THE INSTITUTE OF METAPHYSICS
Introduction
The Institute of Metaphysics is a
non-profit
educational resource overseen by a board of management. It promotes
the ideals of freedom and individuality, and the exploration and
development of human potential on the physical, emotional, mental
and spiritual levels. Its courses provide a firm foundation in
esoteric training and studies, upon which students can build a
more creative and fulfilling life.
The philosophy of the Institute acknowledges
that human beings have a divine spark or spirit within them. This
spirit works into consciousness, or the soul, and through the
soul into the mind and body. Students are encouraged to strengthen
and balance these three aspects of body, soul and spirit.
The Institute recognises that three different
kinds of knowledge, or levels of experience, are available to
us - the metaphysical, the esoteric and the mystical. They are
three interconnected ways of viewing and experiencing reality.
In metaphysics the world is viewed as a world
of symbols which mirror our state of consciousness. What exists
outside self is symbolic of what happens within self. Metaphysics
recognises that there is a spiritual basis and cause to existence,
and involves a re-examination of our concepts of God, human nature
and the universe. It is a practical spiritual philosophy that
uses the power of the mind and affirmation to strengthen self-image
and facilitate a more spiritual approach to life.
The word "esoteric" means "confidential,
meant only for the initiated". Esoteric teachings focus on
the actual spiritual forces at work in the world and in human
beings. These forces operate on the emotional, mental and spiritual
levels and are invisible to ordinary perception, yet very real
and determinative for physical existence. The source of this body
of esoteric knowledge is the clairvoyant or spiritual perception
of reality. Metaphysics provides a firm foundation within self
for such study, and we therefore recommend that students study
metaphysics before undertaking esoteric studies.
Mysticism refers to a state of consciousness
where the inner and outer are one, where the symbol and the reality
it signifies are united, and in this sense mysticism is the culmination
of metaphysics and esotericism. Mysticism arises when the perception,
which we deal with in esoteric studies, gives way to union with
the reality itself.
The Institute is the teaching arm of The Independent
Church of Australia. The philosophy of the Institute and the Church
is the same. Institute students are not associated with the Church,
unless they choose to attend its services where the philosophy
is given religious expression through the sacraments and rituals.
Rev Mario Schoenmaker and Rev Colin Read founded
the Institute in Perth, Western Australia in 1971.
Rev Mario Schoenmaker was a Western spiritual
teacher who successfully blended personal realisation with traditional
wisdom.
Rev Colin Read was dedicated to the freedom
of the human spirit and the expression of individuality.
Together they created an approach to spirituality
to meet the needs of thinking people.
Students are able to choose to study one or several of the offered Certificates; or they may like to study singular units (subjects).
Three Certificates
Students are able to complete a
Certificate from three different streams. These are as follows:
Certificate in Metaphysical Studies
Certificate in Esoteric Studies
Certificate in Christian Esoteric Studies
It is possible to complete all three, or any one or two, depending on individual interest.
Certificate in Metaphysical Studies
This certificate course, which is made up of units MS1, MS2, MS3 or MS4, has been designed to enable you to experience
the transforming power of approaching life from a metaphysical
perspective.
Unit MS1
Metaphysics in Action
Coming to know ourselves as spiritual beings is the basis for
a true understanding of who we are. We discover ways to change
our thinking, our feeling and our actions so that our everyday
life becomes a real expression of our inner being.
Unit MS2
Metaphysics and Communication
Relationships with other people are crucial in shaping our lives,
since fulfilling relationships assist us to become mature human
beings. Using metaphysical principles we can learn to create
and sustain such relationships in every area of life.
Unit
MS3
Relating To Spirit
Spirit breaks through into our consciousness in many ways --
through dreams and symbols, for instance, or in moments of stillness,
through nature or through our relationships with other people.
As we learn to recognise and respond to these communications,
our relationship with spirit is strengthened and deepened.
Unit
MS4
The Metaphysical Bible
Through the introduction of universal symbols,
metaphysical laws and principles, the Bible's wisdom will lead us to a
deeper knowledge of ourselves. Actual metaphysical interpretations assist us
in unlocking the inner meaning of the Bible and by way of practical study
exercises we will experience its personal relevance.
Certificate in Esoteric Studies
This course of study provides a solid grounding in foundational
esoteric concepts concerning the human being, human evolution
and the spiritual worlds, concepts which are necessary for the
development of esoteric knowledge.
Unit
ES1
Esoteric Understanding of the Human Being
What we human beings are today is the result of
aeons of development directed by spiritual forces. Becoming aware of our
make-up from this perspective gives us a clearer picture of ourselves and
our relationship with the cosmos.
Unit
ES2
You
& The Spiritual Hierarchies
Our
world is upheld by spiritual beings whose presence and working is vital
to its continuance. When we understand our place in this hierarchy of spirit
we can see how these spiritual companions sustain us, and also what we can
offer them.
Unit
ES3
Developing
Spiritual Thinking
At this stage of our evolution, our task is to develop
what we call spiritual thinking -- a thinking that is not bound by the rational
mind but is expressed through imagination, inspiration and intuition. Only
through such thinking can the spiritual worlds become open to us.
Unit
ES4
Reincarnation
and Karma
This course draws on
Rev Mario Schoenmaker’s well known seminar “Birth, Death and
Beyond” and on his ministry of Spiritual Readings. It introduces the
principles of reincarnation and karma, the aura, the journey after death,
our relationship with the spiritual hierarchy, the return journey to a new
life on earth.
Certificate in Christian
Esoteric Studies
Designed to provide a sound understanding of the basis of the
esoteric Christian tradition and its expression today, the course
explores the role of Christ in evolution and the development of
esoteric Christianity down the ages, with an emphasis on the esoteric
truths contained in the Bible.
Unit CES1
The Cosmic Christ and Evolution
Christ is called "the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and
the end." Existing before time, the active agent in creation
and in human evolution, Christ brought a new impulse to the earth
and to humanity through his incarnation, death and resurrection.
The ascension points to the fact that the cosmic Christ is still
at the centre of evolution and that eventually all things will
be united in him.
Unit CES2
Esoteric Christianity and the Mysteries
The ancient mysteries prepared the way for the new mystery stream
which flowed from Golgotha. The followers of Christ were initiated
into the Christ mysteries, as we discover from St John's gospel,
from Paul's letters and from the early Christian writings. This
esoteric stream has never been totally lost and from time to
time throughout the past two thousand years it has found significant
forms of expression.
Unit CES3
Discovering the Bible's Hidden Truths
Beneath the literal meaning of the Bible lie deeper hidden truths
that can be accessed by those who understand the keys. From Genesis
to Revelation, the Bible depicts the ways in which the divine
has been, and will be, active in human history. It encourages
us to see how we can relate to the spiritual worlds and grow
towards maturity as Christed people.
Unit CES4
The Esoteric Christian Life
How can we live out our experience as esoteric Christians today?
Deepening our relationship with the mystical Christ -- the Christ
within us -- is important. Maintaining this relationship as we
conduct the day to day activity of our lives is essential. So
too is relating to others who are walking the same path. Worshipping
together, celebrating the sacraments, following the cycle of
the spiritual year are means by which the Christ in us can grow
and strengthen us.
Subject Formats and Assessment
Subjects may take one of the following formats:
8 weekly sessions each of two hours duration
a distance study course
reading course with tutorials
a weekend course
A satisfactory assessment is based on 75% attendance, class involvement and adequate completion of any set assignments. If any of the above requirements is not satisfied, additional work may be set, or the subject repeated.
The Head Office of The Institute of Metaphysics offers the Certificate of Metaphysical Studies via correspondence. This Certificate consists of the following units:
(MS1) Metaphysics in Action
(MS2) Metaphysics and Communication
(MS3) Relating to Spirit
(MS4) The Metaphysical Bible
These above units are numbered MS1, MS2, MS3 and MS4. In order to receive the Certificate students need to complete all required written work for units MS1 and MS2, plus either unit MS3 or MS4. We advise students to study the material sequentially. Once a decision has been made to study at home, and upon receipt of monies, the appropriate materials will be forwarded and students are assigned a tutor.
Cost per subject is AUD$300.
For
further information on distant learning please contact the head office via email
institute@ica.org.au or telephone
(61 3) 9562 1333.
A range of one-day seminars is offered throughout the year. Examples of the types of seminars offered include:
Colour and Healing
The Seven Year Cycles
Angels and You
Imaging was developed by Rev Mario Schoenmaker to assist people to perceive pictures and symbols and to discern the reality behind them. Participants are led by meditation to a unique personal image. The work undertaken in the seminar is to perceive the spiritual essence of the image and to discover its importance and relevance to your life.
Enrolment for Institute subjects and seminars is open to all. For further information about enrolment and fees, please contact either your nearest location, or the Institute's Headquarters.
Courses
Please contact the local Centre,
for the most recent information on courses being run during this year:
AUCKLAND
Contact: icaauckland@yahoo.co.nz
CORRESPONDENCE COURSES
Contact: institute@ica.org.au
The Institute's foundation course Metaphysics in Action (MS1) will be offered in Melbourne in October. Please contact The Melbourne Centre: melbournecentre@ica.org.au for further details.
WELLINGTONContact: richard.moss@woosh.co.nz