Spiritual Science

What is Spiritual Science?
The word "spirit" derives from the Latin spirare, meaning "breath, the animating force within living beings, the soul." The word "science" originates from the Latin scire, defined as "to know from the observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of phenomena."

Spiritual Science is a process whereby knowledge of the soul is derived from a systematic study of what we perceive with our six senses --- sight, sound, taste, touch, feeling, and intuition. It is the study of all religions and belief systems, and it has no dogma or scripture. Taking the best of what every belief system offers, Spiritual Science is an open-ended system of thought. A disciplined, philosophical way of life emphasizing the practice of meditation and conscious living, it demands constant observation of one's own thoughts, words and deeds. Ever evolving, Spiritual Science draws from the frontiers of human knowledge as well as the wisdom of the ages.

What does Spiritual Science teach?
The teachings hold that each individual is a divine being, master of one's own destiny, and responsible for one's thoughts, words and deeds. To the degree that each individual connects with the Divine determines the level of success, harmony and peace of mind in one's life. Spiritual Science encourages the individual to think; it does not dictate what one should think. Spiritual Science teaches why we believe the things we believe, not what to believe. There is no emphasis on one specific pathway toward spiritual enlightenment; instead, Spiritual Science holds that every path leads toward the same destination --- self-realization and God-Realization. It is, in essence, the Wisdom of the Ages --- preserved through generations by sages and bestowed to aspirants sincere in the desire to learn and practice the art of conscious living.

Is Spiritual Science a religion or a philosophy or a science?
Simply put, Spiritual Science is a disciplined, philosophical way of life.

As a religion, Spiritual Science is a metaphysical expression of the universal truths revealed in all world religions. Within Spiritual Science, all religions are acknowledged as having equal value in their teachings. It is not unusual to hear the following teachers mentioned in the same discussion: The Buddha, Jesus, Matthew Fox, Deepak Chopra, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Iyanla Vanzant, Mohammed and Confucius.

Philosophy is defined as "the perfect science" and "the science of perfection." The word "philosophy" also means "friendship for or love of wisdom." As Plato wrote, "philosophy is the greatest good which the gods have conferred upon men." Therefore, as a philosophy, Spiritual Science is a practical way of thinking about the nature of the universe and our relationship to it. When we understand ourselves to be both a creation of the Universe as well as a co-creator of the Universe, then we are capable of beginning to express the truly unlimited potential residing within each of us.

Spiritual Science encompasses The Seven Branches of Philosophy:

1. Metaphysics
   Theology, cosmology and nature of being
   
   
2. Logic
   The doctrine of reasonableness
   
   
3. Ethics
   Morality and character
   
   
4. Psychology
   The whole field of mental phenomena
   
   
5. Epistemology
   The essential nature of knowledge itself
   
   
6. Esthetics
   Reactions to beauty, harmony, elegance and nobility
   
   
7. Theurgy
   Doing the work of God
   
   

As a science, students and practitioners of Spiritual Science practically apply their spiritual knowledge in their daily lives through individually tailored techniques. This discipline expands awareness and understanding of the laws of nature and the Universe itself. The ultimate goal for those engaging in the study and practice of Spiritual Science is service to humanity and all other forms of life. By surrendering to a life of selfless service, the individual teaches by example and does the work of God. As William Wordsworth wrote, "That best portion of a good man's life . . . his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love."