How To Meditate Like A Greek Philosopher - by Brian Saint-Paul

COURSE

How To Meditate Like A Greek Philosopher

With Brian Saint-Paul

In this seven-day course, you'll learn the philosophical meditation technique used by the ancient Greeks at the very dawn of Western civilization. In the first session, we’ll cover the method. Then in each of the six days that follow, we’ll meditate upon one of the major questions the ancient thinkers explored. How well do you know yourself? Is the universe in a constant state of change… or is change actually an illusion? Is the world around us real, or are we being deceived? How should we treat others, and finally, how do we find lasting happiness? Each session will begin with a brief introduction to the philosophical topic or question. And then we'll move into the meditation, where we’ll conduct some of the most famous thought experiments in history. If you’ve ever wanted to study philosophy—or if you did so in school and found it dry or boring—then this course is for you. Over these seven days, you will not only consider the fundamental questions of existence, but you'll come to your conclusions, as well. You will be practicing philosophy no less than the Greeks, and you'll learn about yourself in the process.


Meet your Teacher

Brian Saint-Paul has been teaching philosophy, religion, and spirituality in various formats since 1998. Through his company, DandyMind, he creates audio programs that merge Western philosophy with meditation. He uses lectures, thought experiments, and guided visualizations and meditations to help students not only learn the philosophical concepts but actually get inside and experience them firsthand. Brian has undergraduate and graduate degrees in Philosophy and Religious Studies, respectively, with an emphasis in the Western mystical tradition. He believes that if a tool helps you become a more purposeful, happier, and virtuous person, then use it.

read more

7 Days

270 students

4.9 stars

20 min / day

Clarity

English


Lesson 1

Introduction To Melete

In the first session, you’ll learn what Melete is, how to perform this style of meditation, and how it can benefit you in everyday life. You’ll also hear some entertaining examples of how Melete was practiced by the most famous philosopher in ancient Greece.

read more

Lesson 2

The Unexamined Life

How well do you know yourself? In this session, we’ll take up Socrates’ challenge that “The unexamined life is not worth living.” In doing so, we’ll explore whether or not knowing the truth has value… even if that truth is awful. In this session, you’ll receive a life-changing invitation, and you’ll be given a choice you cannot undo.

read more

Lesson 3

Everything Is Change

In your third lesson, you’ll meet Heraclitus, the mysterious philosopher of fire. He believed that the only constant in the universe was never-ending change. But if everything is constantly changing, how can you ever recognize anything or anyone? You’ll wrestle with this question as you take a trip on the mythical ship of Theseus, and you’ll meet a young man who makes a deadly promise.

read more

Lesson 4

Change Is An Illusion

Is change and motion an illusion? The philosopher Parmenides and his disciples thought so, and they devised a series of mind-bending paradoxes to prove it. In this session, you’ll encounter a room that you will spend eternity trying to cross. And you’ll meet a turtle whom you can never outrun.

read more

Lesson 5

Is The World Real?

When you experience and explore the world around you, are you seeing it as it truly is… or are you being deceived? In this session, you’ll take up one of the most fundamental questions in all of reality: Is the world real? In doing so, you’ll wrestle with the most famous thought experiment in history, as you wake up in the darkness of Plato’s cave.

read more

Lesson 6

How Should We Behave?

In this session, you'll take up the question of morality. How do you know right from wrong... or if there even is such a thing? You’ll hear four answers to that question and will conduct two thought experiments to find out which best fits you. You will be gifted a magical ring and will witness a disaster that you might be able to stop.

read more

Lesson 7

How Do We Live The Good Life?

In your final Melete session, you'll take up one of the most important questions ever asked in the history of philosophy: How do we live a good life? You will hear three approaches to happiness and will spend some time on an enchanted island to find out which you prefer.

read more


4.9 (24)

Recent Reviews

Dorothea

December 24, 2024

Really enjoyed this different approach. It lets me think about how I relate to the world and other people not just looking onwards. Great ideas shared in an understandable and relevant format

Eric

December 17, 2024

Absolutely fascinating! This is the best course I have taken in Insight Timer. I thought I had a balanced grasp of who I was and what I cherished and believed in. These philosophical scenarios turned my perceptions and thought patterns upside down and gave me a great amount to ponder on. Know thyself....In a great deal of circumstances, I don't. Thank you! 🙏

Faye

October 30, 2024

I looked at this course a couple of times as I wasn’t sure if it was for me. I’m so glad I took the course as it gave me a lot of things to ponder on and take away. The last two sessions were great if not very challenging. Thank you for creating this course. 🧡

Anne

October 10, 2024

A very interesting and informative course. Loved the thought exercises. A lot of excellent journal prompts and much food for thought. Would love another similar course.

Patric

October 8, 2024

Thanks a lot for the great introduction to Greek philosophy, especially the last session gave a better understanding (for a stoic focused person) of the differences. Pictures or stories always stay better in mind. Looking forward to your next course;-) Patric

Mary

September 22, 2024

This was so much fun! I have never done a meditation like this before. It definitely made me want to discuss the scenarios after! 🙏

Trusted by 35 million people. It's free.

Insight Timer

Get the app