The School of Practical Philosophy & Meditation 1
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The School of Practical Philosophy & Meditation

About

The School of Practical Philosophy & Meditation is a welcoming sanctuary nestled in the heart of Manhattan's Upper East Side, offering a thoughtful blend of philosophical study and meditative practice to those seeking greater clarity, calm, and purpose in everyday life. With a warm and inclusive atmosphere, the school invites individuals from all walks of life to explore timeless wisdom traditions in a modern, accessible setting.

Drawing from centuries of philosophical inquiry and contemplative practice, the school provides structured courses and meditation sessions designed to gently guide students toward deeper self-awareness and a more balanced way of living. Whether someone is entirely new to meditation or has years of experience, the programs are thoughtfully crafted to meet each person where they are on their journey.

Highly regarded by its community, The School of Practical Philosophy & Meditation holds an impressive rating of 4.7 out of 5, reflecting the genuine care and expertise that instructors bring to every session. Students consistently speak to the transformative impact the school has had on their daily lives, from reduced stress to a renewed sense of meaning and connection.

Located at 12 East 79th Street in New York City, the school offers a peaceful retreat from the rhythms of urban life, making it a beloved destination for those throughout the city who are ready to explore the deeper dimensions of health and wellbeing.

Modalities & Practices

Reviews

Google
★★★★★4.7(52)
K
Kathleen Lamb
★★★★★

Good company and thought provoking conversation. The classes nd discussions offer a refreshing way to view the world and to examine oneself. I highly recommend!

D
douglas mollin
★★★★★

I have not been back to the school since Covid but I had been a student for many years, often returning for refreshers. The best recommendation I can give the school is that I recommend it to everyone I love. I recommend it to everyone who seems a little lost, sad, lonely. It's not magic, it makes you aware of timeless teachings that can help you make a little more sense of the world. Give you the knowledge, the tools to better deal with frustration, anxiety, sadness, anger. Find a way to simply live a happier, content life. Take the first class and try it. Everything the school teaches is wrapped up in that. If you like it, then continue on for as long as you want to dig deeper, learn more.

V
Venessa Nina
★★★★★

I cannot express in words the tremendous improvement that I have experienced in my life with the help of this school in both my personal life, in dealing with loved ones, as well as my professional work dealing with colleagues and my supervisor. The school of practical philosophy helps me today more than I could have ever imagined when I began attending classes three years ago. The staff as well as students are a great joy to have in my life. It's amazing to have found a group of like minded individuals on a path of self discovery and enlightenment. It is also so interesting to see so many different kinds of people from all walks of life at different stages in their journey.

F
Fred Alluso
★★★★★

When I first enrolled, I wasn't sure what to expect of this school and its instructors. In the long run, I think it was better that way. It turned out to be the best thought provoking and immersive curriculum that I have ever experienced. I didn't expect to re-think my approach on virtually everything I've done since the course. I also didn't expect to be provided with a new way of achieving calmness in the midst of challenging situations. My entire experience was simply wonderful. I often recommend institution to friends and colleagues.

Events

Upcoming

3 events
Plato DayWORKSHOP
15 Mar 202615 Mar 2026

Plato Day

Dive deep into Plato's Apology at this full-day workshop in the Hudson Valley, where you'll explore ...

Wallkill, New York

Philosophy WorksCOURSE
13 Apr 202615 June 2026

Philosophy Works

Discover lasting happiness and clarity through 9 weeks of practical philosophy in this engaging spri...

New York, New York

Emerson Study GroupCOURSE
18 Apr 202613 June 2026

Emerson Study Group

Study Ralph Waldo Emerson's transformative writings in this spring study group running April 18 to J...

Events

14 events
Philosophy 3: Love (In-person at Uptown)COURSE

Philosophy 3: Love (In-person at Uptown)

Dive into the transformative power of love in this Monday evening course at the Upper East Side loca...

New York, New York

Philosophy 3: Love (Online)COURSE

Philosophy 3: Love (Online)

Explore love as the ultimate unifying force in this online Monday evening course, where you'll disco...

Philosophy 4: Presence of Mind (In-person at Hudson Valley)COURSE

Philosophy 4: Presence of Mind (In-person at Hudson Valley)

Understand the mind's true nature and function in this Monday evening course in the Hudson Valley, e...

Wallkill, New York

Philosophy 2: Happiness (In-person at Downtown)COURSE

Philosophy 2: Happiness (In-person at Downtown)

Explore the ancient pursuit of happiness through practical philosophy in this foundational course he...

New York, New York

Philosophy 4: Presence of Mind (In-person at Uptown)COURSE

Philosophy 4: Presence of Mind (In-person at Uptown)

Master the understanding of consciousness and authentic presence in this Monday evening course at th...

New York, New York

Philosophy 6: Way of Action (Online)COURSE

Philosophy 6: Way of Action (Online)

Discover how conscious action becomes a path to experiencing the universal in this online course. Ex...

Philosophy 6: Way of Action (In-person at Uptown)COURSE

Philosophy 6: Way of Action (In-person at Uptown)

Experience how conscious action becomes a gateway to the universal in this Monday evening in-person ...

New York, New York

Philosophy 9: Philosophy As a Way of Life (In-person at Uptown)COURSE

Philosophy 9: Philosophy As a Way of Life (In-person at Uptown)

Study philosophy as a living practice rather than abstract theory in this in-person Monday evening c...

New York, New York

Philosophy 10: The Desire For Truth (In-person at Uptown)COURSE

Philosophy 10: The Desire For Truth (In-person at Uptown)

Examine humanity's deepest yearning for truth in this advanced Monday evening course in Manhattan. F...

New York, New York

Philosophy 10: The Desire For Truth (Online)COURSE

Philosophy 10: The Desire For Truth (Online)

Explore humanity's deepest yearning for truth through online study Tuesday or Thursday evenings. Ide...

Philosophy 11: Dharma - The Natural Law (Online)COURSE

Philosophy 11: Dharma - The Natural Law (Online)

Discover the natural law underlying all existence in this advanced online course exploring Dharma, t...

Wallkill, New York

Philosophy 4: Presence of Mind (Online)COURSE

Philosophy 4: Presence of Mind (Online)

Explore the mind's structure and function through online study Wednesday evenings, discovering how c...

Philosophy 2: Happiness (Online)COURSE

Philosophy 2: Happiness (Online)

Master the art of happiness through practical philosophy in this online course meeting Monday or Wed...

Philosophy 2: Happiness (In-person at Hudson Valley)COURSE

Philosophy 2: Happiness (In-person at Hudson Valley)

Explore the nature of true happiness in this Monday evening course at the serene Hudson Valley campu...

Wallkill, New York