In some areas of our lives the functions of science and religion seem easily discernible. If I wanted to know something about the radio-active decay of uranium, I would be unlikely to seek out the advice of a priest (whilst admitting to the fact that some priests are well enough versed in science to be […]

Some of us are fortunate enough to inherit great material wealth from our forebears. Others of us are content to know that our ancestors achieved lesser remarkable things (in materialistic terms), perhaps making great discoveries, exploring unknown territories or achieving excellence in art, or sport or music. Most of us can remember a grandparent with […]

I love the sea. Some of my most enjoyable times have been spent on it or alongside it. The sea seems to have a primal connection to us. You can sit in a small boat and watch the dolphins play; you can cast a lure from the rocks and wait in expectation for that jolting […]

Wisdom and understanding of the world may be limited in its scope but it is ubiquitous. Whilst we expect it from great philosophers and learned scientists, we often overlook that it is embedded in folklore and expressed in the sayings and anecdotes of the commonest people. When it comes from the wise philosophers and the […]

Some fifty years ago now I read a wonderful book. It was called Ring of Bright Water and its author was Gavin Maxwell. The book, as I recall, was about otters. And although it was based in the rather cold and austere waters of Scotland, it was a lot about play. Otters are irascible creatures. […]

For more than a century those dealing with the mental disorders of human beings have been trying to assure us that their work is objective, based on evidence and should enjoy the same status as the work of the mainstream medical profession. Indeed in order to progress their case they have sought to highlight the […]

This is of course intended to be a provocative essay. My recent posts have tended to let my readership off lightly. But it seems to me to be an appropriate time to stir the pot again! Those of you that have had the stamina to read my postings over recent years will probably have a […]

The insights of Darwin and those who have succeeded him in developing the theory of evolution have helped immensely our understanding of the world. For over a century and a half since the 1859 publication of his seminal work On the Origin of Species scientists have accumulated evidence in support of his thesis. By the […]

“What cannot be seen with the eye, but that whereby the eye can see: know that alone to be Brahman, the Spirit, and not what people here adore. What cannot be heard with the ear but that whereby the ear can hear: know that alone to be Brahman, the Spirit, and not what people here […]

Augustus walked along the path meditating as he went. His young friend Lu-Wie had asked him to visit. He had said he needed some advice. Augustus was loathe to give advice. His natural inclination was to lead people to their own understanding. It was not long before he arrived at Lu-Wie’s little hut. There was […]