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.
The course draws on some of the world’s great philosophic teachings. Topics include
The nature of wisdom
Self-discovery and self-knowledge
Different levels of awareness and wakefulness
The power of attention and the present moment
What it means to live justly
The nature of beauty
The light of reason
The nature of energy and how best to use energy
Finding unity in diversity
The desire for truth
There is no attempt to cover all philosophical systems, but there is plenty for anyone interested in the big questions of life and the world around us. The course includes ideas put forward by Socrates, Plato, Confucius, the Bible, Buddha, Epicurus, Emerson, Vivekananda and Maharaja Shri Shantananda Saraswati, a modern exponent of the philosophy of unity or Advaita.
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 Practical Philosophy Course (Self-Discovery ~ Finding the Wisdom Within) (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 and students may continue their studies with the school as long as they wish. There are many who have stayed with us for many years.
