to Philosophy & Meditation
Open to all, sign up now to enjoy the benefits of philosophy and meditation that last a lifetime.
Enrol NowDuration
10 Weeks
Fee
€10.00
Next Schedule
22nd April 2024 - 30th June 2024
Philosophy means ‘the love of wisdom’ and wisdom is what helps us to master the art of living. In this course, we learn how to apply wisdom practically in our everyday. This course also helps you to prepare for a course in mantra-based meditation which will be offered to you on completion.
These classes are filled with lively discussions as we explore how the wisdom of philosophy can be used to help us in our daily lives.You will learn about the practice of mantra-based meditation and you will be invited to a free course in meditation during this Introductory Course. This course is part of a foundation course of philosophy and meditation which also covers happiness and love. These three: wisdom, happiness and love, are central to human life and you will hear what some of the world’s great philosophers have said on these subjects. We will also consider them in practical ways relevant to our lives today.
There are two main sources for the School’s philosophy: Advaita philosophy (the philosophy of non-duality), and Plato. The School draws from many additional sources which are resonant with these two main themes. Together, these can be viewed as a golden thread that runs through Western and Eastern philosophy.
What students say:
'The course exceeded all expectations. It has been a wonderful rewarding experience. The tutors are phenomenal and the class discussions are always interesting and enlightening. The class is the highlight of my week and I always leave it feeling a little wiser and happier than I was before I went in.'
'I enjoyed listening to others' experiences in the group and I picked up useful tips from the tutors'
'The informality of the sessions made for a great atmosphere and the tutor was very good about making everyone feel comfortable'
'I enjoyed the stimulating discussions and the friendly conversations with the group'
'The people were all lovely. It was nice to gather with like-minded people and yet a lot of different perspectives.'
'The delivery and content was excellent'
'I loved the practical nature of the classes, whereby all participants could discuss how this philosophy might affect their day-to-day lives'
Week 1
The Wisdom Within
How philosophy can help us live richer, less stressful lives. Philosophy is the love of wisdom - and what is wisdom? The knowledge to help us master the art of living. Introduction to an awareness exercise that we will use throughout the term
Week 2
Know Thyself
Modern philosophy distinguishes two types of self-knowledge. One is knowledge about one’s own particular mental and emotional states. The other is knowledge of a persistent self, that is, a self that persists whatever the mental or emotional states may be. We consider both of these in this session and look at quotes from the Tao Te Ching, Autobiography of a Yogi, Rumi and Hildegard of Bingen
Week 3
Being Awake
Explore deeper levels of awareness, and how we can become more awake to the world around us. In seeking wisdom, and a true understanding of ourselves, and the world in which we live, we have a great gift. That is the gift of awareness. We consider quotes by poets Mary Spain and William Blake, along with Plato and Shakespeare
Week 4
The Present Moment
Being awake, living in the present, is very much to do with attention. This is a remarkable power, which is available to anyone. Where there is a strong power of attention, it is of great benefit not only in dealing with everyday, worldly matters, but also in connecting with the higher levels of awareness. We look at philosopher Swami Vivekananda and extracts from the book Zen Flesh, Zen Bones
Week 5
Living justly
Over the centuries one of the key questions of philosophy has been concerned with the nature of justice and injustice. In this session we will consider what Plato said about this
Week 6
The Threefold Energy
In this session we consider energy. What is energy? Do we find that our energy levels vary? Would we like to have more energy? Do we always have the right type of energy? Do we use our energies in the best way?We will look at a model that describes the world and everything in it in relation to three energies that may be thought of as light, activity and regulation.
Week 7
The Light of Reason
Developing Reason in Speech and Discussion. Plato’s writings mostly take the form of dialogues in which Socrates is the main speaker. In this session we consider four points which emerge from these dialogues and see how they may be applied in practice. When these are applied we may gain some insight into what is often referred to as the Socratic method or Socratic dialogue. 1. Truth is the goal 2. Be willing to be refuted 3.Listen 4. Question
Week 8
The Power of Beauty
what is beauty? Where do we find it? Is there such a thing as absolute beauty? These are questions with which philosophers have been concerned for millennia. Why do they consider these questions? Why is beauty such an important subject? 'Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light within the heart.' Kahlil Gibran
Week 9
Unity in Diversity
Diversity adds to the richness of life. Is there ever a problem with diversity? Do we sometimes feel overwhelmed by diversity? Despite all these differences, what is it that unites us? What has brought us here together? What makes us the same? What do we have in common? ' All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. Man does not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web he does to himself . . . All things are connected.' Attributed to Chief Seattle of the Duwamish Tribe
Week 10
The Desire for Truth
What does it mean to be true to yourself? 'This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.' Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act I, Scene 3
Dublin 4
Engineers Ireland, 22 Clyde Road, Dublin 4
Cork
18 Anglesea St, Cork
Practical Philosophy Online
Ongoing Learning
Part 02, Practical Philosophy:
Happiness€70/£60
We are all seeking happiness - how is happiness lost and how can we find it ? This course will provide you with a map to where it may be found.
- Is Happiness natural?
- Is happiness permanent or temporary?
- Can we all be happy?
- Is happiness an impossible dream?
Part 03, Practical Philosophy:
Love€70/£60
Everyone has pure love within their nature. This signifies an absence of selfishness or limit. Despite evidence to the contrary, we all try to express pure love in our daily lives.
Learn MorePart 04, Practical Philosophy:
Presence€70/£60
The love, happiness, and intelligence, which are within everyone, are naturally available when the mind is truly present.
Learn More