Prototypical Structure
&
Curriculum Overview

 

The structure centres around three main functions:
meditation, study, and service.

• Meditation is practiced daily, in individual and group formation. Personal meditative work will be jointly determined and monitored, to ensure transformational processes are safely integrated into the student's consciousness and bodies.

• A graduated and comprehensive academic programme (detailed below) is balanced with energetic and experiential processes, including the learning that comes from games or group sports.

• Service work, both regularly offered onsite in the needs of normal living and group dynamics, and in individually-designed ways to flower the expression of true soul-vocation, forms the third essential element of a comprehensive, safe, and practical soul-based education.

  The study sessions will be offered in modules lasting from a few days to several weeks, with some areas of focus covering the entire academic 'year' of 6 months. Each school year begins in June, at the Winter solstice, or the time of returning light in the southern hemisphere. The school year ends in early December. At this time, students may choose to either stay on site or develop their service expression more fully in the world.

  Depending upon each student's intentions, that expression may be through writing, art, or other focused work that may be done onsite - or through more active involvement with the community which takes the student away from Highden for part or all of this second half of the year. In either case, the emphasis is on application of lessons learned during the first half of the school year. For students planning to continue with to next year's courses, periodic reports of activities and meditation will be required.

   

  ACADEMIC OUTLINE:

  In general, three developmental phases emphasize the following aspects:

  A. The first years provide a basis in esoteric theory, and interpretation of the exoteric arts and sciences from a generalist and philosophic perspective. The knowledge and meaning of what traditionally has been called the "not-Self" will be studied from the perspectives of modern and esoteric arts and sciences. For example, the study of astronomy will run concurrently with that of esoteric astrology; or cosmology will be approached simultaneously from both the modern scientific and esoteric perspectives.

  B. The second phase (of normally two years) explores esoteric theory in depth, and provides opportunities for safely working with subtle energies. The emphasis will gradually shift towards more inner studies and self-directed exploration of areas of interest. Emphasis will be placed upon the psychology and laws of the soul and its instruments of expression, upon the planetary and Solar-Logoic Soul, and upon the Universal Soul of Cosmos - the Oversoul; the practical steps for ashramic approach will be investigated, as well as the subject of initiation, with a strong focus upon individual and group preparatory approach to both the minor and major initiations. The group will penetrate these studies academically, experientially, and meditatively, contemplating their significance.

  C. The final year is focused on soul vocation and the dynamic practice and expression of a life based in esoteric principles. The last year will be dedicated to an understanding of the will aspect, synthesis, and world need. Emphasis will be on ways the student will take the knowledge and experiences gained into practical application through each individual's chosen, soul-based vocation.

   

  Throughout the academic periods, study groups on Solutions for Humanity, continue - emphasizing the basis of the study in world understanding and the application of practical helpfulness.

  As well, grounding of the intellectual and psychological work in the body, through physical activity and energetic expression is incorporated throughout. For those with interest in the creative arts, specialized work on these areas of curriculum may be offered, depending on facilitation available, and as well, for all students, the trustees intend each will be able to participate and develop a minimum level of creative expression in four areas: movement and dance; visual arts; sound and music; ritual and drama.

  At the end of each 6-month period of study, student projects (of whatever type the student determines, in conjunction with tutor guidance) will be identified, produced, and presented. These projects will be opportunities for service to the wider community, with the goal in mind that some projects will be presented in a manner accessible to the wider community, as an expression of unique soul contribution. While the student is gaining skill and confidence, presentation and debate of projects will occur at least to other students and facilitators within the school, prior to the next year's study beginning.

   

  First Year Study (see detail of First Year Study, which follows)

  I. The Microcosm: Esoteric Constitution of Man, Elementary Science, the Probationary Path
  II. The Macrocosm: Seven Rays and Esoteric Astrology, Fundamentals of Astronomy
  III. The Mind: Logic and Critical Thinking
  VII. Energy Work: Creative Arts & Experiential Energy Work
  Practicum: Academics of Debate
  Study groups: Solutions for Humanity Section

  Second Year

  I. The Microcosm: Kingdoms of Nature; Human Kingdom; the Path of Discipleship.
  II. The Macrocosm: Science and Occultism: Macrocosmic Man; Deva Hierarchy
  III. The Mind: Manas and the Fifth Principle
  VII. Energy Work: Creative Arts & Experiential Energy Work
  Practicum: Academics of Debate II
  Study groups: Solutions for Humanity Section

  Third Year
  I. The Microcosm: the Path of Initiation
  II. The Macrocosm: Occult Cosmogony and the Creative Hierarchies
  IV. Synthesis: Esoteric Symbology, Numerology and Esoteric Mathematics; Esoteric Healing I
  V. Psychic development: Study of Magic and Practical Occultism (Rules for the mental plane)
  VII. Energy Work: Creative Arts & Experiential Energy
  Work Practicum: Academics of Debate III
  Study Groups: Solutions for Humanity Section

  Fourth Year
  III. The Mind: Philosophical Cosmo-Conceptions, East and West
  IV. Synthesis: Lower and Higher Psychism; Study of Laws of Union; Esoteric Healing II
  V. Psychic development: Study of Magic and Practical Occultism (Rules for the Astral Plane)
  VII. Energy Work: Creative Arts & Experiential Energy Work
  Practicum: Academics of Debate VI
  Study Groups: Solutions for Humanity Section

  Fifth Year
  IV. Synthesis: Shamballa: Will and Externalization of the Hierarchy; Politics, Economics, and Business; Cosmic Archetypes and Earthly Reflections (Trinities, Quaternaries, Septenates)
  V. Psychic development: Study of Magic and Practical Occultism (Rules for Manifestation)
  VII. Energy Work: Creative Arts & Experiential Energy Work
  Practicum: Academics of Debate V
  Study Groups: Solutions for Humanity

   

  Detail of First Year Study

  110 - Esoteric Constitution of Man
  This course gives an overview of the planes of manifestation and consciousness, with particular emphasis on the primary areas of human existence. The student will gain an appreciation of the structures that comprise a human being (such as the physical body, emotional field, concrete and abstract mental functions, and so on). The relationship of these structures will be presented within the holographic world-view - "as above, so below" - highlighting the relationship between the microcosm (man) and the macrocosm (cosmos). Special emphasis will be placed on analogical thinking, the use of correspondences, and the interrelated-ness of all planes as permeated by the same one life force.

  120 - Elementary Science
  This course penetrates the a review of the fundamentals of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Anatomy and Physiology. The presentations will be designed to increase the student's abilities of observation, analysis, and measurement, and encourage his or her ability to synthesize findings in terms of relevance to other information and of intrinsic significance. Scientific and esoteric perspectives will be correlated in an attempt to understand the role and meaning of assumptions, postulates, theories, hypotheses, observations and experiments, in order to draw theory from experiment and solve problems. The goal of this course is to give the student a deeper understanding of the contribution offered by the scientific approach to the revelation of the quality of life in the nature of form.

  130 - Treading the Probationary Path
  This is the first of three courses on "the Paths". The Probationary Path will be viewed in relation to the Paths of Discipleship, and the Paths of Initiation and of Higher Evolution. This introduction will provide a methodical approach to understanding the way towards conscious spiritual living. The requirements for the Probationary Path and the qualifications to be possessed by the Probationer will be examined (e.g., physical, emotional and mental disciplines, character building, purification of the personal vehicles, meditation, the capacity to serve, etc.) The laws of personality integration and the contribution of rayology and esoteric astrology to that integration will also be incorporated.

  140 - The Science of the Seven Rays and Esoteric Astrology
  This course will familiarize the student with the basics of the science of Astro-Rayology, which describes astrology as the study of the relations that exist between all organisms in the universe. The course presents the fundamental nature of the Seven Rays and esoteric astrology. This study will help increase the student's sense of the energies, forces, impulses, rhythms, and cycles that govern and condition the "One Life" - or the "One in Whom we live and move and have our being". Upon completion, the student will have a basic ability to create, understand, and interpret esoterically Ray and astrological charts.

  150 - Fundamentals of Astronomy
  Students will be exposed to the main principles of astronomy to help them acquire a scientific overview of the universe and its structure, and to help them develop a sense of co-measurement concerning man's place in the cosmos. The inter-relation between astronomy and astrology will be explored, so that the student can intelligently view the two. Attention will also be placed on the physical and subtle perspectives of the constitution of matter and energy (e.g., prakriti, fohat, prana, and the concept of the etheric medium or field).

  170 - The Esoteric Creative Arts:
  Overview This area will provide a base of experiential skills which will constitute a strong foundation for the soul to express through the potentials of the personality. Four modules will be explored:

  1) dance and movement;
  2) visual arts;
  3) sound, music, use of the voice;
  4) ritual and drama.

  This academic and experiential study is intended to increase the understanding and fluidity, stamina, grace, strength of expression and spiritual attunement of the personality vehicles. It should provide students with the tools needed to open in confidence to their creativity, as well as the capacity to bring forth life's inherent beauty within a chosen medium of artistic expression. A majority of the classes will be experientially based, with a strong emphasis upon "grounding" and expression.

  The main subjects to be explored in each module during the first year are:

  1) Dance and Movement:
  introduction to movement: alignment; spatial awareness, subtle anatomy, subtle energy flow, relaxation, breathing, and rhythm; history of sacred dance.

  2) Visual Arts:
  introduction to the creative process; learning to see: vision, perception, and mindfulness; the basics of composition: perspective, and harmony; the nature of light; drawing, line work, and color.

  3) Music, Sound, Use of the Voice:
  introduction to the art of music, oratory, and singing; music and esotericism; the elements of music: pitch, interval, rhythm, musical notation; the history of music, esoterically considered; effect of music on the vehicles and the centers, etc.

  4) Ritual, Drama, and Writing:
  introduction to ceremony and dramatic ritual; the use of visualization and invocation; ways of bringing spirit and matter into sacred relation; the history of ritual and drama; the basics of ritual performance. Work with dramatic or fictional writing, and poetry, will be explored in this segment.

  180 - 580 - Solutions for Humanity:
  Overview A major focus of this course is the development of an intelligent and loving response to issues of immediate and pressing need within humanity. For this reason, topical areas will be determined largely upon occurrences in the outer world. General topic areas that relate to the content of each year's course offerings will also be used as a contextual framework when looking at current affairs.

  180 - Year One - Solutions for Humanity Some of the subjects to be examined in this first year are ecology, natural disasters, the deserts, famines, disease, volcanoes and 'acts of God', etc. This course will be linked with related courses: The Constitution of Man (110), Elementary Science (120), and Treading the Probationary Path (130).

  190 - Logic and Critical Thinking
  This course is designed to give the student an introductory understanding of the principles of logic and critical thought. Upon completion of the course, the student will have developed a stronger conceptual understanding of this subject, as well as the increasing ability to demonstrate critical thinking skills. This course builds on the subsequent year's study on the nature of mind. Some elementary work in debate will be explored during these sessions. Techniques and practice of technical and report writing will be offered during these segments.

  YEAR ONE (BRAHMA YEAR) - During Decreasing Light (December to June practical service)
  195 - Debate, Project, Service For those student's who stay throughout the year, this course gives the student theoretical and practical experience in the principles of debate. The student will gain at least a conceptual understanding of argumentative theory and technique to sharpen the knowledge gained during the 'light half' of the year. Emphasized will be ways to organize the previously acquired knowledge, and ways to incorporate interdisciplinary thinking in the presentation of new information. Upon completion of projects during this period, students will present their work to the others for sessions of constructive debate on the motive, merits, challenges, and failings of projects.