Frequently asked questions + Is any prior knowledge needed? No. The course is designed to appeal to a wide cross-section of the community. It is suitable for everyone regardless of education, occupation, age, race, political or religious belief. + Is there any homework? Yes and no. There is no formal homework. In the spirit of the basic approach, however, students are invited to put the knowledge into practice and to observe its effect and relevance in light of their own experience. Observations arising from these efforts become an invaluable contribution to the weekly group meetings. For example, a very simple exercise to assist in connecting with the present moment is given during the first meeting for students to practice each day. + What other courses are offered? Following the Introductory Course the School offers further courses. Some of the topics are: Happiness, Love, Inner Peace, Presence of Mind The topics follow on from the Introductory Course and each one builds on the previous material. Not all courses are run each term, but there is always a pathway offered. + What type of meditation does the school offer? Meditation is offered in later courses as a technique for coming to stillness and connecting with the inner being. The approach to meditation makes use of a mantra and was devised and made available by one of the ancient philosophical traditions of India. + Why ‘practical’ philosophy? Philosophy is not simply an academic pursuit. The aim is to discover the vital essence of the subject by putting the knowledge expounded by those considered to be wise into practice in daily life. The principle suggested is for students to accept or reject nothing on first hearing, but simply to be open to the ideas presented and to draw conclusions based on direct experience. + What overall benefit can I expect to derive from the course? Life in the world is often unpredictable and turbulent. We tend to be at the mercy of events external to ourselves, and experience happiness and sorrow accordingly. The course is intended to provide a deeper insight into the nature of creation and a practical means of going beyond the ordinary awareness in order to experience the peace and happiness of our own essential being.