Practical Philosophy Sydney

Our new Summer term commences soon - in the week of February 2nd (for continuing students) and the week of February 9th for our Introductory course ‘THE WISDOM WITHIN’

If you are new to the school our introductory course is the place to start.

If you are a continuing student and are yet to re-enrol, now is the time.

Visit our website for all the details
https://practicalphilosophy.org.au/wisdom-within/

There is much to appreciate in the diversity that our lives present us with - it enriches, inspires, we can grow and we can expand.

But is there something more beyond all the apparent diversity? How can we rise above our apparent differences to appreciate what connects us all?

Is seeing unity something we can experience more of, or practice?
Join our 10 week introductory course to find out more.

Starts February 2026. Bookings now open.
https://practicalphilosophy.org.au/wisdom-within/

In December the head of the Irish School of Philosophy and Economic Science, Dr David Horan, is visiting Sydney. To coincide with his visit there are several events being held.

💬PUBLIC LECTURE “Democracy and its Opposite”
📕BOOK Launch of the new translation of the Dialogues of Plato (the first is 180 years!)

For more information visit the What’s On page on the website.
https://practicalphilosophy.org.au/enrol-upcoming-events-new/

Students often refer back to this week’s topic as their favourite in the introductory course.

We take a moment to reflect on beauty - what it is and why it’s important. We look at its special ‘power’ through a sensory evaluation.

But is beauty just sensory?

And is there a beauty that is not subject to personal preferences and opinions?

Find out more about our introductory course https://practicalphilosophy.org.au/wisdom-within/

Each term we offer the opportunity for our students to study and to sound in Sanskrit.

Morning workshops online will be offered in two streams - beginners and advanced.

Texts are selected from the Upanisads for in depth study and discussion.

📅 Sunday November 30
🕛️ 9:00am – 11:30am AEDT (including a tea break)
🖥️ Online via Zoom
💰️ Free of charge

Find out more: https://practicalphilosophy.org.au/enrol-upcoming-events-new/

The capacity to reason is sometimes referred to as the ‘crest jewel’ or ‘crowning glory’ of a human being.

What is the best use of our capacity to reason?

To discover what’s true? What’s right?

Do we always use reason in our actions and in our speech?

How might this be developed?

**Join our 10 week introductory course to delve**
Starts February 2026. Bookings now open.

https://practicalphilosophy.org.au/wisdom-within/

In December this year, we will be hosting the annual Plato Study Week at Mahratta. Dr David Horan, the leader of the Irish School of Philosophy, will be conducting the study. Dr Horan has recently finished translating all of Plato’s Dialogues, the first such undertaking by a single translator since Jowett’s version in the late 19th century!

Open to all meditating students in the school

https://practicalphilosophy.org.au/enrol-upcoming-events-new/

Energy is a somewhat surprising topic in a philosophy course, wouldn't you say?

We look at an ancient model of energy espoused in the sacred text The Bhagavad Gita and seek its relevance in our modern world.

How do we best manage our energy? Perhaps rather than focus on ‘how much’ energy we have, we could consider ‘what type’ of energy is needed?

It's a fascinating topic!
Join our 10 week introductory course to find out more.

Starts February 2026. Bookings now open.

https://practicalphilosophy.org.au/wisdom-within/

Does some time out of the busy city appeal to you?

Leave your devices behind and treat yourself to a weekend in nature to reset and recharge at our property at Mt Wilson.

Limited places are available for meditating students within the School for an “off the grid” retreat weekend focused on meditation and reflection at the School’s beautiful Mt Wilson property.

Register via our “What’s On” page: https://practicalphilosophy.org.au/enrol-upcoming-events-new/

Justice is a topic grappled with throughout the millennia, for a just society is one based on deep universal principles of fairness, kindness and equality.

Plato, considered by many as the forefather of western philosophy, has much to say on the topic.

What are the ways society can adhere to principles of justice?
What is our individual role here?

How might our lives be lived more justly?

Join our 10 week introductory course to find out more.

Starts February 2026. Bookings now open.

https://practicalphilosophy.org.au/wisdom-within/

We cannot change the continual movement and noise in the world, but we can rest in our still and silent centre within all this commotion.

The practice of Tai Chi is an opportunity to experience stillness and silence within movement.

Amongst the cedar trees on the Croquet Lawn, we practice this gentle art, connecting with the breath and refining our balance and our movements.

This program is open to all (friends, family and general public).

The cost is $25 per 1 hour class, payable when you come (cash or tap).

Sign up via
https://practicalphilosophy.org.au/enrol-upcoming-events-new/

Many wisdom traditions (and picked up by popular modern psychology as well), speak about the importance of the present moment, to be present to what’s in front of us.

But what does it mean in practical terms?

What is presence?
How do we begin to approach it?
How do we fully inhabit the situations we find ourselves in?

It turns out one gateway to presence is through our power of attention. What are some practical tools that will help us refine our states of attention?

Join our 10 week introductory course to find out more.

Starts February 2026. Bookings now open.

https://practicalphilosophy.org.au/wisdom-within/