Cupid and Psyche
Author: Miha KosirJune 3, 2018
So much has been written about love that another article would seems to be almost unnecessary. But then again, do we really know what love is? Where does it come from, is it external or internal, do we need to awaken it or do we earn it? It has such tremendous powers that we can all feel it and as such it will always inspire us. It can lead to madness or to the highest state of bliss. The ancient [...]
The importance of culture and why ‘no’ is the new ‘yes’
Author: Sabine LeitnerJune 3, 2018
The health and quality of a seed is not enough to ensure its flourishing. It also needs the right environment to do so: good soil, enough water and the right amount of light and warmth according to the needs of its nature. Using this image as an analogy, we could say that for human beings it is culture which is like the soil that provides us with the right conditions to flourish. Different [...]
Reflecting on our Personal Progress this Year
Author: Jorge Angel LivragaApril 25, 2018
Human beings naturally need more or less contained spaces to live in; this is their living space… the “territory” that animals mark out for themselves. We all need to set ourselves certain goals, pass tests, suffer failures, celebrate successes and thousands of other things that show us the horror of emptiness we subconsciously feel. That psychological need is reflected in the fact that [...]
Idealism, Philosophy, Volunteering – Three Pathways for Change
Author: Gilad SommerApril 3, 2018
Many of us wish to change the world. But how can it be done? First of all, it is obvious we are not just seeking to change the world - the world is changing anyhow, regardless of what we do. The ancient philosophers wisely stated that the only permanent thing in the world is change. In reality, it is not change we seek, it is a certain, positive, change – a diversion of the river’s flow, an [...]
Driving Down the Foodmiles
Author: Ubai HuseinApril 2, 2018
Every living being on this planet, from the mineral to plants, animals, and man, has a role to play in maintaining the fine balance of our ecosystem. If even one of these does not play its part, it will cause an imbalance that affects the whole. Today, when we look at our planet and the destruction we are causing to it, our response is usually emotional; evoking anger, frustration, despair and [...]
Life Lessons from the Amazon
Author: Trishya ScrewvalaApril 2, 2018
“Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better.” - Albert Einstein The brief time that I recently spent in Peru’s southern Amazon Forest, really opened my heart to the beauty and infinite wisdom that nature has to offer. The potent combination of heat and humidity makes the Amazon the largest rainforest on Earth, with over four hundred billion trees, 16000 different [...]
The Esoteric Aspect of Chivalry
Author: Julian ScottApril 2, 2018
The word ‘chivalry’ comes from the French ‘chevalier’, which means ‘knight’ or ‘horseman’. Symbolically, the horse represents the body and its associated energies and emotions, while the rider represents the higher self of the human being, the best and noblest part of ourselves. The knight is not perfect, but is on a path towards perfection. Hence the trials that all knights go [...]
The Secret Truth of Ceremony
Author: Zarina ScrewvalaApril 2, 2018
Last year we had a very special gathering of philosophers in Mumbai, and I had the privilege of looking after the meals for this wonderful event. A volunteer was helping me and I remember, as we started our first tasting of the many meals to come, she said, “Let’s make this tasting a ceremony!” Suddenly the whole atmosphere changed. We took our spoons from the chef with attention and care, [...]
Onset of a New Golden Age – Q&A with Pierre Poulain
Author: Manjula NanavatiMarch 21, 2018
At 61, Pierre Poulain exudes an integral energy. His stance is erect, as if poised for action, his eyes curious and attentive, and his speech swift and voluble. He describes himself as a Philosopher – Photographer, combining these two apparently unrelated disciplines seamlessly. He founded New Acropolis in Israel in 1986, and has taught philosophy ever since. Today, as Regional Director he [...]
Nature Spirits
Author: Nataliya PetlevychMarch 8, 2018
We live in a time when life on Earth seems to have been explored to the fullest degree. Vast amounts of information can be found on most questions that spring to mind. We explore the solar system, discovering more and more about our neighbouring planets, study comets and gaze into the depths of the universe. In spite of all the scientific explanations, the mystery of life remains. The ancient [...]
The Epic of Gilgamesh
Author: Pinar AkhanMarch 8, 2018
The Epic of Gilgamesh from ancient Mesopotamia is often considered to be the oldest written story in the world. There are many studies about this story which look at it from an archaeological, literary and historical point of view. However, the aim of this article is to give a philosophical perspective on the story while trying to explore the symbolism behind it. Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, is [...]
The Spectre of Totalitarianism – Hannah Arendt (1906-1975)
Author: Julian ScottMarch 8, 2018
You may have noticed this year that a number of journalists have been making references to the 20th century political theorist Hannah Arendt, widely regarded as one of the most important political philosophers of the last century. Her first major work, entitled The Origins of Totalitarianism, is more than 500 pages long and not an easy read by any means. But since the election of Donald Trump, [...]