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.
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Pilgrimage Revival
Pilgrimage has seen a revival, with routes reopening and new one-day pilgrimages to cathedrals.
Many people treat pilgrimages as a physical manifestation of their spiritual journeys.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Canterbury Pilgrimage
Rupert Sheldrake gifted his godson a pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral for his birthday.
They walked, lit candles, enjoyed cream tea, and attended Choral Evensong.
insights INSIGHT
Tourism as Secular Pilgrimage
The suppression of pilgrimage created a void in English society that tourism filled.
Tourism can be seen as a secular, less fulfilling form of pilgrimage.
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Rupert Sheldrake's "The Presence of the Past" introduces the concept of morphic resonance, a theory proposing that nature possesses a form of memory. This memory influences the behavior and development of living organisms, suggesting a collective consciousness across species. Sheldrake uses examples from various fields to support his theory, including animal behavior and human learning. The book challenges conventional scientific paradigms and explores the implications of morphic resonance for our understanding of the universe. It sparks debate about the nature of reality and the interconnectedness of all things.
The Canterbury tales
Geoffrey Chaucer
1984
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George Orwell
Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.
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'.
Philosophy For Our Times 
