ABOUT US

Our Philosophy

The Institute of Metaphysics 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 Institute offers practical courses in personal growth and Christian gnosis. Courses can either be studied as individual units, or as part of a program which can lead to a Certificate in three separate streams:

• Certificate in Metaphysical Studies
• Certificate in Esoteric Studies

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.

Metaphysical, Esoteric and Mystical Knowledge

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 nd 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.

Relationship with ICA

The Institute is the teaching arm of The Independent Church of Australia. The philosophy and teachings of the Institute and the ICA is the same. Institute students are not associated with the ICA, unless they choose to attend its services where the philosophy is given religious expression through sacraments and worship, creativity and community.

The Founders

Rev Mario Schoenmaker and Rev Colin Read founded the Institute in Perth, Western Australia in 1971. Rev Mario Schoenmaker (1929-1997) was a Western spiritual teacher who successfully blended personal realisation with traditional wisdom. Rev Colin Read (1944-1999) 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. Today, the Institute of Metaphysics is a non-profit educational foundation overseen by a board of management.