COURSES
Every course offered in the School contains its own theme, its own focus and its own transformative practices. The course program is designed to work in a logical sequence, with each course building on the ideas and concepts introduced in previous courses.
The first course to take is our introductory course The Wisdom Within, followed in sequence as outlined below.
YEAR 1 - THE HEART OF PHILOSOPHY
THE HEART OF PHILOSOPHY AIMS AT THE REALISATION THAT
WISDOM, HAPPINESS AND LOVE ARE NOT DISTANT GOALS,
BUT ARE OUR BIRTHRIGHT AS HUMAN BEINGS.
New to the school? Start here:
COURSE 1.
THE WISDOM WITHIN
The Wisdom Within is the first course at Practical Philosophy Australia. It will introduce you to the world's great philosophical teachings, show you ways of accessing a lasting happiness beyond material gain and help you to realise the unifying power of love.
A prerequisite for enrolment:
There are no prerequisites.
COURSE 2.
HAPPINESS
Holidays come and go. Clothes wear out. Bank accounts go up and down. Through all of this, the desire for happiness is a compass-point. This course will calibrate your compass, provide a map and refresh your navigation skills.
A prerequisite for enrolment:
Completion of The Wisdom Within Course.
COURSE 3.
LOVE
Love unites and makes whole. But in a world where divisions of all kinds prevail, including those within ourselves, a conscious consideration of love is necessary.
A prerequisite for enrolment:
Completion of The Wisdom Within Course and Happiness.
YEAR 2 - THE AIM OF PHILOSOPHY
THE PRESENT MOMENT ILLUMINATES THE WAY TO FREEDOM OF ACTION.
IN THE NOW, YOU ARE FREE TO ACT CREATIVELY INSTEAD
OF REACTING HABITUALLY, FREE OF LIMITATIONS AND DOUBT.
COURSE 4.
PRESENCE OF MIND
The Presence of Mind course involves a consideration of the faculties of mind that are available to us. The course deals with the relationship between the past, present and future, and the relationship between cause and effect which arises out of this relationship.
Prerequisite for enrolment:
Completion of Year 1 courses
COURSE 5.
PHILOSOPHY & FREEDOM
This course explores the nature of freedom and our preconceived ideas which may limit our sense of freedom. The desire for freedom is common, however without awareness in and of the present moment, it’s impossible to see the way forward.
Prerequisite for enrolment:
Completion of Year 1 courses and Presence of Mind.
COURSE 6.
FREEDOM IN ACTION
We tend to spend all day long engaged in action. But what does philosophy say as to how this can take place in a way that is not binding but liberating?
A prerequisite for enrolment:
Completion of Year 1 courses, Presence of Mind and Philosophy & Freedom courses.
YEAR 3 - THE WAY OF PHILOSOPHY
PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY IS A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY
FOR THE BODY, HEART AND MIND.
COURSE 7.
THE WAY OF DEVOTION
When actions become liberating rather than binding the power of devotion naturally opens up in a person. The desire to be devoted lies within the heart of everyone. The devotion may be to anything, for example to a football club, to one’s family, a job, a cause, or to a God. This is an exceedingly powerful force in human life.
Prerequisite for enrolment:
Completion of Year 1 and Year 2 courses
COURSE 8.
KNOWLEDGE & FREEDOM
It is through action, devotion and knowledge that the essential nature within everyone may be expressed. They act as channels for this expression. Using the insights of the wise and experimenting with various practices, we will examine what is means to 'know'. Knowledge is the birthright of every human being but is not what we generally claim it is. Come explore and discover.
Prerequisite for enrolment:
Completion of Year 1 and Year 2 courses including The Way of Devotion.
COURSE 9.
PHILOSOPHY AS A WAY OF LIFE
In ancient times, philosophy was not seen as a merely academic pursuit but as a way of living. The French philosopher Pierre Hadot, said: “During this period, philosophy was a way of life … Philosophy was a mode of existing-in-the-world, which had to be practiced at each instant, and the goal of which was to transform the whole of the individual's life.”
Prerequisite for enrolment:
Completion of Year 1 and Year 2 courses including The Way of Devotion and Knowledge and Freedom courses
YEAR 4 - PHILOSOPHY & NATURE
JUST AS THE NATURAL WORLD IS ORDERED
AND BALANCED BY DISCOVERABLE LAWS AND REGULATIONS,
SO IS HUMAN NATURE.
COURSE 10.
LAW OF THREE
This course takes a more systematic and practical look at the three guṇāh. The knowledge of the guṇāh is the key to self-mastery. Knowledge of their play brings greater understanding to all aspects of life, providing perspective, understanding and the opportunity to respond freely to every situation we meet.
Prerequisite for enrolment:
Completion of the first 10 courses
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