Herman Adrian Spruit Research Centre • Department of Contemporary Contemplative Studies

HASRC Contemporary Spirituality
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Postgraduate Specialist Award Non-Ordinands, Mentors & Contemplatives Post-nominal: L.C.Sp.

Licentiate in Contemporary Spirituality

Designed for modern seekers, spiritual directors, and community circle facilitators navigating spiritual life beyond traditional dogma. Grounded in ancient mystical wisdom, perennial philosophy, and subconscious spiritual dynamics, this program empowers learners to articulate an authentic spiritual voice and guide others in holistic personal development.

Total Credits 72 Credits Modular Study
Pacing Self-Paced Up to 3 Years
Culmination Capstone Synthesis Project
Eligibility Open Track Mature Seekers
Program Overview

Contemplative Mentoring

Conferred upon completion of coursework & capstone synthesis

Qualification: Licentiate (L.C.Sp.)
Target Group: Non-Ordinands & Guides
Method: Journals & Case Studies
Final Project: Inner Synthesis Monograph
Learned Society: Assc.F.HASRC Pathway

Designed for mindfulness coaches, holistic facilitators, and modern thinkers.

Mysticism Beyond Dogma

Spiritual Life for the Modern Seeker

The Licentiate in Contemporary Spirituality (L.C.Sp.) is specifically designed for the modern seeker, contemplative thinker, spiritual director, and community facilitator navigating spiritual life beyond traditional dogma. In an era where many describe themselves as "spiritual but not religious," this program provides deep roots without dogmatic cages.

This track explores the intersection of ancient mystical wisdom, perennial philosophy, and everyday modern living. It addresses contemplative disciplines, subconscious and conscious spiritual dynamics, inner ethics, and integrative spiritual paths for personal illumination and social harmony.

Grounded in the inclusive, non-creedal charism of our lineage, this study-and-praxis track equips individuals to articulate their personal spiritual voice, guide intentional community circles, or enrich vocational practices such as mindfulness coaching, ethical leadership, and holistic wellness.

Tailored for the Non-Ordinand

Unlike traditional seminary paths focused on church rubrics, the L.C.Sp. empowers individuals called to secular, community, and personal spiritual facilitation.

Competencies

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the L.C.Sp. program, graduates will be able to:

01

Synthesize perennial philosophy and mystical Christianity with contemporary scientific and psychological paradigms.

02

Design and facilitate contemplative mindfulness practices, meditation circles, and modern sacred rituals.

03

Demonstrate professional competency in spiritual direction, compassionate heart listening, and non-directive mentoring.

04

Apply subconscious dynamics, neuroplasticity, and shadow-work principles to foster authentic personal transformation.

05

Articulate an individualized, non-dogmatic personal spiritual rule and ethics for living in complex modern environments.

06

Produce an integrative capstone synthesis project offering innovative models for contemporary inner progression.

Curriculum Framework

72 Credit Hours Syllabus Architecture

Organized across 4 core modular tracks (36 Credits), contemplative journals and case studies (18 Credits), and a final Capstone Synthesis Project (18 Credits).

I. Contemporary & Contemplative Coursework

36 Credits Total

Module Track A: Perennial Mysticism & Wisdom Lineages

9 Credits
Perennial Philosophy (3 Cr): Universal mystical threads across world traditions; Huxley, Spruit, and the primordial deposit.
Christian Gnosis & Mystics (3 Cr): Contemplative masters (Eckhart, Julian of Norwich, Merton) translated for the modern world.
The Living Charism (3 Cr): Patriarch Herman A. Spruit's meta-Catholic ethos of radical love and universal spiritual access.

Module Track B: Subconscious Dynamics & Inner Healing

9 Credits
The Subconscious Mind (3 Cr): Mental causation, neuroplasticity, deconstructing limiting scripts, and affirmative rewiring.
Shadow Work & Integration (3 Cr): Compassionate integration of disowned aspects; moving beyond spiritual bypassing.
Inner Child Dialogue (3 Cr): Somatic release, self-forgiveness protocols, and emotional rescripting techniques.

Module Track C: Contemplative Disciplines & Mindfulness

9 Credits
Centering & Stillness (3 Cr): Apophatic contemplation, centering prayer, and cultivating the mindful witness state.
Embodied Breath & Energy (3 Cr): Pranayama, subtle vagal calming, auric hygiene, and somatically grounded spirituality.
Everyday Contemplation (3 Cr): Transforming daily work, artistic creation, and nature connection into living sacrament.

Module Track D: Spiritual Direction & Community Leadership

9 Credits
Heart-Centered Mentoring (3 Cr): Non-directive companioning, deep reflective listening, and spiritual direction models.
Facilitating Sacred Circles (3 Cr): Creating containers of safety, group field dynamics, and holding mindful retreats.
Inner Ethics & Leadership (3 Cr): Boundaries, integrity in spiritual commerce, and holistic community service.

II. Contemplative Journals & Case Studies

18 Credits Required

Candidates submit documented evidence of interior development and real-world facilitation through three distinct portfolios (6 credits each):

Portfolio 1: Contemplative Journal A reflective personal chronicle documenting the integration of regular meditation, silence, and subconscious repatterning over 12 weeks.
Portfolio 2: Mentoring Case Studies Documented facilitation of two 1-on-1 spiritual mentoring journeys demonstrating deep listening, boundaries, and client agency.
Portfolio 3: Sacred Space Practicum Design and documented execution of an intentional community circle, meditation gathering, or mindfulness retreat workshop.

III. Capstone Synthesis Project

18 Credits Required

The culminating requirement is a formal Capstone Synthesis Project (8,000 to 12,000 words or an approved creative/curriculum equivalent) that synthesizes personal spiritual philosophy, contemplative praxis, and contemporary application.

Approved Formats: A published spiritual treatise/book manuscript; a complete spiritual direction manual; or a comprehensive curriculum for a community school.
Review & Presentation: Assessed directly by the Director of Studies and appointed Senior Fellows.
The Final Synthesis

L.C.Sp. Capstone Project Guidelines

The Capstone Synthesis Project is designed to be a living, usable work that bridges contemplative wisdom with contemporary vocation. Rather than an abstract scholastic thesis, it represents the candidate's mature spiritual voice and their unique offering to the world.

  • Length / Scope: 8,000 – 12,000 words (or comprehensive multimedia/curricular project of equivalent depth).
  • Integration: Must demonstrate clear synthesis of ancient mystical insight, psychological/subconscious depth, and practical modern ethics.
  • Publication Pathway: Outstanding capstone papers are eligible for condensation and publication as monographs in the Journal of Inner Spirituality (JOIS).
Standards of Entry

Admission Criteria & Prerequisites

Open & Inclusive Track

  • Open enrollment for mature adult learners committed to personal self-development.
  • Experience in personal contemplative practice, yoga, meditation, mindfulness, or journaling.
  • Committed to ethical, non-dogmatic support of diverse human paths.

Prior Learning & Standing

Certifications in yoga instruction, meditation facilitation, life coaching, or completion of the HOPE Practitioner Certification qualify for up to 30% Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) transfer credits.

Post-Nominal & Learned Society: Graduates are awarded the post-nominal L.C.Sp. and are eligible for admission as an Associate Fellow (Assc.F.HASRC) in the Centre’s learned society.
Office of the Registrar

Apply for the Licentiate in Contemporary Spirituality

Contemplative seekers, writers, mindfulness guides, and community facilitators are warmly invited to begin their study.