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The School of Practical Philosophy is a New York Based educational and self-development organization with the stated aim of making the teachings of great philosophers accessible and practical for the modern age, encouraging students to apply wise words to daily life and to achieve sustainable happiness through mindful living.

Designated as a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization and chartered by the Board of Regents of the State of New York, the School offers classes three semesters per year at its home in New York at 12 East 79th Street, and students typically attend class once each week for a ten-week term. Classes for the winter term begin in January; the spring term in April; and the fall term in September.

Students begin by attending the School's introductory course, Philosophy Works, followed by foundation courses, at the end of which they are introduced to meditation. The school then continues to support students in subsequent classes through their practice of meditation, their study of philosophical teachings and how to apply those teachings to daily life, and through service opportunities.

The School of Practical Philosophy is run and administered almost entirely by its students, who serve on a voluntary basis. The tutors are also students who have studied the School’s teachings and philosophy for many years; they serve without receiving any monetary compensation.

The school bases its curriculum on three central tenets: knowledge, service, and meditation. The school typically introduces a meditation practice to students during their fifth semester of classes. Students are given a mantra along with supporting practices and tutorials.

According to the School’s website, hospitality is the first rule of the School of Practical Philosophy.

History

The School of Practical Philosophy in New York is part of a worldwide organization that was founded by Leon MacLaren (1910-1994) in London in 1937. At the age of 16, MacLaren claimed to have had a realization that truth and justice were principles that could be taught and lived in daily life. To achieve this aim, he founded a school that provided the foundation for an association of over eighty schools worldwide today. The New York School of Practical Philosophy was established as the first American extension of MacLaren’s school in 1964.

The teachings of MacLaren’s school initially focused on economics and justice; however, he claimed that the need for deeper insight into the nature of humanity necessarily led to the study of philosophy. By the late 1950s, philosophy became the central subject of the School and has remained so since.

The arrival of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in London in 1959 introduced the School to the practice of meditation, which remains one of its core tenets. In the mid-1960s, the school made contact with Sri Shantananda Saraswati, one of the one of the great philosophers and spiritual teachers of India. Sri Shantandanda Saraswati reportedly provided invaluable guidance in the study and practice of philosophy and meditation to the School for over thirty years. Through this connection, the School was introduced to the philosophy of non-duality, known as Advaita. Following Saraswati's death in 1997, similar guidance has been provided by his successor, Sri Vasudevananda Saraswati who continues conversations with the current head of the School, Donald Lambie.

Classes

The stated purpose of classes at School of Practical Philosophy is “to help students discover how they might live a happy, full, and useful life,” and since its founding, the School’s expressed goal has been to engage students who have wanted to “simplify their lives and realize the benefits accorded by true wisdom, consciousness and joy.” Classes at the school are not mean to align with purely academic study of Philosophy, but are rather concerned with the practical, day-to-day applications of wisdom, knowledge and truth. As such, the classes are not presented in lecture format, but are meant to be lively, interactive explorations of life’s “big questions,” where active student participation is encouraged. There are no tests administered and no academic credit is conferred.

Introductory Course

Philosophy Works is a ten-session course with the stated purpose of encouraging students to “regain their natural sense of wonder, gaining greater access to their inner happiness, wisdom and strength.” Like the other classes at the school, Philosophy Works is not meant to be an academic survey of Philosophy, as one might find in a university course. Rather it is an introduction to a series of principles that seek to guide students in achieving greater self-knowledge and bettering their lives through reasonable, compassionate living. According to the School, the proof of Practical Philosophy’s effectiveness is to be discovered in personal experience.

Inspired by the philosophy of Advaita (“not two” in Sanskrit), the School’s curriculum embraces a wide range of philosophical ideas, and incorporates the wisdom of the great minds of East and West, including Plato, Socrates, the Buddha, Shakespeare, Emerson and Shri Shantananda Saraswati. While the wisdom of East and West is presented, much of the emphasis in classes comes from the practical experience of fellow students. Questions asked include: “Who are we, really?" “What is our purpose?" “What is wisdom?" and “Can we be wise?” To facilitate the journey of self-discovery students learn key skills for dealing with stress and anxiety; ways to harness the power of attention; and to cultivate the means for regularly experiencing stillness, inner peace and a greater sense of self-awareness.

The School avows that significant benefits accrue from attending the classes and practicing the principles offered, including greater self-knowledge, more authentic living, strengthened levels of awareness, and an opening of the heart — all of which lead to greater confidence, increased happiness, a sense of freedom, and more meaningful relationships.

Governance

The School of Practical Philosophy, a not-for-profit educational corporation chartered by the Regents of the University of the State of New York, enjoys tax-exempt status as a Section 501(c)3 organization pursuant to the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Among the purposes listed in the School’s charter are: To study the great philosophical and religious teachings of the past and present To teach and demonstrate how these principles can be put to practical and effective use To promote the observation of the natural laws governing relationships among members of society To examine the principles, ideals, customs and traditions upon which the United States was established To sponsor a series of lectures on philosophy, economics and related subjects by distinguished guests

The School has two administrative components: the educational side, concerned with the courses, studies and activities that are offered to the general public, students, and members of the School; and the organizational side, concerned with the provision of instructors, legal and regulatory compliance, administration and day-to-day operations.

All educational aspects are led by the senior tutor, who decides the direction and content of course material and studies, deals with the appointment of other instructors or tutors and other related matters. The current Senior Tutor for the New York School is Barry Steingard, who has held that position since 1996. The Senior Tutor appoints a Principal of the School who assists in the various activities and operations of the School. The current Principal is Russell Bosworth.

On the organizational side, the School is governed by a Board of Trustees that is elected from the Membership at the annual meeting of Members. There are currently a total of nine members of the Board of Trustees, each of whom serve for a term of three years. Three are elected at each annual meeting, making for a three-year rotating cycle, with the terms of three members ending each year and three seats open to election to the Board. From among the members of the Board, the Trustees elect for a two-year term a President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary.

From time to time, the Board of Trustees adds to the School’s Membership by selecting from those individuals who are attending the School’s classes those students in good standing who have progressed satisfactorily in the courses of instruction offered by the School, who have implemented them in practice, and who have acted in furtherance of the goals and activities of the School.