There is only one activity in truth. This entire universe is this one activity, manifesting the glory and substance of the Absolute. At different times this activity may be called ‘speaking’, ‘writing’, ‘resting’, ‘going’ or ‘living’ but at all times it is manifesting the substance of the Absolute. Name and form change but the Absolute does not. The ocean and its waves are of the same substance; the waves are in motion and ever changing, but the substance, water, remains the same.
This series of courses looks a the Universal Principles, the forces that govern the creation and our how our understanding of these can help us navigate this life harmoniously.
This universal activity comes under the universal laws for this creation and under this theme of courses the School of Practical Philosophy presents the following topics:
Pre-requisite to the Philosophy and Universal Order Courses:
Meditation
Philosophy and Mindfulness and one of either
True Happiness and Mindfulness OR
Pure Love and Mindfulness and one of either
Presence of Mind OR
Freedom
and at least 2 of the Way of Philosophy Titles
The Law of Three
The law of three only applies to the creation and everything in it! Sattva, rajas and tamas form the law of three and act as the hub.... One of the laws of these qualities is that the three must always be there before anything can manifest.
NOT offered F2F in May 2023- See Online options
The Ten Fold Dharma
Patience, forgiveness, self-control, not stealing, purification, mastery over sensory organs, spiritual intellect, spiritual knowledge, truth and lack of anger are the ten aspects of law.
NOT offered F2F in May 2023- See Online options
The Apology
During this term we are going to study together one of Plato's dialogues called 'The Apology'. There are some 25 dialogues, some much longer than others. These lie at the heart of western philosophy.
'The Apology' deals with the trial of Socrates at which he was found guilty of impiety and sentenced to death. It is relatively short and is easy to follow. In it we come to meet Socrates as an individual. It is highly illuminating and most enjoyable.
NOT offered F2F in May 2023- See Online options
The Absolute
Advaita philosophy says that the Self is identical with that which is the cause of the universe. This is a challenging concept. In Advaita philosophy that which is the cause of the universe is called Brahman.
NOT offered F2F in May 2023- See Online options
Harmony
While the law of three described the different qualities that any situation or thing may have according to the balance of the three Gunas , the law which describes how an event unfolds or the succession of events is called the law of seven. It is the law of harmonious action. This law describes how the most mundane of events take place as well as how the most profound activities that human beings can undertake proceed. It is closely related to the idea of harmony, not just as it appears in music but also in the idea of universal harmony and harmony between human beings. This 11 week course will study universal harmony and in particular the law of seven as the law of harmonious action.
NOT offered F2F in May 2023- See Online options
NOT offered F2F in May 2023- See Online options
Rebirth
Our subject this term is rebirth, or reincarnation. This is an idea common to cultures throughout the world. One reason for considering the subject is because the idea of reincarnation has been so widely held. It is an idea accepted both in the Buddhist and Hindu teachings; it was part of ancient Greek and Egyptian thought; it has appeared in abundant diversity around the world. An idea that has had, and continues to have, such currency is worthy of attention.
NOT offered F2F in May 2023- See Online options