As a centre for spiritual and practical knowledge, our aim is to help you see the world with new eye Self-knowledge is available to everyone.
Practical Philosophy teaches self-knowledge and brings mindfulness into daily life. This leads to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. In turn, this enables us to better deal with difficult situations and to make wise choices. In essence it is an awareness of the present moment, in which we can experience the world within and around us as an observer. This has a powerful ef
fect, promoting a healthy attitude to daily living which enables us to focus our efforts and energies wisely. Life is seen in a new perspective, bringing a greater sense of inner-calm, happiness and well-being. The start of this journey begins with awareness, pure awareness. Being mindful of what is going on around us and in the mind. This is only possible in the present moment. If dwelling on or in the past, dreaming or worrying about the future, we are not present, only absent or absent-minded. This is the point at which we embark, and invite you to join us on an introductory course. The point from which we will explore the ocean of possibilities for returning to the present moment. In practice, gentle awareness exercises and helpful reminders set us on course for mindful self-exploration.
06/03/2025
🌿 Discover the Beauty and Wisdom of Sanskrit 🌿
Join us for an inspiring lecture on Sanskrit called: "Lead us from untruth to Truth' on 16th March, where we’ll explore the depth, elegance, and significance of this ancient language. 📜✨
Renowned speaker Warwick Jessup will guide us through the profound insights Sanskrit offers—not just as a language, but as a gateway to deeper understanding and philosophy.
This talk is open to all—whether you’re new to Sanskrit or have an interest in practical philosophy or universal wisdom. Come and be part of a fascinating discussion!
Philosophy can set you free! Discover the Spirit of Freedom in a morning of talks and practical activities.
23/08/2023
Join us on 16 September and discover the spirit of freedom.
Introductory courses in Croydon School of Philosophy South East London An exploration of Mindful Living, Wisdom and Happiness Small Groups, Practical Exercises, Mantra-based meditation, Retreats, Volunteering opportunities, Guided practice Next Introductory courses in Croydon Practical PhilosophyInt...
09/07/2023
The spirit in you and the spirit in the universe is one and the same. Realise this and you will find freedom.
We were told we would see America come and go. In a sense, America dies from the inside out, because they have forgotten the instructions to live on Mother Earth. This is the Hopi creed, it is our creed, that if you are not spiritually connected to the Earth, and you don't understand the spiritual reality of life on Earth, chances are you are not going to make it.
Everything is spiritual, everything has one
Spirit.
We are here on Earth only a few winters, then we go to the spirit world. The spirit world is more real than most of us realize.
The spirit world is everything. Most of our body is water. To stay healthy you need to drink pure water. Water is sacred, air is sacred. Our DNA is made from the same DNA as the tree, the tree breathes what we breathe out, we need what the tree expires. So we have a common fate with the tree. We are all of the Earth, and when the Earth and its water and atmosphere are corrupted, then the Earth will create her reaction. The Mother reacts.
In the Hopi prophecy it says that storms and floods will get bigger.
For me it is not negative to know that there will be big changes. It's not negative, it's evolution. When you look at it as an Evolution, you know it's time, nothing stays the same. You should learn to plant something. This is the first connection. You should look at all things as Spirit, realize that we are family. It never ends. Everything is life and there is no end to life.
🌹🐎🌵🦅🤍🐺
- Floyd " Red Crow " Westerman, musician, actor and activist native of South Dakota.
06/07/2023
My dear soul,
Flee from the worthless,
Stay close only to those with a pure heart.
Like attracts like.
A crow will lead you to the graveyard,
A parrot to a lump of sugar.
Your breath touched my soul and I saw beyond all limits.
Neither this body am I, nor soul,
Nor these fleeting images passing by,
Nor concepts and thoughts, mental images.
Nor yet sentiments and psyche’s labyrinth.
Who then am I?
A consciousness without origin.
Not born in time,
Nor begotten here below.
I am that which was, is and ever shall be.
A jewel in the crown of the Divine Self.
A star in the firmament of the luminous One.
Rumi (1207-1273)
Sufi mystic
Persian Islamic scholar
04/07/2023
Come and join us for this fascinating talk.
02/07/2023
“Last year, I had a life-changing experience at 90 years old. I went to space, after decades of playing an iconic science-fiction character who was exploring the universe. I thought I would experience a deep connection with the immensity around us, a deep call for endless exploration.
"I was absolutely wrong. The strongest feeling, that dominated everything else by far, was the deepest grief that I had ever experienced.
"I understood, in the clearest possible way, that we were living on a tiny oasis of life, surrounded by an immensity of death. I didn’t see infinite possibilities of worlds to explore, of adventures to have, or living creatures to connect with. I saw the deepest darkness I could have ever imagined, contrasting so starkly with the welcoming warmth of our nurturing home planet.
"This was an immensely powerful awakening for me. It filled me with sadness. I realized that we had spent decades, if not centuries, being obsessed with looking away, with looking outside. I did my share in popularizing the idea that space was the final frontier. But I had to get to space to understand that Earth is and will stay our only home. And that we have been ravaging it, relentlessly, making it uninhabitable."
-- William Shatner, actor
30/05/2023
Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.
Carl Jung
(1875 - 1961)
Swiss psychologist
19/05/2023
Observe the wonders as they occur around you.
Don't claim them. Feel the artistry
moving through and be silent.
Rumi
(1207 - 1273)
Jalalud-din Rumi, Persian saint and mystic, Sufi poet.
Introductory courses in Croydon School of Philosophy South East London An exploration of Mindful Living, Wisdom and Happiness Small Groups, Practical Exercises, Mantra-based meditation, Retreats, Volunteering opportunities, Guided practice Next Introductory courses in Croydon Practical PhilosophyInt...
16/05/2023
Our next 5 week course in starts on Wednesday 21 June. Join us to learn some techniques to give life more breathing space and how to be free of the stresses caused by the difficulties of life. Discover a Sat Nav for life. Visit www.schoolofphilosophyselondon.org for more details. Session 1 is a FREE taster session. Come along, there is nothing to lose.
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Practical Philosophy - SE London posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
The School of Philosophy and Economic Science Croydon & Bromley was established in 1976, as a Branch of the School of Philosophy and Economic Science which itself began in 1937. (Originally called The School of Economic Science, the name has been recently changed to more accurately reflect the range of courses we offer.)
The School is a registered educational charity. It has numerous branches around Great Britain and there are affiliated Schools in many countries around the world.
The School is a centre of spiritual and practical knowledge and enquiry. Through the courses, activities and events offered it aims to help people lead a full and useful life through a better understanding of themselves and the world around, and thereby to contribute positively to society at large. The main subject explored in the School today is practical, living philosophy, based on the eastern teaching of Advaita (“not two”), which points to the unity underlying all phenomena.
The practice of Mindful Awareness is fundamental to the application of the teaching in daily life.
What is the Way of Practical Philosophy?
It is a practical, non-academic approach to the fundamental questions of life. Questions such as ‘Who am I?’, ‘What is this world we live in?’ and ‘What is my relationship to this world?’ It harnesses the ideas of some of the great teachings of humanity and uses simple mindful techniques that lead to a more conscious way of living. This in turn brings a greater sense of freedom and happiness.
The Way of Practical Philosophy is for everyone, regardless of race, education, occupation, political or religious belief. It is designed to be of direct use in our everyday lives. The intention is to stimulate enquiry and through this expand the way we look at the world and ourselves, conferring happiness and freedom.
The aim is to live a true and happy life. By understanding ourselves and the world around us we naturally find balance, harmony and awareness in our daily lives and connect with a deeper sense of who we are and thereby gain access to inner energy and happiness that we may not have been aware of before.
Come along to one of our introductory ten-week courses in Practical Philosophy starting three times a year and following the standard academic terms.
Further courses are available after the Introductory Course for those who wish to explore the subject in more depth. Termly themes include Wisdom, Happiness, Love, Presence of mind and Freedom. Studies extend to and include the introduction of meditation.
