Interestingly, you write this Steven. I am noting an almost 'coming out' of people talking about the spiritual. Some of my research recently has focused on the development of AI over the past 100 years. Throughout this period, as individuals and as a society we have moved away from what it means to be human. In 2025, our communities are fragmented with over half of us living alone. We have moved away from using our bodies as intended to sitting imprisoned at our screens, and collectively we have denied our spirituality. Now at lightning speed, as a society, we are turning our backs on developing and valuing our intellect and creativity. I believe we need to return to the roots of what makes us human and embrace our physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual states to learn and grow as human beings so that we can be equipped to walk and serve as effective fellow travellers. I recommend to all Stan Grant's recent book Murriyang - song of time. It is aligned with what you have written here Steven.
"“remember that thou art dust and to dust thou shalt return.” Actually, we are bundles of particles arising and passing away with great rapidity - billions of times a second according to the Buddha, 10 pwr 18 tas according to Louis Alvarez with his Nobel prize-winning bubble-chamber experiment. The Buddha taught - and you can verify with Vipassana meditation - that we consist of a physical flow and four mental flows, and at the cessation of the physical flow, the mental flow finds a new location - which might not be human.
The secular age has a lot to answer for - it's given us busy-body government and dubious techno solutions but for many (especially the young) at the expense of self reliance and a meaningful inner life.
Even during the rise of the renaissance and the Enlightenment the belief in God still had an influence, while the notion of Momento Mori was evident in art as well as scripture.
We are fragile, temporary beings who need reminding that in ALL things, "This too shall pass".
Interestingly, you write this Steven. I am noting an almost 'coming out' of people talking about the spiritual. Some of my research recently has focused on the development of AI over the past 100 years. Throughout this period, as individuals and as a society we have moved away from what it means to be human. In 2025, our communities are fragmented with over half of us living alone. We have moved away from using our bodies as intended to sitting imprisoned at our screens, and collectively we have denied our spirituality. Now at lightning speed, as a society, we are turning our backs on developing and valuing our intellect and creativity. I believe we need to return to the roots of what makes us human and embrace our physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual states to learn and grow as human beings so that we can be equipped to walk and serve as effective fellow travellers. I recommend to all Stan Grant's recent book Murriyang - song of time. It is aligned with what you have written here Steven.
For interested readers, here is a link to Stan Grant's book: https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/Murriyang/Stan-Grant/9781761427909
"“remember that thou art dust and to dust thou shalt return.” Actually, we are bundles of particles arising and passing away with great rapidity - billions of times a second according to the Buddha, 10 pwr 18 tas according to Louis Alvarez with his Nobel prize-winning bubble-chamber experiment. The Buddha taught - and you can verify with Vipassana meditation - that we consist of a physical flow and four mental flows, and at the cessation of the physical flow, the mental flow finds a new location - which might not be human.
Thanks Steven,
The secular age has a lot to answer for - it's given us busy-body government and dubious techno solutions but for many (especially the young) at the expense of self reliance and a meaningful inner life.
Even during the rise of the renaissance and the Enlightenment the belief in God still had an influence, while the notion of Momento Mori was evident in art as well as scripture.
We are fragile, temporary beings who need reminding that in ALL things, "This too shall pass".