The Berkshire School of Philosophy

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Philosophy Philosophy is the foundation of a happy and fulfilling life. It means 'the love of wisdom' - not a remote and theoretical concept of wisdom, but knowledge combined with experience that can be applied day to day in every aspect of life. Being essentially practical and concerned with the essence of all the great teachings of the world, this philosophy is for everyone regardless of education, occupation, age, culture and religion. It explores the meaning of wisdom, truth and consciousness, the real nature of Man and what inhibits human development. At the heart of this philosophy is the belief that there is an unchanging Absolute underlying and permeating all the apparent diversity of the universe. This is known as non-dualistic philosophy or 'Advaita' in the Sanskrit literature which most fully explains it. The study and practice of philosophy naturally involves all three levels of human experience: emotional, mental and physical. It brings a new perspective to the life - more open, more natural, more loving and more unified. Greater efficiency in thought and action arises through practice, coupled with the growing realisation that the stresses and tensions of modern life can be overcome through personal effort and change in outlook. For course content click here. Throughout the school various other subjects are studied, with philosophy as the central reference point. These include art, architecture, astronomy, dance, education, medicine, music, renaissance studies, sanskrit, science and vedic mathematics. Every year the School organises "Art in Action", a major national event which takes place over four days in mid July in the extensive grounds of its property at Waterperry, near Oxford. Recently this attracted nearly 30,000 visitors, and the School has received hundreds of letters of appreciation. The Renaissance study group has produced seven volumes of new translations of the writings of Marsilio Ficino, which has received critical acclaim. The music department gives various performances throughout the year. Thus, the School's approach to realisation of the ultimate human goal is through natural participation in worldly affairs. Speaking to those who follow such an approach, the head of the tradition in India said: Their work involves raising the level of consciousness, conscious activities in the field of laws, arts and sciences. The result is a higher standard of life in beauty, dignity, harmony and peace. The general uplift in society remains the immediate aim, while help on the way of liberation remains the ultimate aim. For Philosophy course content click here. Top