Continuation Courses

In all philosophies, the nature of the absolute is taken as indescribable, but there are ways of approaching it which make it available to individual experience. In order to make it accessible, Advaita philosophy describes it as having the three aspects of truth, consciousness and bliss.

This course explores the concept and nature of the Absolute, encompassing both relative and absolute existence. The threefold nature of the Absolute as embodying truth, consciousness and bliss is considered throughout the term as part of our lived experience.

The natural laws governing the universe are contemplated to assist in developing proper thinking. We then follow the analogy of seeing ourselves as actors on the stage of a great drama. We consider the Absolute as the playwright of the universe and what this means for the natural order of events.

The basic discipline of the School can be described as knowledge, meditation and practice.

Spiritual knowledge illuminates and shines reason upon the situation. Meditation purifies the inner being and provides energy. Practice means implementing in action that which has been illuminated, powered by the energy from meditation. When we give our wholehearted attention to an activity then it becomes an act of devotion.

Service is the natural consequence of devotion. When we are devoted to a person or an activity it is natural to serve the person or activity.

The Oxford English Dictionary provides a wide range of meanings for the word ‘service’. In particular it says ‘Behaviour conducive to the welfare or advantage of another’.

The Three Lines of Work is concerned with the practical application of the philosophical practices acquired so far.

Practice means implementing in action that which has been illuminated, powered by the energy from meditation. Spiritual work has three aspects or three lines:

• The first line of work is work on oneself.

• The second line of work is work with and for others
• The third line of work is described as work for the work’s sake. It is a natural consequence of the perfection of the second line of work.