School of Practical Philosophy
The School of Practical Philosophy[1] is a not-for-profit corporation chartered by the Board of Regents of the State of New York[2][3] that began in New York City in 1964 as an offshoot of the School of Economic Science.[4][5] The School bases its courses on the precepts of Advaita Vedanta. Advaita means literally "not two"; vedanta refers to the knowledge underlying the creation. Together these are said to explain the essential unity of everything in creation and the source from which it arises. This teaching also speaks of ‘pure consciousness’ as the true essence of every being, and the human possibility of shedding the covers on this essence to allow it to be realized and expressed in its purity. Alan Gregory sees the School as providing a "mind discipline" for achieving mental quiescence.[6]
The New York City School of Practical Philosophy has branches in the Hudson Valley and New Jersey. Additional locations in the U.S. include Rochester, NY, Albany, GA, Scottsdale, AZ, South Florida, San Francisco, CA, and Boston, MA. The main branch is located at 12 East 79 Street in Manhattan. There is an additional property in Wallkill, New York in a mansion once owned by Marion Borden.[7]
Many New Yorkers recognize Philosophy Works and The School of Practical Philosophy due to extensive advertising in the subway.[8][9]
Philosophy Works[10] is the 10-week foundation course at the School of Practical Philosophy. The course is designed for thoughtful men and women who seek an understanding of the nature of humanity and of the world in which we live. It aims to demonstrate how to put great philosophic ideas of the past and present to effective practical use in daily life. The series is offered three times a year: in January, April, and September.[11]
Following the foundation course, students can take ongoing classes to continue their study of the subjects presented. Material comes from a variety of sources representing both Eastern and Western traditions, including the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, the Bible, Plato, Marsilio Ficino, Hermes Trismegistus, Shakespeare and Emerson. Those who continue their studies following the introductory course are also invited to take up meditation.[12][13]
For students not living near one of the U.S. locations, the School of Practical Philosophy offers a distance learning program online.
Actor Hugh Jackman has been attending classes at the School for over a decade since 1993.[14][15]
[edit] Reputation
On May 24, 2011, the New York Observer published an investigative feature about the School of Practical Philosophy and the controversies about it.[16]
[edit] References
- ^ The School of Practical Philosophy Main Website
- ^ New York State Certification
- ^ "The Manhattan family guide to private schools" - Google Books
- ^ Brian Hodgkinson (2010). In Search of Truth: The Story of the School of Economic Science. Shepheard-Walwyn Publishing. ISBN 9780856832765. pp 224-5
- ^ "Practical Philosophy puts thinking to the test of daily use" - Times Herald-Record
- ^ Gregory, Alan, "Language as an Instrument for Self Reorganization", in Přibram, Karl H.; King, Joseph, Learning as self-organization, INNS Series of Texts, Monographs, and Proceedings, Routledge, 1996, p. 462, ISBN 9780805825862, http://books.google.com/books?id=GdJeKf50EMQC, "There are many mind disciplines (Silva Mind Control, Zen, The School of Practical Philosophy, etc) for helping one to achieve quiet (quiescent) mind."
- ^ "Loss of 18th-century home to blaze revives road dispute" - Times Herald-Record
- ^ "Taste. Smell. Ahhhh, Wisdom." - New York Times
- ^ "A reverie runs through it; Room for Doubt Wendy Lesser Pantheon" - Los Angeles Times
- ^ Philosophy Works http://www.philosophyworks.org/
- ^ Philosophy Works Curriculum http://www.philosophyworks.org/content/curriculum-%E2%80%93-philosophy-works-%E2%80%93-introductory-course
- ^ "Mad about Hugh" - Sydney Morning Herald
- ^ "The A to Z of new religious movements" - Google Books
- ^ "Hugh Jackman relishes performing" - MSNBC
- ^ "Hugh Jackman: X appeal" - Telegraph
- ^ http://www.observer.com/2011/culture/poster-children
