FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT THE COURSE
Philosophy brings us to ourselves, here and now, giving us the opportunity to think more deeply about the subjects that really matter to us. What is truth? Who am I? What is this universe? What is my part in it? What is freedom? How can I find meaning and satisfaction in my life?
The course considers a wide range of philosophical ideas, tapping into the wisdom of the great minds of East and West that have stood the test of time from Epicurus to Plato, Patanjali to Confucius, Krishna to Srī Śāntananda Sarasvatī.
Reference is made to many works including, but not limited to Rumi, Shakespeare, Kahlil Gibran, Einstein, Helen Keller as well as the Bhagavad Gītā and the Upanishads.
There are no pre-requisites for the course.
The approach is practical rather than academic. There are no exams to pass. The course does not offer certificates or diplomas.
All that is needed is a thoughtful approach to life, a desire to know more, experience greater happiness and discover the practical means to fulfillment.
10 weekly online sessions via Zoom of around 90 minutes each.
Engaging conversations with like minded individuals.
Exercises to refine the power of attention, self-reliance and reason.
Clarity of mind and openness of heart.
Increased energy and awareness.
Time to talk about things that matter.
COURSE QUESTIONS
An inquiring spirit, an open mind, a willing heart. There are no text-books for the course. All materials will be provided.
Upon registration, you will receive a welcome email with all the necessary instructions and links to connect to the course via Zoom.
The sessions are delivered in English only. There will be a few Sanskrit words introduced, each will be discussed and explained in the session. If English is a second language, or if you do not speak English, please seek a School in your region.
Courses commence 3 times a year:
Term 1 - February
Term 2 - May
Term 3 - September
ABOUT PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY AUSTRALIA
There have been Schools of Practical Philosophy offering courses in Australia since 1967. None of the Schools are part of a religious group or affiliated with any religion or religious teaching. Read School's the History here
The primary aim of our Schools is freedom; the sort of practical freedom which allows a person to simply be themselves, with the confidence that comes from deep self-knowledge.
The secondary aim of our Schools depends on the first aim. With the confidence that comes from self-knowledge, individuals use their talents to uplift the communities in which they live.
As a result, our horizons become broader, our world larger, our sense of ourselves more universal. These aims are fulfilled through two kinds of work: work on one’s own self, as well as work with and for others.
In our courses, you will explore life’s big questions in a supportive and systematic way that is guided by the approach of neither accepting nor rejecting anything, but testing everything in your own experience.
The online classes are live, interactive sessions and are not lectures. You will be in the good company of like-minded people from diverse backgrounds. You will leave each class with time-tested principles and practices to apply in daily living and a toolbox of skills informed by the wisdom of great philosophers.
The Schools are run by students on a voluntary basis. The tutors are also students who have studied the School's teachings and philosophy for many years. They serve without receiving any monetary compensation, in order to share the benefits of the knowledge they have received.
This ensures that our Schools remain places suffused with a generous spirit of love, providing a setting where wisdom naturally flourishes.
Philosophical enquiry and study in the School is directed towards the understanding of the unity which underlies everyone and everything. This philosophy is known as Advaita Vedanta.
As companions on this exploration, we discuss concepts and ideas put forward by some of the greatest minds including Socrates, Plato, Confucius, Buddha, Epicurus, Emerson, Vivekananda and a modern exponent of the philosophy of Unity, Shantananda Saraswati.
FEES
Fees are payable per student, per course, per term before commencement of the course.
The fees include 10 weekly live online sessions, a practical online workshop and weekly reminder emails.
A full refund is offered if for whatever reason your circumstances change and you notify us by the end of the first week of the course. Please email PPAadmin@practicalphilosophyaustralia.org.au
Concession fees are offered on all courses beyond The Wisdom Within (Part 1 & 2).
Practical Philosophy Australia offers reduced fees to students who study full time, and have a student ID card from their University or Tafe institute.
Concessions fees are also available to people who receive an aged pension, a veterans pension, have a pensioner concession card or are registered unemployed. In order to receive the discounted fee, the concession card number and expiry date must be included at the time of registration.
The below outlines which cards are eligible for the discount:
PENSIONER CARD
DEPT VETERAN AFFAIRS CARD
UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD
TAFE STUDENT CARD
COMMONWEALTH SENIORS HEALTH CARD
HEALTH CARE CARD
TRANSPORT CONCESSION CARD
COMPANION CARD
