The lost art of pilgrimage: PHILOSOPHY AND MYSTICISM | Rupert Sheldrake
Dec 27, 2024
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Rupert Sheldrake, a renowned biologist and parapsychologist, delves into the evolution of pilgrimage from sacred religious journeys to modern tourism. He discusses how spiritual journeys attract even the non-religious, alongside the resurgence of traditions like the Camino de Santiago. Sheldrake emphasizes the profound connections that emerge during these journeys, contrasting deep spiritual experiences with casual tourism. He also reflects on the importance of sacred sites, urging listeners to explore their spiritual significance and personal connections to nature.
The resurgence of pilgrimage highlights a shift where individuals, including the agnostic, seek deeper meaning and connection through spiritual journeys to sacred sites.
The distinction between pilgrimage and tourism lies in the intention behind the journey, with pilgrimage fostering a genuine spiritual engagement absent in typical tourism experiences.
Deep dives
Revival of Pilgrimage in Modern Society
There has been a notable resurgence of pilgrimage activities, especially in Europe, where such practices had largely diminished in the 20th century. For instance, the route to Santiago de Compostela experienced a dramatic increase in pilgrims since its reopening, going from just 1,000 walkers in 1987 to around 330,000 by 2019. Meanwhile, the British Pilgrimage Trust has revitalized ancient pilgrimage routes, offering new one-day pilgrimage options to historical cathedrals. This revival is attracting individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those who may identify as agnostic or spiritual but not religious, seeking meaning and connection through physical journeys to sacred sites.
The Meaning Behind Pilgrimage vs. Tourism
The distinction between pilgrimage and tourism is significant, as pilgrimage involves intentionality and a deeper connection to the journey. When one walks to a sacred site as a pilgrim, there is often a desire to seek blessings, express gratitude, or participate in a spiritual practice, unlike the more surface-level engagement typical of tourists. An example highlighted is the practice of circumambulation before entering a temple, which reinforces the sacredness of the location and deepens the visitor’s experience. This inherent spiritual purpose, absent in tourism, underscores the yearning for meaningful connections that many seek through modern pilgrimage.
Historical Context of Pilgrimage Practices
Throughout history, pilgrimage has been a fundamental aspect of many religions, often connecting people to sites of spiritual significance. The Protestant Reformation sparked a decline in pilgrimage in Northern Europe, with various movements aiming to eliminate these practices, leading to the rise of secular tourism. However, as the emotional and spiritual void left by repressed pilgrimage experiences transitioned into a consumer-driven form of tourism, individuals began to recognize their desire for genuine spiritual engagement. The importance of linking historical relevance to contemporary experiences has since fueled a revitalization of these practices, encouraging individuals to reclaim the spiritual essence of pilgrimage.
Ways to go beyond: Why spiritual journeys draw non-religious people
Did pilgrimage go out of fashion or did it simply take on a new form?
Join biologist and psychic phenomena researcher Rupert Sheldrake as he analyses the history of pilgrimage, going all the way from its ancient roots in religious ceremony to its modern incarnation of tourism.
Rupert Sheldrake is an English scientist whose research into parapsychology and evolution led to the theory of morphic resonance, expounded in the book 'A New Science of Life'. The theory posits that "memory is inherent in nature" which makes it possible for "telepathy-type interconnections between organisms." Other topics he has written and spoken on include precognition, the relationships between spirituality and science and the psychic staring effect. Sheldrake's most recent book is 'Science and Spiritual Practices'.