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The aim of this Philosophy is to discover what lies
at the core of our being, to discover the Self. It seeks answers to the
perennial questions: Who am I? What is this creation? What is my relationship to
it?
The Philosophy classes put personal experience and observation alongside
'the words of the wise': the philosophers, teachers, poets and mystics of East
and West. Students are urged to keep an open mind, and always to test out the
ideas put forward in their own practical experience. Study and practice go
together.
What sources does the course draw on? The Platonic tradition and the
Judaeo-Christian teachings have always been central. In the early years, the
ideas of the philosopher Gurdjieff and his follower Ouspensky were studied in
depth and found to be eminently practical.
Eventually the search led to the ancient Vedic tradition. The cornerstone of
the School's philosophy is Advaita, a Sanskrit word meaning 'not two, not
many'. With this teaching, the aim is to discover and realise in life the
unity that lies behind creation and everything in it. This leads us back to
the conclusion that all religions and philosophies reflect differing aspects
of this one truth.
For the past thirty years the School has received highly practical guidance on
this philosophical quest from one of India's recognised spiritual leaders, Sri
Shantanand Saraswati, former Shankaracharya of the North. He has provided
advice in the study and application of the Vedic philosophy, which in turn
gives new vitality to the Western philosophical tradition.
The other key contribution from the East to practical philosophy in the School
was the introduction of a simple system of meditation. This practice has been
found to promote inner peace and a stillness of mind - necessary qualities for
true understanding. The meditation is offered to students who wish to pursue
their studies beyond the first three terms of the Foundation Year.
The Introductory Course stands on its own as an overview of the subject, but
many students feel drawn to continue their studies beyond this. Those who wish
to carry on may do so by initially completing the Foundation Year. Some
individuals stay for several terms while others continue for years.
The School is active in many countries, where it has
educational charity status or the local equivalent. None of its Tutors receives
any money for teaching. Students 'fees pay only for premises, administration,
advertising, taxes, etc. The knowledge belongs to no one. It is freely passed
on.
It is a working principle of the School that Tutors always remain students
of their subject (and attend their own Philosophy Groups once a week). Another
principle is the importance of the Group. Working in a Group helps the
individual members to observe objectively and practice effectively. This power
of the Group becomes obvious during the residential courses, held throughout
the year for senior students at the School's two country houses. People return
home from these philosophical retreats refreshed and at peace.
Out of the practical work of the School has come a flowering of talents among
the students. Music, language, mathematics and the visual arts are studied by
professionals and amateurs alike who have each enhanced their skills and
explored their subjects in the light of philosophical principles.
Similarly, an interest in education among parents and teachers, and the
particular needs of the present generation, led to an educational trust being
formed which in 1976 established the St James Independent Schools for Boys and
for Girls. These schools offer education to all who seek high standards of
integrity and excellence for their children.
In 1977 the Art Department presented the first Art in Action festival. It was
so well received that it has continued every year since. Now, over a four-day
period in July, more than 200 artists and craftsmen demonstrate their work to
around 25,000 visitors. The event is staffed by students from the School, who
give their services voluntarily.
In the UK The School (it is called The School of Economic Science) is governed by a Fellowship of some 200 senior students.
The Fellowship annually elects a Principal, Treasurer and seven executive
members, who together constitute an Executive Committee that is legally
responsible for all aspects of the School. The Executive is bound by rules
laid down when the Fellowship was formed, which can only be changed with the
consent of the Charity Commissioners.
For almost 60 years the teaching of the School was guided by Mr. Leon MacLaren,
who started the first Groups back in the 1930s. On Mr MacLaren's death in
1994, Mr. Donald Lambie, a barrister, took over this role. The East Anglian
branch of The School (it is called The East Anglian School of Philosophy)
is led by Mr David Stovold.
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