Comparative Philosophy

This Course will include an understanding of philosophy from a broad comparative approach. Initially looking at source material from different philosophical systems, including for example European and classical Greek philosophers as well as the Eastern systems. The material is chosen for it’s relevance to self inquiry and the nature of existence.

The focus then moves to Indian Philosophy, giving a brief overview of the 6 major schools, paying particular attention to Samkhya, Yoga Sutras, Advaita Vedanta. It’s impossible to discuss philosophy without includinging an introduction to Buddhism, this will be a large component of the course.

The relationship between Buddhism, Yoga and Indian thought in general will be explored. All of this will be set in a socio-historical context, examining the evolution and interdependence over time. What relevance and relationship do they all have to what we are doing in yoga today and to our own lives? This is maybe the most important question of the whole course and students will be made to think about this in their own way.

We will also bring in psychology looking at both buddhist and yogic understandings of the mind, meditation and their continued importance in todays modern society.

The course will be held in English.

Teacher – Guy Powiecki
Guy has an academic background at university level in Theology and Sociology (BAhons) specialising in Indian Religions and Buddhism, as well as completing numerous short courses for his own interest. Guy has spent a lot of practice and study time in Buddhist (Tibetan and Theravadan) and Yoga settings with some of the great contemporary teachers. As a practitioner he sees the importance of developing asana, pranayama and meditation as mutually supporting forms for spiritual growth.