Pope Francis on Thursday called for a radical transformation of politics, economics and individual lifestyles to confront environmental degradation and climate change, blending a biting critique of consumerism and irresponsible development with a plea for swift and unified global action. The vision that Francis outlined in a 184-page papal encyclical is sweeping in ambition … [Read more...]
For Angeles: honouring a fallen elder
On 24 April 2014, Dr Angeles Arrien passed away. Angeles was a cultural anthropologist, whose research into the symbols, myths and practices of indigenous people drew attention to the high degree of commonality between the values and beliefs of cultures around the world. Her book, The Four-Fold Way, distils elements of the spiritual wisdom of these cultures and presents it … [Read more...]
Mall would “upset divine balance”
“Baptism in living water is a very important part of our religion – it goes back to the time of Jesus. Every Sunday we come to Princess Vlei to baptise new converts. We travel all this way because this is natural water, with spiritual power. “The proposed mall is a very serious concern for us. The local and provincial government must give us respect, they must have the … [Read more...]
The last hours of Ancient Sunlight
The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight is one of those books that every now and then someone mentions and you make a mental note to read it someday. Well 'someday' just arrived and now I'm left wondering what direction my life might have taken if I'd read it before. Perhaps though, 23 years ago when this was published, most of us were too laid back about environmental issues and … [Read more...]
‘Tis the season to be grateful and giving
Even after all this time The sun never says to the earth, "You owe Me." Look what happens with A love like that, It lights the Whole Sky. (Hafiz) Gratitude From the moment of birth, we are given the gift of life and breath - before we learn to give. In the above poem the Persian poet, Shamseddin Mohammad (crica 1300's), better known as Hafiz (a title given to those who … [Read more...]
