The Kingston Branch of The School of Economic Science offers the same 10 week introductory course that is run in London and all other branches. No prior knowledge is required.
The Introductory course provides a general introduction to the practical nature of the subject and the subsequent terms are complimentary and cover subjects which should be self-explanatory.
Session 1. The meaning of Philosophy; The benefits of studying philosophy; What is wisdom? How can wisdom be expressed in practice? The qualities of a wise person; a practical exercise to develop awareness.
Session 2. Self Knowledge as the basis for good living; that which is constant underlying the changeable world; clear observation; having an open mind.
Session 3. The levels of awareness; Sleeping, Dreaming, Waking and higher consciousness; Plato: the immortality of the soul.
Session 4. The unity underlying everything; inner stillness - the basis for developing our full potential; Plato: Justice, injustice and wisdom; acting with justice and wisdom.
Session 5. The power of reason; right and wrong use of reason; finding strength and efficiency through inner stillness.
Session 6. Raising one's level of consciousness; beauty: outer and inner; beauty of form, thought and character; absolute beauty; connecting with the present moment; discovering the finest qualities in life.
Session 7. What am I? the characteristics of the human being; body, mind, heart and the unchanging inner observer; developing the power of attention.
Session 8. Teachings from the ancient wisdom of India; the three primordial forces of creation; how the three forces operate in the world; recognising our true Self; rising above the duality of pleasure and pain.
Session 9. The effect of the three forces on the body, mind and heart; using one's energies wisely; developing the power of attention in practice.
Session 10. Review of the course; the development of philosophy in the School; Truth, the essence of our being; inner stillness - the way to Truth.
Session 1. The true nature of happiness; how may happiness be acquired and lost? Observation, the conscious perceiver and the present moment.
Session 2. Happiness in relationships. Meeting the needs of others. To be happy is to be in tune with one's own nature. The relationship between happiness and law. The creative power of observation.
Session 3. The Vedic principle "May all be happy". Observing the body at work and learning to observe the movements of the mind.
Session 4. The Self as the true source of happiness. The Platonic virtues; the divine and the human goods. The eternal present and passing time.
Session 5. The life and work of Marsilio Ficino (1433 - 1499) The immortality and divinity of the soul. "Rejoice in the present"
Session 6. The difference between pleasure and happiness. The different states of attention.
Session 7. Seven natural values and corresponding misconceptions about them; happiness, knowledge, fullness of life, service, generosity, beauty and love. Attention continued.
Session 8. Detachment, wealth, truth, self-respect, efficiency, duty and work. Attention and efficiency.
Session 9. The meaning and creative power of wisdom. Stepping free from the grip of passing time. Speech and conversation.
Session 10. The process of identification. The birthless and deathless Self. The four principles of work.
Session 1. What is love. How is love gained and lost? Is love universal or limited? Pure love within everyone's nature. Seeing beyond the apparent. The practice of stillness.
Session 2. Pure love expressed through the creation. The effect of pure love being governed by wisdom, attachment or delusion. Discerning the truth from the fruit of actions. The nature of love in overcoming all limits.
Session 3. The expansion and strengthening of pure love. Love is the natural in-between. Those things which cover love. Constancy.
Session 4. What it is that is loved. The transient and the changeable. Directing love to the true essence. The absence of love and its effect. The nature and effect of gratitude.
Session 5. Love thy neighbour as thyself. The transformative effect of love. The subtle realm and its importance.
Session 6. The subtle realm of mind. Connecting the mind with the senses. Decisions based on true principle. Open - heartedness.
Session 7. Love as the motive force. The causes of duality and hostility. The unity of knowledge and love.
Session 8. Sacrificial love and sentimental love. Lack of love and giving. The difference between human and divine love. The importance of stillness in reaching deeper levels.
Session 9. The relationship between law and love. The commandment to love one another. Freedom of law and love together.
Session 10. Love and work Constancy between words and actions. Love guided by wisdom.
Part 1 Introductory Course in Practical Philosophy (10 weeks)
Part 2 Happiness (10 weeks)
Part 3 Love (10 weeks)
Part 4 Presence (10 weeks)
Part 5 Freedom (10 weeks)
Part 6 The Way of Action (10 weeks)
Part 7 The Way of Devotion (10 weeks)
Part 8 The Way of Knowledge (10 weeks)
Part 9 The Way of the Householder (10 weeks)
Other Studies, Residential Courses and Meditation are also available.
