1. WAY OF PHILOSOPHY     January 2010   

In our first seminar we lay out the basis for the journey toward awakening.  We start where we are, and also assume that the infinite is present here and now. We discuss the goal of spiritual philosophy, and introduce essential practices which will continue throughout the course.  We examine the basics for practice: earnestness, openness, detachment, right thinking and longing for truth leading to stillness and insight.  We discuss spiritual philosophy in terms of the rhythms of our journey-- the complementary nature of long and short path, love and wisdom.  We look at the three-fold path of freedom, truth and love.

“The central point of the quest is opening the ego’s inner heart to the Overself.” Paul Brunton  

2. CONSCIOUSNESS APPREARING AS A HUMAN

All of us say I, it is the most personal word, yet we don’t know what it stands for.  When you don’t
know what you are you go about making an image self, identifying with it, clinging to it, defending
it and seeking fulfillment outside. In seeking to unmask the false self we inquire into its nature,
and confront the many perspectives of ego-I-person.  In seeking the self we also need to trace
consciousness through understanding and experience.  We learn how to look deeply into the mind by
which we know the world. This seminar begins our inquiry into the nature of the Self.  

“On the short path we learn to take advantage of the Overself’s ever present offer of grace.” Paul Brunton