school of philosophy nanpantan hall

April 2025

Philosophy Café – Free drop-in sessions

Philosophy Café

A weekly get together of like minded people, who want to engage or recharge their interest in the practical benefits of studying philosophy.

Free drop-in sessions on Zoom, no need to attend every week. You will need to register, please click here to register. 

  • Weekly topics taken from the philosophy courses with a focus on Practical Philosophy, and what works in ‘my’ life.
  • Breakout rooms are allocated to allow time to meet and discuss ideas in smaller groups
  • Participants are encouraged neither to accept nor reject ideas, but to keep an open mind to discover what might be useful. 
  • We will use the four principles of platonic dialogue.

Platonic dialogue

  1. Truth is the goal
  2. Be willing to be refuted
  3. Listen with full attention; give space to the other person, don’t monopolize the stage – everyone’s voice is important
  4. Ask questions
Peter Whitfield

Peter Whitfield has been teaching the introductory courses in Philosophy for over 30 years. His love of great stories and belief in an eternal wisdom that provides practical help to live life fully, truly and happily has helped thousands of students.

The Introductory Philosophy course has transformed so many lives and the Philosophy Café  is an opportunity for anyone, current students, past students, family or friends to come along and be inspired. 

With Peter’s facilitation, the Friday night Philosophy café promises to be a new, flourishing event. Come along, be a participant and Find Yourself, in good company.

Session Times:

8am/7pm London (Friday)

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Study Group : Conversations with Sri Santananda Saraswati

Conversations with Sri Santananda Saraswati

Key to the practice of philosophy in the School has been the conversations between the School leader and the Śankarārcaya, Śrī Śantānanda Sarasvatī, which started in 1965 and have continued, now with their successors, up to the current day.

We will work our way through these conversations in chronological order. As with all our courses, the emphasis will be on discovering for ourselves, in practice, the import of his words in our daily life.

The course this term will be held on-line using Zoom.  This software is simple to use and details of how to join the “classroom” can be sent to you when you register.

Sessions start at 9:00am on Sundays during the spring, summer & autumn term.

Class dates vary & will be confirmed upon enquiry.

  • The study group is free for those currently enrolled in a Philosophy class.
  • The charge for others will be £50 for the term.

If interested please contact Stephen Silver directly on PhilosophyBerkshire@fses.org 

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Study Group : The Bhagavad Gita

Online Study Group : The Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita is a conversation between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna, set on a battlefield. It’s a guide for living wisely, facing challenges with courage, and understanding who we really are beneath all the noise.

Anyone is welcome to join this study group regardless of whether or not they are attending the Philosophy courses and you do not have to have attended previously to gain something valuable even from a single session.

The course will be held on-line using Zoom.  If you do not know how to use Zoom please let us know when you register.

There are 6 sessions on Sunday mornings during the spring, summer & autumn terms.

If you are interested in joining the group please let Stephen know as soon as possible on 01628 947848

or email  PhilosophyBerkshire@fses.org

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Aspects of Light Retreat (SOLD OUT) – 06-10 September 2025

AN OPEN RETREAT TO EXPLORE & EXPERIENCE

CONNECTIVITY — by applying the principles of mindfulness and non-duality, we can become one with each other, and with nature. “All is one” becomes a real experience and not just a pipe dream.

INCLUSIVITY — by setting aside the personal ego, we can remove any sense of separation. In that way we can experience deep peace, well-being, and contentment.

UNITY — as we do so, the innate love within us all is revealed as we learn in good company to appreciate and realise the golden thread of being which unites us all, and the whole of creation.

All are welcome to enjoy this retreat, in which we will practice living together reducing the concerns and demands of the egoic self, by being fully present, and using mindfulness practices. Not only will fully engage with the natural environment, but we will also run this beautiful and comfortable country house using mindful techniques, as well as enjoying the great outdoors.

There will be music, yoga, creative activities, meditation, and plenty of time and space just to BE STILL and relish this most glorious of natural environments. Food will be vegetarian (not vegan).

  • Arrive: 4:00 PM on Saturday, September 6th 2025
  • Depart: By 11:00 AM on Wednesday, September 10th 2025
  • Fee: £270.00 Please bring your own duvet cover, pillowcase, sheet and towels (or £287.00 to include bedset and towel hire).
  • Venue: Nanpantan Hall, Nanpantan, Loughborough, LE11 3YF

ALL ARE WELCOME, whether you are a School member or not.

Please note: in order to attend a retreat we require that you complete a Personal Details form. We also recommend that you review the Retreat Terms & Conditions.

For more details visit https://schoolofphilosophy.org/products/aspects-of-light-retreat-2025?srsltid=AfmBOorF9rLio7GbBdqaGYVUwsdiqVgGwBxtV3oxOD05poTeZhzg3v8D

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Nanpantan New & M Level (Part Four and above) Retreat 27th – 29th June 2025

  • Cost: £140
  • Dates: 27 – 29th June 2025
  • Location: Nanpantan Hall, Loughborough LE11 3YF

During this retreat, attendees will have the opportunity to:

  • Cultivate a profound sense of tranquillity and inner peace.
  • Experience a sense of unity in the present moment.
  • Enjoy dedicated periods for quiet reflection and meditation.

Truth, Consciousness and Bliss

Weekend Retreat Nanpantan

June 27 – 29th 2025

“… I went with an open mind safe in the knowledge that I could simply pack up and go home if need be… I’ve had a lovely time and come away feeling I’ve found a framework for my spiritual practice that I’ve been missing for some years. So another leg in the journey begins.”

“Thank you for holding these retreats, they are magical and transformative!”

“A weekend like this is inspirational.”

By gathering in the serene Leicestershire  countryside, participants will discover how actions can be performed in such a manner as to lead to a more spiritual way of life.

The primary objective is to put into practice what we have been learning in our classes.

A successful retreat relies entirely on the collective efforts of the students and tutors, who take charge of all aspects, including meal preparation and house cleaning. We rise early, pause regularly, study, and practise with the emphasis on service.

This retreat is open to all those students in the School who have completed the first three terms of study.

Accommodation

This is on a shared room basis with some single rooms available for those in genuine need. Bathrooms will be shared and all students should bring a bath robe or dressing gown.

Clothing

Bring clothes suitable for work, including boots or shoes, waterproofs for outside work etc.

Smart/casual wear for the evening to give a sense of occasion.

Bedding

To save work in the laundry we are asked to bring our own sheet and duvet cover, pillowcases, and towels. These are available to hire: bed linen £12, towel £5. Please order in advance and pay at Nanpantan.

Food / Diet

The food served is simple and vegetarian and locally sourced where possible.

Start & End times

A light supper will be available from 6:30pm on Friday. The opening meeting will be at 8pm. The house will be open from 4:30pm and the event will close on Sunday no later than 3:30pm

Cost £140

The fee for the weekend is £140 including accommodation and all meals.

NOTE: Safeguarding Policy

By enrolling on this retreat you are agreeing to this safeguarding / code of conduct policy.

A covid test is optional before attending. Do not come if you have covid – a full refund will be given.

To book, Visit – https://northeast.schoolofphilosophy.org/product/nanpantan-new-level-retreat

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The Land is Calling : The Awakening (15th – 18th May)

A FOUR DAY RETREAT IN THE HEART OF ENGLAND
MAY 15-18, 2025

Book Now

Spring is the time of awakening.

The energetic direction of Spring is tenacious: upward and outward, powerful and unstoppable

This is the season to open to your dreams, visions and sweet longings.

To remember that anything is possible.

To ask yourself:
Who do you want to be, what do you long to express and embody, what gives you simple pleasure and lights the fire in your heart?

This is the season to step into your authenticity and your truth: to celebrate who you really are.

Book Now

This retreat is an invitation and an offering.

You are invited to come and sense into this land, feel your own history here, tune in to the subtle magic and messages of the earth, and be a bit pampered (well, more than a bit) in this stately, peaceful and historic home, nourished by beautiful food, and supported by gifted and skilled guides.

On offer is the opportunity to experience gentle but powerful sessions that awaken your senses, connect you to the earth, allow for spaciousness and slowing down, and welcome your authenticity – to find your own way: the true expression of your being that you have been longing for.

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Spacious offerings to inspire you.

Spring energy is tenacious: upward and outward, powerful and unstoppable.

But it is also vulnerable: new growth is tender, unsure, easily crushed.

Our retreat offerings are designed to nurture and support you in your vulnerability and celebrate you in your tenacious bravery and authenticity.

Through ceremony you will enter the heightened field of our retreat: a place where rapid transformation can take place effortlessly.

Each morning you can join Sunrise Qigong, attuning your body and your energy to Nature and the land.

An evening session of therapeutic sound and acupuncture supports your nervous system to come into balance and open your consciousness to your expanded self.

Daytime workshops teach you new ways to speak your truth, tune into your desires and create deeper connections with others.

Our fire pit drum circle frees your voice, body and energy and connects you with joy.

Additional individual therapeutic sessions can provide bespoke support for releasing, healing and stepping into your true self.

Walk the labyrinth. Sit by the fire. Swing in the tree swing. Lighten up with Melanie & Harry, the resident pigs. Connect with the ancient land in solitude. Enjoy nourishing food in community with others. Receive the luxury and retreat of Nanpantan Hall.

All activities are optional as you choose your own medicine, follow your pleasure, and listen to what lights up your heart.

Take time out to tune in to what is ready to awaken in you.

Book Now

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UK LOCATIONS

We have local face-to-face courses available across the UK. Our introductory courses can be attended online or at the following locations: London, Guildford, Midlands (Birmingham), SE London (Croydon), North East (Brighouse, Doncaster, Huddersfield, Leeds, Loughborough, Nottingham, Saltaire, Sheffield, York), North West (Stockport, Chorley, Wirral), St Albans, Scotland (Glasgow, Edinburgh), Peterborough, Cambridge, Oxford, Sussex, Wessex, Berkshire, East Anglia, Kingston, Kent
  • VISITS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

We regularly have retreats and events taking place. If you are not already booked onto an event, please pre-arrange an appointment to visit us to view our beautiful facilities. Call or Email Us