FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Answers to frequently asked questions are on this page. Should your question not be answered below, please fill out the inquiry form at the bottom of the page and we will respond directly to you.
THE SCHOOL
The School of Practical Philosophy is a not-for-profit, volunteer organisation. Except for a small, administrative staff, all work and tuition in the School is undertaken on an unpaid, voluntary basis.
There are a variety of activities that require volunteers. If you would like to register your interest please use the inquiry form below to send us your contact details and one of our office staff will contact you.
The School of Practical Philosophy is not part of a religious group nor is it affiliated with any religion or religious teaching. We are an inclusive organisation, welcoming all. That said, we do cover the philosophical teachings in some religious texts, such as the bible, Advaita Vedanta and other such wisdom traditions, but we never advocate for any religion or doctrine. It is the wisdom of philosophy that is our core pursuit.
COURSE QUESTIONS
Courses consist of 11 sessions of 2.5 hrs.
The number of student per class varies and can range from 4 to 30 people.
The School’s courses are not academic courses. The course does not offer certificates or diplomas, but something much more important – a living philosophy that is of real value in dealing with the challenges of everyday life and developing one’s own potential as fully as possible.
There are no text-books for the course. Course-materials are provided on a weekly basis. The course draws from teachings and philosophies which have stood the test of time and which provide practical means for discovering freedom in daily life.
An inquiring spirit, an open mind, a willing heart. All materials will be provided.
PHILOSOPHY
The introductory course draws on the teachings of Epicurus, Plato, Marcel Proust, Pierre Hadot, Seneca, Lao Tzu, Buddha, Vivekananda, Patanjali, Confucius, Marsilio Ficino, Leon MacLaren.
Reference is made to the works of Rumi, Shakespeare, James Allen, Augustine, Kipling, Santanda Saraswati, Portia Nelson, William Blake, Jaques Lusseyran, Henry Miller, A.N Whitehead, R. W. Emerson, Emily Dickenson, Kahil Gibran, Einstein, Simone Weil, Helen Keller, Hazrat Inayat Khan, Mark Twain, Juan Mascaro as well as the Bhagavad Geeta and the Upanishads.
The School of Practical Philosophy doesn’t teach a special ‘type’ of philosophy. It was founded in the hope of discovering the thread which runs through the great teachings and philosophies in the world. The search continues. You are invited to join us on this voyage of discovery. More information can be found on the Practical Philosophy Australia (PPA) website here.
The word ‘advaita’ literally means ‘not two’, or ‘one without a second’. It speaks about the unity underlying the world and mankind. Advaita is a Vedantic doctrine that identifies the individual self (atman) with the ground of reality (brahman). It is associated especially with the Indian philosopher Shankara ( c. 788–820).
TUTORS
The tutor is there as a facilitator for the class, not to ‘teach’ you or tell you how to think. Their role is to listen, to encourage open conversation about the material being presented.
Not necessarily, but, if possible, the tutor will remain with the group for at least the first year (three terms).
FEES
Students who are studying full time are eligible for the Student discount. Students must provide their concession card number or current student ID.
School of Philosophy Inc offers various levels of concession to people who receive an aged pension, a veterans pension, are registered unemployed.
Please refer to the School’s Terms and Conditions page here
STUDY DAYS
Learn how energy works, how it changes and how it’s balanced; practise conscious awareness in action; find the natural rhythm in activities and discover what it’s like to go with the flow.
Sattva Morning is held once a term for the first three modules – The Wisdom Within, Fullness of Love and Sustainable Happiness.
The day works like a retreat as well a workshop in practical philosophy. It gives you the chance to take a strategic retreat from the pressures of life, get some rest and regroup for your next move forward. You get a real taste of the energy and freedom that comes from working together, practicing philosophy as a way of life.
A ‘residential’ is a retreat. Residentials provide groups of students with the opportunity of staying at one of the School’s properties for a few days or more, engaging in a daily program of activities, meditation and study built around their course programs. Attendance at these residentials is by invitation and depends on the number of courses the student has taken.
EVENTS
A Day With Plato is held once a term on a Sunday. The venue alternates between Wahroonga and our city premises. The day is an opportunity to explore the writings of the philosopher widely regarded as the founder of the western philosophic tradition. All that is required is the enthusiasm to go beyond what we normally regard as the limits of our understanding. For further information about A Day With Plato click here.
The Friends of Mahratta was established in 2010 to raise funds for the care and preservation of the house and garden as well as opening the property for community use and enjoyment. They have Garden days during the year where community groups are invited to come and visit the property. The grounds and house are open to the public and refreshments are served. House tours are very popular.
In becoming a member of the Friends of Mahratta you will be contributing to the maintenance of the property. Membership is $50 single or $75 per couple.
Membership includes free entry to the Garden days and email notification of fundraising activities. On Garden days the grounds and house are open to the public and refreshments are served. House tours are very popular.
The work is voluntary and we encourage members to help us when we are having functions.
If you would like to become a member, please visit their website
The practical nature of the course material helped me overcome many internal and external conflicts within day to day living and understanding generally - Student, 2017
It is not religious based, pushy or judgemental. Has helped me enormously in changing my mindset - Student, 2017
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If your questions was not answered, please fill out this inquiry form and we will respond directly to you.