the study society
The Study Society is both a physical and virtual place where you can find rest
and refreshment amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We share
practical ways to help further inner peace, happiness and spiritual growth. The
Study Society is headquartered at Colet House in London and has affiliate groups
around the world. Our charity organises weekly classes, member gatherings,
Advaita meetings and events to help connect people with deep levels of
stillness, truth and love. Please, have a look at our range of on-line offers to
see what is currently available. The teachings of the Study Society originated
with the Russian philosopher and spiritual teacher P.D. Ouspensky who bought
Colet House, just before the Second World War. Ouspensky’s successor Dr. Francis
Roles registered The Study Society as a member based organisation in 1951.
Afterwards, Dr. Roles introduced non-dual philosophy and mantra meditation to
Society members through a direct connection with His Holiness Shantanand
Saraswati (1913-1997), a leader of the ancient Advaita (which means ‘not two’)
Vedanta tradition in India. In 1963, Dr. Roles introduced to Study Society’s
members another expression of non-dual philosophy through a unique relationship
with Mr. Resuhi, a senior Sheikh of the Mevlevi Dervish order in Turkey. Mevlevi
Turning (whirling dervishes) was inspired over 700 years ago by the poet
Jalaluddin Rumi. The Turning has been taught and practiced at Colet House for
over 50 years. Today we blend sacred traditions with modern teachings and
expressions of non-duality which can be sourced across multiple cultures. As
Rupert Spira, a Direct Path teacher, long-term member and friend of The Study
Society says: “non-duality requires no affiliation to any particular religious
or spiritual tradition. All that is required is an interest in the essential
nature of experience, and in the longing for love, peace and happiness around
which most of our lives revolve.”
