Living Philosophy

Living Philosophy is the central series of courses delivered to the community and not-for-profit organisations.  The program has been running for more than three years and has had over 300 attendees. Three courses make up the program and each comprises a series of 10-week evening discussions. The course presenters have been involved with the study, teaching and practical application of perennial philosophies for many years.

To find out more about each part please click on the links below.

Step 1: Introduction to Living Philosophy
Step 2: Discovering Your Self
Step 3: The Three R's of the Self

 

Step 1: Introduction to Living Philosophy

Time: Mondays 7pm – 9:30pm
Dates: 11 June –  13 August 2012
Venue: The Bodhi Tree Bookstore Cafe, Corner Scarborough Beach Road & Oxford Street, Mount Hawthorn

Prerequisite: None
Fee: $210 standard / $370 couple / $160 concession

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Introduction to Living Philosophy examines the underlying ideas of eastern and western philosophy and how these can guide practical action. It is a course in applied philosophy that examines the unified nature of all experiences.

It is a practical course in how to live philosophy rather than an evaluation of the historical ideas of western and eastern philosophers. The ideas of great thinkers and philosophers such as Plato, Socrates, Shankara, Buddha, Lao Tzu, Gurdjieff and others are discussed and their philosophies are related to the common challenges facing us in everyday life.

Topics covered are:

  • What is Philosophy?
  • Present moment awareness
  • Our experience of Self
  • Self, ego and attachments
  • Experiencing beauty
  • The three qualities of consciousness
  • The functions of mind
  • Advaita Vedanta and non-duality
  • Working in the moment
  • Wisdom for life

The course will help you understand the illusionary ‘self’ versus the natural ‘Self’ and how these relate to problems and worthwhile actions in your life. You will learn how to observe your thoughts, judgments and assumptions about yourself and other people, how to experience mental clarity, and the purpose of your actions. The course leads to improved skills in: being in the present moment, relating to others, dealing with stressful or difficult situations and clarity of thought and action in your work and home life.

The course presenters have been involved with the study, teaching and practical application of philosophy for many years. They have an interactive and easy to understand approach so that anyone will be able to understand the ideas and concepts taught.

For further information contact a member of the Integral Leadership Institute on 9242 8122. 

To enrol please click the 'Enrol Now' button above.

 

Step 2: Discovering your Self

Time: Tuesdays 7pm – 9:30pm           
Dates: 12 June –  14 August 2012
Venue: Heathcote, Murray House, 58-60 Duncraig Rd, Applecross
Prerequisite: Step  1, Introduction to Living Philosophy 
Fee: $210 standard / $370 couple / $160 concession (includes handouts and a copy of The Gita)

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Living Philosophy Step 2: Discovering your Self extends the ideas and practices covered in Introduction to Living Philosophy so it is essential that participants have completed this first course.

The course will cover a number of topics in depth and will include practical exercises. The evening will include 15 minutes of meditation practice. The Awareness and Pause exercises will also be practiced regularly.

Topics covered are:

  • The Functions of Mind
  • Understanding of Meditation
  • The Practice of Meditation
  • The Gita: chapter reading and practice  (2 Weeks)
  • Big Mind, Big Heart practice  (2 weeks)
  • The 3 levels of Existence and Attachments
  • The Nature of Mind and Negative thinking

The course will involve the presentation, discussion and observation of ideas. Participants will be encouraged to explore and examine the ideas presented. Tutors will challenge existing ideas on the nature of the Self and reality and will offer new ways of seeing the world. 

The course is ideal for individuals who wish to deepen and extend their practice of being in the moment and their understanding of themselves, and to bring greater harmony and clarity into their life.  Step 2 also shows how, by raising our own awareness, we can contribute more fully to our family, our work and the world at large.

** If a person has attended three terms of the School of Philosophy in Australia or overseas they may enroll in Step 2 or Step 3. 

For further information contact a member of the Integral Leadership Institute on 9242 8122.

To enrol please click the 'Enrol Now' button above.

 

Step 3: The Three R's of the Self: Revisiting, Reconnecting and Reinforcing Your Self

Time: Tuesdays 7pm – 9:30pm           
Dates: 12 June –  14 August 2012
Venue: TBA
Prerequisite: Step 1 and 2 
Fee: $210 standard / $370 couple / $160 concession

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Living Philosophy Step 3: The Three R's of the Self has the purpose of deepening students' understanding of Advaita Vedanta principles. This discovery will be revealed through, in part, coming back to fundamentals along with discussing topics relevant to 'living' issues such as ethics, justice, and finally, love. These topics will be interspersed with the DVD What the Bleep Do We Know!? and the term will finish with the DVD by Alain de Boton on 'Love'.

Topics covered are:

  • Back to Basics
  • Who are We?
  • Action, Karma and Free Will 
  • Knowledge
  • What the Bleep Do We Know?
  • No Boundary
  • Ethics
  • Justice
  • Love

The course will involve the presentation, discussion and observation of ideas. Participants will be encouraged to explore and examine the ideas presented. Tutors will challenge existing ideas on the nature of the Self and reality and will offer new ways of seeing the world. 

For further information contact a member of the Integral Leadership Institute on 9242 8122. 

To enrol please click the 'Enrol Now' button above.