What we’re about
"In Search of the Miraculous" is the Meetup series sponsored by The Academy of European Arts and Culture.* We are a dedicated group of seekers who are committed to the process of Awakening the Soul. Based upon the work of philosophers, artists, mystics, theologians and scientists throughout the centuries who have left a legacy that offer one the practical tools to live enriched life.
During our meetings we discuss different topics related to the Awakening process; with a special emphasis on learning how to observe the parts of us that create obstacles to being present. We also study great men and woman throughout history who have awakened and left behind the gems of their process in various forms. Some of these souls include: Walt Whitman, Leonardo Da Vinci, Hildegrd Von Bingen, William Shakespeare, George Gurdjieff, P.D. Rodney Collin, Ouspensky, Buddha, Rumi, Hafiz, St. Theresa de Avila, Rene Maria Rilke and Mervyn Brady to name a few. The main effort in meetings is to achieve the silence and inner peace that is inherent within the Present moment. All true traditions and paths are connected in this desire and are welcome.
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*The Academy of European Arts and Culture is a conscious school that aims to awaken and nourish the highest part of us - the soul – as we refine ourselves intellectually, emotionally, and physically.
We are a global school committed to the process of awakening the Soul. It was founded in 1991 by the Irish philosopher Mervyn Brady (1948-2006). It has its roots in the Fourth Way, a path to self-development brought to Western Culture by George Gurdjieff (1866-1948). Gurdjieff spent years travelling in the east, journeying across Central Asia, Egypt,and India on a voyage of spiritual discovery. He brought his findings together and called it The Fourth Way. It combines and harmonizes what he saw as 3 established ways or schools in which the devotee worked in isolation or with others away from ordinary life.
Yogi – way of the mind
Monk – way of the emotions
Fakir – way of body
One does not leave “life” (i.e., enter a monastery, convent, etc.). THE WORK (as it is often referred) is to be done in life, providing a path for self-development and enlightenment. Working on the mind, emotions, & body helps one become balanced.
Mervyn Brandy took the tenants of the 4th Way, along with his understandings, to evolve the Academy into a School of mysticism and love. The Academy is dedicated to the awakening and growing of one’s soul, to be of service to the HIGHER. The aim of the teaching is to provide the willing student with practical tools to help them distinguish between their outer world (the world of the body and everyday life) and their inner world (the higher part of themselves which some refer to as the soul.)